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The doors opened: revealing Skye. The skylights combined with the mirrors that hung on the off-white walls had made the banquet hall incredibly bright. It forced Skye to close her eyes a moment to adjust. When she opened them again, the sight before her brought a genuine smile to her face.

The aisle had an off-white runner with tiny, dark purple and blue flowers. The chairs that’d been lined up in rows had large ribbons with bows affixed to them. They were the same off-white color as the aisle runner.

Clusters of bell heathers in every shade of purple and blue were pinned to the center of each bow. They matched Skye’s bouquet perfectly except for two small bunched sprigs of white heather and myrtle in the center for good luck; as was tradition.

To the side of Tidas was Ralph, in the Best Man position. Peggy stood where the Maid of Honor was. Skye’s parents were in seats behind the officiant, on a raised stage. An empty chair sat next to them with a painting of King Magnus in it; in representation of him.

Everyone stood with the cue of the music, turning to stare at the bride. Most hadn’t seen Skye’s hair yet. Just heard about it from other guests and servants. Most smiled and admired her. A few found themselves turning and glaring at the groom for claiming such a beautiful bride. Not that he cared about them anyway; Tidas couldn’t take his eyes off of Skye.

.....

As she stepped forward with her right foot across the threshold, the sunlight enveloped the bride. It made her look as though she’d descended from heaven. The guests awed at her perfect curls that were the color of finely made gold. Her cheeks had a slight flush to them from her brisk walk, and her lips looked pinker than normal from her constant biting throughout the day.

Skye’s dress had a slight shimmer to it, complimenting the scene further. Her choker necklace paired with the off-shoulder design of her dress had made a beautiful combination. It exposed her defined collarbone, and complimented her elegant neck. The neckline gave a modest view of her cleavage, and her waistline exposed her alluring curves.

Tidas couldn’t believe how beautiful Skye looked. Of course she had always been beautiful to him, but in that moment, he’d been awestruck by her. His mouth nearly gaped as she slowly moved down the aisle towards him. The prince’s heart beat faster and harder with every step she took, expressing his overwhelming joy with a grin.

As Skye came to the middle of the aisle, all she could see was Tidas. His hair was slicked back, and he’d shaved the stubble he’d gained. His dark, navy-colored vest and pants fit him perfectly. It was made in the fashion commonly seen at the king’s court: tight in the vest with slightly loose shoulders and sleeves on the undershirt. The shirt was close to Skye’s dress’ color, and his boutonniere matched his bride’s bouquet. His black loafers had been shined as well.

The bride sauntered down the aisle to a welcoming hand. Tidas grinned broadly at his almost-wife as he waited for her to take it. Skye smiled in return, then removed one of her hands from her bouquet. That was when Tidas noticed the luckenbooth hanging from the front. He’d given her the brooch when he’d proposed to Skye himself at age thirteen. Instead of a ring, he’d given her the sliver brooch with their initials carved into the linked hearts on it. For it was Skye’s family’s tradition.

Tidas traced the edge of the engraved hearts with his right thumb, then slid it over Skye’s initials. He gazed at her with a loving smile before leaning in, and kissing her forehead; whispering ‘thank you’ as he did so.

Skye blushed prettily before the officiant cleared his throat, bringing the couple back to reality. He grinned jovially at the couple that obviously loved each other, then began the ceremony.

Lucas Moonstone was happy Skye wasn’t paying him any attention. Tears streamed down his cheeks at the sight of his sweet daughter. Aside from her hair, she looked exactly like Sorcha. Her smile, her kindness, her temper; everything good about Skye came from his late wife.

‘Sorcha, me love.... Do ye see our wee lass? Isn’t she a spittin’ image of ye?! Ha! Thank the gods for Tidas..I-I don’t know what to do, me love. I cannot protect our bairn now. Not now that she has magic...

‘Ima so, so sorry me love.. I failed you.. I failed our daughter.. Ima lost cause... But I feel hope for our bairn when I look at them together. Their love will be their shield, and their incentive, I think..’

‘That is the ONE thing our lassie got from me: her ambition. She’ll get stronger than anyone or anything, now. No matter what anyone says or does to her. Once that lass fixates on a goal; there’s no stopping her. That’s our girl... You’d.. Be so...’

The tears trickled down Lucas’ face, unnoticed by all except Lidia. She knew seeing Skye in Sorcha’s dress would be painful, but she also knew Lucas needed it. He needed to see that their daughter was a woman now. And with the reveal of her magic, everything was in the hands of the fates now.. All they could do was support her.

They’d done their best to protect her, and Skye had done a surprisingly good job at it herself. The fact that she’d had her powers for about seven years had blown Lidia’s mind. Skye’d shown incredible control with Jacob earlier, and Lidia knew that it took a lot of practice to be that good.

Not from personal experience, but through her books and other mages she’d met throughout her life. Their daughter grew into an intelligent, determined young woman, and Lucas would only hurt himself more by not acknowledging it. With their worst fears realized, all they could do was be there for her, and continue to do their best to keep her safe.

The officiant concluded his speech and held up the twine to bind their hands together. As Skye wove one end around their joined hands, she said:

“Now ye be, forevermore,

Part of me, body and soul.

Blood of my blood, bone of my bone.

Through pure devotion, may love be shown.

Bound by love, through any sorrows,

From this day on, through all tomorrows.”

Tidas did the same as Skye, repeating the words as well. The officiant held up their bound hands and made another short speech. Once finished, he asked if anyone objected. When no one spoke, they were pronounced husband and wife.

The officiant leaned in with a cheeky grin and said; “Now, ye kiss the lass... And on the lips, lad! It won’t count on the forehead, haha!”

Skye giggled as Tidas laughed out loud with those who were close enough to hear the officiant’s joke. The prince looked at his love who was blushing, knowing what came next. Tidas gently cupped her cheek with his right hand. He leaned in slowly, smiling as he did so. Skye’d put her left hand at his waist as her prince leaned in.. Sealing their vows with a heartfelt kiss.

The guests erupted with cheers and clapping. Even Skye’s parents were on their feet, clapping in between wiping tears from their eyes. The music had been slowly building; timed almost perfectly with the ceremony. At the moment of their kiss, the violinists hit their crescendo.

With the events of the past few days, and Maevis peeking in through the skylights above.. Skye couldn’t believe how wonderful her life was turning out to be. She was out of Jacob’s reach now, and thanked the gods in her heart for her turn of luck in life.

With the ceremony over, the servants had begun to convert the banquet room back into it’s namesake. Other servants and guards began to bring out the large, heavy oak tables while the guests all chatted and ate hors d’oeuvres in the waiting room. Skye and Tidas unbound their hands, then tied the twine around Skye’s bouquet. The bridal party then headed for Lucas’ parlor until the presentation of the married couple.

Upon entering, Lucas went straight for his globe. He grabbed out the four cups that were in with the decanter. He also had Peggy grab him two of the four extra cups he kept on a shelf by the door. He began pouring everyone a dram, including Ralph and Peggy. They both declined at first, but the looks given by the young couple made them break down quickly.

Right as Lucas was on the last two, Maevis popped her head in through the window. She gave a cheeky grin before fluttering in with her nose in the air. Still smiling, Maevis said; “I smell some good brew, young man.”

Lucas almost doubled over with the fairy’s words. He laughed so hard his face turned red and he almost spilled the decanter. Wiping a tear from the corner of his eye, he replied; “Ima flattered, me dear Maevis.. But young, Ima not.”

“Oh sweetie! I’m much, much older than any human... You be a wee babe to me; comparably speaking,” Maevis shrugged as she handed Skye’s father the thimble Peggy had given her earlier.

Lucas filled Maevis’ makeshift cup, passed around the rest of the glasses, grabbed his own, and raised it up for a toast. Skye was leaning against Tidas, softly smiling as she talked with Peggy. Lucas looked at his daughter, then to Lidia. She gave him a sympathetic look, having an idea about what he was going to say.

Lord Moonstone clinked his glass with a pen from his desk, gaining the attention of all gathered before saying: ” I just wanted to congratulate me daughter and her new husband properly before the sea of well-wishers swallows ye two whole-ack!”

Lucas had paused for a moment when Lidia playfully smacked him: “Geez woman! Anyways... Skye: yer a wonderful daughter. Yer smart, strong, kind, and ye know how to read a situation.. Ye know when it’s best to listen and learn. Use that to yer advantage in the capital. I don’t want ye goin’, but there’s nothing I can do or say to convince ye to stay away..

“Just always remember that ye have a home here: Always. No matter how old ye are, or how many bairns ye have in tow; there will always be a place with us.”

Skye was in tears again. She couldn’t hold them back once she saw her father’s eyes dampen as well. She released her hold on her husband to walk straight into her father’s arms. She sniffled; trying not to make her father’s dark brown overcoat messy. The only words she could say were, “I love ye, Da..”

As the seven talked and toasted to the couple’s health, Ralph presented Tidas with his gift. It was customary for the Best Man to give some type of clock, so he presented his prince with a custom-made pocket watch. He explained that, not only had his personal guards chipped in for it, but Vice Commander Shasta and General Zas had as well.

This perked up Skye’s attention. She’d only heard the names spoken by her father and his business associates. Now that Skye thought about it: she really didn’t know much about Tidas’ day to day life. She didn’t have time to ask about any of it, however. One of Lidia’s servants had come to retrieve the bridal party.