Page 116 of Simon

“We are bonded, there doesn’t need to be a wedding, Calliope. Do they even do weddings here?”

Calliope’s eyes rolled in the darkness so far back, I swore I saw the whiteness of her eyes. “Your father demanded he wanted to walk his daughter down the aisle. I made it happen.” She stomped her foot on the mattress. “Queen Clara even brought the fabric, and your father number two,” she held up two fingers, “said he was going to be the officiator. So up you get!” She leaned over and put her finger between my nipple and Simon’s mouth,breaking the suction from his lips to detach him from my breast without ripping my nipple off.

At first, I was stunned. It was a much better option than what I was going to have to deal with, by ripping my suctioned tit out of his mouth.

“That’s cute. He’s a teat sucker. I’ll teach you more tricks about that later. Now come on!”

There was no privacy in this place, was there?

She manhandled my boob, and I just let her.

I sighed and gave Simon a pillow. I saturated the pillow with my scent so he wouldn’t move for at least an hour.

Calliope led me outside, which was completely different than how we left it yesterday. It was bright, nearly noon, when I stepped out. My eyes were blinded as I put my arm up to block the light sources. She grabbed my arm to lead me through the clearing that was now set up full of hanging flowers, chairs, tables, and a massive tent.

My father and his mate stood outside the beautifully decorated tent, adorned with vibrant flowers and winding vines. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms, as colorful petals danced in the gentle breeze.

The sound of cheerful laughter and lively music emanated from somewhere to my right. Calliope waved, and I saw several orcs who were banging drums, playing string instruments and slapping each other when one decided not to pay attention.

The atmosphere was festive, a huge difference from what it was just the night before.

The intricate floral arrangements on tables created a sense of a romantic party that was really happening. My heart felt like it was going to explode the closer I came to my father and really took in the sight of him and Rune.

Father looked absolutely giddy, wearing a tan suit, with dark swirls to meet the same aesthetic of his mate. Seeing me, he ran,wrapped his arms around my shoulders, swung me around until my feet left the ground, and then set me firmly down.

“I’ve waited for this day, Lucy.”

I tilted my head and raised my eyebrow. “You sure about that? I thought you wanted me single forever?”

Father slapped my shoulder. “Of course not. Just needed the right man. The goddess chooses right, so now I can rest in peace and do what I have always wanted to do. Walk my daughter down the aisle.” His eyes became misty, and I pulled him in for a hug.

“I didn’t know it meant that much to you.” I rubbed my hand up and down his back affectionately. “I’ve never thought that much about having a wedding.” Mainly because I never thought I’d ever find someone to care about so much.

Father sniffed. “I’ve always dreamed of it. Giving you away is such an honor. I know someone else has claimed you, but I still cherish the opportunity to participate in this tradition.”

Rune stepped closer and handed Father a handkerchief. “I hope you are alright with this, Lucy. If you don’t want a ceremony, we don’t have to do it at all.”

Father nodded. “Of course, of course. We don’t have to do anything. This is your day, or not your day. I should have asked.” Father’s face turned a pretty pink, and Rune bit his lip as he admired his mate.

“But what about you two?” I swung my finger back at the both of them. “You both are mated. Don’t you want a ceremony?”

They both shook their heads. “We want our daughter to have a day,” Rune said as it was his turn for his face to turn red. “I want to be a part of it. It is more human tradition and with you both being human before...”

My lip curled into a smile. While I’ve thought little about having a wedding, it was really sweet, even sweeter that Father wanted one so badly.

Calliope danced on her tiptoes. “Please, please!” she begged. “I wanna have a party. I’ve never seen a wedding!”

Valpar stomped from behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. “I already put up the fucking flowers, and she doesn’t want it anymore?”

I snorted and shook my head. “We are having the wedding.” Not in the least bit worried about Valpar’s outburst. Calliope screamed and jumped up and down like it was her party and quickly pulled me into the tent.

A sudden cramp hit me again as we entered. I found the closest chair, and I sat down, rubbing my stomach. Luckily, it was with a table full of sweets laid before me, so I grabbed the first block of chocolate I saw and stuffed it into my mouth.

That’s the good stuff.

I grabbed another and another, filling myself with sweet chocolate, and another cramp hit. I stopped chewing, groaned, leaned my head back on the decorative chair, and pushed my legs together.

The realization of what was happening hit me. The wedding was going to be a disaster at the end of it.

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