Page 101 of Kissing Potions and Elves
“Thank you, Rhystan.” I smile. “You’re the best brother I could have asked for.”
“Of course I am.” He grins. “But I’ll still let you tell me as often as you like.” He winks jokingly, and I laugh.
Errol saunters in and hops up on the table beside me, looking adorable in his little bow tie. I lift him into my arms and give him a cuddle as he purrs and rubs against my chin.
“We can’t forget this.” Rhystan pulls out a necklace made of blue silk ribbon, a pair of rings dangling from the end. He drapes it around Errol’s neck. “There. Now you are officially the ringbearer.”
Errol puffs out his chest with pride, looking every bit like a regal lion.
Outside, sunlight spills across the temple grounds, highlighting the sturdy stone columns wrapped in climbing vines blooming with tiny flowers of pink and white. Their sweet fragrance drifts on the breeze, mingling with the faint music of a lute playing nearby.
“Ready?” Tressa’s gentle voice draws my attention. She stands beside me in a soft blue gown, her delicate dragonfly wings fluttering behind her and her golden eyes full of warmth. “It’s time.”
“Yes.”
Tressa and Rhystan step out first, leading the way toward the waiting crowd gathered outside. I take one more steadying breath, smoothing my gown nervously.
“You look lovely,” Lyrion’s father says as he moves to my side.
Because my own parents are gone, he offered to walk me down the aisle. I’d thought Lyrion’s family might have issues accepting me, but they’ve been nothing but kind since I met them.
They wanted a traditional Elven ceremony, but agreed we could have a simple one here and a quiet Elven one back in Rivenyl later.
“I’m sure your parents are smiling down upon you today,” he says. “I’m so sorry they cannot be here with you, Isobel. I know I’m a poor substitute for your father, but I’m honored to walk you down the aisle today, my daughter.”
Touched by his words, tears sting my eyes. “Thank you.”
Lyrion’s mother adjusts my train and then smooths back a curl that’s escaped my braid. She hugs me warmly. “You’re absolutely beautiful,” she whispers in my ear. She takes a small step back as she looks at me and Lyrion’s father. “I’ll see you two down the aisle.”
She leaves to take her seat on the front row of the temple.
Lyrion’s father offers me his arm and I loop mine around it.
Errol moves to my side, the rings secured around his neck. He lifts his chin with pride and strides forward, tail held high with confidence as he walks down the aisle.
We follow him out into the bright sunlight, my heart nearly stopping when I see Lyrion at the altar. He looks so handsome in his deep blue tunic with elegant silver vines embroidered along the sleeves and chest, perfectly fitted trousers, and polished black boots.
His violet eyes lock onto mine immediately, his lips parting as a look of awe and adoration fills his expression.
All my nervousness melts away as I walk down the aisle toward my beloved—the strong, protective, intelligent, handsome, and sometimes broody Elf who holds my heart completely. A smile quirks my mouth. Even when he’s grumpy as a Goblin before he’s had his morning tea.
When I reach him, he takes my hands. My heart hammers as his intense gaze holds mine. “Isobel,” he breathes. “You are stunning.”
“You too,” I whisper.
Heat rises in my cheeks as I softly bite my lower lip to contain my smile. I’ve never been so happy.
Rhystan and Tressa step aside, grinning as they watch us, while Errol proudly saunters forward, the rings jingling with each imperious step.
Quiet chuckles ripple through the crowd as he positions himself regally between us, tail twitching proudly.
Lyrion’s lips quirk in amusement as he retrieves the rings, leaning close to whisper, “You did wonderfully, Errol. Thank you.”
Errol tips his chin up with pride, eyes glittering.
The priestess steps forward, her silver robes shimmering in the sunlight as she speaks words of love and commitment.
I barely hear her, lost entirely in Lyrion’s gaze, his eyes burning with fierce devotion, tenderness, and unspoken promises.
