Page 66 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
Shelookedready … but more than that, she lookedhappy.
“I’m proud of you.” He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. “Congratulations, little sister.”
She swatted him with the hand that wasn’t holding her violet and lily bouquet. A soft lyre-harp played among the other members of the wedding party. Once they were all in place, Their Royal Highness would give a speech, and then Julian would escort his sister inside.
Julian hesitated before touching his own locket through his shirt. “Julia, don’t hesitate to use our father’s gift if you need it.”
Her eyes fell, and her voice caught as she replied, “I-I’ve already used mine.”
“What?” He frowned. “When?”
“It was at the Spell Script Collegium—where I met Chloe.” His little sister sounded like a child who had been caught sneaking into the armory when she wasn’t supposed to. “There was an accident, and we got trapped in a burning building. A part of the roof collapsed on us, and I wasn’t going to be able to hold it up for much longer …”
He waited for her to continue. She shot him a guilty look. “I wouldn’t have used it even then, but Chloe … she broke the seal.”
“And why didChloehave to break the seal?” Julian tried to hide the frustration in his voice, but he obviously failed when his sister flinched.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice was soft, and Julian resisted the urge to shake her. She was his confident, little sister, who was acting like he would be upset with her—like she’d somehowfailedhim.
“Julia. The locket’s thereto protect you,” he stressed, trying to make her understand. “Of courseyou should use it.I owe your wife a thank you.”
“You’re not angry?” she asked carefully.
“Never,” he assured her. It must have been weighing on her all this time, because she hugged him. When they broke apart, he poked her on the shoulder. “But you’re going to have to tell meeverythinglater.”
She shot him a grin. “You’ll have to wait until we get back from the honeymoon because I’m surprising Chloe with a getaway.”
“Fine.”
Inside the sanctuary, Their Royal Highness Rowen of Peldeep was finishing their welcome speech with a simple, “Anyone intent on murder, do so now or hold your peace untilafterthe ceremony.” A pause. “Excellent.”
Then, the sound of Minstrel Bronwynn’s lyre harp playing the opening notes to Julia’s favorite song signaled it was time, and they walked together through the open doors of the sanctuary. With the sheer number of assassination attempts foiled already, Julian was on high alert. He’d even cast [Guard] on Julia, which would transfer any damage she received onto himself.
His eyes swept over the guests standing for the entry of the bride. He noted with amusement that Gerda stood in a place of honor beside his mother. Howthathad come to pass was a story he was interested in hearing.
They arrived at the front of the hall much too quickly, where he squeezed Julia’s hand once before letting go and taking his place beside his mother, opposite the troll.
Chloe wore a formfitting black dress also bedecked in gemstones, a white fabric belt made out of the same material as Julia’s dress winding around her waist. She reached forward and took Julia’s hands. His sister beamed down at Chloe, only looking away for a moment to pass her bouquet off to Hana.
Their Royal Highness addressed the guests. “You may be seated.”
The wedding party at the front of the hall all placed a hand on their hearts and nodded to the couple before walking to their seats on the outside of the front rows. On Chloe’s side, Rufus and King Keith joined Henrietta, and on Julia’s side, Hana and Wendy sat beside Gerda.
Julia and Chloe would make their vows before the gods on their own. This was a North Sumbrian tradition which ensured anyone who stood before thegods did so of their own free will. Their family and friends could walk with them to the front, but they would stand alone when they offered their oath.
“We welcome all before Light to witness the marriage of these two: Countess Julia von Slyke, Paladin of Light, and Necromancer Chloe Watercress of Nilheim.” Their Royal Highness swept out their arms. “Marriage. That beloved arrangement is why we are here today. To celebrate the love, true love, that brought these two before us.
“Whether Fate tied your souls together or Luck gave you a chance to fall in love, your heart is your own to give. And it is by your own free will that you have come here today. Julia and Chloe, you have decided to embark on this extraordinary adventure together. A journey filled with laughter, love, and a shared dream.
“Marriage is not defeating a boss monster or conquering a dungeon or leveling up. It is the shared experience points you earn along the way, the decisions you make every day, and the battles you fight side by side.
“In your darkest hour. In your greatest triumph. This is the person you have chosen to join your party for life.”
Julia was next to tears as Chloe squeezed her hands in reassurance.
“Chloe,” Their Royal Highness asked, “do you take Julia to be your wife?”
CHAPTER 37
