Eric turned to speak to Baba. He didn't know if she would have words she wished to return to him, but he had ones that he wanted to share with her. Here and now, in front of his progeny and the others, they were words that he had spoken before, but it felt important to have them witnessed.
He looked into her eyes as he said them.
"It has taken me over a thousand years to find somebody I felt was worthy of stepping into the shoes that you are now. I have created a progeny that is special to me, and I have shared my life with others along the way, but it was not until you that I had the desire to have a wife again.
"I do not expect you to change yourself in any way for me. The reason I am standing here now is you. Who and what you are. You can always be that.
"I promise to you that I will do everything in my power to make and keep you happy. To keep you safe. Protect you from anything that might threaten your life. You are my queen."