I was surrounded by draped fabric that hung from the ceiling, hiding me from everyone’s eyes until two footmen pulled
back the drapes and exposed the hall. I stilled, my eyes unsure of where to look first.
From the ceiling hung wisteria, trailing downwards with what looked like sparkles of starlight lit up around each trail. The
aisle was decorated in forget-me-not petals, surrounded by the flowers within my bouquet. And there above the archway was
the symbol of the bursting sun—the symbol of my family.
Nicholas seemed so far away as he stood at the top, the harpist playing the most beautiful melody as the pianist was
suddenly joined by a violist. Each of them serenaded my arrival. Did Nic think of everything? Or was this all April’s doing?
As I put one foot in front of the other, I was thankful my veil hid some of my expressions. They ranged from astonishment, to
joyfulness, and then happiness.
I never pictured something like this.
Finally nearing Nic, I could see him clearly now, and my stomach started to flutter. The sheer sight of him made my heart
stop. He wore a gorgeous black suit with a royal purple lining and lilac embroidered swirls across the shoulders and on the
sleeves. None of the colours were too bright but looking closely I could see they matched parts of my dress and the room
decorations.
His long black hair was tied back. I took his gloved hand as he held it out for my own. My sleeves lifted up, reminding
me of my fabric wings and how excited I was when discussing dancing this evening.
We stepped under the archway and an elderly high priestess from the Goddess temple stepped forward. She wore a
beautiful ivory cloak with gold trim. She smiled softly at me then she bowed to Nicholas.
The music stopped as Nicholas lifted my veil up. I saw his eyes change from their blue and grey orbs to specks of black
then back again. He smiled softly and cleared his throat before turning to address his court.
“Princess Ornella and I welcome you to our wedding ceremony. I know many of you have travelled far and some may have
even risked your lives getting here. So for that I am grateful for your attendance. Even if it was a summoned one.” Some of the
court laughed along with his jest then quietened down as he held up his hand for their silence. “Like my mother and father, King
Theodore and Queen Helena—May the Goddess rest and protect their souls.”
The court echoed his words as I stared in awe of him. Never before had I seen my father command such authority and his
entire court beamed up at him all with smiles or softened faces. None of them questioned him it seemed, and I wondered how
hard he had worked to gain their loyalties. How hard would I have to work?
“As my parents took their own vows here, the princess and I shall do the same. We value your allegiance and devotion to
our marriage.”
The court clapped before he turned to face me again, taking hold of my hand as Morgana joined us under the archway and