Page 1105 of One More Kiss

Chapter19

Rowsof the king’s guards lined the entrance to the main ballroom, wearing their dress blue uniforms with the royal insignia, each holding a sword. I was in complete awe.

Renora nudged me. “Pick your mouth up off the floor, dear. It is not fitting for the bride-to-be to have her jaw unhinged. You may catch flies.”

Farina giggled beside me before she remembered herself and apologized. I’d have to work on that. I wanted her to be herself around me, but I supposed in front of the kingdom, it was best she “act” her part. What did I know? However, I felt she was more of a friend than anything.

I stopped as each guard lifted their sword, and just as the double doors were opened, the sound of a harp playing a concerto mixed with the fragrance of grapes wafted around me. I felt my breathing hitch. I moved forward through the doors, to then stand still. The sweetly grape-scented, lavender, and blue wisteria tresses gently enveloped me in their embrace. They swayed, draping the room in fairy perfection.

It appeared as though the whole of Wisteria and Fairy were here to witness my and Edan’s union. I wasn’t certain if that were a good or bad thing, based on what had happened earlier in the day.

I didn’t have time to ponder on that. Farina broke off to take her seat, and then Renora stepped ahead of me as the Matron of Honor and walked down the long red carpet to the flower-covered archway. I faced forward, smiled, and then I saw him. My forever.

The smile that graced his handsome face was unlike any I’d seen before. It was one of true happiness and the purity of love. And it was directed toward me. My heart soared, and I hoped I was smiling back. I believed I was, but it was quite possible I had a goofy expression on my face as usual.

Edan was dressed in a sharp royal-blue jacket with golden epaulets and white trousers, a gold stripe down each leg, and a long gold sash with a matching belt. His royal regalia was on full display as the Prince of Wisteria, including his golden, jewel-encrusted crown sitting atop his head. I couldn’t stop staring.

I noticed the king out of the corner of my eye, standing in front. He was to proceed over the ceremony, but I was focused on my one true love.

“My Lady, they’re waiting for you,” Helga whispered in my ear. “You were supposed to walk down the aisle two minutes ago.” Her voice was filled with mirth.

Oops. And, that’s when I noticed all of the guests staring at me. Oh, well.

I smiled broadly and slowly marched down the aisle toward my forever. Edan watched my every move with a smoldering look on his face, and my mind immediately traveled back to our intimate moment together. Heat filled my cheeks, and suddenly, that damn dress was far too hot. He was doing that on purpose. Sneaky… I would pay him back for that later.

How damn long was this makeshift aisle? It seemed as though I’d been walking forever. I hurried my steps, and I didn’t care who laughed. I’d waited long enough for my prince.

King Fredrick chuckled as I finally stood before Edan and handed my fresh-cut peonies to Renora. Well, she laughed, too.

Weddings should be filled with gaiety, right?

Edan took my hands in his, stared into my eyes, and whispered, “You look stunning my soon-to-be wife. More beautiful than any princess or queen I’ve ever set my eyes upon.”

I smiled and glanced at our clasped hands. He was making me blush, and I didn’t want my face to redden even more. When the king coughed into his handkerchief to get our attention, I jerked my head up, but a bit too fast. I almost bumped into Edan.

Oh. My. Goddess…

I was such a klutz. The guests broke out into laughter, easing any building tension in the room. Finally, I could relax. I only continued to grin in return. Embarrassing myself was nothing new.

“Thank you all for joining us tonight to witness the union of His Royal Highness, Prince Edan Gryphon III and Tatiana of the Fairy Godmother Guild. It is with great pleasure that I, King Fredrick Gryphon of Wisteria—”

“I object.” Princess Hadley arrived in the room wearing a wedding gown of her own. She glided down the aisle, holding a gaudy bouquet and somehow had evengotten butterflies to agree to her charade. They fluttered around her. In all goodness, she might have been lovely were it not for the horrible scowl on her bitter face.

Whew!I visibly sighed. At least it wasn’t—

Before that thought could form, the hair on the back of my neck stood at attention, andthe tension once gone, exploded all around me.

“I knew you would do this.” My mother’s voice boomed throughout the ballroom, and every head turned her way as she marched down the aisle with a black cloud of smoke trailing behind her.

Gasps rent the room, eyes wide, and then silence.

I ignored the petulant princess and turned my attention to the one I had to get through to. “Mother. What are you—”

“Do not speak, Tatiana. You were given a choice, and you chose wrong.” Beatrice lifted her hands, purple and black tendrils of magic coiling around her palms and heading for the arched ceiling.

“You tell her.” Princess Hadley wagged her finger at Beatrice. “She cannot have what is mine. I’ve set my sights on him.” She then pointed at Edan and even tried for a charming and wanton smile.

Hadley was embarrassing herself beyond measure. I was almost embarrassed for her. Almost.

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