Page 36 of Dueling the Suitors

Perhaps it was time she accepted her true fate. Agreeing to this secret wedding was the stupidest decision ever. Heavens, how pathetically desperate must she appear to Jasper now? The thought of waiting for him one more minute felt more humiliating than Silas—her fiancé—besting her in her own game.

Maybe this was Jasper’s revenge on her for rejecting him all those months ago.

But she would not break. On the contrary, she felt nothing from his rejection, not even the dread and disappointment from earlier.

She rose to her feet with Skylar in her arms, drawing Emmett’s attention from where he stared blankly at the candleflames. “Alright, my groom isn’t coming. Let’s head back home. Even if he comes somehow, I’m not going to marry him anymore.”

She walked towards Silas and shook him awake.

No one argued with her decision. As they headed back and the castle turrets came into view, Astoria realized she would rather marry the man who was sleeping in their home, waiting for the next sunrise.

* * *

Astoria stood outside the large double doors of the throne room, one hand on the crook of her father’s elbow and the other holding the bridal bouquet. She wore her mother’s wedding gown, as there was no time to commission a new one. She was more than willing to wear it, but not without styling it to her taste with her magic; the gown had been a relic of a bygone era.

The voluminous sleeves were replaced with elegant, sheer lace that clung to her arms and ended in delicate cuffs at her wrists. The once-rigid, structured skirt was softened into light, flowing waves of satin and lace, perfectly framing her figure as she moved. A long train was added, shimmering as it trailed behind her like a veil of mist.

Astoria could only imagine how happy her mother would have been to see her wearing the dress, now shaped by her magic.

Or, would she have been miserable that her daughter was being sold into a loveless marriage like she had been?

The great doors opened and Astoria walked inside on her father’s arm. The father who hadn’t spoken a word to her sincethey had met here. Not even a simple ‘you look beautiful’or ‘I am proud of you’.

Not that she expected it. But she wished it was Emmett or her grandfather in his place.

Astoria avoided looking at the altar and glanced towards the courtiers and her relatives who filled the seating area instead. But as they neared, she realized she couldn’t keep her gaze averted forever.

Heart beating nonsensically, she glanced at Silas, which seemed to be a mistake. Because the moment her eyes found him, she froze internally.

All the breath left her lungs in awhoosh.

Handsome would be the understatement of the century. He was glorious. And beautiful.

Oh, heavens. Where was the oxygen?

He was clean-shaven, his jawline perfect and strong. Far,farbetter than with the beard on. Startling herself, Astoria realized she liked this version of him.

Suddenly, he didn’t look like the shabby street performer who drove her insane, but the man she was about to marry.

He stood tall at the altar, hands behind him, as still and breathless as she was. Was he regarding her the same way she regarded him?

Astoria didn’t realize she’d reached the altar until he stepped down and lent his hand. Her father took her hand from his arm and placed it on Silas’. Her eyes locked with his. He drew her up to the altar, not breaking their gaze.

All she could see was him. All that filled her mind was him.

What kind of magic was this?

“You are mesmerizing, Little Dragon.”

The enchantment broke.Little Dragon.She glared at him. “Don’t tempt me to smack your stupid, handsome face.”

“You think I am handsome, darling?”

Astoria barely held herself from lashing out at his annoying endearments and sharpened her glare instead. “Shut up.”

Silas chuckled, his eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. He turned towards the officiant. “Please wed me to this remarkable woman as soon as possible.”

“With pleasure.” The man barely hid his grin and began the ceremony.

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