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Chapter Text

From the way that our story has been told over the years, you would think that everything worked out right away. People love to say that we were married on the day of our knighting ceremony. A perfect ending to our quest.

The truth about rumors and legends is that they tend to skip the tough parts. It takes time and patience to build a life together, and after what we had just been through? We were not yet ready to admit what we had come to mean to each other in such a short amount of time.

We each had our reasons to be scared. Our scars, both visible and not, had just barely started to heal. After fighting for so long for a chance to prove myself, to be more than a simple farm girl, I finally had a seat at the round table. I had only dreamed about Camelot, being in the very center of the Kingdom and truly having a role in protecting our people.

And Garrett? He had literally been living in the shadows for years and now suddenly found himself back in the very place that had been so cruel to him. He was learning that this version of himself, without his sight, did have a place in Camelot. It was far different than the life he had imagined for himself.

I knew that we had strong feelings between us, but for Garrett, who was used to isolation and relying on himself, admitting to intense emotions was not easy. I didn't want to push him, and although there were jests made that we should be married by the King at the knighting ceremony, we laughed them off. It had only been one week since our return from the Forbidden Forest, and it felt too soon.

The day of the ceremony was both joyous and somber. We both felt the weight of my father's legacy as we joined the ranks of great men before us. We stood up, newly knighted, and I looked around at the knights surrounding us. They were all men, and all sighted.

I knew that Garrett felt he was somehow beneath them: less capable, less of a man, less of a Knight. I wanted to show him how wrong he was but didn't know where to begin. I took his hand and squeezed it before looping my arm through his. He exhaled audibly, and I knew that my familiar presence was reassuring amidst all of the change. There were still many things left unsaid between us, but I knew that now was not the time.

When the music started, I tugged at his arm excitedly. "Dance with me, Sir Garrett?"

He hesitated. "I...this is going to sound foolish, but I've truly never dance before. And not being able to see what I'm doing..." he trailed off, but I wouldn't take no for an answer.

"I'll guide you, and so will the music. Do you trust me?"

He smiled then, letting me lead him towards the circle of dancers. "Always."

As we swayed together, we both must have started to speak about a dozen times. Finally, he pulled me away from the crowd.

"Kayley, I wanted to thank you. Truly. I know I...I'm not good at expressing it, but I'm...grateful." He sighed and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. It was strange to see Garrett at such a loss; he was usually very clear about what he thought and what he wanted. Did he want what I wanted?

I reached out to smooth the lines of worry between his brows. Always so serious, always on guard. I knew that came from the necessity of constant self-preservation in the forest.

"What are you thanking me for? You saved me more times than I can count." I trailed off, my hand tracing down his face. I felt the faded scars from when he was blinded, usually hidden by his hair, down to his strong jaw. He closed his eyes and leaned into my touch.

I took a deep breath and kissed him then, the barest brush of my lips over his. He had kissed me in the forest, but that felt like another lifetime. We had been secluded, in danger and unsure if we would even make it to this point.

I felt eyes on us and didn't protest when he didn't kiss me back.

"Can we find somewhere to talk, after the celebration?" He asked quietly. The worry lines were back.

I didn't have a chance to answer as I was pulled back into the dance. I looked over my shoulder to see Garrett find his walking stick and exit the gathering.

Chapter Text

After what felt like hours of dancing, I was able to break away from the crowd. My mother reached out and squeezed my shoulder as I passed; she knew I'd be looking for Garrett.

Since we had returned, there had been a lot of official business to attend to, with the knighting and the repairs to the castle. When we could, Garrett and I would walk in the King's gardens.

Merlin kept the grounds blooming, even in the winter. It was the end of spring now, so natural blossoms were scattered throughout the sprawling garden. I knew Garrett couldn't see the beauty of the plants, but after living in nature for so long he was much more comfortable outside than in the confines of the castle.

I was unsurprised to find him sitting on a carved wooden bench some distance from the castle, where the noise from the celebration faded enough to lend a sense of calm.

"There you are," I said quietly, not wishing to startle him. He lifted his head at the sound of my voice and gestured for me to sit with him.

"I'm sorry for leaving, you know I'm not used to large crowds." He shrugged sheepishly.

"I can leave you be if you want some peace and quiet." I started to stand back up, but he laid his hand on my arm.

"I think I've had enough solitude. Stay, please." He spoke softly; I could tell he had a lot on his mind.

"I don't have a clue what I'm doing, Kayley." He said, then ducked his head in embarrassment. "I think I am still in shock at how fortunate i am. To be here, to be knighted. With you."

For once I kept quiet, letting him gather his thoughts as he spoke.

"When I lost my sight, I thought that was it for the life I had been working towards. I believed that I had lost any chance of happiness as well. I settled for contentment, never reaching beyond the confines I had created for myself." He paused and took my hand, threading his fingers though mine. I glanced at our joined hands, my smaller one fitting perfectly into his large, roughened one.

"I lived with no aspirations for eight years, never desiring anything beyond what I needed to survive. You have managed to change everything for me in such a short amount of time, when all I could do was wallow in what I thought was my fate." His grip tightened and I watched his face closely as he spoke, his features shadowed by the fading sun.

"And now?" I asked quietly. He gave me a sad smile.

"I meant what I said about being grateful. I am forever indebted to you for quite literally pulling me out of my former life. I can't see why-" he broke off suddenly, and my heart dropped at the anguish on his face.

"Garrett, you're scaring me," I whispered. He was acting the way he had at the edge of the Forest, when he told me he wasn't coming with me to Camelot. I felt him pulling away, even as he took a steadying breath and pressed his forehead briefly to mine.

"I may not crave seclusion anymore, but being close with someone is not my strong point. I still can't fathom how you would even want..me." He said the last word so quietly and with such pain that my breath caught.

I knew that eight years of living alone and fighting for survival while coming to terms with the loss of his sight had affected him deeply. It wasn't until that moment that I realized just how unworthy of love and companionship he believed he was.

I rested my head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arm around me, his hand absently playing with the strands of my hair that had come loose from their plait. I struggled with how to answer him, watching the sunset paint the sky, wishing he could see it.

"You once told me that I could be your eyes. Right now, I see a brilliant sunset, all shades of purples, pinks and yellow." He made a small sound of acknowledgement. I knew it was hard for him to admit the things he missed the most from his sighted life. I took a deep breath and went on.

"But that's not the most remarkable sight for me right now. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes, Garrett." His hand in my hair stilled, and he turned to face me, listening.

"I see a strong, hardworking man who has made a life for himself despite the circumstances forced upon him. I see someone who gave up the familiarity of that life to help a stranger and in doing so return to the very place that you feel rejected you."

Garrett had told me about the weeks following my father's death, when no one give him work or believe in him. After too many nights sleeping on the streets, he decided to leave Camelot behind him.

"I know how hard you are on yourself." He was silent, so I continued. "I also know that one week back here is not going to undo eight years. I don't expect you to be ready for...any more major changes. I just need you to know that I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, no matter how hard you try to push me away or convince me you aren't worthy."

His hand reached out then and traced my face, just as I had done to him earlier. I knew this was his way of seeing me, and I didn't flinch when his fingers found the few tears that had slipped out down my cheeks.

"You know I care about you," he said softly, his hand still on my cheek. Not trusting my voice, I nodded, knowing that he could feel it. "I just need time to sort through everything in my head."

My face heating, I realized my mistake at the celebration. "I understand. I'm sorry I k-kissed you earlier-" I stammered, but he cut me off with a finger to my lips.

"Is that why you think I came out here? Kayley..." He sighed and, tipping my chin up, leaned down to meet me. I relished in the feel of his lips on mine and slight stubble against my skin. Not wanting to push too far, he pulled away.

Resting my head on his chest, I listened to his heartbeat. I closed my eyes, the events of the day catching up to me. As I began to drift off, I felt him kiss the top of my head.

"Thank you," he whispered. "Thank you for being patient with me."

Chapter Text

The days following our Knighting passed in a blur of discussions and planning. Summer was approaching and the knights were getting ready to head back to their homes and villages to take care of local matters. Each knight was from a different part of the Kingdom, and while they worked together as a whole to protect Camelot, they all had responsibilities back home as well.

Though I was thrilled to be included, I quickly began to dread being at the Round Table. The knights were eager to settle the matter of my family's land, as well as the land that had belonged to Ruber before his defeat.

Everyone had an opinion about what should be done with both parcels of land. Since my father had been a Knight and his seat had never been filled, it was assumed that I would continue his work, moving between our village and the castle as needed.

For Garrett, it was not as simple. An orphan with little knowledge about his parents or their backgrounds, let alone land to inherit, was an unusual candidate for Knighthood. Before the ceremony, it was decided that Garrett would remain at the castle and assist with the repairs until a more permanent decision was made.

I was well aware that this decision included me. If we were married, my father's land would pass to Garrett and we would both oversee the goings on in the village. This meant we would be living together, working together and traveling together. I much preferred this over the proposed alternative of Garrett taking over Ruber's land.

After the topic had been brought up yet again, I knew we needed to make a decision. Garrett was overseeing the repairs to the castle tunnels and hadn't made it to this meeting. I found Garrett in the central courtyard, taking a break from the repairs. He had voluntarily taken charge of the project, as he knew the tunnels inside and out and was not hindered by the darkness within them.

"Kayley," he said as I approached, startling me.

"How-" I started to ask, but he cut me off.

"I can recognize your footfalls," he said simply, shrugging.

"How are the repairs coming along?" I asked, hoping I sounded cheerful. I loathed the pattern of small talk we had fallen into; there was far too much that remained unspoken between us.

"Would you like to see for yourself?" he asked, and reached for my hand.

"Oh, sure. I mean, I can't see in the tunnels, but I know you've been working so hard and-" I was babbling, much like I had found myself doing often in the forest whenever I didn't know what to do or say around Garrett.

He remained silent, leading me towards the tunnel we had taken to the King's Keep during Ruber's attack. I shivered as the darkness surrounded us, and he squeezed my hand in return.

"You know, these tunnels are the safest places within the castle," he said, not letting go of my hand. "You might find it useful to know your way around them."

I opened my mouth to respond, when Garrett stopped walking, holding his other hand out to prevent me from crashing into the wall.

"You're not using your staff," I mused, realizing both of his hands were empty.

"I know these tunnels by heart," he answered simply. I knew that as a young boy, he would use the tunnels with the other stable hands to get in and around the castle without running into anyone who might shoo them away.

"Now," he said, taking both my hands and placing them on the newly reconstructed tunnel wall. "You are going to lead us back."

"I'm - what?" I asked in confusion, before realizing that there were markings carved into the otherwise smooth surface. I traced the engravings, realizing I felt arrows and symbols. I felt the symbol for Camelot with its interlocking rings, and then began tracing the markings that led away from where I guessed the exit into the Keep was.

"These are incredible! Did you do this?" I asked in awe.

"Yes, and I plan to continue through the entire tunnel system. Keep going," he urged.

I was able to follow the carved symbols as I felt along the wall, only faltering when I came to a fork. Garrett remained silent, letting me work out what to do. I ran my hand over one large engraving several times, before realizing it was the outline of a horse. This, then, was the entrance to the stables, away from the courtyard through which we had entered the tunnels.

I paused, unsure of what Garrett wanted. I knew he hadn't visited the stables since we had arrived in Camelot. He had expressed interest in the horses, but kept his distance. I reached for Garrett's hand again, but felt nothing. I turned around in the blackness and collided with his still form, leaning against the opposite wall.

His arms wrapped around me, and I understood which way I was meant to go. He was gathering his strength before facing the very place that had stolen his sight from him. Resting his chin on the top of my head, he took a deep breath and then stepped around me, taking the lead again.

I smelled the stables before the dim light hit me face. The stench of horses and hay was strong, but I was used to it from our own small barn at home. I felt Garrett's hand shaking within my own, but didn't trust my voice.

As my eyes adjusted, I studied his face. We were still standing in the hidden doorway, not fully in or out of the tunnel. He let go of my hand, and I hung back, giving him space to face his past.

After a few uncertain steps, Garrett slowly walked down the rows of stalls. One horse nipped at him as he walked, and he stalled, reaching a trembling hand to the beast's head. The horse leaned his head down into Garrett's hand, and Garrett bowed his own head.

I felt tears running down my cheeks. After mourning my father, tears had been rare for me. But ever since leaving my mother after Ruber invaded our home, they were now a frequent occurrence.

With a final pat on the horse's nose, Garrett turned back to me. "Let's go," he said softly, and I realized that his sightless grey eyes were shining with unshed tears.

This man, who survived on his own in a wild, unpredictable forest and needed no one, was letting me see the most vulnerable side of himself.

We exited the stables and started to walk back towards the castle, neither of us speaking, when Garrett paused and pulled me into a quiet alley, surprising me yet again.

I realized that the sun had set, and remembered that I had wanted to have a discussion about the future with him. That would have to wait, I supposed. I didn't want to push him further after what he had just allowed me to witness.

Placing one hand on the small of my back, Garrett cupped my cheek with the other. "I know I've already thanked you for everything. But thank you. I've been holding back from you because I was holding on to old fears. I don't want to let the past control me anymore."

I studied his face as he spoke. He looked far more relaxed than I had ever seen him. I started to respond, but he held a finger to my lips and shook his head. That finger traced my lips and I felt my face heat.

"I've waited long enough to say this," he said in a low voice I didn't recognize that made my heart start beating faster. I had known how I felt about him, and hoped he felt the same, but my breath still caught when he pulled me closer. "I love you."

Three words. I had been hoping to have an in-depth conversation, but those three words were all I needed in that moment. I leaned in so that he could feel my lips against his ear and returned the words. Overcome, we held onto each other, his lips finding mine with a sigh.

The future wasn't exactly certain, but for now we were right where we needed to be.

Chapter Text

Once we had finally admitted our feelings out loud to each other, it was much easier to be around each other and not feel like we had to hold back. I noticed that Garrett now held my hand whenever he could, and he had stopped caring about the other knights' teasing.

Under normal circumstances we probably would have been married right away, but the kingdom was still sorting out the aftermath of Ruber's invasion. As knights, we had responsibilities that took precedence over our personal lives.

I had been meaning to talk to my mother about the possibility of a future with Garrett, but found that we were rarely alone. Ever since her abduction, the King had been keeping a close eye on her and the two of them often joined the knights for supper.

One evening after we had eaten, about a week after Garrett had taken me to the stables, I saw Merlin pull Garrett aside while my mother took my arm and led me to the gardens.

"It's nice to get a moment alone with my daughter," she said, smiling at me. While we had our differences in the past, we were the only family that the other had left and after almost losing each other, we both felt that even more acutely.

"I haven't been the only busy one," I replied. "You and the King have been spending quite a bit of time together..."

She shook her head at me but was still smiling. "I didn't come out here to talk about myself. I believe you and your knight have been getting closer," she nudged me with her hip at that.

Blushing, I stammered, "Yes, I - that is, we, well." She patted my hand and I took a deep breath. "I love him, Mother. I know that I was never one for courting and marriage but you said to just wait until the right person came along and...well, that's Garrett."

We kept walking as we talked. I found it easier to be honest with her when we weren't directly facing each other.

"That much I knew," she said, her voice light. "Have you two discussed anything about the future? Marriage, where you might reside?"

I shook my head and sighed. "We haven't gotten that far. I want to bring it up, but I don't want to push him. There have already been so many changes and-" I took a deep breath and she patted my arm.

"Kayley, I'm not trying to pry at all here." I raised my eyebrow at that, but she continued. "I see the two of you together and that he cares for you very deeply, and you for him. But, I do have to ask if you have considered the...challenges you might face?"

"Because of his blindness? You can say it, you know," I shrugged. "Yes, of course I have. I can't say we've discussed it but I am well aware of the fact that Garrett is the one who got me through the Forest, protected me. You've seen for yourself the work he has done on the castle. He is more than capable-"

"Yes, I know that," my mother said curtly, cutting me off. "What I meant was that, if you do get married, wherever you live should be relatively easy for him to get around."

I nodded, remembering the conversation about where he would stay in the castle when we had first arrived. Garrett's room was on the first floor of the guest quarters, while my mother and I were two floors up. Despite his ability to navigate the forest floor, stairs gave Garrett a good deal of trouble.

Reading my mind, my mother continued. "That being said, I have been thinking of our family's house. It may be modest but it has plenty of space, is all on one level, and not too far from Camelot. Your father was able to make the trip in less than three days' ride."

I was stunned. I had thought about the possibility of living on our land, but not in my mother's house. "But what about you?" I asked.

"The King has invited me to stay on in the castle," she said, smiling. "As his advisor," she added, seeing my shocked expression.

"I, well, thank you. I will mention it when I finally get to talk to Garrett," I said, but she shook her head, still smiling.

"I think he already is aware of the option. Ah, here we are."

Back at the castle entrance, we rejoined the others. The King was now speaking with both Garrett and Merlin, who broke apart at our entrance. Arthur gestured for my mother to sit with him, and Merlin slipped away quietly as usual, Aiden on his shoulder.

Reaching Garrett, I noticed that his face was flushed and he looked almost nervous. "What was that about?" I asked, taking the hand he held out to me as we walked out of the King's dining room and towards the guest quarters.

"Arrangements," he said cryptically.

"What kind of arrangements?"

"What did you discuss with your mother?" he countered, laughing now at my obvious annoyance. He knew that I hated not knowing things.

"Arrangements as well, actually. About the future. Our future," I said quietly. He stopped walking and pulled me into a random corridor. It was late, the usually busy castle had quieted.

"I've been wanting to speak to you, it's been hectic with the repairs. But you should know, Kayley, that a future with you is something that I think about quite often." Garrett's voice was serious now, and he was still holding my hand.

I felt my face redden but knew that we needed to have this conversation and let him continue.

"Merlin wanted to know how my side was healing," he explained. While the crude treatment I had given to his wound in the forest was enough to get him through, Merlin had been giving him proper care since we had arrived. "He was asking if I felt well enough to travel again, which I assured him that I do."

My heart sped up at this. "Travel? Where would you be going?" I asked nervously. He chuckled slightly, raising his hand and running it through my hair, which had mostly come loose from the day's arrangement.

"Not just me. Both of us. I'm not going anywhere without you," he reassured me. "This wouldn't be until after..." he trailed off. I stiffened, pulling back a little. This wasn't him asking me, was it?

"Wait, no, don't pull away," he said, sounding frustrated now. He ran one hand through his hair while the other pulled me back to him, closer this time. "I'm making a mess of this, aren't I?" He took a deep breath to steady himself and cupped my cheek in his hand. "It's been a long day. Would you meet me in the outer gardens tomorrow morning? I want to be able to speak with you when I have a clearer head."

I nodded into his hand. "Tomorrow, then." He did look exhausted. I pressed a quick kiss to his lips and tugged on his hand for us to continue walking.

He kissed me again when we reached his door, deeper this time. I pulled away, albeit reluctantly.

"Sleep well, love," he called softly as I made my way up the stairs.

Chapter Text

Garrett

I had wished for Kayley to sleep well, but found that sleep evaded me for most of the night following my conversation with Merlin and Arthur.

Their words replayed in my head, along with Kayley's gentle attempt to broach the subject of our future and my bumbling reaction.

I spent a good deal of the night pacing my guest chamber, which I had requested be empty of all furniture save for the bed, chest of drawers, a solitary chair. I was still figuring out how to navigate an indoor world, as sound traveled differently inside the castle walls than in the forest. The fewer items in my room for me to trip over or bump into, the better.

As I paced, I tried to determine exactly what I would say to Kayley the next morning. I had been a coward for so long, living in the shadows that I doubted my ability to take the bold step of asking her to be my wife.

Would she even say yes? My mind was still catching up to the fact that I was no longer alone, and that I had found someone who actually wanted me in her life. The doubts had no reflection on Kayley's actions and words towards me; I knew how she felt. It would take time for me to shake the voice in my head that told me I wasn't worthy.

Eventually I wore myself out enough to fall back onto the bed and drift in and out of a fitful sleep, until I startled awake at dawn.

Even after almost two months, I was still unused to waking up indoors, never mind in a castle. I kept the curtains pulled back so that I could still be woken up by the sun on my face, at least when the weather cooperated. Luckily, it appeared that the morning would be dry and hopefully warm, as the past few days had been.

I realized that I hadn't given Kayley a specific time to meet me in the gardens. Knowing she would not be awake for several hours but still wanting to arrive before she did, I quickly dressed in one of the nicer sets of clothes that had been provided. I had no idea what any of the clothing looked like, but Kayley had sorted them into neat piles for me inside the drawers, so I knew where to pull from for today.

Grabbing my staff, I checked the pouch at my waist several times before convincing myself that I had it. I opened the door, unsurprised to hear little movement in the hallway. It was still very early, and the guest quarters were the quietest section of the castle.

I made it about four steps before I realized that I had forgotten my boots. "Idiot," I muttered my myself. "Pull yourself together. You need your head on straight for this."

I continued mumbling to myself as I exited the castle, now with the proper footwear. Using my staff to guide me, I made my way towards a particular tree that Aiden had taken a liking to and usually slept in.

I heard his call as I approached, and expected him to land on my shoulder. Instead, I heard the beat of his wings as he flew over and away from me.

"Well, I guess I'm doing this alone."

I tipped my face towards the sky, trying to determine how high the sun had risen. It was still early, and I didn't know this area of the grounds well enough to find a place to sit.

"Great plan, Garrett." Before I could decide what to do, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around, recognizing Kayley's steps as she came closer.

"Good morning, Sir Garrett," she greeted, sounding cheerful and a bit breathless. Was she nervous too, I wondered? "I wasn't sure exactly when to meet you and I was awake so I decided to just come out and wait for you, but I see that you're here too-" She broke off her rambling at my laughter.

"I had the same thought. No matter, we're both here now." I smiled at her, hoping I was aiming my sightless gaze in the right direction.

"Walk with me?" I held out my arm for her and let her guide me through the gardens. We were just outside the castle. These gardens were a public space for the people of Camelot to enjoy, but not very many were out this early in the day.

We walked in silence for a few moments, her fingers drumming a nervous beat on my arm. I stilled her hand, realizing that she was just as tense I was.

"Is there anywhere that we could sit down?" I asked, and she led to what felt like a stone bench. I listened as she described the flowers and plants surrounding us, still babbling. While I had found her incessant talking irritating in the forest at first, I now knew that it was her way of handling uncertainty.

I cleared my throat and reached for her, grasping both of her hands. "Kayley," I began, and her much smaller fingers squeezed my hand.

"Is something the matter?" she asked, sounding genuinely worried. I squeezed back, releasing a quiet laugh.

"No, not at all. Quite the opposite, actually. For the first time in, well, years I am content with where I am and looking forward to what comes next." I took a steadying breath. "I used to fear all of my tomorrows, the endless stretch of solitude that I had thought would be my life. I now look forward to each tomorrow, with you. My beautiful Kayley."

She scoffed at that, and I assumed she was blushing. I raised one of my hands to her cheek, feeling heated skin. She leaned into it, and I traced her jawline with my thumb.

"I don't need to see to recognize beauty," I said, barely above a whisper. I feathered my trembling fingers over the rest of her face, stopping at her lips.

I heard her breath hitch and leaned my forehead against hers, gathering my courage before I pushed myself off of the bench. I lowered myself carefully to one knee, reaching for the pouch at my hip and withdrawing the small object within.

Kayley remained silent, a rarity for her, and I reached out for her hand, grasping it like the lifeline she had become.

"You have shown me light in a world that had become dark to me. I would be honored, and humbled, to be your husband. Will you marry me?"

A little sound escaped her then, and I realized that she was crying.

With hands still shaking, I slipped the simple ring into her palm. "Read the inside," I urged.

"Now and forever," she whispered. Taking my hand, she helped me guide the ring onto her finger. Still kneeling, I drew her face towards mine, stopping just before our lips met.

"You haven't answered," I teased. Instead of responding, she closed the distance and kissed me, hard, her hands tangling in my hair.

"Yes," she breathed, pulling back for air. I wiped the tears off of her cheeks and stood, joining her again on the bench.

Joining hands again, I pressed hers to my heart, which was just beginning to return to its normal rhythm.

We spent the rest of the morning wandering the gardens and discussing our future together, freely, for the first time. Aiden found us and alternated between perching on my shoulder and Kayley's. The city was now fully awake and bustling as we walked back to the castle to share our good news.

Chapter Text

I couldn't describe how the garden looked that day, how the sun set behind the Stone, or even how Kayley looked walking towards me.

I remember standing among the small group gathered outside and not feeling overwhelmed in their presence. We had carefully gone over where everyone would be standing during the ceremony to make things easier for me.

For a wedding held at Camelot, it was quite simple. I didn't have any family to speak of, and Kayley just had her mother and some family friends from their village. The knights and their families attended as well, and that was it. It didn't feel small to me, as the number of important people in my life had been zero just months earlier.

As a young boy I had imagined becoming a Knight and getting married one day, but those dreams had died along with my sight. If someone had told me that I would find myself on my wedding day, a blind Knight, standing between the King and his mage?

Well, I wouldn't have believed it.

I still didn't believe it, even after Juliana walked Kayley to me, squeezing my shoulder and stepping aside. Even after Kayley and I repeated our vows.

I don't think I truly believed any of it until I found myself alone, with my wife, after what seemed like endless hours of dancing and celebrating. We had stepped outside onto a small balcony while most of our guests were still enjoying the food and drink that had been prepared for the occasion.

I felt Kayley leaning into me and wrapped an arm around her to keep us both steady. She had barely let go of my hand since Arthur had pronounced us husband and wife. I brought her hand up to my lips for a lingering kiss and received a contented sigh in response.

I pulled her closer than I had dared previously, feeling her gentle curves pressing against me. I ran my hands over the smooth silk and delicate lace at her back. I traced my hands up and down her spine through the dress as I kissed her, feeling her shiver.

We sprang apart, laughing, at the cheering and teasing of the Knights behind us. I was sure that Kayley had blushed scarlet and felt my own face heat in response to their bawdy jokes.

We rejoined the crowd, but as night stretched on, the usually talkative Kayley had grown quiet. I felt her eyes on me and leaned in close to her ear.

"Are you alright, my love?" I asked quietly.

"Yes, I was just thinking that we are leaving early in the morning and probably want to get some sleep..." She trailed off as I brushed my hand down the side of her face, resting it on the skin between her neck and shoulder.

"And I was just thinking that I would love to be alone with my wife." I kept my voice low so as not to fuel any additional teasing.

We hadn't quite discussed what the night would bring, but her nervous laughter echoed my own as she stood up.

"Yes, well, my mother let me know that she and the ladies prepared my room for us, whatever that means."

Kayley took my hand and led me away from the celebration, ignoring the continued torrent of whistles and comments.

As she carefully helped me up the stairs, I marveled at how lucky I was. She never made me feel inadequate when she was guiding me.

Kayley opened the door to her guest room and shut it quietly behind us, dropping my hand for the first time in hours. I heard her light a candle and move about the room.

"There's some wine, and some sweets as well. Would you like some?" I winced at the formality in her tone.

"Kayley, love, come here." I didn't want to bang into anything in the unfamiliar space and held out my arms for her. She obliged, and her light scent returned to me once more.

Folding her against me, I ran one hand over the intricate braids in her hair. I preferred it down, so I could run my fingers through it, and smiled as she reached up to remove the pins. The soft strands glided over my fingers as I combed through them, but Kayley suddenly pulled away.

"I know that you might think there are...expectations for tonight," I said, dropping my arms to my sides. "I don't want you to be afraid. I am perfectly content to be here with you." I stopped as my voice faltered.

"No, I'm not afraid, I could never be afraid with you, Garrett. I just want...I don't know what I want."

I felt her tentatively reach for me again and guide me to sit on the bed with her. She bounced her leg nervously against mine, and I placed my hand on her knee.

"I want to be close to you," Kayley whispered, so quietly I had to strain to hear. She brought a shaking hand to my face, turning me to face her. Before I could respond, her lips pressed to mine, hesitantly at first. She threaded her fingers in my hair, anchoring me to her as she deepened her kiss.

I smiled against her lips and let her take the lead, although my hands were itching to feel her, to allow me to see more of her.

As if reading my mind, she pulled back and took my hands, placing them on her slim waist. I carefully ran my hands up her ribcage, skimming over the soft swell of her chest and up the delicate slope of her neck, feeling her tremble.

I dipped my head, daring to kiss the soft skin just above her heart, feeling her erratic heartbeat that matched my own.

"It's yours, you know," Kayley said suddenly, startling me. I must have looked confused, because she guided my hand to rest over her heart, holding it there.

"My heart, Garrett," she said softly. "I think I gave it to you in the forest, even when I annoyed you more than anything." Her shoulders shook with laughter, and I was relieved at the playfulness that had returned to her tone.

"I believe that was due to your constant talking," I teased back before growing serious again. "But you know that you had my heart as well, even then."

I felt my own nerves dissipate as I found her lips again, trusting that we would navigate this new chapter, together.

Chapter Text

In the morning, instead of the sun waking me up, I felt Kayley pepper gentle kisses along my face and neck. Smiling, I pulled her against my chest, burying my face in her hair.

"You know," I mused. "This isn't the first time we've both woken up in this bed."

The first night that we spent at the castle, we were both feeling shaken by the day's events. Kayley had been unable to sleep and had slipped down to my guest room, where I was also awake.

It gave us both comfort to simply be in each other's presence, knowing that we understood what the other was going through. We spent the night talking until the sun rose, nothing more.

"Don't tell my mother!" she laughed now before her voice became soft. "I felt so safe with you, even when we were surrounded by danger, that suddenly finding myself alone..." she trailed off and I held her tighter, hating the idea of her feeling even a fraction of the loneliness I had experienced.

I tipped her chin up so I could reach her mouth, grateful to finally be able to freely express my affection for her physically. Kayley deepened the kiss, her tongue teasing mine before pulling back all too soon.

"We have to get up, Garrett!" She protested as I ran my hands down her sides. I knew we had several days of traveling ahead of us, but I was in no hurry to get out of bed.

I felt her sit up and heard her stretch and yawn. "The faster we get on the road, the faster we'll be home."

Home. The word alone made my throat feel thick. I had been living in the forest, if you could call it living, for so long that the notion of an actual home felt foreign.

"I..." I started to speak but shook my head, attempting to clear my thoughts. "Yes, I suppose you're right."

With a quick peck on my cheek, I felt the bed shift as she sprang up. I stood up as well, taking my time to stretch while listening to my new wife buzzing about the room. Moments later she pressed a bundle into my arms.

"Here are your clothes for the day, everything else is already packed and in the wagon," she said quickly, and she was off again.

Shaking my head at Kayley's current frenzied state, I listened to her chatter about the trip ahead of us while we both dressed.

Kayley had described her childhood home to me many times over the past few weeks, as well as the surrounding ocean and countryside. I was excited to experience all of it, to be where she had spent so much of her life.

I was amazed at how natural it felt to be getting ready for our day together, how easily we had become comfortable with each other. Our time in the forest had erased some of society's typical boundaries, but constant danger isn't exactly the most romantic setting.

The total freedom and privacy that we now had was something different, and I relished it. As someone who had previously preferred to be alone, I quickly found that my new preference was to be alone with Kayley.

"Ready?" Kayley's voice broke into my thoughts. "I told Mother we would most likely eat on the road, but if you're hungry we can stop by the kitchens-" She stopped abruptly as I came up behind her, using one arm to pull her against me.

"Are you in a hurry, my lady?" I asked against her ear, feeling her shiver. She laughed lightly, turning in my embrace.

"I suppose I'm just excited. Traveling to my home - our home," she corrected. I could hear the smile in her voice and my arms tightened around her waist. "Starting our new life together..." she trailed off as I leaned forward, my lips inches from her own.

"Kayley, I am excited about the journey ahead as well, and I don't just mean the next few days," I said seriously, trying my best deny the urge to kiss her again.

"But the sun is just barely up," I gestured in the direction of the window. "And right now I would like to enjoy a few more quiet moments with my wife," I said before giving in and pressing my lips to hers.

I didn't stop until she pulled away, breathless, swatting my arm playfully but making no attempt to step out of my embrace.

Leaning her forehead against mine, one of her hands absently combing through my hair, she sighed dramatically. "I guess we don't have to leave just yet," she acquiesced while I traced my lips from her temple down her jawline and back.

"Although you do know that it's going to take a lot longer to get there if you can't stop kissing me, husband," she added, laughing.

"I think I can live with that," I replied, laughing as well.