Elaborations-2
"What do you think of the fairies' offer to hold the wedding here?" The two lovers reclined against a large oak, engulfed in the everlasting warmth of Mount Ziriat's vast gardens, surrounded by wildflowers. Addie's head rested on Rhys' chest as she spoke; she could easily feel the heat of his sorcerer's flame through his clothes. His arm wrapped around her in an affectionate embrace.
At length, he responded, "It is a rather generous proposal." Although they would never voice it, both knew their only chance at marriage would be to accept the fairies' offer. Despite the amiable relationship humans and sorcerers shared, a union between the two would not easily be accepted, especially when royalty was involved. A fairy blessing was their best shot to keep the marriage from being contested.
"And convenient; we wouldn't have to waste the countless months it would take for the event planners to arrange the affair." Addie giggled; the resident event coordinators tended to take their time organizing large and elaborate parties.
"I do like the idea of a small, intimate gathering," Rhys agreed, more enamored with the idea with each thought.
"We'll accept then," Addie lifted her face to meet his eyes, "This time tomorrow, we will be man and wife." Her face glowed with happiness as she spoke, her eyes danced with joy.
"Man and wife," Rhys repeated. He leaned forward, cupping her jaw in the process, "I like the sound of it." He met her lips in a searing kiss, enjoying their new found freedom to express themselves in such a manner. If a wedding was to be planned during the next few hours, he was going to take advantage of these last few moments alone. After all, knowing Meryl, they would not be alone again until well after they were wed.
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As expected, preparations took up the majority of that evening. Thankfully, all arrangements were decided upon without much incident. The Great Hall would hold the ceremony while the gardens would house the reception. No formal meal would be served. Rather, a variety of appetizers would be available — Addie's idea. She did not want Rhys to feel obligated to eat if his stomach wasn't so inclined; he still had not reached full health and she did not want to pain him.
Since all fairies had the power to join others in matrimony, Drault readily agreed to preside over the nuptials. Having spent the majority of his fairy life in battle, he was more than eager to participate in the joyous affair. "It would be an honor."
Meryl, the maid of honor, handled all the other miscellaneous details such as floral arrangements and centerpieces. With everything else accounted for, only one thing remained to be settled.
"Addie, Rhys, is there anyone else you would like to invite? We can send an escort to bring them here for the occasion," Meryl inquired, jotting a few notes down in a note pad she had conjured.
"I guess we should invite Father. Although, it would be a miracle if he actually came." Meryl and Addie knew far too well how flaky their father, King Lionel of Bamarre could be—he still had not decided whether or not to send troops into the Aisnan Valley after them.
"True, I wonder how he will handle the news. He'll probably consult Homely Truths for his reaction" Meryl laughed. Homely Truths was a book of sayings that King Lionel often consulted and it served as his faithful crutch, despite the total lunacy behind such an action. She then turned to Rhys, "Anyone on your side?"
Taking a few moments to contemplate, Rhys finally answered "I would like to invite Orne, my teacher at the Citadel." Addie noticed the slight shift in Rhys' demeanor as he spoke and squeezed his hand in support. This would be one interesting guest indeed.
An: My many thanks to all who reviewed! Please keep the opinions coming, they have been exceedingly helpful as I write. The next chapter is already in the works.