The wedding reception raged on below—a roaring success thanks to the exhausted but triumphant efforts of the "Imperial Wedding Planning Committee." Willow had kept the champagne flowing like a river, Mira Lune had held the room at a perfect, cozy temperature, and Barron hadn't had to shift shapes once—a huge win for his sanity. Anya, finally relaxing, let the magic flowers wilt just a tiny bit, signaling to the guests that the party was officially winding down.
But Emperor Vaelorian and his new Consort had already made their escape. They retreated to the new Imperial Residence, a massive, combined suite that was now their private world. The "Wall of Unity" was still just a drawing on a piece of paper, but it had already done its job: it had shown the Senate who was boss.
The chamber was silent, filled only with the soft moonlight coming through the high windows. Vaelorian stood by the glass, shedding his heavy, gold-stitched robes. Without the weight of the crown, he looked younger, but his eyes were still deep with everything he had been through.
Riven walked up behind him, his movements slow and careful. He helped Vaelorian out of the last layers of his royal outfit, his fingers brushing against his husband's skin.
"I still can't believe you made that your first decree, Your Majesty. You handled the Senate perfectly. Doing it in front of all of Lumina? A flawless performance."
Vaelorian turned, catching Riven's hands in his. The sharp, planning look he usually wore was gone, replaced by something much softer.
"I was tired of holding back, Riven. I'm done with their rules and their fake traditions. We fought for the right to this—to be completely, truly together, without anyone telling us how."
He kissed Riven's knuckles, looking him in the eye.
"I remember what you told me a long time ago. In camp. You told me not to hold back. You asked me to give you everything."
Riven nodded gently, his Voice low. "And I meant it."
Vaelorian leaned in, resting his forehead against Riven's strong shoulder. "Tonight, I want to be the one to surrender. I don't want you to be gentle. I want you to give me everything you are. I want all of you."
Riven's heart hammered in his chest. This wasn't an emperor giving an order; it was his partner asking for total honesty.
"Your wish is my command, Your Majesty."
Riven pulled Vaelorian into a deep embrace, their love and their power finally merging. Vaelorian reached up, touching the side of Riven's neck. He activated his Copying Gift, locking onto Riven's unique mental signature.
Vaelorian gasped as he copied Riven's Mind Control. Suddenly, the mental world of his Consort was wide open to him—the incredible focus, the fierce loyalty, and the deep well of love Riven usually kept under lock and key.
"Do you feel it?" Riven asked quietly.
"Yes... I feel your power. And I feel everything else." Vaelorian replied with a smile.
They had never tried this before. Riven had always been afraid his raw strength or his mind-control powers might accidentally hurt Vaelorian. But tonight, there were no fears left. Riven let go of his control. He channeled his Super Strength, wrapping Vaelorian in an embrace that felt like a shield of pure muscle and trust.
Vaelorian to Riven through telepathy: Don't be gentle, Riven. Take what is yours. Take me.
Riven didn't hold back. The barriers between them dissolved. Their minds melted into one continuous stream of thought and feeling. The Emperor, who owned an entire empire, was now completely vulnerable, letting Riven take charge.
It was late in the morning when Riven finally woke up. The soft light of the Lumina Sea dawn was filtering into the room. He was lying beside Vaelorian, who was just starting to stir. Vaelorian opened his eyes and gave Riven a relaxed, happy smile.
"Good morning, my beautiful Consort."
Riven (Chuckling, voice hoarse): "Good morning, Your Majesty. Did you sleep well?"
Vaelorian stretched, looking lighter than he had in years.
"I did. I feel... discharged. Like a weight has been lifted."
"Maybe you should surrender more often. It definitely suits you." Riven said teasingly and Vaelorian laughed, tracing Riven's jawline with his fingers. But then, that familiar spark of leadership returned to his eyes.
"Maybe I will. But right now, while the Senate is still in shock from the wedding, I think we have some papers to sign. We have an Empire to rebuild."
Riven kissed him, a silent promise that he'd be there for every step of the journey.
"I like the way you think. Lead the way, babe."