Page 54 of Fractured Empire

And even if it weren’t such a terrible idea, I don’t think I would want to. I need to take this opportunity to mesh with Leon’s family—my new family. I need Bastian and Leo to see me with their father, and digest the idea of us becoming closer before I move in with them just a few days from now. And most of all, I feel like I need to stay by my new husband’s side, to acclimate to being a wife.

It’s surreal, but it is real.

This is who I am now.

Katya Moretti.

“I’m up for it,” I say, growing more confident once again. “Maybe a glass of champagne will help with the nerves? I’ve found it to be the least offensive tasting alcohol. And the bubbles are meant to be soothing, aren’t they? Or is that a thing that people tell themselves just to justify drinking it?”

Leon cracks a smile, his white teeth flashing as he almost laughs. “I think it might be a bit of both. There’s plenty of champagne, though. I assume a glass might help. We’re doing a small cocktail and appetizer thing before dinner, but I assume it will fly by with everyone taking turns coming up to congratulate us.”

“Oh goodie,” I wince, forcing a smile. I’m sure that won’t become repetitive and taxing. “I hope Leo and Bastian won’t be too bored, waiting for us.”

My husband’s eyes sparkle at the mention of his sons. “I somehow doubt that they’ll do much waiting at all. I assume they’ll flood to our side and stick by us through most of the evening. Although they have plenty of young cousins around who could possibly keep their attention.”

“I wouldn’t mind their company,” I offer lightly. “I’m kind of hoping for it, actually. They keep things interesting—and joyful.”

Leon looks at me, taking in my words before smiling. “I feel the same.”

“Do you need to freshen up or anything?” I ask, pointing my thumb over my shoulder to indicate the ensuite. “I think I’d rather just dive right in than let anticipation build for much longer.”

He shakes his head, offering his arm for me to hook my hand in. “Ripping the Band-Aid off is my preferred method as well.”

My fingers wrap around his forearm and I exhale, steadying myself for what’s about to come. We take a few steps together, and something itches in the back of my mind, a question needing to be asked. Perhaps it’s silly, or unimportant, but the need to let it out is too strong to stop. Before he can reach for the door handle, it tumbles out of me.

“Do you think you’ve made a good choice? With me?”

His blue eyes find mine immediately, and I swallow under the intensity of his look.

“I know I’ve made a good choice, Katya. I don’t doubt myself for even a minute.”

“T-that’s good,” I rush out, feeling relief hit me as my shoulders loosen with relaxing tension. “I want this to work out, and I want to vow that I’m going to do my best and put in the work to make our marriage a happy one. I’ll be a good mother for the boys, and a good person with you. I couldn’t exactly squeeze those promises in during our vows without it sounding out of place but⁠—”

“I vow the same,” Leon interrupts, voice firm and sure. “I’ll put in the work to be a good father for them and a good man for you. I want us to be happy, too. To be a good family that Bastian and Leo can look back on fondly when they’re older.”

My chest feels warm in an instant, like someone just tossed a heavy pile of laundry straight out of the dryer on top of me. His sincerity is too raw and real to be faked, and I know from his words alone that we’re destined to make our union work. Whatever is going to happen between us, I know our story isn’t going to end with Leon hurting me in any way, shape, or form.

I don’t even think he’s capable of it.

With our additional vows said, we exit our private room arm in arm. And just like he predicted, we’re immediately but politely swarmed by our guests. Thankfully, Leon is quick to snag us two flutes of champagne as we enter the next event space, and I’m able to take at least a few sips before we’re caught in a long line of pleasantries.

To my relief, familiar faces are quick to make an appearance.

Ares, never one for niceties or proper manners, manages to shoulder his way to the front of the crowd—all the while escorting our baby sister like the princess that she is. Having been holding her up by her armpits, he sets her down softly in front of Leon and me, patting her head as if to cue her into talking before stuffing his hands into his pants’ pockets.

“Did you see me throw my flowers?” Gaia asks, her eyes lifting to my husband’s face with a determined look.

“I did,” Leon confirms, nodding down at her. “You did a very good job. I’m sure your sister would have been proud to see it, had she been able to watch it herself.”

Satisfied by the answer, Gaia grins smugly. “Yeah, I was pretty perfect. Mama said so, and she never lies. Right, Katya?”

“That’s right,” I confirm seriously.

Looking between the two of us, she suddenly folds her arms in front of her body. “I thought your kiss could have been more magical, but the rest wasn’t so bad. Ares says kisses are only magical when a princess is turning a frog into a prince but I think I’d rather cut my lips off than kiss a frog.”

She wrinkles her nose in distaste, turning around to look up at her brother. “You’re gross, Ares.”

Leon chuckles, concealing the sound with a cough.