Chapter 19: The Wedding

    Harriette, the twins, Gabriel and I stood out of the Ofenjen Temple. On this day I wore a soft pink high-low dress. I looked up at Harriette. "Are you sure you want to do this? This is your last chance to back out." I wanted to make sure that this is what she wanted.

"Yes." Harriette smiled. "Let's go get me married."

"Alright." I nodded. We gave each other a gentle hug, then I made my way to the doors of the temple. I had to remind myself not to run, to take my steps at a steady pace. As I walked down the aisle, almost everyone looked at me as I walked by, some I could tell were getting impatient. I took my place across from Viviana, who was the best woman. She wore a sleek navy dress with a dull red shawl over top.

Aldous seemed nervous, I watched as he fidgeted, he adjusted the red rose that was pinned on his white suit. His black hair was neatly combed, he cleaned up nicely. He seemed like just a normal man on his wedding day.

I looked down the aisle. Esmee threw pink petals on the ground, using a spell to multiply them. Biff walked beside her, holding the pillow with the rings tied to it. They were so cute, and well behaved. As they walked, everyone began to smile. Esmee wore a little pink dress that went down to her knees, while Biff wore a little suit with a peony pinned onto his jacket. I could hear some of the guests say ‘aww’ as the twins passed by.

Suddenly a man I didn’t recognize leapt out of one of the rows behind me. He ran past Esmee, nearly pushing the poor girl over. He tried to snatch the pillow from Biff, but the boy kept a grip on it. “Give it to me.”

“These aren’t for you, these are for my parents.” Biff calmly explained, not understanding the severity of the situation. After a small battle of tug-of-war, Biff let go with one hand, casting a spell with his free hand, setting the man’s foot ablaze. Ignatius grabbed the man and dragged him to the doors throwing him. I could see him poke his head out around the open door, giving Harriette a thumbs up. Ignatius teleported back to his seat and the twins resumed their walk as if nothing had happened. Biff went to the left, standing next to Viviana, while Esmee came over next to me.

Esmee raised her hands to the sky, pink and blue petals began falling from the ceiling. The music swelled, the light coming from the outside became blinding, then the shadow of Harriette and Gabriel blocked most of the light. Everyone held their breath as they stepped in. They started down the aisle slowly, each step taking a full second. Harriette wore a thin veil, her hair was in two braided buns that rested just behind her ears. She wore a white ball gown with long off the shoulder sleeves, slightly blue tinted lace reaching just above her collarbone. The same lace clung to her waist and flowed out over the train. She looked truly majestic.

Harriette’s bouquet was mostly red roses, with some forget-me-nots sprinkled in between. Her collar was taken off for this day. She wore a small gold necklace with a brilliant ruby in the center, along with matching earrings.

I could feel tears for in my eyes, that’s when I noticed that Gabriel was already crying tears of joy. I could see the smile on his face, biologically Harriette was his niece, but in truth, she was his daughter.

All those in attendance were in awe of Harriette’s beauty. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Aldous’ mouth was gaped open. I could see Harriette smile, she stopped for a moment, even the pianist missed a note, then we could see her body shake as she chuckled, everyone let out a collective sigh of relief. She continued to make her way to the alter, when she arrived, Gabriel gave her one final hug, before sitting down in the front row. I took a step forward to receive Harriette’s bouquet, once I had it I stepped back, Harriette made her way to her groom. Aldous smiled at her. “Just when I thought you couldn’t get more breath taking.” He uttered.

Cloelia, who was the officiant, cleared her throat. “Dearly beloved, and those we were socially obligated to invite, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union between King Aldous of Bugalas and Lady Harriette of the Ofenjen clan. These two have found a way to look past their differences and find love. May they set an example for us us and show that the factions of Bugalas can be united in harmony, and no longer hold ancient grudges, finding peace after an eternity of violence.” She then shifted, lifting her head up high. “If there is anyone who opposes this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

Trockalon stood up in the back. “I do!” He declared, he then proceeded to march up the aisle. “Harriette, do you really think marrying him of all people is a wise idea. He is the king of all demons, a monster, are you even Harriette? Come on people, she must be possessed or under a spell or something.” He looked onto the crowd to back him up.

A wizard stood up. “I can, if permitted, cast a spell to detect if her decision is being swayed by magic.”

Cloelia and Aldous looked to Harriette for her to answer. “Go head, Neagu.” She nodded.

Neagu approached. He raised his hands, purple light enveloped Harriette, it turned blue, the faded to white before dissipating. “She is of sound mind!” Neagu declared before returning to his seat.

“Then she is a traitor! This is bull-“ Trockalon started yelling.

“Amice!” Harriette interrupted. “Give him flashbacks!”

With her command, I let my ghost knife slip put of my sleeve as I dashed forward, sprinting towards Trockalon. He ran towards the doors. “How are you so fast for being so short!” He screamed. I stopped at the doors, Trockalon huffing just outside. Ignatius and Narcissus grabbed the doors, they closed them, keeping Trockalon from coming back inside.

As we returned to out positions, Cloelia called out. “Is there anyone else?”

“No.” Someone squeaked out in the silent temple.

“Aldous,” Harriette suddenly took his hands. “I promise I won’t let anyone sway me. I love you, I won’t let anyone come between us and I won’t let anyone else smear your name.”

“Harriette,” He warmly smiled with gratitude, “I promise you that you will always be safe. I love you, I won’t let anything happen to the people you have fought so hard to protect.”

“Let’s get on with it, then. ” Cloelia then motioned to her son. Viviana took one of the rings from the pillow Biff was holding, passing it to Aldous. “Repeat after me; With this ring,”

“With this ring.” Aldous echoed.

“Take you Harriette.”

“Take you Harriette.”

“To be my wife.”

“To be my wife.” Aldous took a deep breath as realised that this was actually happening.

“To have and to hold from this day forward.”

“To have, and to hold from this day forward.”

“For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.”

“For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.”

“To love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

“To love and to cherish, till death do us part.” He slipped the ring onto Harriette’s finger.

“Now you,” Cloelia turned to Harriette as Viviana handed her a ring. “Repeat after me; With this ring.”

“With this ring.” Harriette began confidently.

“I take you Aldous.”

“I take you,” she hesitated for a split second, “Aldous.”

“To be my husband.”

“To be my husband.”

“To have and to hold from this day forward.”

“To have, and to hold from this day forward.”

“For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.”

“For better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.”

“To love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

“To love and to cherish, till death do us part.” She placed the ring on his finger.

Cloelia faced Aldous once again. “Do you truly want to marry her?”

“I do.” Aldous nodded.

Cloelia then addressed Harriette. “Do you truly want to marry him?”

“I do.” Harriette grinned.

“Then I have no choice.” Cloelia shrugged. “By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride!”

Aldous threw up Harriette’s veil, he picked her up, kissing her as he spun her around. He set her down, the then grabbed Biff’s hand and Harriette grabbed Esmee’s. The happy family then ran out of the temple to the carriage waiting to take them back to the castle.

The reception was loud and fun. It was the fanciest party I have ever been to, I’m just glad that I didn’t have to clean up afterwards. Aldous and Harriette seemed genuinely happy. I’m so proud of Harriette, finally allowing herself to love. I couldn’t help but feel jealous though, I am thirty-eight and still haven’t even went on a date before. This night isn’t about me though; it is about Harriette. After eating it was time for their first dance as a married couple.

Aldous and Harriette took to the dancefloor. The musicians began to play. Gently they swayed, their eyes never leaving their spouse’s. Everything was perfect, every step was carefully choreographed, at the end of the dance, Harriette broke from the plan, coming closer to Aldous, resting her head on his chest. The dance music took a break.

Ignatius came over to me. “Having fun?” He asked before sipping on a beverage.

“Definitely.” I responded as I watched the newlyweds chat with others from afar.

“So, do you have any plans after this. Now that Harriette is married, she doesn't really need you anymore.” Ignatius sneered cooly.

“She will always need me. Things will just be a bit different now, do not try to put thoughts in my head, we are best friends, and nothing will change that.” I tilted my head up at him. “I know why you do this, you are insecure, so you make others more insecure than yourself to compensate. You are scared of being replaced.” I saw his eyes begin to glow, I was spot on. “There is something you need to know, you are irreplaceable, there will never be another you, so even if you are lost, the people who care for you, will do whatever they to bring you home.” I then walked off to go speak with Harriette myself, leaving Ignatius to ponder what I have said.

“Amice!” Harriette waved to me as I came over.

“Congratulations, how are you two enjoying being married?” I chirped.

“So far so good.” Aldous replied.

“Having fun yet?” Harriette asked.

“Without a doubt. Where are the twins?” I gazed around, unable to find them. Harriette waved me over to a table. She lifted up the tablecloth to reveal, Biff, Esmee and Camillus all fast asleep on the floor. “Ah I see.” We then left them to their rest.

Aldous then asked something of me. “Hey, Amice, there is a dance coming up and Viviana doesn’t have a partner, would you mind dancing with her?”

“Oh yeah sure. Where is she?” I turned around, trying to spot her in the crowd. Aldous pointed and a followed that direction. The dance music began to play again. I extended my arm to the princess. “May I have this dance?”

“Huh? Oh, my brother put you up to this didn’t he? Yes, you may, Lady Amice.” She took my hand and we walked to the dancefloor.

Viviana led our dance. The song wasn’t particularly fast, but it was definitely was lively. We spun around with a few other couples. I even noticed that Ignatius and Narcissus were dancing together. As we were about to end out dance, the music slowed, easing into another song. We tricked into a slow dance. I glanced over at the dukes, judging by the looks on their faces there were in a similar situation. Maybe getting me to dance with Viviana was just a ploy to make them more comfortable, yeah that’s it. I did enjoy dancing with Viviana. She was pretty, not just pretty, but beautiful. She has the same hazel eyes as Aldous, only with longer eyelashes. She is strong and noble, a fierce leader, determined to conquer the sea. She is too good for me, still, I would always have this dance. The song came to an end, I let her hand slip out of my fingers.

“Welp.” Viviana hit her hands clap together. “That was fun. We should, um, exchange letters.”

“Oh, um yeah, that would be nice.” I couldn’t say no to her, she was the sister of the king. I am sure she just wants to be friends with me. She is like an amazonian goddess, and I have had people come up to me asking if one of my grandparents was a goblin.

Harriette came running to the dance floor with her bouquet. “Alright, everyone single gather around. It’s time for the bouquet toss!”

Viviana’s sisters gathered around. Ignatius and Narcissus tried to sneak off the dance floor, but Aldous got in front of them, no words were exchanged, or at least none that I could hear. I saw Aldous point back to the dance floor, the dukes slumped over dramatically and shuffled their feet as they came over to where I was standing.

“Is everyone ready?” Harriette called out with her back turned to us.

“No.” Ignatius answered with his arms crossed.

“Yes, they are!” Aldous called out, making a face at Ignatius, who quickly fixed his posture. He halfly held out his hands, as did Narcissus.

“Here we go!” Harriette threw they bouquet. It flew up in the air, then the little blue ribbon came undone. The flowers fluttered in the air, mostly into two groups, one in Ignatius’ hands, and the other in Narcissus’ hands. They exchanged a look.

“Ha!” Cloelia cawed. “I guess that means you two are going to get married next, since you caught the bouquet at the same time, that must mean you are going to get married at the same time!”

“Hey! I know what you are getting at! We are just friends!” Ignatius yelled at her, taking a step forward and shaking his fist.

“Uh huh.” I rolled my eyes. Ignatius then hit me over the back of the head. “Ow! Hey!”

The night was coming to a close, most of the guests had headed off to bed. All those who lingered were mostly just after second helpings of cake. I was sitting at a table with Harriette, Aldous, Cloelia and Viatrix. A wicked grin appeared on the newlyweds’ faces as well as Cloelia’s, Viatrix was just gleefully eating cake in her own little world.

“Amice, can you help us with a little scheme?” Harriette asked, her voice playfully drawing out the question.

“Scheme?” I perked up like a dog whose favorite to was just squeezed.

“Yes.” Aldous snarled. “We need you to help us set up Narcissus and Ignatius.”

“Sounds like fun. They would make a cute couple.” I agreed.

“We should probably get the little ones to bed and head off to bed ourselves.” Harriette announced as she stood up.

“We’ll see you all in the morning.” Aldous waved. They then went to the table where the twins were still fast asleep. Camillus had woke up and took himself to bed about an hour ago. Harriette took Biff in one arm and Aldous took Esmee, they held hands as they left. I knew that their marriage was going to last.