Chapter Ten

It was finally the day of the wedding. The Ondore Estate was full of people. Servants scurrying around, finishing with the final preparations for the big event. Sainikah and Archadian guards were patrolling the grounds. The two ruling families' personal guards were doing their duty protecting their charges. And finally the members of the wedding party and their families were getting dressed for the event. Ashelynn was stored away in her room as a handful of maids fussed over her, getting her ready. She was dressed and the maids had just finished doing her hair and were about to put on her veil, when there was a knock at the door. One of the maids went to answer it and came back into the room with the Marquis.

"Ashelynn, you have never looked more beautiful." He said. She smiled, rising from the chair she was sitting in, she walked over to him and threw her arms around him.

"Tahta, I love you." The maids, realizing this was a personal moment, laid the veil down and went out into the hallway to give them some privacy. The Marquis looked down at his precious daughter, and setting his walking stick aside, wrapped his arms around her.

"I love you too, treasure." His voice was filled with emotion and he struggled to speak without crying. "I am going to miss you more than you will ever know." Ashelynn looked up at him, surprised to see tears in his eyes. She had never seen him cry.

"Please don't cry, Tahta. If you cry, then I will cry. And brides are usually smiling not crying." She pleaded. He just gave her a shaky smile and went to bring the maids back in. Then he stood and watched as they placed the veil on her head. Not long after that, it was time to start walking to the chapel where the wedding was being held. He pulled the top part of her veil down to cover her face, then grabbing his walking stick he offered her his arm and the two of them walked out of the room. When they reached the chapel, they waited until the wedding march had begun, indicating the bride was coming down the aisle. The maid who had been holding up the train of the dress laid it down and spread it out. The Marquis gave his daughter a quick smile and they proceeded into the chapel.

Vayne stood there nervously waiting for his first glimpse of his bride in her wedding attire. Why he was nervous, he didn't know. When the wedding march began everyone turned to see the bride. As she walked down the aisle next to her father, he stood there, his hands clasped behind him, admiring her. She had a full length sleeveless white gown with intricate patterns of lace lining the bodice, and a full skirt with a small lace pattern lining the bottom. Over the gown was a sheer sleeved robe lined with a white ribbon that was pulled together over her chest and laced with another white ribbon. It parted just above her abdomen and flowed all the way down covering the back and sides of her gown and the rounded train of her dress. Her veil was the same sheer fabric as the robe and was also lined with the white ribbon. It was multi-layered in the back with the longest layer cascading down her back and ending about mid-thigh. Her dark hair was in ringlet curls and held out of her face with the white headband that the veil was attached to. As father and daughter approached the front, the priest asked, "Who gives this bride's hand in marriage to this groom?"

"I do." The Marquis replied taking his daughter's hand and placing it in Vayne's. He gave her cheek a quick kiss through her veil and stepped back. Vayne took hold of her other hand as she stepped up to face him. She didn't hear much of what the priest was saying but answered affirmatively when asked if she wished to marry Vayne. His answer was also affirmative. Then it was time to exchange rings. He placed her ring on her finger, then removed his glove as she put his ring on his finger. As she did so she realized she had never seen his bare hands until now. As he pulled his glove back on, she almost missed the last of the priest's speech.

". . . I hereby pronounce you man and wife from this time forth. May the blessings of the Gods light your path for all eternity. Faram." Vayne smiled at her and releasing her hands he lifted her veil, then placing his hands on her waist he pulled her closer then leaned forward and kissed her. As he pulled away, he whispered so only she would hear,

"Until next time."

"May I present to you Lord and Lady Vayne Carudas Solidor." They turned and holding hands proceeded back down the aisle.

Afterwards, there was a celebration of their marriage held in the Ondore Estate. After having a meal, everyone met in the ballroom for the traditional post-wedding dancing.

"May I have a dance with the beautiful bride?" The Emperor asked with a smile and a slight bow. She was led out into a dance with her new father-in-law. She also danced with her new brother-in-law. Since she had not seen him much when she had visited Archades except during mealtimes she was surprised how courteous the ten year old was. She instantly liked him.

"May I steal my daughter for this dance?" The Marquis asked as he walked up. Larsa nodded and bowed, taking his leave. As father and daughter danced, they were remembering their first dance. Little Ashelynn standing on her father's feet as he tried to dance with her. Then when that failed, he held her hands and they twirled around. Then he had lifted her into the air and swung her around. She had looked into his eyes, and in a serious tone, solemnly promised,

"Tahta, I will always save at least one dance for you."

"And I will always have a dance for you, little treasure."

Please review. The next chapter will be out in the next couple of days. Enjoy!

Warning: The next chapter contains adult material including a graphic sex scene between newlyweds. If you do not wish to read it, please continue with Chapter Twelve.