We danced and ate, had people toasting us most of the night, congratulating us on our marriage. Before the end of the night though, Bav made the announcement for the reason why our marriage was happening now instead of later. He told as much of the truth as possible, that the Queen called him back due to a civil war breaking out and that she needed him back there to command her forces. That I would be staying due to the fact I could become deathly ill if I went, due to my body not having any type of immunity against the illnesses there.
There were a few shocked faces in the crowd from those who didn't already know this. Derek Chambers, Leo Maltine, and Mr. Thorn all had scowls on their faces, while a few others were merely shocked.
He made sure to clarify his reasoning though to everyone present. "I can see some of you are shocked at this bit of information, but I wanted to make sure my Kara was provided for until my return. Even though she did well on her own before me, I could not consider myself a gentleman if I did not ensure her life to be better while she waits for my return." He looked at me adoringly, holding my hand the whole time.
"I would like to finish up this announcement by saying, Thank you. We are happy to share this day with all of you and I hope you enjoy it!" He raised his glass in the air and then we all had a drink as the music started up again.
"Shall we dance again darling wife?" Bav holds his hand out to me and I take with a blushing nod.
He leads me to the dance area and twirls me before bringing me closer.
"You look stunning tonight, my dear." He croons into my ear as we dance.
I lean back to view him with a blush on my cheeks, "Thank you, I didn't know if my heart was even beating when you turned to take my hand earlier."
"You too, huh?" His grin lights up his face, making me weak in the knees, but his firm hold on me keeps me steady. "I must admit, I'm surprised I remembered to breathe when I heard Iris start to chant. I knew you were coming towards me and it took all my strength not to turn around and watch you walk towards me."
Tears welled in my eyes as my heart ached full of joy, dancing with my love. "I love you, Bav." I can hardly get the words out around my smile.
"I know, Rakara, I love you too." He pulls me closer and kisses my forehead in front of everyone watching, making me avoid their gazes in embarrassment.
Bav let's out a chuckle, "It's our wedding day dear, I'm allowed to give you some form of public display of affection." He teases me with his next words, whispering them for only me to hear. "Imagine if they knew what I was going to be doing to you later..."
His devilish grin makes my core tighten and toes curl in anticipation. "I look forward to finding out what exactly that will be." I murmur, glancing into his eyes before looking away as my face heats up.
Bav just gives me a breathy chuckle in response as we dance until the end of the song.
"May I have this dance?" Leo Maltine bows to Bav who hands me off with a nod of my head.
As we begin to dance, Leo whispers, "This means no more tungsten doesn't it?"
A little annoyed, I retort, "Yes, it does. IS that your only concern when my husband is going to be going to war soon?" I use all my strength to keep a smile on my face as I whispered angrily at him.
Leo looks at me, a questioning brow raised, "No, but I need to inform someone about it so he's not expecting anything."
I give Leo a nod, "Very well then."
Leo shuffles us around the dance floor, as others begin to join more regularly. As we spin we bump into Iris and Mr. Thorn.
"Excuse us, May we switch partners for a moment?" Mr Thorn asks.
Without even looking at me, Leo hands me off and takes Iris hands, "OF course! Everyone should have a dance with the bride." Before spinning out with Iris who laughs and goes with the flow.
Keeping my smile up, I go to take my hand from Mr. Thorns but he grips it tightly.
"One dance, so I can talk about your gift." He places his other hand on my shoulder and begins to move slowly with me.
It's hard to keep my smile up, but I force through my clenched teeth, "What about it?"
He sighs as we dance, "It was your mothers." He says softly. "I know you already knew that. However, I'm not the one who sold it. Your mother did to buy you that stuffed animal and pay for our rent and food that month."
Liar. I can not mask my glare that I give him, "Momma saved up for my teddy."
He shakes his head, "No, she didn't. That's why I was so angry about it. Because she sold it for the right reasons but I wanted the money for the wrong ones."
"Well, I can not believe you."I retort putting my smile back on quickly.
He whispers, "Why not?"
I want to stomp on his foot while I hiss back, "You've never given me any thing to believe in the first place. I hate you."
He stops and drops my hands, with a stoic face and bows. "Thank you for the dance. Mrs. Fairchild." Before turning and walking away. I avoid the questioning glances, immediately I begin to fan myself as I head to our table and take a drink. Hopefully, no one asks a question about that.
I watch as Derek and Etty dance in circles, laughing and smiling with one another. Mr and Mrs Stargo spin by me, along with many others as I hunt for Bav.
My eyes stop and my grin turns huge when I see Evangeline and Ivan dancing, then Elaine and Roland dance right by them. I laugh behind my hand thinking about how last night Evangeline had written something on a card... She must have invited him as her plus one. Shaking my head, I look for Bav again, walking around the edge of the dance area scanning for him everywhere.
Mr. Nortle see's me and approaches me quickly. "Mrs. Fairchild, may I have a dance?"
"Of course Mr. Nortle. By chance, have you seen my husband recently?" I inquire as we begin to sway and spin around.
"A few minutes ago, I saw him go inside the house." He says dancing gracefully like we were air moving around the dance floor.
"Oh alright, thank you, I was wondering where he ran off to."
Mr. Nortle flicked his eyebrows, "Well, I doubt you were starting to worry."
I grin, catching on to a joke that he's forming. "Oh? Why is that, Mr. Nortle?"
Without hardly a pause for breath he chortles, "If he was attempting to run off on you, I'd say the poor souls too late. He should have done it before the ceremony took place."
I grin at him. "Mr. Nortle..." I start as he cuts me off.
"Please, Mrs. Fairchild, I jest truly. I know he thinks the world of you."
Laughing I agree, "Yes I know, Mr. Nortle. I was going to say that, I believe someone would like a dance with you." I nod to a woman who is standing eyeing Mr. Nortle.
He chuckles, "Well I can't let a lady down now can I. Thank Mrs. Fairchild."
I curtsy as he leaves and I head inside the house.
"Bav?" I call out searching for him, passing by the kitchen where the cooks are busy making more treats and pour wine and champagne. I make my way farther in and hear someone talking in the music room.
I stop by the door and listen to the hushed conversation.
I don't recognize the voice at first as it loudly whispers, "I needed to tell her about the bracelet. There's something she should know."
"...I would appreciate it if you did not upset my wife on her wedding day." That was Bav, but who was he talking to?
Iris suddenly appeared and I quickly put a finger to my mouth for her to remain quiet as she approached.
"Apologies, I don't know what to tell you, Mr. Fairchild. I was just trying to tell her about the gift my wife picked out."
It was Mr. Thorn.
"I in no way was trying to make her upset. If anything she has made it perfectly clear how much she despises me. I've told her already I am not the same man she remembers and I can't take what I did back. I have to live with it everyday. I just want you to know, that, I will always be there for her if she'll give me the chance."
I look up at Iris's face who's features pinch in confusion as she tries to process what she just heard.
"Mr. Thorn, I highly doubt that she will ever welcome you with open arms after what you did to her mother." Bav informs him. "So what did she say to have you walk off in such a manner? Were you trying to cause a source of gossip for others?"
"It was not my intention to do so. How else could I react at that moment? She told me she hates me." Mr. Thorn sniffles and clear of the throat can be heard as he takes some deep breaths. "I suppose I deserve nothing less, but I am her father, whether she hates me or not."
Iris's mouth drops, and she quickly covers it. "He's your...?" She backs up from me wide eyed and tears forming quickly. I go to grab her arm and she yanks herself back. "Don't!" She yells, before taking off running down the hall.
I'm left there debating whether to chase her or not when the door swings open. Bav and Mr. Thorn are standing there and the look on my face must have told Bav, something happened.
"Rakara what just happened? Who just yelled?"
Mr. Thorn cuts in, looking panicked. "It sounded like Iris."
I take a shaky breath, "Because it was. I was looking for Bav and we just overheard the tail end of your conversation. She knows who you are to me." I say bluntly.
His eyes widen in horror before he takes off down the hall. "Iris?!"
"Come on dear, let's find her before a scene can be made." Bav takes my hand and snaps us farther down the hall but out of sight of Mr. Thorn. We immediately take off, Bav following me as I saw which way she went and lead the way.