Unadulterated Victory

"My Lord, we've been looking for you. Your urgent attention is needed outside," the warrior said. 

"I'll be there in a second," Azriel told him.

He bowed and closed the door as he exited. Azriel, in a flash, closed the space between him and Penelope and pressed a kiss on her lips. It was different from the others he gave her, this one was soft, careful, a promise.

Stepping back from her looked like a real pain to him. "I have to go."

She nodded. "I know."

"Pen," he said. "Say my name, even if it is just once."

"My Lord, I can't…"

"Say it, Pen."

Penelope's tongue was lead in her mouth. "Az…riel." And the name felt strange, foreign.

Azriel smiled. "Good, I want you to say it even better after the war when you are all dressed in white, and I make you my bride in front of the whole world."

There was no time for Penelope to process what he had just said before he exited the chamber.

....