Page 49 of Desecrated Reign

I spend the next two hours trying on every style dress there is, from ball gown to figure hugging. Poor Sammy’s Sad Sausage has been up more than a flaccid penis has a right to be.

Finally, right as I am on the verge of giving up, the sales assistant comes back with two identical dresses in different shades. “Either of these would look stunning on you,” Mary, the sales assistant, assures me as she unzips the see-through bags they’re stored in. “The first one is classic white, while the second has a soft-lilac underskirt, adding a subtle pop of colour.”

My gaze roams over both, and I instantly fall in love with the floral-inspired lace. “I do love the lilac on this one but I think I want to stick with the traditional white.” My fingers trail across the layers of misty tulle, glitter mesh, and organza that add texture and dimension to the A-line silhouette.

“Are you sure?” my mam asks from behind me. “That purple hue is very you.”

She’s right, it is. But this wedding is about more than me. It’s about becoming a queen and giving the Ryan name its rightful place on the throne. Don’t get me wrong, both dresses are equally stunning, but I really believe traditional white is the way to go. “Yes, I am sure.”

The sales-lady leads me back into the dressing room and helps me step into the dress before buttoning it up. One glimpse in the mirror, and I know it’s perfect. The beaded spaghetti straps balance the sweetheart neckline of the semi-sheer bodice that zips up underneath fabric-covered buttons. And the bold lace cascades down the entire length of the soft skirt, evening out my curvy frame. It’s beautiful, and I feel beautiful in it.

“Are you ready to show the ladies?” Mary’s gaze finds mine in the reflection of the mirror.

I give her a little nod, and she leads me back out onto the main floor and helps me step up onto the circular podium.

The family seating area fills with gasps, followed by paddle after paddle rising.

Beibhinn is the first to break the silence. “Would you look at that, it’s a standing erection all round.”

31

SAOIRSE

I finish strapping my Glock—the one Rohan gifted me a few weeks back—onto my garter and drop the tulle skirt of my dress to the floor. Then, running my clammy palms over the lace bodice, I brush out the creases. All morning I’ve been battling with how this day will go, and honestly I’m struggling with the bittersweet symphony of emotions.

As discussed, Lorcan fed Gabriel the information about our wedding, and I have been on tenterhooks about it ever since. On one hand, I hate that today could be tainted by Gabriel’s appearance, but on the other, I hope we can finally put an end to it once and for all.

Thankfully, Lorcan led Gabriel—and a few of the untrustworthy syndicate members—to believe the ceremony wasn’t happening until tonight at Kill Castle, so all of the people here at Ryan Manor are people we trust implicitly.

Both my mam and dad agreed when Rohan and I requested to have an intimate service beforehand, in case things go sideways later. And although we’ve only invited a select few, to be on the safe side, Lorcan has stationed men all over the Ryan property, so we can be ready if there are any surprises along the way. My dad is determined to make my wedding day as special as he can, given the circumstances. Sure, this isn’t how I imagined my wedding day would go, but the man I am marrying… There are no words to describe how I feel about Rohan King. He is everything I never knew I needed.

I spent all of last night trying to write my vows, but no matter what I wrote, nothing seemed fitting. Our story is not some boy meets girl and they live happily ever after. It’s a story about love, loss, and healing. And as silly as it sounds, it’s also about loyalty, strength, and respect—just like the syndicate motto, we’ve built our foundation on those core values. Today, I get to marry a part of my soul, and I won’t let thoughts of Gabriel and what could possibly happen later ruin that. He’s already stolen enough from me.

With a deep breath, I turn and face the mirror, checking myself over one more time. The girl staring back at me looks flawless, thanks to the help from Mam, Fiadh, and Beibhinn. My hair is pulled up into a high bun while two strands fall loosely, framing my face. Thankfully, Beibhinn kept my foundation natural, and instead she focused on making my almond eyes pop with a smoky eyeshadow and a sharp wing.

Behind me, my bedroom door creaks open, and in the mirror, I watch as Lorcan eases himself through the small crack, careful not to allow anyone to see me before I’m ready. Capturing his gaze in the reflection, I shoot him a soft smile. He walks towards me with purpose, hands buried in his suit pants. “My God, Saoirse.”

I spin on my heel, twisting around to face him. Then, holding my hands out wide, I give him a quick twirl. “What do you think, do I scrub up well?”

“You look absolutely radiant. You’re gonna knock that boy dead.”

Closing the distance between us, he pulls out a small jewellery box from his left pocket. “I wanted to give you this. Maybe you’d like to wear them as your ‘something old.’”

He passes me the box, and I tease the lid open with shaky hands. Inside are the most exquisite pair of diamond-and-pearl drop-earrings. “They were your grandmother’s. I don’t know whether you know this, but you’re named after her… and the late Saoirse Reilly was a force to be reckoned with.” His soft chuckle holds a nostalgic, almost sad undertone.

“They’re gorgeous.”

“Aye. They were her favourite. She’d be glad to know you finally got them.” My brow furrows, not understanding his words, but thankfully he continues. “You never met her, but she knew everything ’bout yea. Hated that she couldn’t be a part of my wain’s life. I made her a promise that one day she’d get to hug her only granddaughter, but unfortunately, it was a promise I couldn’t keep. When she was dying, she made me promise again that I wouldn’t miss the day you got married. That was the day she gave me those.” He points to the earrings. “I can still hear her say ‘It is not those who can inflict the most but those who can endure the most who will conquer. Now, wee boy, you make sure our wee queen gets these.’” Emotion whirls in the depths of his eyes, and he swipes his nose with the back of his palm, brushing it aside. “Thankfully, I was able to keep that promise.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Dad.”

“Me too, doll.” Clearing his throat, he offers to help me put the earrings on. Once he’s done, he steps back, dragging his proud gaze over me once more. “I’m gonna go check on things downstairs, give you a few minutes. I’ll be right back to bring you to your new husband.” He steps back, and a smile tugs on his lips. “Unless you wanna run… if so, I can get the car ready.”

A laugh bubbles past my lips. “You think Rohan wouldn’t chase after me?”

“Oh, I know he would. And that’s the only reason I’m allowing him to marry my daughter.” He pulls me into his chest, engulfing me in a hug. “In case you didn’t know… I love you, doll.” He backs away, stepping out of the room and letting me tend to the emotions clogged in the base of my throat.

A few minutes pass by before there is a light tap on the door. “Saoirse, it’s Aodhán, can I come in?”

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