The day of the wedding came eventually. Even with my sister missing for at least three months now, the preparations continued with her absence kept in secrecy. Only few knew that she ran away, mostly those who were the top heads of our family.
The aisle of the cathedral stretched in elegance before me, the pews decorated with all kinds of silks and fresh flowers. Sitting on them was each and every one of the most important people in the queendom of Carnelia. Heads of prominent households, big-time business owners and merchants, a few of the most renowned Keepers and the top officials of the palace.
And of course, the high-ranking officers of the Order. My gaze landed on Lieutenant Catalina, the Templar who'd climbed the positions the fastest at such a young age. A scar marked her chin down to her throat, stark against her white skin and blonde locks. She looked powerful in her military uniform, standing just a few distances across me. I swallowed, thinking how the other day I was dreaming of being like her or even surpassing her.
But here I was, unable to attend today's practice match because my goddesses-damned sister ran from her own wedding!
The interior of the cathedral was luminescent, an enormous golden chandelier hanging with thousands of jewels floating in the air like colorful raindrops. On the domed ceiling were a dozen frescoes of the three goddesses of Fate, spinning and weaving the strings of mankind, Wielder and Non-wielder alike.
At the end of the aisle, sitting before the altar on four gilded chairs, were the Quartet. They wore the colors that represented their element of affinity. I locked eyes with my mother, resplendent in her elegant crimson gown. Her green eyes were like a forest on fire, warning me to remember what was at stake.
Removing my attention form the Quartet, I instead looked at the throne placed between them. Her Majesty, the Queen of Carnelia was seated on it. It hurt just to stare at her for more than three seconds. She shone brighter, more radiant than the sun itself. She wore a gold outfit that glimmered from the bodice down to her fitted trousers, a cape dangling from her shoulders.
Her gaze found mine. I bowed my head, feeling the intensity of her own. I drifted my attention to the ridiculous white gown I was wearing, the skirt was so bulky I could barely stand from its weight.
I hadn't realized my finger was fidgeting with my hair—my fake hair. Erilyn's hair was long and full of waves and mine was chopped at the shoulders, so they made me wear a wig. My usual hoop earrings were replaced with pearl ones, as well.
When I stood in front of the mirror earlier, I almost didn't recognize myself. I looked too much like Erilyn: soft, graceful, dainty and demure. It wasn't me at all. Well, that was indeed the point. Erilyn Rusells was the girl set to marry August Varemont since ten years ago, back when they were no more than children. It had been both the families' decision.
But it still felt uncomfortable, not wearing my own skin.
I took in a deep breath. This will only be for a while. I would be August's wife for a while, sure. But this will never be permanent. My sister will return soon and I'd make it just in time for the Grand Games. And when I win, I'd be able to secure a spot in the Order as their new Templar. Not even Nikolas and his quick feet would be able to stop me.
"Ready, my dear?"
I lifted my head. I had forgotten for a moment that my father was beside me. I tried to smile, "I have no choice but to say yes."
"Oh, come now," he smiled. "Where's that fiery little thing that burned her mother's favorite sitting room to cinders?"
I snickered. "You want me to blow up this cathedral too, Father? You need only say the words, I'd be happy to."
He grabbed my hand and placed it on his elbow, putting his palm reassuringly upon my knuckles. "There's my girl. And Fates forbid, no we're not blowing up any cathedrals today. Or else your mother will be the one to explode."
He managed to make me laugh and I elbowed him at his side slightly. "I can't believe the day has come for you to walk your daughter down the aisle."
He faked a wince. "It's the wrong daughter, apparently."
I pursed my lips. "We'll find her."
My father smiled softly, "Yes, my Lily, there's no doubt about that." His blue eyes and dark-grey hair the same colors just as I remembered them as a child. It was said that strong Wielders age rather slowly. And my father, having an affinity to water, was said to be one of the best healers of his generation.
I faced front once again. "Why do you still look like you're going to cry at any given minute?"
He sniffed. "Ah well, I certainly didn't expect to wed off my youngest so soon."
"Crybaby," I teased.
His chuckle was drowned out by the playing of instruments and someone's deep voice. "Ladies and gentlemen, we shall now begin the ceremony. By virtue of the Fates and essence of the four elements that hold our great nation aloft, we are here to join two people today as they unite their souls before the three goddesses. Everyone, it is time for the bride's walk, accompanied by her father Duke Callisio of House Russels."
The music blared louder, almost dizzying.
"Here goes nothing," I straightened my shoulders, gripping the bouquet tighter.
"Thank you for doing this for us, Lily," Father said before we take a step forward at last. "And I apologize that you had to be caught up in the mistakes of adults."
Thanks to the veil, I couldn't see much around me. Though I still felt aware of the hundreds of eyes that seemed to pin needles on my flesh.
Closing the altar, I could see the groom's figure waiting. Silver hair—a trait most Ice-Wielders hold—, a muscular figure, broad shoulders… my vision might be intercepted but that's August Varemont all right.
Before letting go of my hand, Father planted a kiss on my forehead, whispering. "Just yell if you need help, hmm?"
I snorted. "I can handle myself, old man."
I ascended the dais, positioning myself next to August. The man whom my sister was supposed to marry.
The High Priestess chanted the ceremonial prayers dedicated to the Fates and more prayers about guidance and the holiness of matrimony and some more that I hardly listened to. My thoughts were swimming and flying back to being a Templar, to the academy and the lectures I was missing out on and Karina and Zarina. To Nikolas, who knew where in this world the goddesses might have placed him.
I couldn't even guess why I was thinking of him.
But amid the chaos of my mind and the noise of my surroundings, something piqued my interest. The groom… seems uneasy somehow. Ever since I arrived, he'd been shifting his weight and popping his wrists.
A nervous tic similar to someone I know…
"You may kiss the bride," the High Priestess proclaimed.
Damn, I was so distracted that I didn't hear what she was spouting about.
I turned to August. Okay, time for the smooching.
He began to lift the veil—hmm? I didn't know August had such slender fingers.
From the last time I'd seen him, he'd gotten quite tall too. Oh, and he's much leaner?
I adjusted my eyes to the light so I could get a proper look at the groom. My goddesses, August's panic is wafting toward me.
I blinked and I could clearly see as August finished pulling back the veil from my face.
I had to knock my head back. Damnit why's he so tall all of a sudden—
Wait a minute…
WHAT.
THE.
FRICK???
The groom's eyes widened, he went stiff everywhere and his face went pale as a ghost. My jaw dropped and not a sound came out no matter how I searched for words. My vocabulary went blank as a desert.
I stammered, chills skittering down my spine as I considered the man I was to marry. "Y-you… you're not—"
He stopped me from talking any further by cupping my face and covering my mouth with his.
"Just play along, Lily." Niko whispered in between kisses. "I beg you."
"You better explain yourself after this, Kore." I groaned and kissed him back.
"Oh sweet Lily, you have some explaining to do as well."