Page 113 of The Artist
Mason’s Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat and when he took my hands, I felt them shaking.
“You look like a real princess,” he whispered with a gorgeous smile that eased my nerves.
The guests were all part of the large Aurelius family, except Christina and Boulder, who were there with Jones and Samara. I knew Mason wanted Indiana’s family to be here to see that his sacrifice mattered.
The ceremony was held in the grand room, which had such beautiful old-world elegance with the wooden floorboards, the stucco, and the rich colors on the walls.
Khan stood with his back to the large doors leading out to the balcony. As if the winter sun wanted to see what we were up to, rays of light bounced off the floors.
“Stand closer,” Khan instructed and gestured for the guests to form a half circle around Mason and me.
I smiled at Freya and Dina standing in front of Thor and Magni, who towered over them with their height.
“I’ve been the ruler of the Northlands for thirty-two years. These past three decades have brought unprecedented peace and prosperity for our country. Of course, Pearl would say that it’s no coincidence that the peace coincides with the number of women increasing by more than ten thousand percent from one hundred women to well over a million. There was a time when weddings were so rare that I performed every ceremony in person. Those days are long over now. There are too many and for that we’re all grateful.
“Still, it’s a special treat to join together my nephew and his sweet bride Belle. It’s been far too long since there has been a wedding in our family. But let’s hope today’s ceremony is the first in a series of happy days for all our children to come.”
Khan’s gaze went to Thor and Freya before he continued, “Despite being an old man with much experience at performing weddings, I’m still humbled that those of us here get to witness something this historic. As far as we know, Belle is the first woman from Europe to be married since the Toxic War four hundred years ago.”
I looked up into Mason’s clear blue eyes and melted from the warm smile on his face. As Khan continued talking, I stood mesmerized by the beautiful man in front of me. His hair and outfit made Mason look regal, like something out of a movie.
“I do.” Mason’s words made me blink my eyes and listen to Khan’s words again.
“And do you, Belle Dupont, take Mason Aurelius to be your wedded husband?”
“Oui. I do.”
Dina brought forward a pillow with rings. Holding my hand up, Mason slid a beautiful modern-looking wedding band on my finger. I did the same to him and everyone cheered around us.
“You may kiss your bri…” Khan laughed, as he never got to finish his sentence before I was dangling over the floor in Mason’s arms kissing my new husband.
After the ceremony, everyone mingled and cheered for our happiness.
Jones kept his distance and I felt a pinch of guilt, knowing that it had to be difficult for him to see me marry Mason after rejecting Jones’ proposal.
“We should go talk to Jones,” I told Mason.
He hesitated for a second, but then he led the way with my hand in his.
“Hey, Jones. Thank you for coming.”
Jones looked so much like Indiana, except he had stubble where Indiana had a full beard. His smile was a bit forced but he was gracious enough to dip his head to Mason. “Congratulations. You’re a lucky man.”
“I know.” Mason patted Jones’ shoulder. “You’ll find your match too. Don’t worry.”
Jones’ gaze flashed to me and I could almost read his mind saying,Belle is my match.
I wrapped my arm around Mason’s and leaned against him. “Have you heard more from Indiana?”
Jones shook his head. “Not since that first status report. My parents worry, but I don’t.”
“You don’t?” I raised my brow in surprise.
Jones smirked. “It’s my brother we’re talking about. Whatever the French can throw at him will be child’s play for Indiana. He has trained with Magni, Solo, and Mason since he was a child. No one in the world is as tough as we Nmen.”
Mason gave a sound of agreement. “I don’t worry about Indiana either. My sister is a different story.”
“Yeah, Aubri can be reckless. She’ll drive him crazy.” Jones frowned. “Especially if she starts flirting with any of the other men.”
