Page 132 of Tragic Empire
Before I know it, it’s ceremony time. Despite the gorgeous and expansive setting that the ruins garden at Empire provides, Jade and Dmitri decided to keep their traditional wedding party small. The front row on either side of the aisle are filled with their families, but they each only have one person standing in front of the crowd with them.
And incredibly, I’m one of the two.
Soft music floating around the mossy green setting cues the beginning of the proceedings. I hold my breath as I take my place, standing out of view at the end of the trail. Dmitri is already standing at the altar in his tuxedo, an arch of greenery framing him from above.
Ivan goes first, walking down the white rose petal aisle while holding Cesar. The squirmy one-year-old baby flaunts his little ring bearer box like it’s the most amazing treasure, waving at the audience. There are a few chuckles, but mostly a collection of feminine coos.
With Isobella tucked against my hip, I walk slowly, helping her toss tiny handfuls of flower petals to the ground. When she tries to stuff some in her mouth, I catch her hand just in time. Ivan hands Cesar off to Apollo, and I pass Isobella to Matteo’s waiting arms before taking my place.
Tears prick in my eyes as the music shifts and a flurry of white fabric catches my attention. Jade ended up falling in love with a pure white, silk ball gown with a corset back. It fits her incredibly well, and she looks absolutely gorgeous with her long brown curls styled to perfection.
Arm and arm with a tuxedo clad Dante, she walks down the path, emotion welling up in her eyes. From the corner of my eye, I see Dmitri’s fist clench, like he’s fighting off the urge to get choked up.
I see the love between them clear as day as Dad gives Jade’s hand to her husband, sharing a thoughtful look with the man. They may have been technically married for over a year now, but Dante will always treat Jade like his little girl. He missed out on too much to not be overprotective where she’s concerned.
The ceremony goes off without a hitch, and the reception is now in full swing. It’s time for the thing I’ve been anticipating the most. My maid of honor speech. Public speaking isn’t my favorite thing, but Jade asked, and I could hardly deny her on her big day.
“Hello, everyone. If we haven’t been introduced, I’m Ana Moretti—our lovely bride’s sister,” I start, holding the microphone tightly so that it doesn’t slip from my clammy hands.
Cassio catches my attention in the crowd at our table and offers an encouraging smile.
“When I first met Jade, I told her I didn’t want to be friends.” A confused murmur breaks out and I huff good-naturedly. “Yeah, I know. Something you’ll learn about me, I’m a tad wary and untrusting of new people. I’m sure plenty of you can relate.”
A good number of guests chuckle and I breathe a little easier.
“I couldn’t open myself up to a friendship with someone new at Empire, telling her that true bonds were forged in the real world, where actions could have consequences. But after we left the island, and only a few days into getting to know Jade Moretti, I knew no consequences would be necessary.”
I watch as Jade clutches her heart, listening with undivided attention.
“Jade ended up being one of the most beautiful, selfless, kind-hearted, and loving people I have the pleasure of knowing.”
Keep it together, Ana. Don’t get emotional.
“I never wanted a sibling growing up,” I admit. “I enjoyed being spoiled, and existing in my own little world. But being Jade’s friend, and now her family, I can’t imagine living any other way.”
“I love you!” Jade calls out.
The Morettis surrounding her laugh, and so do I.
“I love you too,” I reply, straightening my shoulders before continuing with my planned speech. “Speaking of love… I have to say that I couldn’t be happier with Jade’s choice in husband.”
Dmitri pats my friend’s hand as she grabs it, like she can’t wait to hear what I have to say about the man she loves so deeply.
“I knew that I liked Dmitri for Jade as soon as I saw her smile at him, but I knew that Dmitri was a truly good man when I first saw him with his children. Cesar and Isobella are a testament to the undeniable love shared by these two incredible people.
“My brother Killian once told me that a good man has happy children—that a good man’s family fuels him. A good man does everything in his power to provide, protect, and preserve the lives of the people he cares for. I can say without question that Dmitri Morozov is a good man, and I couldn’t have asked for a better match for my best friend.”
A round of clapping allows me to pause, checking my index card. I memorized my lines already, of course, but it’s a comfort to hold a reminder when doing something so important.
“After marrying Cassio, I knew things with Jade could change,” I carry on lightly. “We weren’t going to be just friends who texted every day and visited when they could anymore. We were going to be sisters.”
I catch Cassio smiling, and breathe easier.
“And since I’d never had a sister before, I wanted to make sure that our new relationship remained as true as our friendship. So, in true neurotic fashion, I made a list of things we have in common. I needed to assure myself that there would always be things for us to bond over, even if we were apart. And if you all don’t mind, I’d like to read you some of what I came up with?—”
There’s a loud cheer, most of which can be traced to the Moretti siblings.
I chuckle, feeling nervous but happy to share. “Well, if you insist…”
