“Oh, you really do!” Daphne added, her eyes wide with admiration. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening!”
Katie embraced them both, feeling a surge of warmth. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you both so much.”
“We wouldn’t have missed this for the world,” Leah said, pulling back to look at Katie with teary eyes. “Are you nervous?”
“A little,” Katie admitted, laughing softly. “But mostly excited. Griselda and her ladies have been so kind and helped me with everything. I don’t know what I would have done without them.”
Leah and Daphne turned to Griselda, their faces full of appreciation.
“Thank you so much for taking care of our Katie,” Leah said sincerely. “It means the world to us.”
Griselda chuckled, waving off their thanks. “’Tis been me pleasure, truly. Katie’s a lovely lass, and I’m glad she has such fine friends as ye two.”
Daphne smiled warmly. “We’re all so happy for Katie. And Aiden, of course. He’s a lucky man.”
Griselda’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Aye, that he is. Now, if ye’ll excuse me, I’ll go downstairs and greet the guests. I’ll check on Aiden as well, make sure he’s nae too jittery afore the ceremony.”
Katie’s heart fluttered at the mention of Aiden. “Thank you again, Griselda. For everything.”
Griselda smiled one last time before she and her ladies left the room, leaving Katie alone with her friends.
As soon as the door closed, Katie let out a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly.
“I’m so nervous,” she admitted, her voice shaking. “But I’m also so excited. I never thought I’d feel this way, but I can’t wait to marry Aiden.”
Leah and Daphne exchanged a knowing look before turning their attention back to Katie.
“It’s natural to be nervous before something as important as this,” Leah said, her tone soothing. “But you’re going to be an amazing wife, Katie. And Aiden is a good man. We can tell how much you care about him.”
“I do,” Katie confessed, her eyes softening as she thought of Aiden. “He’s not at all what I’d expected, but in the best possible way. He’s kind and strong, and he makes me feel loved and safe. I’ve really come to care for him.”
Daphne smiled and reached over to squeeze Katie’s hand. “We’re so happy to hear that, Katie. You deserve to be with someone who makes you feel that way.”
Katie felt a wave of emotion wash over her, and she nodded, grateful for her friends’ support. “I’m lucky to have you both here with me today. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Leah laughed softly, reaching for a nearby bottle of wine and pouring them each a glass. “Let’s toast to your happiness. To love, friendship, and the start of a new chapter in your life.”
They clinked glasses, the sound ringing out softly in the room, and took a sip of the wine. The warmth of the drink spread through Katie’s chest, calming her nerves and filling her with a sense of peace.
“Alright,” Daphne said with a grin, setting her glass down. “It’s time to go downstairs and meet your guests. They’re all waiting to see the beautiful bride.”
Katie took a deep breath, setting her glass aside and smoothing down the front of her dress. “I’m ready,” she said, although her hands still trembled slightly.
Leah and Daphne each took one of her hands in silent support as they guided her toward the door. Together, they made their way through the castle, smiling at the staff and others who paused to admire Katie in her wedding dress. She returned their smiles, feeling a sense of pride and anticipation building within her.
As they descended the grand staircase to the antechamber, Katie’s excitement reached a crescendo. But as they reached the bottom, something in the air shifted. The atmosphere was tense, charged with an energy that made Katie’s heart skip a beat.
Griselda stood at the foot of the stairs, her face shrouded with worry. Beside her stood Oliver and Gregor, their expressions equally grave. They were deep in conversation, their voices low, but it was clear from their tense postures that something was amiss.
Katie’s breath caught in her throat as Griselda’s eyes met hers. For a moment, the older woman’s expression softened with a fleeting warmth and admiration as she took in Katie’s bridal attire, but the disquiet in her eyes remained, and it sent a shiver of unease through Katie.
Griselda began to approach, her gaze never leaving Katie’s, and with each step, Katie’s unease grew.
Something is very wrong here. Something is threatening to eclipse the joy of this special day.
Katie’s mind raced with the possibilities, but she couldn’t bring herself to voice them. All she could do was wait, her breath caught in her throat as Griselda drew closer, bringing with her the weight of whatever news she bore.
The room, previously filled with the airy and excited chatter of guests, friends and the rustle of silk, now seemed to close in on her like a thick blanket. Griselda’s expression, a mix of worry, anger and apprehension, jarred Katie’s nerves.
