He rubbed his nose. “This time, I’ll feed myself.”

  “Are you sure?” I teased. “I kind of had fun feeding you the cake.”

  “I’m glad one of us did.” He pressed his lips on mine. “Actually, I had fun, too.”

  “Hopefully, someone got a good picture.”

  “Did you see how many phones people brought out?” he asked. “I’m sure we can see the cake-smashing from every angle.”

  A slow smile spread across my face. “I can’t wait.”

  Toby shook his head, chuckling. “Let’s get some breakfast.” He took my hand and led me over to the line.

  Soleil came over. “Don’t you two try to get in line.” She dragged us to the front. “Our bride and groom are hungry. Excuse us.”

  The couple next in line smiled and waved us in front of them. We filled our plates and headed over to the next room, which had been filled with tables from wall to wall. Several people joined us after we sat, all offering their congratulations.

  “Did any of you get a picture of us feeding each other cake?” I asked.

  Half the people pulled out their phones and showed us. We all laughed. Toby shook his head. “I can’t believe you got so much frosting on me.”

  “I guess that means I won’t be feeding you again anytime soon.”

  He shrugged and went back to his food. After we finished, we returned our plates. People were starting to gather their things.

  Wanda came over to us. “We’d better send you off before everyone leaves. Are you ready?”

  I turned to Toby. “Are we? I have no idea where we’re going.”

  He put his arm around me. “We’re set. Tap knows where our things are.”

  “Perfect. I’ll get everything ready.” She went over to Soleil, and they whispered together.

  I turned to Toby. “What do you think they have up their sleeves?”

  “Just getting us out of here?”

  “And where are we going?”

  He kissed my cheek. “You’ll see.”

  “Still won’t tell me?”

  “Nope, but you’ll love it.”

  “As long as you’re there, I’ll be happy.”

  “I’m not leaving your side. You may get sick of me.”

  I laughed. “Yeah, right. I can’t see that happening.”

  Soleil ran over. “Are you two lovebirds ready?”

  Toby turned to her. “Is our stuff—?”

  “All set to go.”

  “Then so are we.”

  Wanda and Soleil gathered everyone, instructing them to make their way outside. My mother guided us out first. Two unicorns stood next to the Faeble. They both ate something from a basket in Quinn’s hands.

  I turned to Toby. “What do you have planned?”

  He took my hand and kissed it. “You’re closer to finding out, my sweetness.”

  Tap came over and handed us each a little pouch. Mine was heavy. “What’s in this?”

  “The brush to gather the flakes.”

  “Oh, that’s right.” I’d forgotten that in order to get a unicorn to trust you, you have to shave off some flakes from their horns and eat them. I couldn’t recall the details, but it helped to forge a bond between animal and rider.

  “Best get to it while they’re eating,” Tap nudged.

  I pulled the rectangular metal brush out and stepped up to the nearest unicorn. My heart raced as I scraped the horn. If that horn punctured me, it would fill me with some of the world’s strongest poison. The beast didn’t even notice me taking its flakes. I held my other hand up to catch the flakes.

  Toby went around and gathered flakes from the other side like a pro. I continued scraping gently until my palm was filled with the glimmering flakes. Toby caught my gaze and then brought his palm to his mouth.

  I took a step back from the massive animal before putting the flakes into my mouth. They were sweeter than the cake and left a pleasant aftertaste.

  Quinn stepped back, taking the unicorn’s meal with him. I worried what they would do, but all they did was whinny to each other. Toby stepped up to his and rubbed its head. The beast rubbed its nose against Toby’s arm.

  “Go on,” Quinn urged me.

  I stepped in front of the other one, mostly aware of the deadly horn. Hesitating, I reached for its muzzle and patted it. The unicorn nuzzled its nose against me, and I immediately relaxed.

  Before I knew it, Toby and I mounted them, and then Jet and Sal added packs to each.

  Everyone gathered around, waving and calling out their congratulations. They pulled out little bubble containers and blew bubbles all around.

  Toby turned to me. “Ready?”

  I nodded.

  He gave a little kick to his unicorn’s side, and it burst into a run. Mine chased after Toby’s without any nudging. I clung to its mane. We darted through the woods. The animals jumped over fallen trees and dodged low-hanging branches. My anxiety melted away, and I found myself enjoying the freedom of riding.

  Before long, we came to the edge of the woods.

  “Are we done already?” I asked.

  Toby dismounted. “This is only the beginning.” He came over and helped me off mine. We gathered the packs and exited the woods, coming out near one of the main roads in the area.

  “What now?”

  He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “Have a little patience, my beautiful bride.”

  I leaned against him, and together we watched the sunrise in the distance. A Hummer came down the road and slowed as it neared us. It wasn’t just any Hummer—it was Toby’s. It pulled over just before us. Sal got out, took our packs, and threw them in the vehicle before opening the back door for us.

  Toby gestured for me to go in first. “Your limo awaits.”

  I laughed, but when I got inside, the back had been completely transformed. The windows were all covered with blue and gold curtains. Only the far back seat remained, and in front of it stood a mini fridge. A fancy carpet sat on the floor, and next to it rested a fancy basket. The only thing I could see in it were champagne flutes.

  Toby took my hand and helped me inside. Once we were seated, Sal came in, popped open the champagne, filled the glasses, and handed us each one. “My most heartfelt congratulations to you two. Now buckle up, we have quite a ride ahead of us.”

  I thanked him and turned to Toby, arching a brow.

  He put his arm around me and held out his drink. “To us.”

  “To us.” I tapped my flute against his and we drank.

  Sal closed the door and climbed into the driver’s seat, pulling a curtain.

  I turned to Toby. “Why do I get the feeling that curtain is more about me not seeing outside than it is for our privacy?”

  He kissed my lips. “Because you’re too smart to believe anything else.”

  The engine roared to life.

  Toby took another sip. “Make yourself comfortable. We’re in for a long ride.”

  Chapter 136

  Victoria

  “We’re here,” Toby whispered in my ear, tickling my skin.

  I struggled to open my eyes. “How long was I sleeping?”

  He kissed my neck. “Most of the ride, but then again, so was I.”

  The Hummer pulled to a stop. I reached for the nearest curtain to peek outside. Toby laced his fingers through mine, stopping me.

  “Not yet.”

  “Where are we? Are we close to our secret destination?”

  He pulled some hair out of my eyes. “As close as we can get with a vehicle.”

  “Really? My interest is piqued even more now.”

  The door opened, and Sal grabbed our bags—not just the ones we’d carried with the unicorns, but luggage from Moonhaven. He set them on the ground and then held his hands toward us. “They’re already here.”

  I turned to Toby, giving him a curious look.

  He kissed my nose. “We’d best not keep them waiting.”

  My anticipation was beginning to drive me crazy. “Won’t you give me a hint?”

  “Not yet.” He helped me out of the seat and then outside. We stood next to another forest. It felt familiar.

  “Have we been driving in circles?” I asked.

  “Not even close,” Sal assured me.

  “Will you tell me anything?”

  Sal glanced at Toby. “I’d best not.”

  Rustling noises sounded from the woods. I jumped into position, ready for an altercation.

  Toby rested his hand on my shoulder. “Relax. It’s friends.”

  I tilted my head, dying to know.

  Marguerite and Alrekur, the vampire king and queen, stepped out from the trees, leading three unicorns.

  I turned to Toby. “You’re bringing me to the vampire forest for our honeymoon?” It had to be a joke. Yes, the castle was as luxurious and magnificent as possible, but I didn’t want to be surrounded by red-eyed, werewolf-hating creatures while we celebrated our marriage.

  “Trust me.”

  “Okay. You don’t make it easy, though.”

  He laughed. “You’ll see.”

  The king and queen came over to us, offering congratulations and friendly embraces. We thanked them, and I gave Toby a confused look. He returned it with one that repeated what he’d already said—trust me.

  “How did the wedding go?” Marguerite asked. “And how is Ziamara and our grandchild?”

  “It was perfect,” Toby said. “And so are Ziamara and Sebastian.”

  She beamed. “I’m so happy—for all of you.” Then she turned to me and took both my hands in hers. “We want to throw you a celebration while you’re here. I imagine you’re tired and want some time together first.”

  I gave her an appreciative smile. “Thank you, and yes, we’re exhausted. At least, I am.”

  Marguerite kissed my cheek. “Take all the time you need. Give me a call in a few days, will you?”

  I nodded. “Thanks again.”

  Her face lit up. “It’s my pleasure.” She turned to Toby. “Do you know where Hella’s cottage is?”

  “No, but I have directions.”

  “We’ll show you the way. You’ll be able to find the castle easily from there, should you need to.”

  Alrekur raised a hand and snapped his fingers. Several vampires appeared and gathered our luggage.

  “This way,” said the queen.

  Sal shook Toby’s hand. “Congratulations to you both.”

  Toby pulled him into an embrace. “And thank you for everything, my friend.”

  We said our goodbyes, and Sal drove Toby’s Hummer away. Toby laced his fingers through mine, and we followed the vampires through the enchanted woods. We made our way along a well-traveled path for a while before turning onto a barely-used one, carpeted with moss and ivy.

  After pushing through some thick bushes, we came to a clearing with a welcoming little home. Its style was clearly Icelandic, and its charm immediately set me at ease. Small, colorful faeries floated around, taking care of the flowers and the vegetable garden. A single unicorn slept, curled up in a corner. It was breathtaking.

  The vampires with our luggage took it inside and returned to the king and queen’s side.

  Marguerite turned to us. “This is Hella’s private cottage, and she says to make yourselves at home. She’ll be in Iceland for at least the next two months, so don’t worry about her returning before then. You can stay here the entire time if you wish. Oh, and we’ll have a guard posted just on the other side of the bushes to make sure no one bothers you. The cupboards are fully stocked. Can you think of anything else?”

  I shook my head, unable to find any words. Toby thanked them for the both of us.

  “Well, we won’t keep you.” Marguerite took Alrekur’s hand. “Have a wonderful honeymoon, you two. And let us know if you need anything.” They disappeared through the small trail, hand in hand.

  I started to call out a goodbye, but a glowing red and blue light caught my attention. I glanced down to see the stone swirling brightly. My heart raced. With Fen taken care of, why was it still doing that?

  Toby turned to me. Suddenly, the stone’s glow faded to nothing. He grinned at me. “Looks like we’re alone now.”

  My heart warmed. The last thing I wanted to think about was the stone. We were on our honeymoon. “I think—”

  He scooped me up into his arms. “Now, to carry my bride across the threshold.”

  I squealed and wrapped my arms around his neck. He brought me inside the quaint home that smelled both sweet and woodsy. He kicked the door closed behind us and set me on a comfortable couch. “What would you like to do first?”

  I yawned. “Would it be horribly unromantic to sleep first?”

  “Not at all.” He yawned also. “As long as you’re in my arms.”

  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  He scooped me up and carried me into a bedroom that was mostly filled by the bed. A dresser and desk sat off to one side, and it had lovely paintings of snowcapped scenery and also of the northern lights. Somehow, Toby pulled out the covers from the bed while still holding me and set me down. I scooted over, and made room for him.

  “You can’t get comfortable in that wedding gown.”

  “I managed in the limo, I mean the Hummer.”

  He smiled. “It did feel like a limousine, didn’t it? Regardless, we’re in a bed now.” He slid over and reached behind my back. The zipper slid down my back until it reached my waist. Toby reached for the strap and pulled it down with care. He helped me slide out of the dress before kicking off his slacks. I helped him unbutton his shirt and then tossed it onto the floor.

  He wrapped an arm around me, kissed my forehead, guided me to lean back onto the pillow, and said something, but I was already drifting off to sleep. Being in his arms felt like heaven on earth—it was everything and more than I’d always dreamed it would be.

  When I woke, everything was dark, except for the flickering of a few candles spread across the room. Flower petals had been spread across the bed coverings. I turned to see Toby smiling at me.

  I couldn’t believe this was how I would wake every morning—seeing his gorgeous, loving face before anyone else’s.

  He laced his fingers through my hair and ran his hands across my cheek. “I’m the luckiest man alive.”

  “And I’m the luckiest woman a—”

  Toby pressed his mouth on mine and pulled closer to me, taking my breath away.

  Chapter 137

  Toby

  The following days flew by in a blissful blur. We even lost track of what day it was. Victoria thought we’d been at the cottage for six days, but I thought it had only been five. We spent some time watching the faeries tend the garden in the lazy afternoons. They shared fresh vegetables with us and told us tales as old as time itself. The unicorn remained in the charming yard, even allowing us to rub its muzzle, and it ate from our hands. Victoria’s eyes lit up each time she fed it.

  Around the seventh or eighth day, Marguerite called, curious if we were ready for a grand celebration. Victoria’s eyes held deep concern, but my old friend assured me that only friendly vampires would be there. “Some of our dragon in-laws will also be there. They’ll keep everyone on their best behavior—even if you were to doubt people’s fear of upsetting Alrekur. Oh, and Hale will be there.”

  Victoria’s eyes lit up when I passed that along. She nodded eagerly.

  Once off the phone, I kissed her. “Thank you for agreeing to this celebration. It means so much for the queen to be able to give us this gift.”

  She kissed me back. “How bad could it be? Another celebration of our marriage?”

  We headed to the world’s largest castle, escorted by a vampire guard. He led us inside, taking us to a bedroom that was easily twice the size of Hella’s entire cottage. Victoria went into the bathroom while I wandered the perimeter of the room, looking at the beautiful paintings on the walls.

  She came out and smiled at me. “What did you say?”

  I turned to her. “I didn’t say anything.”

  “Yeah, you did. I heard you call my name.”

  “No, I was—”

  The door burst open and a handful of servants came in, barking orders at us. They dressed us in the finest formal wear. Male servants fitted me into a tuxedo that seemed made for me, and female servants bustled around Victoria. They first styled her hair into a fancy updo and then masterfully applied her makeup before finally sliding her into a ball gown that took my breath away.

  The dress was a dark teal with black lace throughout. Her skirt was many layers of silky fabric and lace. The bodice clung to her perfectly and was covered in sparkly black and white sequins in floral patterns.

  Our gazes met, and she looked me over with the same awe I felt toward her. The female servants led her over to me. I bowed and extended my arm. She took my hand, and the servants led us through the lovely halls of the castle—which paled desperately in comparison to my bride. We finally made our way to an elegant ballroom. Every chair and tablecloth matched the exact color of Victoria’s dress. Flowers and sequined decor covered the walls, also matching my lovely bride.

  The room was already filled with guests. Marguerite and Alrekur came over and greeted us, followed by many other old friends. I introduced Victoria to those she hadn’t met before. She and Hale embraced like long-lost friends.

  Marguerite whisked us away to a small platform and introduced us to the crowd, who burst into applause. Servants hurried around, passing around champagne flutes. I noticed most had a red hue. However, the ones Victoria and I were given, were yellow through and through.

  Alrekur raised his glass. “To our allies, and most importantly, our friends!”

  “To our friends!”

  Glasses clinked all around. Victoria and I tapped ours together, and then we tapped the king’s and queen’s before drinking. We danced and danced, mostly with each other, but occasionally trading partners. Morning light shone through the windows, but the party showed no signs of slowing down.

  I leaned close to Victoria’s ear. “Vampires have been known to host parties lasting as long as a week, so as soon as you grow tired, let me know. Nobody will be offended if we need to leave.”