Hermione was caught off guard when her wedding day came today, appearing at the speed of lightning and she was unsure of her emotions.
She had the option to honor the wedding contract that had been signed before she existed, and now she was experiencing an uneasy feeling in her stomach as she gazed at herself.
The fact that she was going to marry the man of her dreams should suffice, but she wasn't yet prepared to leave her family.
While she sat facing the large mirror, the maids were wandering behind her and trying their best to make her look gorgeous.
She initially wanted a yellow wedding gown, but her mother rejected her desire for the yellow gown and insisted on getting Hermione a white gown because it symbolized her purity and innocence.
Now, she was dressed in a sparkling white wedding ball gown, which was a breathtaking dress that exuded elegance and charm. It was meticulously designed with intricate details and embellishments that caught the light and created a mesmerizing sparkle. The gown was made from a luxurious fabric, satin, adding to its magnificence.
The sparkling embellishments on the gown were made of crystals that shimmer in the sunlight, creating a magical effect that is sure to captivate everyone's attention.
The ball gown silhouette of the dress
was characterized by a fitted bodice and a voluminous skirt that cascaded down to the floor.
Her attire included gloves, a diamond necklace, and earrings. Additionally, her crown was made of the rarest crystal, which shone in the light as though it was the only thing that mattered.
Her hair was pulled into a lower bun, thin twin braids by the side of her head which were interlaced by pearls, and tendrils were left to fall by the sides of her face. The maids took their time to beautify the princess ahead of this grand ceremony, creating a makeup look unlike any other she had ever worn.
After applying the final coat of red lipstick on her lips, the maids moved away, clearing the view so that she could see herself in the mirror.
Hermione recognized her beauty, but she couldn't have predicted that she could become a goddess. She smiled faintly.
She arose from the seat and took a step.
Everything hurt, it was heavy! She expressed her frustration internally but didn't convey it physically.
As she gazed into the mirror, she contemplated becoming that man's wife today and becoming part of a new family.
Hermione heard Celeste's voice and momentarily looked over her shoulder,
"Are you certain you're making the right decision? I mean, what if he doesn't even remember you?" The worried latter questioned her as she swung the rope of her gown.
She had been shocked when she heard of Hermione's marriage. It had been so soon, that Celeste wasn't even aware that she was of the exact age, ripened for marriage.
She would miss seeing her best friend by her side.
Hermione gazed back at the mirror, "He does remember me" She said, more to herself as her thoughts raced back to the moment they spent on the balcony. She believed he was the one and his words stuck to her like butter on a plate.
Standing up, Celeste made her way towards where Hermione was standing.
She leaned closer to Hermione's perfect structure to hug the latter. "I hope you'll be happy Hermione. If you ever feel that he doesn't treat you right, you should inform us"
Hermione smiled, "I--I will" She responded.
The bride was escorted out of the chamber shortly before the wedding ceremony began. Hermione strolled down the aisle in a calm and collected way, feeling everyone's intense gaze on her. Hermione attempted to relax, as she disliked feeling too anxious.
Taking a look around, she noticed her family by her side, cheering her up and bringing a smile to her lips. While the groom's side was not overcrowded, the few sitting people were elegant and intimidating enough to make her question her ability to mingle with them.
She could try.
Hermione finally arrived at the altar where the groom was standing. She glanced at him quickly and was unable to resist stealing more. Her cheeks were reddened by the sight of him, despite him not paying any attention to her.
His outfit was a dark, expensive suit and pants. His hair was split into two parts; the right side was combed backward and the left side was left hanging over his forehead.
Lloyd's gloved hands were extended to the side when he noticed her presence but did not make an effort to look at her. The trouble in his mind was beyond anything he could be involved in at the moment.
She was hesitant at first, as her gaze lingered on his large palm, but then she softly slipped hers in his and felt a sense of happiness wash over her.
Both individuals faced the priest who would join them in conjugal bliss, and the wedding rites began.
Hermione's stomach felt less tight when she heard his deep voice echo in the hall. He made a promise to love, protect, and make her happy until death separated him from her.
She was able to speak her vows without stuttering until the end thanks to his hand holding her, which made her feel safe. His gentleness was palpable to her, as he didn't grip her hand for a moment, but was holding it like an egg.
Could this be the best decision she had ever made?
Her lashes fluttered, as her gaze darted to the side to peek at him once again.
This time, he pivoted to the side and their eyes met.
Hermione was breathless for a while and would have stumbled to the ground if he hadn't held her in place.
Why was she this clumsy? She demanded as she steadied herself.
She let out a sigh of relief and then gazed at him with gratitude in her eyes.
It was fine, he had just saved her from embarrassing herself on their wedding day.
"Ehem" The priest coughed slightly to alert the woman.
Right! It is time for the ring, that is why he veered around, she told herself.
Hermione gently inserted the ring into his lean finger which was his actual size, phew! She could finally do something right.
She raised her head to look at him and observed that he was gazing at the ring.
'Fuck' His sudden curse rendered her speechless, as he then closed his eyes and twisted his lips.
What happened? She inquired with her eyes and tilted her head but he wasn't even looking.
Did he forget to get her ring? Or did he misplace it? Why was there just a ring?
Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest while she looked at him, what was going on? Why hadn't he inserted the ring yet? Was he questioning his decision to marry her?
Hermione glanced at the audience to witness them waiting in anticipation, and there were a few who began to murmur things that she could hear. Even her wolf, Cherry was restless as they both patiently waited for Lloyd to signify her as his by inserting the ring in her finger.
Just when she concluded that doom was bound to fall on this special day, Hermione caught sight of someone rising from their seat and walked in a confident stride towards the altar.
From the resemblance, she could tell that this person was close to him. However, the person had a mischievous smile on his face as he approached.
It was Damien, Lloyd's brother who had been watching from where he was sitting.
He enjoyed the scenario of watching Lloyd making a fool out of himself by being caught
up with everything that had happened to him, and had forgotten to get the wedding ring.
Damien intended to watch him wallow in embarrassment but on second thought, he decided to be a good brother.
Getting to where Lloyd was, he leaned over to him and whispered, "Don't think of flopping this marriage brother, you know how father is" He then slipped a ring into Lloyd's hands.
He stood straight and a fierce eye glaring contest ensued between the two.
Hermione could hear the mockery in the prince's voice and could see the sly smile on his lips as he turned to flee the altar. She returned her gaze to Lloyd who had already slipped the ring into her finger.
What was that about?
She could question herself no more when she saw Lloyd draw closer to her.
She held her breath and closed her eyes as he placed a kiss on her lips. It was a quick kiss, yet she felt butterflies roaming in her belly.