ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʀᴏᴘʜᴇᴄʏ || ᴋʟᴀᴜꜱ ᴍɪᴋᴇᴀʟꜱᴏɴ

Invisible string

"I've never seen you like this, Izzy. You've been calm through every fitting, every guest list, every flower arrangement and now, of all times, you're falling apart?" Rebekah teased with a small smile

"I am not falling apart." Isabelle protested softly

"You are." Rebekah teased, tugging lightly at a strand of hair. "Your hands are trembling."

"A bride is allowed to be nervous." Isabelle exhaled sharply. "It's not nerves... not exactly. It feels like my heart is beating too fast and too slow at once. What if I... What if I fall? What if I cannot speak my vows clearly? Everyone will be watching."

"You worry about tripping? That is what has you pale?" Rebekah laughed lightly

"Easy for you to say." Isabelle muttered, shooting her a glare. "You are not the one marrying today."

"Isabelle, breathe. You've never been one to fear an audience. I watched you grow into the most composed young woman I know. This is no different." Her mother stepped forward then, smoothing her daughter's hair gently behind her ear

"It feels different." Isabelle whispered. Her gaze fell to her hands, twisting the edge of her sleeve. "It feels... heavy."

"Nik will catch you if you fall:" Rebekah caught her eye in the mirror with a small smile

At the sound of his name, Isabelle's lips curved faintly. "I do not know what he must be feeling right now."

"My brother? Likely pacing holes into the floor." Rebekah smirked knowingly

"Then perhaps you are well matched." Astrid chuckled under her breath. "You look beautiful."

"She does. Almost too beautiful. I'm afraid Nik will faint before you make it to him." Rebekah stepped back to admire their work

"Do not say that." Isabelle said quickly. "I cannot have him fainting. It would be far too scandalous."

"You will walk down that aisle with your head high and you will speak your vows. Because you know, in your heart, that you are where you are meant to be." Astrid bent and kissed her daughter's cheek

"I do know."

"Then come, sister-to-be. Let us show the village how radiant a bride you are." Rebekah squeezed her shoulder

Isabelle drew a deep breath and stood up as she let them guide her toward the door. Her steps were still shaky but her pulse was steadier now

♠️♠️♠️

Isabelle stood at the door, her grip on her mother's arm tightened enough to leave marks. Her golden gown, embroidered with maroon accents as it shimmered under the torchlight. She wore the guise of a composed bride and she head held high

"Breathe, Izzy." Astrid whispered softly

"I'm trying." Isabelle admitted taking a deep breath, she was flushed

"You look... like a Goddess." She adjusted the edge of her daughter's veil, though her own hands were shaking

"I feel like a lamb being led to the slaughter." Isabelle managed a weak smile

"A beautiful lamb." Astrid smiled in attempt to lighten up the mood. "Niklaus will cherish you... and love you, alright? He will treat you well."

Erik appeared and she turned and gave him a small smile. She exhaled slowly, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as she gathered herself. He waited for the nod, the signal to move

"You look beautiful." He told her sincerely and she smiled walking towards him

"Thank you." She hooked her arm around his before taking a deep breath with closed eyes.