“I take it back.” I start swishing from side to side as well. “Let’s sashay this thing.”
“I was hoping you’d say that.”
The music breaks out into a rock-and-roll solo with the band. How they got their instruments here so quickly is anybody’s guess. Mostly, I suspect it has something to do with my father and his archangel powers. Another item to add later to my Dad journal: Zaps in rock band equipment at a moment’s notice.
Dad and I start to stroll-dance our way down the aisle as the refrain rises and the band goes nuts. I’m pretty sure it’s Hendrix who’s working a mean guitar solo as we close in on the stage.
Lincoln stands at the opposite side of the aisle. Damn, does he ever look yummy. His velvet tunic is torn a bit at the shoulder, and he’s sporting some evil demonic goop, too.
He looks like a warrior.
He looks like mine.
As we shimmy closer, Lincoln starts swaying from side to side as well. That’s when the crowd gets into the scene. Of course, they’re a lot of thrax, so it’s not like they’re jumping up and down. Still, there’s some basic twist moves and lots of smiles. The quasis rock down pretty well. It feels silly, spontaneous, and all-around awesome.
As I get close in on the stage, Lincoln’s gaze locks with mine. His hips keep swaying in time to the music because really, how can you not? He eyes me from head to toe and gives me one of his double-dimple smiles. Those just slay me. My knees go a little wobbly as Dad guides me to the end of the aisle.
Lincoln grips my hand. Pure joy softens the chiseled lines of his face. He’s even working a bit of scruff now. I like it.
“You look beautiful.”
I run my fingers along the tear in his shoulder. “So do you, Mister The King.”
“Future King. First, I need my Queen.” He wraps my hand around his arm, and together, we walk to the stage where Verus and the Arbiter look down upon us. Both are in white robes, only the Arbiter is white everything, including her eyes, hair, and skin. Beside her, Verus has long black hair, almond-shaped eyes and her full wings on display. She even wears her crown of office, which is huge, gold, and looks fabulous on her.
The crowd quiets, and my heart starts beating with such force, I think it might break free from my rib rage. Lincoln rubs soothing circles on my wrist with his thumb. It helps.
Verus is the first to speak. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” She sighs. “I had a formal speech planned out for this occasion.”
Lincoln and I share a sly look. Verus is a bit of an unknown commodity. She was the one who engineered the two of us getting together in the first place. She’s an Oracle angel—by all accounts, the last one left—and she never gives the reasons why she makes certain things come to pass.
In this case, I’m glad she stuck her nose into my love life. That said, there’s no rush for her to start spouting off fresh prophecies and plans.
“Some of you may not know this,” continues Verus. “But I had a vision of the future that required Lincoln and Myla to wed, and if you don’t mind my saying so, have children as soon as possible.”
I raise my hand. “I mind.”
Mom pipes in from the front row. “I don’t!”
I try to groan, but it comes out more as a chuckle. They can scheme all they want. It won’t change what Lincoln and I have already decided to do.
And yes, I want to start a family with my guy as soon as possible.
“Be that as it may,” says Verus. “This isn’t my first time encouraging a couple to unite. It is my best effort to date, however. I have never seen anyone rival Lincoln and Myla for respect, love, and teamwork…All in the face of some fairly unbelievable obstacles. Couples like these are why marriage exists. A true uniting of equals.” Her elegant features soften with a smile. “I couldn’t be happier to perform this ceremony.” Verus’s wings arch behind her. “Have you, Myla Lewis, accepted the betrothal jewels of the House of Rixa?”
“I have.”
“It is time to don those jewels and add your wedding band.”
Cissy steps forward and opens a small leather case. I put on the diamond earrings and necklace that mark me as betrothed to thrax royalty.
Once I’m done, Verus ruffles her wings as she speaks again. “Have you rings of commitment?”
“We do.”
After reaching into his pocket, Walker pulls out a small jewel case that holds a simple platinum band and hands it to Lincoln. Cissy does the same. Our rings are pretty basic. I felt like my betrothal jewels were already super flashy, so I liked going simple on the wedding stuff. I guess I’ll be adding a crown to my ensemble now too, so that makes me extra-glad I went the simple route.
“Repeat after me,” intones Verus. “I, Lincoln Vidar Osric Aquilus, do take you, Myla Lewis, as my lawfully wedded wife.”
“I, Lincoln Vidar Osric Aquilus, do take you, Myla Lewis, as my lawfully wedded wife.”
He slips the band onto my finger. My upper lip wobbles. This is a lot harder than killing things, that’s for sure.