Page 111 of The High Priestess

“Where’s yours?” I ask.

He sits down and lets out a sigh. “I’ve already had two cups. I didn’t sleep much.”

“Why?” I ask. “Nightmares?”

Even though he shakes his head, I can tell he’s lying.

“I couldn’t sleep without you next to me.”

I place my hand on his thigh and press a kiss to the side of his neck. “I’ll be at your side every night for the rest of our lives.”

“Thank fuck,” he grumbles.

Slowly, people start gathering at the foot of the hill and begin getting everything ready for the wedding.

I sit and watch as they carry chairs and tables, and after I finish my coffee, I say, “I better go, or I’ll be late.” I press a kiss to Knight’s mouth and look deep into his eyes. “I’ll see you at the altar, Lincoln.”

He reaches up and wraps his hand around the back of my neck so he can steal another kiss. “Can’t wait.”

When I walk to the suite where my wedding dress is hanging, Aunt Marina comes from the opposite end of the hallway.

The moment she spots me, she claps her hands excitedly. “It’s your big day,agápi mou!”

“It is! I’m so glad you’re here to help me get ready.”

I wait for her to catch up, and we share a quick hug before we hurry to the suite.

When we enter the room, my eyes lock on the wedding dress that’s hanging against the wall.

Aunt Marina gasps. “That’s your mother’s dress.” She walks closer, and touching the fabric, she says, “It’s so beautiful.”

It has cream-colored lace over silk fabric with flowers embroidered onto the back and train. The green vines and pink flowers are light in color, and my favorite part of the dress.

“I can’t wait to see you in the dress,” Aunt Marina says. “Let’s do your hair and makeup.”

We get to work, and it takes two hours to get the curls right and pinned up. I take my time applying my makeup while Aunt Marina gets dressed in a light blue dress.

When she’s ready, she pours us each a glass of juice.

“Drink some,agápi mou.You need the sugar.”

“You look beautiful,” I compliment her before taking a few sips.

“Thank you.”

I continue with my makeup until I’m pleased with the result.

“Perfection,” Aunt Marina says, her voice trembling with emotion.

“If you cry, I’m going to cry,” I warn her.

She sucks in deep breaths and waves her hand in front of her face. “Okay. No crying.” Then she looks at the time and almost has a heart attack. “You’re going to be late.”

“I still have thirty minutes,” I chuckle as I get up from the stool by the vanity.

We take the wedding dress off the hanger and Aunt Marina holds it ready for me. I’m relieved when she glances away so I can take off my robe because I’m wearing white lace lingerie.

I step into the dress and pull the fabric up, then say, “You can look.”

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