Page 91 of The Prince and His Stolen Groom
Frederick pinched the bridge of his nose. “Mattias, it’s wonderful to see you again, even with the … circumstances, and I appreciate your non-traditional approach. However, Brendon and I have already worked things out to everyone’s benefit.” He gestured to his groom, standing at the altar, arms crossed as he glowered at the other man. “So, if you don’t mind, we would both really appreciate it if you let us continue the wedding.”
Mattias looked between them uncertainly. “You’re sure?”
“We are,” the grooms said in unison.
Mattias fidgeted, then nodded. He looked back toward the door, at all the people he would have to pass to reach it. The poor boy was so lost and alone, his very first evil scheme thwarted by true love.
Lucinda took pity on the boy and gestured for him to join them. The guest previously sitting in the chair next to her had vacated, freeing up a space for him.
“Aunty Lucy?” he asked, honey-colored eyes widening as he looked between Lucinda and Cyril. “What are you doing here?”
“We’re honored guests,” she replied proudly. People milled about the room, trying to set it to rights so they could re-start the wedding. A few of the guests eyed Mattias suspiciously, but no one approached. Since everyone was occupied for the next few minutes, Lucinda took the opportunity to chat and catch up with Mattias. “So, your first big scheme,” she said, beaming with pride.
He slumped in the chair. “Which failed miserably.”
She patted his shoulder and assured him, “Oh, don’t get too down about it, sweet pea. Honeybun failed quite a few schemes during his apprenticeship as well.”
Next to her, her sweetheart said through clenched teeth, “Dearheart, that isn’t the kind of thing one shares with rivals.”
“Oh hush,” Lucinda scolded. “You aren’t rivals right now. You are both guests, and you can act as friends.” Turning back to Mattias, she demanded, “How do you know Prince Frederick?”
A pink blush touched the boy’s cheeks, and he shifted nervously in his seat. “We were close, once. Before I left the Desolated Lands. He’s the reason I left, actually.”
Lucinda narrowed her eyes and asked, “He didn’t treat you poorly, did he?” She eyed the prince, whose groom was helping him straighten his tie.
“No! No, nothing like that. He gave me the courage to make my own decisions.”
“How romantic,” she murmured. Then her brow furrowed. If that was romantic, should she let the wedding continue? But her sweetums had gone through so much trouble to ensure it would be successful. Still, she lowered her voice and asked, “Should we try to stop it?” She finished the question by nodding meaningfully to the altar.
“No,” Mattias replied, squeezing Lucinda’s hand in appreciation. “No, he looks happy, and that’s all I want for him.”
Lucinda looked back up to the altar and had to admit that both grooms did glow with the light of new love. They would have a bright future.
The Good Wizard began his speech again and no one interrupted him.
Chapter Thirty-Four
“We gather here today to celebrate the joining of Prince Frederick Chandler Marshall William Woeful, the second, of the Kingdom of Woe to Prince Brendon Banes of the Kingdom of Bane. This marriage represents a union not only between these two kingdoms, but for all people of the Desolated Lands.”
The Good Wizard continued his speech, explaining the history of our countries, the purpose of the spell, and the strength of the people. I wondered how our evil guests felt, listening to all of it. I peeked over to where Cyril and Lucinda sat, Mattias next to them. A slightly ominous aura separated them from the other guests. Despite their evil schemes and showmanship, I was glad to have them here. Mattias seemed to be thriving in his new role—maybe someday I’d find out how he ended up the apprentice to someone named the Soul Stealer.
Lucinda clutched Cyril’s hand and leaned over to whisper to him, her smile brighter than the sun. They were probably the happiest—and sappiest—couple I’d ever met. If Brendon and I could have a tenth of their joy, our marriage would be successful.
I turned my focus back on the ceremony and found Brendon watching me, his brow slightly furrowed. I smiled, trying to assure him that my wandering thoughts were because I didn’t care for long-winded speeches, not because I didn’t care for him.
The wizard finished his speech and now it was our time to follow his lead.
I took a deep breath and said, “I, Frederick Chandler Marshall William Woeful, the second, take you, Brendon Banes, as my lawfully wedded husband.”
Brendon grinned and repeated, “I, Brendon Banes, take you, Frederick Chandler Marshall William Woeful, the second, as my lawfully wedded husband.”
The Good Wizard presented us with a full rainbow of colored cords. He picked them up one by one, explaining the colors and their meanings and the vows they represented. Deep blue, for patience and devotion. Green, for prosperity and health. Yellow, for joy and balance. Orange, for kindness and encouragement. Red, for passion and strength.
As the wizard held up the red one, I grinned at Brendon. We wouldn’t have any problems upholding that vow.
Hands bound tightly together, the wizard finished his recitation with, “You may now seal this spell with a kiss.”
Our lips touched, chaste and swift. The spell twined around us, binding us more securely than the colored cords.We’re in this together until the end. The thought somewhat terrified me, weighing me down with expectation and worry for the future. Then Brendon smiled at me, and the fear melted away, replaced with excitement for our new life together.
