Secrets

30. A Deadly Combination...

Valkyrie swayed from side to side with her head resting on Skulduggery's shoulder. All around them, people danced and sang. By now, Saracen and Dexter were drunk, and were chatting up some of the young girls who were catering. It was funny to watch them, and Valkyrie smiled to herself. Alice was being kept away from most of the alcohol, although Valkyrie had seen Tanith sneak her a few sips here and there.

Valkyrie caught sight of her parents dancing with each other, and she smiled again. Tonight was so much fun. She was awoken from her thoughts when Skulduggery spoke.

"We're doing speeches soon."

Valkyrie sighed, and looked up at him.
"Are you going to wing it? Or have you got something planned Detective Pleasant?" She grinned.

"Secret," he grinned back.

She blinked, stomach lurching. "Speaking of secrets... Where are you taking me for our honeymoon?"

Skulduggery smiled. "You'll soon find out."

Valkyrie scowled.
"You know I don't like surprises."

"You'll like this one."

Valkyrie couldn't help it, she had to smile. A grin spread across her face.

"You know," Skulduggery said. "There's over seven billion smiles in this world, and yours is my favourite."

She felt his hands on her waist and she pressed her lips to his.

***

Soon, it was time for the speeches. Valkyrie was glad that neither of her parents had gotten drunk, that would've been a disaster. The people she was not letting speak under any circumstances, were Saracen and Dexter.

They passed Tanith and Ghastly on the way to sit down and Valkyrie broke away from Skulduggery. She took Ghastly to the side.

"Hey," she whispered, while Tanith and Skulduggery looked confused. "I need to ask you a massive favour."

"Anything Val."

"Okay, I want you to keep Saracen and Dexter from making speeches. Can you do that?"

Ghastly smiled. "Sure. Although, that won't be very hard."

Valkyrie frowned.
"Why?"

"They're snogging each other under the tree behind us."

Valkyrie's jaw dropped and it took all her control not to turn around.

"Wow, okay um... When they're done, um... If they come over here can you just maybe hold them back?"

"It's no problem Valkyrie. And Skulduggery's waiting for you."

"Thanks Ghastly," she said, and jogged back to Skulduggery, who took her hand and they walked to the chairs together.

"What was that about?" Skulduggery asked. Valkyrie grinned.

"Just asking Ghastly to make sure Saracen and Dexter don't make speeches. They're too preoccupied anyway."

Skulduggery nodded.
"I could see that."

Valkyrie laughed, and they sat down in the front. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, and she snuggled closer to Skulduggery. The first person to get up was Desmond.

"Ladies and gentlemen, as father of the bride, it's my privilege to make the first speech, and I'd like to start by saying what a pleasure it is to welcome you all to Valkyrie and Skulduggery's wedding reception.
Please make sure you have your glasses charged in anticipation for a toast or two...
I would like to welcome all the relatives and friends of both families, and to thank you all for coming, especially those of you who have travelled great distances to be here today, of which I believe there are quite a few. It's really great to see you all!
To those absentees who couldn't make it here today, we send our commiserations, along with our regards, and we acknowledge all those who contributed time and effort working behind the scenes to make this day possible!
I'm going to leave it up to Skulduggery and Valkyrie to personally show their appreciation toward you by naming and shaming you all in their upcoming speeches."