Page 93 of Crimson Skies

The bouquet matched the gold and silver threads in his wedding attire and the pale, bejeweled, silk kaftan sitting upon his shoulders.

I can’t believe we’re actually doing this.

Two months had passed since the war in San Francisco. That was how long it had taken Atropos, her sisters, and the Dryad royal family to organize the wedding of the century.

Cassius glanced nervously around the hall leading to the throne room of the Dryad palace. It was even more resplendent than usual, the ethereal lights and fragrant blooms filling it making it look straight out of a fairy tale. Even the towering oak doors before them had been decorated with elegant foliage tipped with will-o'-the-wisp luminescence.

Upon hearing of their impending matrimony from Cedric and Leiv, the king and queen of the Dryad kingdom had insisted they perform the ceremony and hold the reception in their palace. It hadn’t taken much to convince Morgan and Cassius. They could hardly think of a more beautiful place to get married. Atropos and her sisters had approved.

Music started playing through the thick wood.

Butterflies swarmed Cassius’s stomach.

“Here we go.” Theo smiled at Cassius. “Are you ready?”

Cassius nodded, speech eluding him.

The doors glided open, exposing an aisle of pale marble strewn with dark and white petals leading all the way to a distant stage where a figure waited with Victor, Loki, Atropos, and King Roald.

Cassius’s breath caught as he met the gaze of the demigod dressed in an ivory shirt and pants under a black, silk kaftan decorated with gold and silver embroidery and glittering gems. Morgan’s eyes sparkled a dazzling turquoise under his crown of oak and black wind. He was holding an identical bouquet in his hands, except his was a dark shade that matched his outfit and crown.

Cassius relaxed, his mouth curving in a brilliant smile, all his fears forgotten. Morgan smiled back, his shoulders similarly loosening.

Theo and Kalliste fell into step beside Cassius as he headed up the aisle between rows packed with the otherworldly and human guests who’d been invited to the wedding, the heavenly tune performed by an orchestra of Dryads, Nymphs, and Naiads, led by Pan and his mystical flute, ringing beautifully in his ears.

The throne room’s decorations complemented the columns of towering oak trees arching toward a magnificent, vaulted ceiling full of stars and galaxies swimming in a magical night sky of Hecate’s creation.

He passed under wooden arches laden with fragrant flowers where butterflies danced. Above them floated crystal chandeliers bearing fat, fragrant candles that bathed the palatial space in a warm glow.

Though Cassius could feel the weight of hundreds of eyes on him, he couldn’t take his own off the man he was about to marry. He had never been so gloriously happy as he was in this wondrous moment.

This was the beginning of his and Morgan’s new future together.

Theo and Kalliste’s eyes glittered as they kissed his cheeks and handed him over to Morgan. They fell back, framing the dais with a grinning Victor and a beaming Loki, who looked ridiculously handsome in his custom-made groomsman outfit.

Atropos’s white and gold dress shone with jewels where she stood before them, her crown of laurel twined with flowers. King Roald was equally magnificent beside her in his official royal attire. The pair of them were presiding over the marriage.

A hush settled over the throne room when the orchestra stopped playing. Atropos smiled at their guests before gazing warmly at Cassius and Morgan.

Morgan’s fingers tightened around Cassius as the Moira began speaking.

“Beloved souls gathered here today, I, Atropos, Goddess of Fate, stand before you all to sanctify this sacred union between Icarus, Heaven’s child sired by Aether and Arielle, and Ivmir, Heaven’s child sired by Nyx and Isdar.”

“And I, Roald Felix Cydonia Esteban, King of the Dryads, stand before thee to consecrate the marriage of Queen Atlanteia’s direct descendant, and the true ruler of Ivory Peaks, to his chosen life partner,” King Roald said solemnly.

Gold shone in Atropos’s eyes as she resumed their officiating speech. “With hearts entwined and spirits aflame, you have chosen this auspicious moment to bind your lives together. In the realms of the celestial, where the fabric of existence is woven with the threads of destiny, your paths have converged. From the depths of infinity, love has called you forth, beckoning you to join as one and embark on a journey of shared dreams and boundless devotion.”

Discreet sniffs and sobs sounded in the audience.

“Today, as you stand before us, let the radiance of your union illuminate this sacred space, casting away all shadows and doubts. May the purity of your intentions and the depth of your commitment to one another be reflected in every word spoken and every vow exchanged.”

Atropos fell silent.

Cassius and Morgan gave their bouquets to their groomsmen and held each other’s hands as they prepared to voice their pledge.

They spoke as one. “In the presence of all here, we promise to honor an unbreakable bond that transcends time and space. Today, we form this sacred union, entwining our essence and declaring our everlasting devotion to one another.”

Cassius’s heart trembled as he gazed into Morgan’s bright eyes and voiced his personal vow. “I promise to cherish and honor you, my beloved, with the depths of my divine heart. Each dawn, I will greet you with a love that surpasses all mortal understanding, and each twilight, I will hold you in the warmth of our eternal embrace. I vow to be your sanctuary in times of turmoil and your steadfast companion, now and always.”

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