Zeriah took a deep breath. Her hands were shaking and she was afraid that sweat covered her palms. She wiped them nervously on her white lace bodice, wishing they weren't so clammy. A hand clamped down on her shoulder.
"Knock it off, Shorty. It's almost time." Fergus hissed into her ear. She glared at him and he tugged on one of her black ringlets.
"Facing the Archdemon was less frightening than this." She muttered anxiously. Fergus guffawed and she elbowed him in the side.
"You'll be fine." He assured her. She glanced up at him with tears in her eyes.
"I wish...I wish Mama and Papa could be here." She whispered. Fergus squeezed her against his chest.
"I know. I do too. But Zeri? They're watching over us. I know that. I know that they are so proud of you for everything that you have done, and I know that they would love Alistair. I am glad to call him 'brother'. He is perfect for you, Zeriah. I thank the Maker that the two of you found one another. I know that he is the reason you are still standing, and for that I owe him everything." He murmured. She pulled away and wiped the tears from her eyes.
"Thank you, Fergus. I am glad to have your blessing." She replied. He smiled at her as horns sounded on the other side of the doors.
"It's about that time." He said wryly. She nodded, determined. The doors flew open, and as soon as she laid eyes on Alistair it was as though they were the only two in the room. She did not notice the hundreds of nobles in the chamber. She did not notice her friends. She barely even noticed that Fergus was guiding her down the aisle. Her march was agonizingly slow, but she felt lighter and freer than she ever had as she glided toward her love. The smile on his face was exquisite, and it filled her with warmth. She felt her own smile spread across her face as her nervousness melted away. She had never been more sure of her place in the world than when she reached Alistair's side.
"Be seated." the Revered Mother said calmly. Zeriah heard the shuffling of feet and the sound of hundreds of people finding their seats. Everything after that was a blur. All she could see were Alistair's warm, brown eyes. She felt herself repeating the words that the Revered Mother gave her and she heard Alistair echoing them as well. She felt Alistair pull her into his arms, and as their lips met she knew, without a doubt, that she would stay with him forever. He pulled away and she realized that everyone was cheering.
"I love you." he murmured. She grinned at him.
"And I love you. Forever." she replied. He nodded, the smile on his face more beautiful than anything she had ever seen.
"Forever." he agreed.