Page 129 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

Wedding Bells and Blessings

“Ready for this?” Nikhail clapped Ryker on the back.

Ryker straightened his black suit jacket, adjusted his crimson tie, and nodded. “More than ready.”

After a short deliberation, Ryker and Brynleigh decided to hold their ceremony in Isvana’s temple. It was packed to the brim. Black curtains covered the windows, but the darkness did not detract from the beauty of the space. Glittering lights hung from the columns. Through a trick of technology, stars danced on the ceiling. Rows upon rows of chairs were laid out before them, filled with an eager crowd.

Cameras were already in place. One pointed at Ryker on the dais and another at the back of the temple where Brynleigh would arrive.

Although the timeline to assemble the weddings had been quick, no expenses were spared. Everything, from the decorations to the clothes to the following reception, was expertly put together.

Cyrus and Tertia sat in the front row, and although Ryker’s father wasn’t as alert as he had been the other night, he smiled at his son. Their presence meant the world to Ryker. Along with his parents, several other familiar faces were at the wedding, including other Choosing participants. Numerous armed guards were hidden among the wedding guests, and more were stationed throughout the temple.

Although Ryker hadn’t heard of any new threats, Chancellor Rose wasn’t taking any chances. After all, the weddings were the most anticipated portion of the blind love competition.

Ryker straightened an invisible wrinkle on his black suit. He’d barely slept last night, thanks to the excitement of the day. Yesterday, they’d gone to a winery with Hallie and Therian, the evening a nice, quiet lead-up to today’s wedding.

He would be lying if he said he wasn’t eager to get this over with. He couldn’t wait to get Brynleigh alone tonight. Her unique scent of a crisp evening and night-blooming roses had followed him into his sleep, and she’d starred in his dreams all week.

The doors opened, and a tall vampire with stark white hair entered the space. The priestess, who’d introduced herself as Plyana during their rehearsal yesterday, wore a long white robe edged in crimson thread. It trailed behind her as she strode into the temple. The crowd hushed, sensing that the ceremony was about to begin.

Ascending the steps to the stage, the priestess smiled at Ryker. “Are you nervous?”

“No.” He stood tall, his shoulders back and head held high “Not at all.”

Ryker was destined to marry Brynleigh de la Point. He wouldn’t have been surprised if the gods had written their union in the stars.

“Good.” Plyana made a religious gesture in front of her chest. “I pray that Isvana and Ithiar will bless your union.”

“Thank you. That’s my hope as well.” They would journey to the fae temple during their journey north to receive a blessing from the priests and make an offering to the Black Sands.

Then, the time for nerves was over. The classical violin concerto, which had been playing quietly through speakers, switched to a traditional wedding march.

That was the signal. The ceremony was about to begin.

Keeping his hands flat at his sides, Ryker turned his attention to the large double doors across the temple. His heart, which had been doing an excellent job of keeping him alive since he was born, thundered. His hands grew clammy. His water magic pulsed a steady beat.

Anticipation was thick in the air, a sweet and slightly bitter taste at the back of his mouth. His back straightened, and he inhaled deeply as the doors swung open with a resounding bang.

River entered first, resplendent in a blue gown. After their night at the Obsidian Palace, Brynleigh had asked Ryker’s sister to be her maid of honor. River had been shocked, but she had readily agreed. River’s long brown hair was styled in delicate waves, and she’d exchanged all her flashy piercings for diamond studs. She looked like a star walking down the aisle.

It thrilled Ryker that his sister and his partner got along so well. This was a glimpse into their future, and he loved what he saw. This past week proved he had Chosen well. Brynleigh was a strong woman who could hold her own, and she made Ryker a better man.

River confidently strode towards her brother.

“Happy wedding day,” she whispered as she stood across him.

A corner of Ryker’s mouth twitched upward. “Thank you, River.”

She smirked. “Before you ask, I already released my magic today, so you don’t need to worry about it.”

She might joke about it, but Ryker would always worry about River. Even after she Matured, he would watch over her. He didn’t say that, though. He didn’t say anything because there was a flurry of movement at the temple entrance.

Time crashed to a stop as Ryker’s gaze landed on his vampire. The sight of her stole the breath from his lungs. He couldn’t pull his eyes away from her, even if he tried.

His bride was exquisite.

In the place of a veil, she wore a white lace fascinator that fell over her eyes. Her gown was strapless and hugged all her curves. It glistened like fresh snow as the light fell upon it, as though thousands of snowflakes were embedded in it. Onyx earrings hung from her lobes. Her arms were bare, and she wore no jewelry except for her necklace and the ring he’d given her. Her blonde hair was elegantly styled in a complicated, twisted knot.

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