Lucien had attempted to apologize for her behavior, but if I was being truthful, Evonna was out of control. All of us were stressed and unhappy. She didn’t need to become the martyr and make life worse for everyone with her lamenting.
When the door had slammed shut behind Evonna, Emma said, “We’re not discussing anything more about Kalina. We don't understand how her powers work, and even if her magic is out of control, we have a duty to protect her. She’s staying here.”
No one else dared to challenge her. Stefan sensed the tension and stepped in to break it. He cleared his throat and said, “Okay, now that’s settled. So who’s ready to help me and my babe get hitched?”
As evening fell,I slipped on my suit jacket and straightened my tie, before I attempted a smile in the mirror.
It fell flat. I wasn’t sure if I could put on a mask today, but I needed to, for my friends. I was still reeling with the events of that morning, and though Emma had only been gone from my side for a short while, it was already driving me mad. The ceremony needed to be done so I could be at her side again.
Alexei poked his head in. “There’s the best man.”
He fastened his cufflinks as he approached me. His mouth titled into a frown as he said, “I can feel your emotions. This is a happy day. Don’t get caught up in what’s coming.”
“We don’t know what Droga’s planning,” I told him. “Emma’s returned, and she’s in more danger than ever.”
“It’s time to put all that aside,” Alexei said, laying a hand on my shoulder. “It’s Stefan’s wedding. We should celebrate the good that’s still left in the world. Come have a drink with us.”
Stefan and Delmare deserved everything today, and had been so helpful when Emma and I had gotten married. It was time to return the favor and make this wedding everything they deserved.
I followed Alexei to Stefan’s bedroom, where he was getting ready. The men of the house were milling around, laughing and trading handshakes. Isaak was playing on the floor, nibbling on a stuffed toy dragon.
Stefan didn’t look nervous at all. There was a bright smile on his face as he fastened on his corsage, a deep red hellebore. His suit, like all of ours, was black with a red tie.
“Don’t you look like a family man,” I teased as I poured out shots of vodka. I placed the decanter on the bar cart as I began handing out glasses.
“You two are next,” Stefan said, pointing at Theo and Alexei. “Me and Ethan already took the plunge.”
“Odette will want all the bells and whistles,” Theo replied. “The war will have to be over by then, as we’ll scarcely have time for anything else.”
Alexei nodded fondly as he said, “Perhaps someday.”
We had a shot of vodka to celebrate, then another one for courage, before Stefan straightened out his jacket and said, “Time to put on the old ball and chain, boys. Let’s rock this out.”
I scoffed. He didn’t have me fooled with the overbearing wife rhetoric. He’d begged for Delmare’s attention relentlessly before they’d gotten together.
We headed to the foyer. Everyone had chipped in with their illusion magic to turn the large room into the interior of a gothic mansion, the room filled with all sorts of lush emerald plants, like it was some sort of greenhouse. The room was darkened, only lit by candles. Everything was swathed in colors of black and red, fabric draping from the ceiling in a refined manner. Vocheck played an organ at the edge of the room, filling the area with an eerie ambience as Faylin used her magic to drop black petals from the air. The petals coated the floor in a luxurious display.
At the head of the room was a circular red backdrop, adorned with fern leaves and dahlias. We boys stood at the head of the room, while Miroslava sat in the front row.
“I’m proud of you, son,” Jonathan said, shaking Stefan’s hand. “You’re a wonderful father, and you’ll make a good husband.”
“Thanks, Dad.” The two men embraced for a moment. Jonathan backed away and wiped at the tears dotting his eyes before he took a seat beside Miroslava and grasped her hand.
Isaak teetered at Stefan’s feet. He didn’t really understand what was going on, but he looked cute in his tiny suit.
Evonna sat behind Miroslava, holding Kazim. Arthur was beside her, bouncing Kalina in his arms. Their postures were tense. Evonna gave a sneering look to Kalina before she turned her gaze away.
There weren’t any guests other than the bridal party and the family. It was a small wedding, but Stefan had insisted that all the people that mattered were here, and that’s what counted.
The song changed as the ceremony began. The girls began to walk in, dressed in wine-colored satin gowns. Odette bounced as she came up the aisle, followed by Kiara, whose steps were a little slower. Nothing could get them down today.
Emma looked breathtaking, as always. They’d conjured a dress for her to wear last minute. I never understood how she could look so flawless every time I gazed at her. Her red curls hung around her face, falling out of her casual updo. She gave me a warm smile, and I was lovingly reminded of our own wedding day, and how happy we’d been. She was truly the love of my life, and even as we grew old, I’d always be waiting for her.
Everyone stood as a romantic tune drifted from the organ. The doors to the foyer opened again, and I heard Stefan take in a sharp breath beside me.
I knew exactly how he was feeling. The emotions that swelled over you as your bride was walking down the aisle were too complex and monumental for a mere mortal shifter to describe.
Delmare’s wedding dress was completely black. It had small straps that held the dress up over her shoulders, and a plunging neckline that ended at her waist. The dress had a ballgown skirt that pooled in cascading ruffles on the floor. She wore bright red lipstick, and a short black veil that was decorated with the phases of the changing moon. She carried a cascading bouquet of hellebore and ivy leaves. She’d never looked more like herself.
