Chapter Thirty
Coran paced anxiously in the metal corridor. He was dressed to the nines, wearing a black dress coat and slacks, a vest bearing the royal coat of arms. This was the day that his dear Allura would become a wife and Queen. He had both dreaded and dreamed about it. He was so grateful that Keith made his feelings for her known before she was forced into a loveless marriage. Coran had always wanted the best for Allura, and he was relieved it was what she got.
Taking a handkerchief from his pocket, Coran dabbed it to his brow. He was as nervous as a boy on his first date. I suppose that's not too far off…he thought to himself. Coran smiled lightly and tucked his hankie back in his pocket. Behind him, a door slid open. Light poured from inside the room, creating an intriguing silhouette in the doorway. The smiling vision slowly moved toward him, a golden halo surrounding the image.
Her hair was down rather than in the swept up bun. Her ivory shoulders were bare, her green dress sloping down her arms. She wore her traditional circlet, the mark of her royal blood. Her frosty blue eyes rest on him from beneath her dark lashes.
"Orla, you look…" Coran stammered for words. "…absolutely breathtaking." He quickly recovered and offered his arm to her.
Orla gave him a smile. "Thank you, Coran. You look very handsome yourself." She linked her arm through his, closing the distance between them. "Thank you for being my escort."
"Indeed, the pleasure is mine, my dear," Coran replied. "I do intend to enjoy as much of your company as I can before you take your leave."
Orla's face fell. "Yes, after the ceremony I suppose I must get back to my duties. I have very much enjoyed my stay here, Coran. I have to admit, it was mostly due to you." Her steps halted as she spoke, causing Coran to stop.
He turned to look up at her. Her eyes were sad and filled with longing. Coran gave a heavy sigh. Reaching up his hand, he gently touched her cheek.
"Orla, forgive me. I have been fearful of losing someone I love for so long. It was selfish of me not to see what it was doing to you. I must ask for your forgiveness about that, and this…" Coran leaned forward and gently pressed his lips to hers. Orla opened her eyes wide in surprise for a moment before they drifted shut. Time suddenly seemed to still as they embraced after so many years.
After what felt like an eternity, Coran separated from her, creating a few inches of space between them. Heart pounding, his eyes searched hers for a reaction. After a pause, the corners of her mouth turned up in a warm smile. Coran felt a sense of relief as he smiled back at her.
"If you pardon me saying so, it's about damn time," Orla couldn't help but grin at him.
Coran gave a hearty laugh, intertwining their fingers. "Indeed, my dear, about time." They slowly made their way to the chapel, their light, flirting laughter echoing in the castle halls.