Halcyon said nothing as Aster stepped forward and promised her parents she would get her brother back. His lips were a grim line as he watched her, mentally making his own promise to do the same. The young prince would know peace and safety one day soon. It reminded the new king he needed to seek out Pine and tell her of his new lot in life. He was still going to help her take Iromar back, but the plan had changed slightly. All that later, however, now was time for him and Aster. She returned to his side after marking the graves of her parents and his launches into the most important question.
She is confused and nervous, he knows it’s because of her youth. She still had much to learn in life and many skills to strengthen. He would wait for her, however, happily watching over her like the guardian he always was. When she brings this fact up, the new king simply smiled. "Age is but a number. I have had feelings for you for a long time now, though I have only just now realized what you mean to me. I want you by my side, to be the heart of this pack and this wolf."
If not for the fur covering her cheeks, he was sure she would be blushing wildly. It had been a sudden question, but he felt he had already known the answer. Aster was a special wolf. A born queen, a fiery spirit, and a gentle touch. The love he felt for her was even more so than the forced affections he had for his imprint. While Solstice would always mean something to him, Aster was his one, true love. Tail wagging happily as she agreed, he licked her cheek fondly and chuckled under his breath at her request. "My Queen, I have nothing to teach you, for you have nothing to learn. Being my mate means being who you are. I fell in love with you when you were hunting alligator eggs all those years ago. I grew fond of you when I shielded from the rain. Stay as you are, for that is who I love."