“Shifting sands?” I asked.
“The city is ever expanding and changing,” he explained. “As new souls arrive or the old ones decide they want a change, the city caters to them. The sand that forms the mortar between the gems and metals can solidify or disperse depending on intent; allowing buildings to transform at the whims of the souls who inhabit them.”
“It looks amazing from here,” I noted. “So, if that's where the souls live, who lives in those other palaces, outside the city?”
“The Gods; my family,” Re said, and then he grinned. “They like their homes a bit flashier than I do. I prefer a more classic look.”
“In other words; you don't want your palace to be more glorious than yourself.” I lifted a brow at him.
“You know me so well.” Re sighed. Then he added, “I have one more surprise for you.”
Re took my hand and led me to an upper platform. There were silk carpets strewn across the deck and a thick mattress set atop them. White cotton sheets covered the mattress, along with a mound of fluffy pillows. A low table sat beside the bed with a pitcher of wine, two glasses, and a bowl of fruit upon it. Re led me toward the mattress.
“I want to see you standing naked in the sun,” Re said as he slid his hands over my dress.
“You first,” I teased him.
Re had no problem with that; he smiled broadly as he shucked off his jacket. Shoes, socks, vest, shirt, belt, pants, and finally, his boxers were removed. I was getting impatient by the time he stood before me in all of his golden glory. But then I began to wish that I'd gone first, after all; Re was especially beautiful in the sunlight. His body gleamed; bringing the curves of his muscles into sharp relief. He looked every inch the Sun God, which made my curvy inches feel unworthy.
But Re didn't give me long to consider this; he was instantly lifting my gown and then sighing with appreciation over what he revealed. His hands skimmed my body as he lowered me to the mattress while I was still in my underwear.
“I thought you wanted me naked?” I asked with a teasing grin.
“I also want to appreciate the unwrapping,” Re said as he helped me down onto the warm cotton. “Lie back, La-la; let me look at you.”
I stared down the length of Re's body as he admired me. The heat in our stares rivaled the sun above us, and when Re finally reached for me, I was already reaching back. Our two fires met and burned even brighter together; exploding into ecstasy. As the boat glided over the water, Re and I were swept up in a different kind of current; one that we rode until we lay trembling with satisfied exhaustion in each other's arms.
“I love you, my sweet wife,” Re murmured into my hair. “Now, I can face tomorrow without regret.”
“I love you too, Re,” I whispered and held him tighter.
I didn't want to face tomorrow; I didn't want to ever leave this beautiful boat or the arms of my new husband. I just wanted to sail down Heaven's river and bask in the sunshine with him forever. But Time cannot be denied, and our allotted two hours flew by. We were soon circling back to the dock, and heading home to Re's palace. Still, I knew that I would always remember our brief honeymoon; whether or not history was repaired.
Chapter Forty-Six
After our brief but glorious trip down the river, Re and I returned to his palace to spend the rest of the night with Trevor. There was a lot of pleasure, of course, but most of our time was spent simply talking and enjoying each other's company. In the morning, Blue showed up, as promised, and we let him know about the quick wedding we'd had the night before.
“I leave you alone for one night, and you get married?” Blue asked with amazement.
“You're upset,” I said.
“Wouldn't you be?” He asked me. “You didn't think to at least invite me?”
“Trevor and I planned the ceremony,” Re said. “And no; we didn't think about it. Frankly; I didn't want to argue with you over the marriage.”
“I knew you were engaged,” Blue said. “I wouldn't have protested.”
“No?” Re asked dubiously.
“No,” Blue affirmed. “But I would have said exactly what I'm about to say now; I want the same thing.”
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“I think he's saying that he wants us to call an officiant so he can marry you right now,” Trevor said.
“No.” Blue rolled his eyes. “I'm not an infant; I don't need immediate gratification. I merely want a promise that we shall marry as well. I want to start the plans for it as soon as we return from the Underworld.”
“Was that a proposal?” I asked with narrowed eyes.
Blue sighed deeply. “It was not said as I would have wished it, but you've surprised me with your news.”
“Touché,” I muttered.
“But that is no excuse. Give us a moment, gentlemen,” Blue said as he took my hand and led me out of Re's dining room.
Blue found an empty sitting room and escorted me inside. He took my hands; rubbing them gently as he stared at them a moment. Then he lifted his jade gaze to mine.
“I've started to remember more,” he said softly.
“Oh?” My heartbeat picked up nervously.
“We weren't married, Vervain,” Blue said. “We misinterpreted the visions.”
I sighed deeply and hung my head.
“But that doesn't change the way that I feel
