Aria's POV
"Marry me."
I looked up from the battle plans I'd been reviewing. Lucian stood in the doorway of my cabin, looking nervous and determined in equal measure.
"What?"
"Marry me. Be my mate officially. Not just in practice but legally, ceremonially, permanently." He walked closer. "I know the timing is terrible. I know we're about to go to war. I know you're pregnant and stressed and dealing with a thousand things. But I need you to know that I want forever with you. And if we only have one day left, I want to spend it as your mate."
"You're serious."
"Completely serious. I've been carrying this around for a week." He pulled a ring from his pocket. Simple silver band with a small diamond. "It was my grandmother's. She gave it to me years ago and told me to save it for someone special. Someone worth fighting for."
I stared at the ring, then at him, then back at the ring.
"We're about to fight a battle we might not survive," I said slowly.
