Enslaved

Epilogue

"Don't worry, Ella, you will make an amazing maid of honour," I said, shaking my head as I made my way out of the bride-to-be's chamber.

"Yeah, and if you want, you can have a drink. It does soothe the nerves." Lilac winked, taking another swing from the champaign.

Ella shook her head with a smile and looked towards me. "I will be fine, don't worry."

"I am not worried about you. I am worried about myself. Today's marriage can't be problematic for anyone other than me." With a dramatic sigh, I left.

Walking through the dark stoned hallways of the royal palace of Dragon Throne, I marvelled at how beautifully they had been decorated.

I can get used to this.

I mused as my feet took me to the spacious courtyard where the marriage ceremony was going to take place. King Terrance stood there waiting for me at the entrance. Offering me his arm, he smiled, his kind eyes twinkling.

"Ready for the big day, my dear?"

Giving out a nervous laugh, I shook my head. "How does one get ready for something like this?"

"Simple. You don't." Grinning at me, he gently tugged me towards the path leading to the entrance. "Go with the flow, child."

We passed under the floral entrance, which took a year to prepare, growing and shaping the vines to perfection. The warm summer breeze, combined with the sweet rosy scent and delicious aroma of the food being prepared for the feast, hit me as we walked down the aisle.

Nervousness had me gripping King's arms tightly; he patted my hand. Sneaking a peep at his reassuring smile, I looked at the front and smiled at a nervous-looking Byron standing on the aisle. His solid and sure aura for once filled with nervousness. Catching my smile, he gave me a small one of his own. King and I stepped on the aisle, standing next to him. Letting go of his hand, I stepped towards Byron, and we embraced each other.

"Nervous?" I whispered, making sure the guests couldn't hear us.

"Uhuh."

Carl, who was one of his best men, chuckled. I pulled back with a grin.

"You should be." I dusted his royal blue jacket, adjusting his lapels and brooches. "There you go," I revised his crown, shining radiantly in the sunlight, "aren't you the most handsome groom ever?" I cooed lovingly.

Running his hands through his golden locks, which now had grown longer than the first time we met, he narrowed his eyes at me.

"I believe I am." He grinned shamelessly. Shaking my head at him, I turned towards the King, who was talking to one of the Council members. He was going to conduct the wedding. Looking back at Byron, I tilted my head and stepped off towards the front row and took my place.

My absence had brought back the uncertainty in his aura. Sensing it, Carl whispered something to Byron, and they both laughed. It's funny how they had gotten so close. Who would have thought Byron would choose Carl as his best man, but no one ever imagined that Byron would get married either.

The band started playing the royal melody that signalled the bride's arrival, and we all turned towards the entrance. A pair of siblings walked, holding each other's hands, dancing and laughing. Their infectiousness had the audience chuckle. The little girl showered petals on the way, and the boy waved at everyone. Their identical teal eyes were sparkling with mischief and life, just like their father. I smiled; Carl had a big fat proud grin looking at his mini versions. Ella held a white bouquet following them, looking as fresh as the spring flowers surrounding the venue. Her smile almost matched Carl's as she looked at her kids carving her path. She and Carl got married a few years back, and later, he changed her into one of us. Now they are a complete happy family.