Today was the day. After everything every trial, every moment of chaos, every stolen kiss in the dead of night, this was it. My wedding day.
I'd stationed at least a hundred soldiers across every conceivable inch of the grounds. It wasn't paranoia. It was strategy.
Well, maybe it was a little paranoia, but after everything we'd been through, could anyone blame me? Aeliana deserved to walk down that aisle without so much as a whisper of danger. If I had to send a battalion to make sure of it, so be it.
Right now, though, I was in my room, tugging on the jacket of my perfectly tailored suit. The fabric was smooth under my fingers, a deep black with subtle silver accents that shimmered when the light hit just right. It felt like me strong, deliberate, and sharp but it also felt like something more.
Today, I wasn't just Ciara. I was Aeliana's partner, her protector, and, in a few hours, her spouse.
"You're staring at yourself in the mirror again," Seraphine's voice broke through my thoughts, a teasing lilt in her tone.
I turned to see my little sister lounging on the chaise, her legs draped over the armrest like she owned the place.
Her red hair was as fiery as her personality, and she was already dressed in her suit, a deep purple that complemented her sharp features.
"I'm not staring," I said, adjusting my collar in the mirror. "I'm... making sure everything is in place."
"Sure, sure," she said, smirking. "You're just nervous because you know Aeliana's going to outshine you. Again."
"Let her," I said, unable to stop the grin that tugged at my lips. "She's supposed to outshine me. It's her day."
"Oh, her day," came another voice, this one higher-pitched and far too enthusiastic. Zaya, the youngest of our siblings, burst into the room, nearly tripping over her dress in her excitement. At nineteen, she was a whirlwind of energy and opinions.
"She's not wrong," Zaya said, plopping onto the bed with the grace of a clumsy puppy. "But you're acting like you've never seen her in a dress before. Haven't you already seen the gown?"
"Yes," I said, turning back to the mirror. "But they made some adjustement."
Seraphine and Zaya exchanged a look, one of those silent sibling conversations that usually ended with someone getting teased mercilessly.
"You're hopeless," Seraphine said, shaking her head.
"Absolutely hopeless," Zaya echoed, kicking her legs against the bed.
"Shouldn't you two be doing something useful?" I asked, trying—and failing—to sound authoritative.
"Like what?" Zaya asked. "You've got a hundred soldiers outside. What's left for us to do?"
"Maybe keep an eye on Aeliana," I muttered, though I knew full well she was already surrounded by guards and likely fussing over the last-minute details with her own family.
"She's fine," Seraphine said, standing and smoothing out her gown. "What you need to worry about is not passing out when she walks down the aisle."
"I'm not going to pass out," I said firmly, though the thought of seeing her in her wedding dress did make my pulse quicken.
Zaya giggled. "Oh, you totally will. I bet you'll cry too."
"Zaya," I warned, though my cheeks were already flushing.
"Just admit it," Seraphine said, grinning. "You're completely smitten."
"I'm marrying her, aren't I?" I shot back, though the edge in my voice was softened by the warmth spreading through my chest.
Zaya clapped her hands together, her excitement bubbling over. "This is so romantic! I can't believe our tough, no-nonsense sister is actually getting married. To a princess, no less!"
"She's not a princess," I corrected automatically, though it was a technicality at best. "And I'm still tough and no-nonsense."
"Sure you are," Seraphine said, her grin widening.
Zaya hopped off the bed and bounced over to me, tugging at my sleeve. "Can we see your vows? Please? I bet they're so sappy!"
"No," I said firmly, pulling my arm away. "You'll hear them when everyone else does."
"Boo," Zaya pouted.
"Leave her alone," Seraphine said, though her smirk suggested she was enjoying this far too much. "She's got enough on her plate without you pestering her."
"Thank you," I said, adjusting the cuffs of my shirt.
"You're welcome," Seraphine said, and then, with a wicked grin, added, "But seriously, don't cry too hard. You don't want to ruin the suit."
I groaned, running a hand through my hair. "Why do I put up with you two?"
"Because you love us," Zaya said, beaming.
"Debatable," I muttered, though I couldn't help but smile.
The truth was, their teasing was exactly what I needed. It grounded me, reminded me that no matter how nerve-wracking today might be, I wasn't alone. I had my family, and soon, I'd officially have Aeliana too.
As the clock ticked closer to the ceremony, the energy in the room shifted. Seraphine and Zaya fell into a surprisingly efficient rhythm, fussing over last-minute details and making sure I was ready. Seraphine adjusted my tie with a precision that belied her teasing nature, while Zaya handed me my ceremonial sword with a flourish that made me laugh despite myself.
"There," Seraphine said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look like a proper bridegroom now."
"Thanks," I said, glancing at myself in the mirror one last time.
The suit fit perfectly, the crisp lines and subtle details exuding an air of confidence I didn't quite feel. But then I thought of Aeliana of her smile, her laugh, the way she looked at me like I was the centre of her world and the nerves melted away.
"Ready?" Seraphine asked, her tone uncharacteristically soft.
I took a deep breath, my hand resting on the hilt of my sword. "Let's go."
The walk to the ceremony felt surreal. Each step carried an odd weight, a mixture of nerves and excitement swirling within me.
Seraphine and Zaya walked on either side, their teasing replaced with a quiet sense of occasion.
As we neared the garden where the ceremony was set, the faint sound of music drifted toward us a soft, melodic tune that seemed to calm my racing heart.
When the garden came into view, I had to stop for a moment, overwhelmed by the sight. It was stunning.
The tall hedges that framed the space were adorned with twinkling lights, casting a soft glow that felt almost magical. Flowers of every colour imaginable lined the path leading to the altar, their fragrance filling the crisp air.
The arch under which Aeliana and I would exchange vows stood proudly at the centre, draped in white and silver fabric with cascading flowers.
The guests were already seated, their conversations hushed in anticipation. Among them, I spotted familiar faces: Leora, regal as ever, standing with her arms crossed but a small, proud smile on her face.
Lydia and Aurelia were seated close to the front, Lydia's elegant composure contrasting with Aurelia's casual lean as she waved at me with a cheeky grin.
Aeliana's parents were near the aisle, their expressions warm and filled with pride. Her mother dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, while her father stood tall, his hand resting gently on Lily's shoulder.
And speaking of Lily—she was practically vibrating with excitement, her small form barely contained in the delicate pink dress she wore. She kept craning her neck, her eyes scanning the area, no doubt looking for Aeliana.
"Breathe, Ciara," Seraphine whispered, giving me a nudge.
I hadn't realised I'd been holding my breath. I exhaled slowly, straightened my jacket, and stepped forward.
As I approached the altar, the guests turned to watch. I could feel their eyes on me, but all I could focus on was the path ahead. My steps felt deliberate, measured, though my heart raced with every passing second.
I reached the altar and turned to face the aisle. Zaya gave me a quick thumbs-up before stepping aside, and Seraphine shot me a reassuring look before joining the rest of the family.
The music shifted then, growing softer, more ethereal. A hush fell over the crowd, and my breath caught in my throat.
Aeliana appeared at the end of the aisle, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop.
She was radiant. Her wedding gown was a masterpiece—delicate white fabric that hugged her form in all the right places, with intricate lace details that shimmered under the soft light.
Her hair was swept up, a few loose curls framing her face, and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of joy and emotion.
And then there was her smile a smile that could light up the darkest of nights, that made my chest tighten and my knees feel weak.
As she started down the aisle, everything else faded away. It was just her. Just Aeliana.
A small tear escaped before I could stop it, trailing down my cheek. I wiped it away quickly, a faint laugh escaping me as I realised I didn't care who saw.
How could I not be overwhelmed? How could I not feel like the luckiest person alive at this moment?
She was walking toward me, and with every step, my heart swelled a little more.
This was it. This was everything.