Plus, the press had clearly eaten that up. The cameras had been going a mile a minute when Ava had put that tiara on the little girl’s head. My grandfather was going to be pleased at all the positive reception.
“They really love us, don’t they?” Ava asked quietly as the Elves continued to scream, cheer, and cry at our appearance.
“Yeah, they do,” I said. “This is a special day for them as well.”
Ava’s voice dropped as she added, “I just hope I can be the princess they deserve.”
“You are, and you will be.” I squeezed her hand for reassurance. No matter what we would face in our upcoming rule, she’d always be the perfect royal. I was the one who needed to measure up.
The parade must’ve lasted for at least an hour. It seemed that we’d covered every street in the city. I didn’t think there was a single resident who hadn’t witnessed us pass by. We were covered in flower petals, and the music was still going on.
Fireworks exploded in the sky as we returned inside the palace gates, and the city continued to be vibrant and loud. My grandfather said that today had been declared a city-wide holiday. The Elves would be partying throughout the night until dawn to celebrate the wedding, all across Ilamanthe.
The carriage stopped in front of the palace doors, where Eddie was already waiting for us. “Your highnesses,” he said with a bow. “The Grand March will begin as soon as you are ready. I have the princesses’ chair here.”
I scooped Ava into my arms, then helped her down from the carriage and into her bridal chair. She was very particular about the way her dress hung, and Eddie was more than happy to get on his hands and knees to straighten it out. Oberi changed into a husky and followed behind us.
Eddie led us inside and down several hallways. We stopped beside a closed doorway, though I could hear chatter coming from the other side. “Wait here. I will let them know you’ve arrived, and you will be announced before you come in.”
Eddie walked off, leaving us alone. It occurred to me this might be the last time Ava and I would get a spare moment to ourselves during the reception.
“I got you something, pidge,” I said as I reached into my suit jacket.
“A present? Charlie, you didn’t have to do that!” Ava’s voice raised a few pitches.
“I didn’thaveto, but Iwantedto.” I pulled out a small velvet box and opened it. Inside sat a pure gold necklace in the shape of tiny handcuffs.
Ava drew a sharp breath. “Oh, Charlie! I love it!”
I don’t think those are going to fit her, Oberi cracked.
“Shut up,” Ava playfully jabbed back. “I want to wear it!”
I took the necklace out of the box. “I wanted to get you something that would always remind you of our wedding day. I wasn’t sure if handcuffs were fitting, but they felt right forus. I couldn’t get the gold right with my illusion magic, so I had the royal jeweler custom make it.”
Ava took off the necklace she was wearing and gave it to Oberi to keep safe. I secured the clasp of the handcuff necklace around her neck.
“It’s perfect. I’m never taking it off!” Ava raved. She wrapped her arms around my middle. “Thank you, Charlie.”
“You’re welcome, pidge.” Now she would always know she was mine. I never wanted anything else.
Eddie’s footsteps approached. “Your highnesses, it is time.”
Double doors opened in front of us, and trumpets blared. Eddie cried, “Presenting His Royal Highness Prince Charles Majestica, Grand Duke of Ilamanthe, and his bride, Her Royal Highness Princess Ava-Marie Wahkin, Grand Duchess of Ilamanthe.”
We entered an expansive room with a tall ceiling and polished floors. Our guests applauded, and chairs squeaked as people stood to give us a standing ovation.
The ballroom is gorgeous!Ava gushed telepathically.All the doors are trimmed in silver, and a glittering chandelier is hanging above us burning black candles. Diamond streamers are hanging from the ceiling. The lights are dimmed to give a dark ambience. Our guests are seated at tables around the perimeter of the room, and a string quartet is set up in thecorner. The curtains and tablecloths are in black, and there are massive bouquets of pink flowers for the centerpieces. A multi-tiered wedding cake in black with pink roses is in the corner. It’s a perfect wedding for a pair of villains.
Ava didn’t have to describe the room to me for me to know how wonderful it was. I couldfeelthe joy in the air as our guests welcomed us with a booming fanfare. It was hard to believe they were here forus, celebrating our union. The first time we got married back at the Institute, our union was treated as a nuisance. Here, our love was celebrated. I couldn’t imagine a better way to show Ava just how much I loved her than to declare it in front of all our family and friends— hell, our entire nation.
We were guided to the front of the room, where our wedding party was already seated at a head table. We passed by a table where our parents sat, and my father stood to shake my hand.
“Congratulations to you both,” Cameron said. “I’m very happy for you.”
He was being really nice, and I didn’t know how to respond to that. It was easier when we were yelling at each other.
“Thanks,” I told him. I didn’t know what else to say.
