One thing Dave Strider had never really thought he’d ever do was get married. The whole married life had honestly never really piqued his interest the way it did some people. Weddings involved sincerity and not sincerity wasn’t usually his strong point. Turns out, he just hadn’t met the right chick yet.

Months after their first night together, he married Decembra. If it seemed quick to any of her subjects, well, that didn’t bother him. Anyone who worked or lived in her palace certainly understood that they were beyond compatible. The whole ceremony had been beautiful, but the truth was it had passed by almost unnoticed for him. He’d barely appreciated any of the details— nor had he really cared about them— because he’d been fixated on her the entire time.

His wife— it felt so fucking good to call her that, even in his head, even with how little he’d really attached any meaning to the idea before tonight— was always gorgeous, always drew his eye and filled his head with lurid memories and filthy thoughts, but she’d been radiant in her wedding gown. Every inch a queen and every inch of her his, he’d been gawking at her all day, staring and shivering as the reality of the moment kept hitting him again and again. Had he ever smiled so much before? He didn’t think so.

Most of the day was finally done— vows promised, a way too heated kiss exchanged, and blessings given— with only the wedding reception left. He’d been mostly good all day, only giving her ass a possessive squeeze two or three times, and every inch of him was eager to finally have her all for himself. Dressed in a dark red jacket, dark red slacks, white shirt, and a black tie, he was also ready to tear both of their clothing off and get back to trying to give her their first child, something he knew she desperately wanted.

They would sit and eat soon— and do more than eat, if Dave’s fingers had their way— but they needed to kick off the reception with a dance. The dance floor had plenty of space for everyone, but for this very first dance, it was just them while the attendees watched quietly. The music swelled and he gave her an almost nervous smile. One arm wrapped loosely around her waist while the other did the same with her shoulder as they swayed to the music and danced a familiar dance.

“Was today everything you wanted?” he murmured, staring into her clear blue eyes, his fingers splayed open along her lower back. Gods, he wanted to kiss her, wanted to stop dancing and kiss the breath out of her, but they needed to finish this one dance first. “Hope so, because I couldn’t be happier. Married to you… shit, it almost doesn’t seem real, but so fucking glad it is.”