Page 84 of When the Duke Met His Match

The soldiers did as they were told, escorting the shackled rebels out of the ruined ballroom.

“It’s over,” Odette whispered to Theophilus, sweeter than any substance he had ever tasted. Leaning close to his cheek, she pressed a quick kiss against his skin and gave him a tired smile. “We’re safe now.”

Those words echoed within his mind, accompanied by the weightlessness that helped soothe every concern he had been forced to carry since they fled the prison.

They were free at last.

Chapter Forty-Four

ODETTE

The church was exceptionally decorated with bouquets of seasonal flowers tied with gold and silver ribbons. The pews were lined with family and friends, all gathered to watch Odette and Theophilus’ official union. Once Theophilus’ wounds had healed, the pair were quick to plan the small wedding so they could start their new life together as soon as possible.

Odette had never felt more nervous than while she was walking down the aisle with her arm linked around her father’s, who had already done his fair share of weeping out of happiness for his daughter.

“You look wonderful, my dear,” he murmured to her as they walked, sights set on Theophilus at the other end. He placed a gentle hand over the top of her shaking one and smiled. “You have earned this special day, and I know you two will make a respectable couple.”

Odette murmured her thanks with tears in her eyes, unable to look away from the man she managed to find a home in, regardless of where they ended up.

As the organ played and chandeliers of candles burned overhead, she glided down the aisle and was met with warm, ecstatic faces around her.

When she reached the pulpit, her father kissed the back of her hand and passed her on to Theophilus. He grinned down at her with every ounce of love he had to offer, seemingly trying his best to not weep.

The minister began the ceremony, announcing the king’s entrance first. The audience gasped at once, unaware that he had planned to make an appearance. They murmured to themselves with awestruck faces, and everyone bowed their heads with respect as he entered the church.

However, the king was more focused on the couple-to-be as he strode toward them, wearing a pleased smile. He joined the minister’s side and stood with his arms folded in front of himself.

“I am pleased to witness this extraordinary event in which these two courageous individuals will become one,” the king began, addressing the small crowd that seemed at a loss for words. “Before we begin, I would like to honor each of them for their indescribable sacrifice and commitment to the English crown. Without their swift action, I am sure I would not be standing here before you today.”

Their family and friends murmured their acknowledgment as the king gestured to one of the altar boys who stood off to the side. The young man hurried over with a navy-blue velvet case that he presented to the king with a gracious nod.

“Theophilus Clough, a man willing to sacrifice all else for what matters most to him, with a heart full of light and justice to guide him, I remain forever in your debt. I present to you a medal for your heroism and bravery. May you continue with courage and unwavering determination,” the king announced, stepping forward to fasten the glittering medal to Theophilus’ fine attire.

Odette’s heart swelled at the sight, beyond blessed to gaze upon his proud face as he accepted the reward and praise.

“As for you, Odette Toussaint, perhaps the most determined lady England has seen with a fierce loyalty unmatched by any other, even as a prisoner to the crown, you let love guide you toward what was right. If it weren’t for your intelligence and cunning, I would not have the honor of gifting this fine necklace to you, an heirloom treasured by the crown.”

Another velvet case was opened for the king, and he carefully retrieved a necklace studded with precious sapphires and diamonds that gleamed in the light. She looked at it in awe, unable to find the proper words.

She bowed to the king, allowing him to drape the jewelry around her neck for all to see. There was no pushing away her overjoyed smile as she saw just how proud their family and friends were from their places.

With both donning their gifts from the king himself, the couple gazed upon his smiling face and paid their respects with a dip of their heads.

“It is an honor to acknowledge this formidable couple that England will forever hail for their unwavering bravery. I will always remember your acts of service to the crown and treasure this moment until the end of my days.”

As the king concluded his acknowledgment, the small party clapped and cheered for both Odette and Theophilus. Before long, the minister continued the ceremony, and they were pronounced husband and wife, sealed with a kiss for all to bear witness.

The church erupted in a roar of praise and adoration, and Odette’s cheeks ached from smiling so grandly, unsure of a time she had ever been happier.

With wedding bands around their fingers, the two of them walked out of the church as one, forever bound by their vows and promises of loyalty.

Before the king could leave in his ornate carriage, embellished with the finest trimmings and ornaments, he stopped the two of them with a pleased grin.

The two of them bowed. “It was an honor for you to be in attendance, Your Majesty,” Theophilus said with conviction.

“The honor is all mine,” the king returned, hands folded in front of himself with jeweled rings on his fingers. “I would like to thank you once more for saving my life. While I had been determined to see to your arrest, it was a great surprise to find you both at the head of my rescue. As I’ve said before, I am forever indebted to you both. I wish you a blessed union.”

The pair smiled for the king, mutually overwhelmed by the presence of royalty at their wedding. Odette never imagined such a thing would occur in her lifetime.