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She? Who could ‘she’ be?
“Alright, but I’ll come after you if you try sneaking a peek!”
The door opens ever so slightly as the surprising sight of Velora slips in through the gap. She holds in her hands the most beautiful dress I have ever seen.
I already see how its deep red would look stunning on my skin. The sleeves are puffy and stop just short of the elbow bend. From here, I spot the tight waistline, meaning I’d be able to show off even if modestly so.
“Hi, there,” beams Velora, placing the dress on the rack. “How are you?”
“Trying to get myself together.” I chuckle.
“I see that. Listen, I saw this dress in my closet yesterday, and you were the first person who sprang to my mind.”
“You came at the perfect time. I was just saying to Icitra here how I don’t like the look of the other one.”
“Yes, I don’t think the colors suit you.”
“That’s what I said! You’ve got a good eye.”
“I know a thing or two about fashion.” Her face drops slightly, and when she brings it back up, she wears a serious expression. “Listen, Althia, I know neither of us can just throw the past behind us and forget about it overnight…”
“I’m slowly but surely learning how to let go of it,” I tell her, laying a reassuring arm on her. “And I’m more than thrilled to have you here with us today. Who else would I have as my bridesmaid?”
Her eyes light up. “Are you for real?”
“Of course I am,” I say confidently.
“I would be honored,” she says, kissing my hand. “I hope this dress makes a good gift for you.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time I wore one of yours. Not long ago, Valkus found an old garment belonging to you that sat well on me.”
“Is that so?” She laughs. “Remind me to take you shopping one day, just us two ladies. I know of all the finest tailors in the city.”
“I could do with some girlfriends. Now give Icitra here a hand in helping me slip into the dress, would you?”
My slim frame allows me to fit perfectly into the dress, and I am flustered by the sight of myself in the mirror.
“By the gods,” remarks Icitra. “You are stunning!”
“I second that statement. Althia, I think this one was made for you, not for me. Believe me, the sight of you is going to remind Valkus just how lucky of a man he is,” says Velora.
As final adjustments are made, Icitra checks the time on her watch. She turns to me, eagerly throwing her hands together. “The time has come!”
Drawing a deep breath, I remind myself of the man I am about to pledge my life to. Feeling invigorated, the three of us leave the dressing room and head for the gardens where the ceremony is to be held.
Velora and Icitra go on ahead, giving me a moment to myself before I make my entrance.
I smile at the memory from a few weeks ago, when I had told Valkus that I wanted to hold the wedding in the gardens, the place I had fallen in love with the moment I saw it.
Like a true gentleman, he gave me his word that everything would be arranged to my liking, and now here I stand, about to step out into the gardens.
“Here we go, Althia. You can do this.”
I push through the doors and come upon a glorious sight. The path ahead has been modified so that it’s a straight path to the fountains.
The gardens jump out with all of their vibrant colors. Even the hedges have been freshly trimmed for the occasion. I’m hit with the scorching heat of the afternoon sun, but having the best kind of weather for a mating ceremony is nothing I’m going to complain about.
The straight path acts as the aisle. Loose petals of flowers line each side. On either side of the aisle are rows of chairs filled with our guests, all of whom beam at me with welcoming, encouraging smiles.
