Mira

The next month went by quickly as we sent each other small gifts and notes. We were like two love-sick teenagers. Mother would just roll her eyes when a note suddenly appeared. Of course, she thought I didn't notice her own glee when a message from Father would arrive, usually accompanied by a gift. It made me happy to know they were in love as well.

Sunlight streamed into my chamber as I stretched like a cat. Today was it - the last day of my training. At midnight, we would perform my ceremony and my servitude would finally be over. My arm brushed across something. Looking over I saw a long-stem white rose with a short note on my pillow.

I've been told that today is a special occasion for you, possibly more so than our wedding tomorrow night, and I wouldn't miss it for the world, my Goddess.

With a giggle, I bolted up from the bed, quickly putting on my veil and a robe, then ran down the hallway. Was he really here? Who told him? I mean I had been forbidden to speak of it. I came to a full stop when I heard his voice in the breakfast room. My heart raced as I pulled the door open.

His eyes locked on mine and he smiled, "About time you woke up, little one." I launched myself into his open arms, wrapping my own arms around his neck. Raiden chuckled as he spun me around, "Did you miss me?" I giggled wildly as I kissed him.

"Ah hem," Father cleared his throat. "You might want to lay off on the kissing until after your ceremony, Bella. Not sure your mother would be pleased."

My cheeks flushed as I pressed my forehead to Raiden's. "We've waited this long, what's another day," he said softly but continued to hold me close.

"How about we have breakfast and then you can get ready?" Father offered as he pointed to the table filled with food. Raiden sighed and reluctantly put me down. We sat, holding hands as we ate.

"How did you find out?" I asked finally. Raiden smiled and glanced at Father. "But, I thought it wasn't to be spoken of?"

He shrugged and chuckled, "I'm a demon, rules don't mean much to me, daughter."

"Obviously," Lilith dead-panned as she sat down at the table with them. I noticed Deimos visibly flinched and it made me giggle. "So, Raiden, you realize you still have to wait until tomorrow night to deflower my daughter, right?" I choked on my coffee at her words.

"Good heavens, Mother! I'm sitting right here you know," I sputtered, rolling my eyes at her.

She lifted her eyebrows, "I'm well aware of your connection and with him being an incubus, I just wanted to make sure he was crystal clear on the rules. I'd hate to have to kill him if he caused you harm."

"Wow, someone's a bit overprotective today," I smirked.

Raiden squeezed my hand, "I'm well aware of the rules, Lilith, and I wouldn't risk her safety for anything in the world." He lifted my hand to his lips and kissed my knuckles. "I'm simply here for moral support."

Mother still eyed him cautiously. "Well, you two can find some way to occupy yourselves until the ceremony. Mira has preparations to make." She stood from the table and motioned for me to follow her.

I stood reluctantly, then bent down to kiss Raiden, "Thank you for being here." He nuzzled his face against my neck, stealing another quick kiss before I followed Mother into the hallway.

"I'm not sure if you or your father is more reckless," Mother groaned as I skipped along behind her.

"Aww, don't worry, Mother. I'm sure at least one of my siblings will be more reserved like you." She froze and spun around, eyes wide, sputtering. I just smirked and patted her shoulder. "Probably shouldn't have taught me about fertility magic if you wanted to hide things. Does he know yet?"

She shook her head and quickly pulled me into my chambers. "He...he asked me to marry him before Solstice, but I didn't want to hurt you."

"Oh, Mother, you shouldn't put your happiness on hold for me."

She sighed, "Yeah, tell me that after you've become a mother."

I choked, then rolled my eyes, "So when will you tell him? It's not like you can hide it forever. You have to be, what, at least a couple of months along already?"

Mother sat on my bed, rubbing her temples, "Almost three months now. I just don't know how to tell him. I mean, this is supposed to be about you."

I sat next to her, taking her hand in mine. "I have a suggestion if you'll hear me out. When my ceremony is complete, tell him. Then let me perform the binding ceremony for you. The gardens will already be fully decorated, everyone will be here too. And you'll even have the whole night and the next day to celebrate."

I could see the shock in her expression, "But what about your wedding?"

I laughed, "If I know Raiden, everything is already done. We just need to show up, and as you said, it's the day after the ceremony. I can return with Raiden to the castle while you and Father, um, celebrate. Then you can both show up in time for the ceremony."

"Are...are you sure? I don't want to steal your spotlight, Mira. This was meant to be a celebration of you and your accomplishments," she asked hesitantly. I could see how torn she was. She loved my suggestion but didn't want to hurt me.

I squeezed her hands gently. "This is about me," I said softly. "That's my little brother in there, and what better way to celebrate than to announce his presence and see my parents happy? Not to mention, the very next day I get to marry the man I love more than anything. If that isn't perfection, I don't know what is." Tears fell down her cheeks as she nodded her agreement and I pulled her into a hug.

After a few moments, she cleared her throat, "Okay, enough crying. We have a ceremony to prepare for. Wait, did you say brother?" she asked, eyes wide.

I giggled and placed my hand on her stomach, "Yep."

"Well, there goes any hope of being more reserved. Guess you weren't right about that," she chuckled.

Giving her a cheeky wink, "Oh, I said at least one of my siblings, Mother. I didn't say this one." Her eyes widened as her face paled slightly, making me laugh even more.

Author's Notes:  Not many more chapters, my lovelies.  While I realize this is far different from my normal writing style, sometimes you just need to write a happy, fluffy little story to shake off your own depression.