Page 112 of The High Priestess

While I push my arms through the sleeves, my aunt takes care of the buttons at my back. I adjust the sleeves that hang off my shoulders before brushing my palms over my stomach.

I hear a sob behind me, and instantly, my eyes start to burn with unshed tears. “Aunt Marina!”

“I’m sorry. I can’t help it. You look so beautiful.”

Closing my eyes, I suck in deep breaths until the urge to cry passes.

She moves around me, and when she sees me from the front, she covers her mouth with both her hands. “Cassia.Theé mou.”

I walk to the full-length mirror, and when I see my reflection, my throat strains.

“Your mother would be so proud,” my aunt murmurs.

God, I wish my mother and sisters were here.

My chest shudders, and I lose the battle. A tear escapes, and I hurry to the vanity to grab a tissue. Tipping my head back, I blink like crazy while gently patting the tear away.

I clear my throat then check my makeup. Thankfully, nothing’s ruined.

“I’m ready. Let’s go before I burst out in tears.”

“I’ll tell Santiago you’re on your way.”

As she hurries out of the suite, I place my hand over my stomach, that’s spinning with a mixture of excitement and nerves.

I’m about to marry the most incredible man.

KNIGHT

As I stand up front, I look at where Davies, Miller, and Saunders are sitting on my side of the aisle.

There are two reserved seats beside them, which I assume are for Santiago.

I adjust my bowtie and clear my throat. Every muscle in my body is wound tight because every time I attempted to check on Cassia while she was getting ready, Santiago stopped me.

I just want her to walk down the aisle, already.

Santiago comes up the aisle, and turning to face all the guests, he says, “When the bride walks down the aisle, everyone remains seated.”

After he sits down beside Davies, I ask, “Who’s the extra chair for?”

“It’s for Ronnie.”

Fuck.

I stare at the empty space, and instead of flashbacks, I only feel a deep sadness.

I gesture at the row of empty seats on Cassia’s side. “For her family?”

He nods. “And for Marina.”

The second rows are filled with Leo, Enzo, and Dominik and Grace. The rest of the guests are a mixture of everyone’s guards.”

When Marina comes hurrying up the aisle, I take it as a good sign. Cassia must be on her way.

She takes a seat and tells Santiago, “You can start the music.”

He waves a hand in the air, and soon, a song starts playing. It’s not the usual wedding march, and I listen to the words while my eyes are glued to the villa.

---