Her dress was finished on the eve of the wedding and promptly dropped off by Anne. It was a beautiful shade of lavender with a plum corset. Gold vines were embroidered along the neckline as well as the edges of each panel, appearing to climb up the corset. She held it to her chest and excitedly twirled around, watching the skirt splay out. Anne showed her the matching flats, then assisted her with picking out jewelry to match, finding an amethyst bracelet and golden cuffs for her hair. After warning her that she'd be back to wake her before the sun rose, Anne departed for the evening.

The next morning, Anne started her bath, only waking her from her dead sleep once it was ready and all was laid out. Mona bathed thoroughly, only upright from the excitement of today's events. After Anne dressed her and began to work with her hair. As she braided and attached the cuffs individually, Mona found herself dozing, soothed by the feeling of fingers running through her hair. Anne permitted her to rest as the boning in the corset held strong enough to keep her upright.

Anne leaned in close to her ear, trying to hold back a giggle. "Done!" she announced before jumping back, causing Mona to yelp and jolt awake which caused her to erupt in laughter.

After she regained a sense of her surroundings, she playfully scowled at Anne. "Oh, so you're a prankster, I see." She snickered before suddenly stopping as she caught her reflection. "And an artist as well," she turned her head this way and that to get a better view. "You've truly outdone yourself! All this while I was asleep?"

"Thank you," she beamed proudly. "You're a heavy sleeper and your corset kept you upright enough for me to work, so I didn't see the need to wake you," she explained.

"Much appreciated," she said as she began applying the makeup. "I think I'll need every bit of sleep I can get with the way these royals party late into the evening."

"Oh yes, weddings are quite the event. Speaking of which, I believe it's time for a quick course on etiquette before your betrothed comes to escort you."

"Yes, please!" she stood and turned to face her.

"If the king is sitting and he stands up, everyone stands as well."

She nodded. "Understood. I presume curstie to everyone I introduce myself to?"

"Definitely for any noble, especially if they're higher ranking than you."

"Which will be everyone there."

"Mmm nearly, yes, so I'd suggest curtsieing to every guest you meet just in case. I'm sure your fiance will inform you miss one, but for good measure, I recommend it."

"Anything else?"

"Do you know how to dance?"

"Not at all, no."

"Then I suggest sticking to socializing at this and any future events until you've learned. I'll have to teach you the Galliard when we have more time."

One of the guards announced Sebastian. Mona confirmed she was presentable and watched as he entered. Her lips broadened into a grin as she noticed his plum vestments with tiny vines climbing along the collar.

His eyes lit up as he saw her dress in all its glory. "Well, let's have a twirl," he nodded to urge her.

She did as asked, her skirt spreading wide, then stopped to face him once more. "Marguerite and her ladies can work some magic with a needle. I feel like a princess!"

"You look like one. Is my princess ready to head for the church?"

She smirked. "As soon as you set a date."

Anne snickered as Bash tilted his head downward as he looked at her, his expression amused. "We'll have ours soon enough."

"Just teasing, love. Yes, I'm ready."

The pair took the next carriage available to the church. As they exited, she gasped at the sheer size of the building. Large windows that went all the way to the ceiling decorated the front of the building. She accepted his outstretched arm, her eyes darting around to all the elegant dresses in varying colors, shades, and styles. They walked in, standing on France's side of the aisle behind the king and queen. As the final guests filed in and took their places, Frances looked to the door, waiting.

As everyone else turned to the entryway, she kept her eyes fixed on him. Mona watched his expression shift as he presumably spotted Mary. The look of love in his eyes was powerful and unmistakable. He took a deep breath as if sighing at her beauty. She saw no tears fall, but she could swear his eyes looked glassier than normal. Within moments, Mary and her ladies passed by her. Mary was a vision in white lace, her ladies in grey and silver, which glittered in the light as they moved. They moved to the side, taking their place on her side of the aisle as Mary and Frances knelt before the priest. Each of them signed their names, then the priest began reading off their vows from the book in his hand. After they'd said their I do's, they stood, making their way to the reception hall at a trot.

The rest of the wedding party followed shortly after, following behind the king and queen. Petals were strewn upon the ground as Mona and Bash entered, some still falling. They quickly moved aside to let more guests pass, watching as the newly married couple bowed to each other and began to dance. Mary's ladies joined in, forming a circle with their arms as they reveled in the merriment.

Bash leaned in to whisper in her ear. "Are you wanting something like this when our time comes?"

She shook her head. "I don't much care about the ceremony itself. I care more about the marriage that comes after. For all I care, we could elope, but I doubt your family would be on board with that plan."

"Really?" he asked with a smirk. "Not even for an excuse to have Marguerite make you another dress?"

"One that I'd only be wearing once," she countered with a smirk. "No offense to those who enjoy large, ornate affairs. I see the appeal of going all out on a day that you hope to only experience once. This, however, is a lot of people in one room."

"A large room, at least, but I see your point. Care to join the masses?" he asked, pulling away to offer his hand, bowing slightly.

"I- I don't know how any dances. Anne said I shouldn't… I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of everyone," she explained, shifting uncomfortably.

"This is a wedding, have some fun. Do you see how Mary's ladies are dancing? Live a little. Come on," he urged her, twitching his fingers toward him to beckon her to join him on the dancefloor. "They'll be too focused on the newlyweds to pay any attention to us, I promise," he gave her a reassuring smile, to which she relented with a giggle.

"Oh, alright," she curtsied, then took his hand.

He dragged her into the crowd, then twirled her into his arms. There was something about him that ignited adventure inside her, constantly pushing her outside the safety of what she knew and into the unknowable. They danced with reckless abandon along with the rest of the guests. When she finally had taken a break, she drifted towards a corner by the banquet laid out along the sides of the room. She plopped down into a chair, her face a bit pink. Bash took the opportunity to chat with the couple of the hour, wishing them many happy years to come.

Mona jumped a bit when a feminine figure sat in the empty chair beside her.

"Greer, what a surprise. Are you winded from the dancefloor as well?"

She laughed between gasps for air. "A bit, yes. How have you been?"

"I'll be better once I remember how to breathe again," she said, taking measured breaths.

"Likewise. You look lovely, by the way."

"Thank you! The castle seamstress is a wonder with a needle. You look like a star, fallen straight from the sky. Marguerite?" she asked, gesturing to Greer's dress.

"Yes! How are you holding up, by the way? I found my first big event a bit intimidating," she said, a concerned smile crossing her face as she reached out a hand to touch her arm.

"Having Bash makes it a bit easier, but yes. The entire population of my village is about half the amount of guests here."

Greer nodded in understanding. "You're lucky to have someone to help guide you through things like this. I had all the training in the world beforehand and was still terrified," she admitted.

"Thank you," she smiled warmly at her.

"For what?"

"Checking on me. Everyone else here either doesn't care or likely looks down on me, if they know who I am. You're likely the only person in this room that understands."

"What it's like to make a sudden jump up the ladder of society at a breakneck pace?" she chuckled. "Yes, that I do. If you need any guidance, please don't hesitate to ask, especially after all you've done."

She furrowed her brow in confusion. "What do you-"

She leaned in to whisper. "Your brother is a very sweet man, but I'm sure he didn't come up with that idea all on his own."

The corners of her mouth twitched up into a soft smile. "It was still his skill. I shouldn't be trusted in a kitchen, to be honest," she giggled.

"And you've said nothing."

"I love him dearly and he cares a great deal for you. What are little sisters for if not to help their hopeless siblings, hm?"

Greer chuckled. "No brothers on my end, but many sisters, so I understand that perfectly."

A server came over with a tray of wine goblets, which the pair of them happily accepted. They chatted for a while, nibbling at the food on the table beside them. Soon, they were joined by Mary's other ladies.

"I believe you've met Lola already. Mona, Kenna. Kenna, this is Mona, Bash's fiance."

"Nice to… make your… acquaintance," Kenna replied, heaving.

"Oh goodness! Here," she offered Kenna her goblet.

"You angel," she gasped out, accepting it graciously, downing it in an instant.

"Don't die on us," Lola laughed, rubbing her back gently as she attempted to catch her breath.

"Trying not to," she replied. "Thank you," she said, gesturing toward Mona with the now-empty goblet before setting it on the table.

"Anytime," she smiled.

Bash watched the four of them smiling and giggling from across the room as he chatted with Frances and Mary, who were taking a breather as well.

"Your ladies are very kind," he remarked, gesturing his glass toward them. "She's been feeling a bit out of place as of late and I think she needed a friend outside of me and her brother."

"She's a sweet girl," she smiled, "and so are they. I choose my friends very carefully these days and I'm happy to have them in my life. Perhaps she can help fill the void that Aylee's passing has left in their hearts." She gave a sad smile. "I wish she could've been here today."

Frances pulled her into a gentle hug, kissing the top of her head lightly. "I know."

"No sad thoughts today, hm? The two of you are finally married! How does it feel?" He grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

"Like a long-awaited dream finally coming true," she smiled, looking up at Frances.

"I couldn't have said it better myself," he replied, leaning down to kiss her gently.