Page 127 of Once Upon a Crown
His free hand trailed under the skirts of my dress, brushing against my calf. “All the things I have in mind.”
* * *
I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.
“I don’t know if I can do this, Anesta.”
She tied a ribbon into my hair, and I met her eyes in the mirror.
“You’ll be fine, I promise.” She looked back to the task at hand, and I wished I could share her calmness. “You’ve fought kings of enemy kingdoms, dealt with magical gemstones and enchanted forests. I know you can do this.”
“I’m not supposed to be this nervous. Why am I freaking out like this?”
Anesta stood back to admire her handiwork.
“It is perfectly normal for any bride to be nervous on her wedding day.”
“Are you sure?”
I took in my reflection. My wedding gown consisted of white and gold material and a long skirt that trailed on the ground behind me. Anesta had used ribbons to tie the top of my hair away from my face and completed the look with a pair of delicate golden earrings. I’d never felt so beautiful in my entire life.
“I am completely sure. You are the most wonderful-looking bride I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to see the look on Cai’s face when he sees you for the first time.”
Cai, who would be waiting for me at the end of the aisle. I was incredibly nervous and excited at the same time.
“This is all thanks to you,” I replied, gesturing to my attire. “I never could have done any of this without you.”
“Are you kidding?” Anesta chuckled. “I don’t think anyone had more fun helping to plan the wedding than I did.” That was true. When I told Anesta that I needed her help with all the preparations, she practically jumped out of her skin with excitement. She’d spent hours on end making all the arrangements for flowers and food and music. She found the seamstress who made my dress and took care of all the invitations. I couldn’t have been more grateful to her.
“Okay,” Anesta said, clasping her hands together. “Are you ready?”
I took another steadying breath. “Yes, I think so.”
I’d never seen Anesta smile so wide. “Wonderful. Come on, let’s get you to the ceremony.”
Despite it being a royal wedding, Cai and I had decided to keep the entire affair as intimate and personal as possible. The ceremony would take place in the gardens and the reception in the great hall.
Anesta handed me a bouquet of flowers, and I followed her down the stairs towards the entrance to the garden.
Lance waited for me by the doors. He looked impeccably dressed, with his hair combed back. A smile crossed his face as I came into view.
“Never thought this day would finally come,” he said, holding out his arm.
“For a while there, me neither,” I responded, taking his arm. Musicians started to play as Anesta walked out in front of us, also with a bouquet of flowers.
“Thanks for walking me down the aisle.”
Lance looked down at me and smiled again. “Anytime.”
Spring was in full bloom and the gardens looked like a painting full of colour. There were beautiful decorations everywhere. Grand arrangements of flowers were placed on top of pillars to section off the area where the ceremony would take place. White ribbons had been tied to the backs of all the chairs while the ground was scattered with rose petals. At the end of the aisle was an arch also covered in different flowers from the garden. All the guests stood as we stopped at the entrance to the aisle.
But there, at the end, was Cai, and he was waiting for me, and in that moment, I felt more happiness than I’d ever thought possible.
Lance and I walked to the music until we reached Cai, and Alastor, who would be officiating.
Cai took my hand and gave it a squeeze, giving me all the comfort and reassurance I needed. Looking at him, I’d never felt more sure of anything in my entire life.
* * *
