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I begin my walk, eyes aimed straight ahead at Valkus who stands proudly at the altar. He looks so handsome in his red epaulet, the same shade as mine.
A priest by the name of Rezak stands behind him, donning magnificent robes of gold and white.
They both stand underneath an incredible white archway, from which hangs a beautiful display of flowers picked from the gardens.
Behind the altar is the fountain, and for a moment, all everyone can hear is the sound of flowing water. That is, until a group of chivdouyu musicians start playing a melody as I walk up the aisle.
Valkus’ eyes run me up and down in a seductive manner as I join him at the altar.
“You’re… breathtaking,” he whispers.
The tune comes to a gentle end as we settle into our places. I scan the small gathering of guests, spotting Meriana and Elrend smiling proudly at me from their seats. Velora takes her place as a bridesmaid a few meters behind me as Rezak, the priest, joins us.
“Are you ready to begin?” he asks in a low voice.
I nod. Valkus keeps his eyes locked on me as he answers.
“Indeed I am.”
Gods, I love how he’s undressing me with his eyes.
“Ladies and gentlemen!” booms Rezak with a commanding voice that startles me. “We are gathered here today in the Elenil residence to unite two lovers in an eternal bond. In our presence are close friends and family, here to see your intention of entering marriage.”
Amusingly, Taveth whistles and claps, much to the chagrin of his parents. Velora whacks him on the arm.
“In order to ensure the blessing of The Hunter of The Thirteen Who Sleep, I ask you, Valkus and Althia, if you have both come here today through the liberty of choice?”
“I have,” we say at the same time.
“Are you prepared to follow one another through the path called life and stick together through its countless trials and tribulations?”
“I am.”
“I am.”
“I ask you now to take hold of each other’s hands and declare consent to this union.”
I wink at Valkus first, gesturing for him to begin. He grasps my fingers, gently stroking them as he speaks.
“I promise myself to you, Althia, for all of eternity and everything after that. To you, I will be undoubtedly faithful.”
He returns the wink. “I pledge myself to you for all the days that remain on Protheka, and I’ll follow you to wherever we go next. I promise to remain by your side and your side only, no matter what comes our way.”
“Do you, Valkus, take Althia to be your lifelong mate?”
I shed a tear of joy as he takes me as his. I love the smile on his face when I repeat the vow for all to hear.
“Then by the power granted unto me by The Thirteen Who Sleep, this union has been officiated, and you may now kiss the bride!”
I almost lose my hearing when the crowd explodes into a cheerful roar. The next thing I know, I’m enwrapped in Valkus’ arms, sharing a passionate kiss with him.
It’s a moment I will never forget.
30
VALKUS
I’VE FOUND HER.
