There are so many people! What are they thinking as they look at me? Am I a princess to be proud of or a whore to be mocked? Maybe I don’t want to know. And it doesn’t change the fact that I will be their queen after this.
“It’s too late to elope, isn’t it?” Evelyn whispered.
Leo squeezed her hand. “We could go back to the roof and get married there. Damien can hog-tie the chaplain and haul him up with us.”
The High Chaplain, Henri Caron, stood on the center dais. Unsurprisingly, he seemed much happier than he had the day of King Gerard’s funeral.
“Why is it so quiet in here?” Evelyn asked. “It’s unnerving.”
Leo was confused for a moment until he realized the problem. “Because the music is an illusion. Everyone else is listening to a harp.”
Of course I can’t hear the music at my own wedding.
The chaplain lifted his hands in a welcoming gesture. “King Alexander Ducasse and Princess Evelyn Connolly, join me now so you may be wed before your kingdom.”
Leo smiled down at her. “That’s our cue. Last chance to escape.”
She drank in the blue eyes she loved so much.
I can do this.
Evelyn took the first step forward and they walked slowly up onto the dais. Her heart pounded under the weight of everyone’s stares. She was intimately aware of being surrounded on all sides. Though she couldn’t focus on individual faces, she registered that her father, sister, and Queen Camille sat in the front row.
Where is Damien? He must be here somewhere. Not that I need him, because I’m not running away. I’d just like to see him.
Through the glass wall, the sun shone low on the horizon. Evelyn and Leo clasped their hands together. High ChaplainCaron spoke of love and commitment. Evelyn was only half listening, her attention fixed on Leo’s blissfully happy face.
He loves me. This is what people do when they’re in love. They get married.
“Alexander and Evelyn will now exchange vows to express their commitment to one another.” The chaplain’s voice was slightly louder for that part, like he knew they weren’t following along and needed a warning before it was their turn to talk.
Leo’s eyes glistened. “From the sea to the stars, I take you, Evelyn, as my wife. Until I cannot see the sun or hear the birds, until I cannot smell the flowers or taste the wine, I promise to love you with all my heart.” His voice cracked on the last word.
If he starts crying, I will lose any composure I have left.
“On the brightest day and the darkest night, I take you, Alexander, as my husband. Until the earth crumbles and the water dries, until the wind stops and the fire dies, I promise to love you with all my heart.” A tear streaked down her cheek as Evelyn completed her lines.
“Rings will bind their love as a physical representation of their vows,” Caron said.
Leo pulled a gold wedding band out of his pocket and slipped it on. Evelyn wore the sapphire and diamond ring Leo had given her. They raised their left hands and pressed their palms together. Caron lifted a hand and strands of silver light emerged from his fingertips. The magic flowed into Evelyn’s and Leo’s rings before running up the veins in their left arms. The sensation burned icy cold as it moved but settled warmly in their hearts before disappearing.
Caron bowed to them. “You belong to each other through magic and mind. The Kingdom of Gryon acknowledges your eternal bond as husband and wife.” He quietly left the dais.
Cheers echoed through the chapel when the king kissed his bride just as the sun set.
Everyone moved to the outdoor dining area for dinner. A gigantic slab of white marble had been laid on the field, creating an outdoor ballroom. Round dining tables and chairs filled the space, with guards stationed around the perimeter.
The Ducasses and Connollys were assigned to one table. Queen Camille was teary-eyed, but King Tristan worked hard to make her laugh. Leo poured wine into Evelyn’s glass. He hadn’t stopped grinning since the ceremony. Hannah ate her meal quietly.
We’re all family now.
After dinner, the crowd returned to the glass chapel. Hundreds of white candlesticks floated overhead to illuminate the space.
Once everyone was seated, Camille rose onto the dais. She outstretched a hand toward Evelyn.
Leo urged Evelyn forward. “I won’t be able to call youPrincessafter this.”
She approached Camille, who smiled at her with eyes full of kindness.
