“So, you'd better tell me what this means then. Do I have to buy a tux or something?" Though he still sounded apprehensive, she was comforted by the way his hands continued to gently stroke along her flanks.

"You need not purchase anything. You have accepted me. You have given me yourself. What more is there to give?" she asked.

Well, that was a beautifully romantic and moderately fucking terrifying way of looking at it.

“Right. I meant . . ." He paused, trying to explain himself better. "I don't know anything about being a mate, Algra. Hell, in this world I'm not too sure what's required of a husband. I don't want to, um, to dishonour you or disappoint you."

She nodded approvingly, then stroked her hands across his shoulders.

“That is a good start."

He let out a little huff of amusement at her usual abrupt answer, then settled his Lips on her brow. She watched him carefully for a few long moments.

"You are not angry?" She seemed slightly skeptical.

“I think I'm still in shock, actually. It's a big thing."

“It is," she nodded.

"But, it's you. So I guess it's worth figuring out."

At those words, he felt her hold him tighter for just a moment. The great orc warrior nuzzled her cheek against his chest and he thought he caught the sound of her own breathing hitch in her throat. Despite the fact that he'd just had an impromptu, and highly satisfying surprise wedding ceremony, he was far more stunned when he felt a drop of moisture settle on his chest. It took him a moment to realise what that meant, for he truly never expected it of her. Algra Strongblood was crying.

He did a quick check in the sky, scanning the clouds for the oncoming Four Horseman.

Finding only clear blue sky interspersed with a few wisps of cloud, he settled himself for holding her there gently for a few minutes. When she lifted herself to sit up in his lap, her eyes had cleared of the tears and she Looked upon him with determined and loving resolve.

"I should speak of being mates," she finally conceded.

“Well, I kind of wish you'd done that about an hour ago, but I'll take what I can get." Gregory smiled for a minute, then he got a Light smack around the face for the wisecrack.

“Ow! Ok, well I see that being mates doesn't come with a ‘no hitting’ rule.” “It does not." Algra lifted her head proudly.

“Do well to remember it.” “I wilt."

“Good. I am now your slave, as was before. Yet now you are also mine. Yes? Your mate is your highest master, and there are none who come before."

“Right, so I do what you tell me. No change there then." He nodded and this time he caught the oncoming smack around the head by her wrist. She let out a Little growl of warning, then he kissed the back of her hand and she abruptly decided to let him off with a caution.

“We are bound together now," she continued.

“Equals. No secrets. No fears between us.”

"I still have to leave, Algra." He sat up with her still settled against him.

“You know that, right?"

“Then I will come."