homage to their memories, and both you and Nicholas will light a candle for them.”
Morg took hold of Vanessa’s hands and looked lovingly at her sister as a few tears escaped Vanessa’s eyes.
“We will celebrate today in starlight as two kingdoms join together, to become one. Granted, you may bring war to our
shores, but as our soon to be queen, we will always be at your side protecting you.”
Never had I heard such devotion. I’d become so used to people only wanting a piece of me as I had the ear of my father. I
may have been the spare heir and I was still the princess of the Crystal line. Therefore, I carried great weight and sway within
the court. No one really cared about me, only when I became useful to them, to be used as a pawn to their own game.
“Thank you,” I said, dipping my chin.
“Ornella, you are our sister now, and we will always have your back as we do each other’s.”
Morgana smiled brightly as she wiped away some tears and then quickly stood up, as if being called to order. Vanessa did
the same, straightening her back, as did April. Someone must have sent them an order or maybe they knew it was time to
prepare.
“I will see you soon, my Annwyl.”
Nicholas. We each shared the same look as if we all heard his voice and my cheeks blushed. The memory of last night was
so vivid in my mind, I swore I could still feel his fingertips against my skin.
“If you keep thinking such thoughts, I will have to find you before the ceremony.”
I swore I could hear him growl slightly in my mind as a smile lifted up my cheeks. Joy covered me from head to toe as I
thought more on his words and what I would eventually like him to do to me.
“I will see you soon, my king.”
And with that, April clapped her hands and ordered us to head to the dressing room, where the fun would begin. An
afternoon of pampering, wine, and discussions over who would be attending today. She insisted I have another bath, which
made sense after last night as I needed to arrive at my best.
“I’d like to keep my hair down for today. I know you’d all wish for it to be tucked up out of the way, but Nicholas likes my
hair. So if we can show it off a bit, I would be grateful.”
April nodded at the lady’s maid who brushed my hair out after my bath, agreeing to my request. I was grateful, as keeping
my hair up too tight always gave me a headache.
Nerves twisted in the pit of my stomach as they continued to pamper and prune me. This was far different to the morning of
that dreaded mockery of a wedding before. This time I felt lighter and happier, knowing I made the right choice.
I was looking forward to the adventure I’d begin with Nicholas.
Chapter 40