Our wedding day was finally here.
We were blessed with a cloudless blue sky, the perfect weather for a wedding.
A throng of guests had already gathered in front of the chapel where we would be wed.
“Well, I’m in your hands, ladies.”
“Right, my lady. Let’s get you dressed then.”
“Lift your arms please, Lady Leia.”
My maids helped me put on my white dress. It was as ornate as the bridal gown for a royal wedding should be. The skirt was a wide circle of ample ruffles and looked like a giant blossom. To make the ensemble even more floral, I had a spray of blue roses on my bodice that matched Eric’s eyes. My veil was beautifully embroidered with blue roses as well.
I feel silly saying so, but when I looked in the mirror, I was so beautiful that I didn’t recognize myself.
Is this really me? I feel like I’m dreaming.
But this was unmistakably reality. I had already tried on the dress before, but today I had my hair done and was wearing makeup so I looked even more radiant. This dress was undeniable proof that Eric had chosen me.
“Oh Leia…you’re so pretty, oh yes, you are.” Lingsha, who was my bridal bodyguard, smiled beside me. Since she would also be in the wedding party, she too was wearing a floral ensemble. The pale blue dress suited her very well.
“Aww, thanks,” I tittered.
“By the way, Johann says good luck. And he promises the guards will keep you and Eric safe.”
Johann was in charge of security today.
“Did he now? Well, I’d better thank him afterward.”
“Leia, you’re as brilliant as the sun. Your Lingsha has never seen a bride more beautiful.”
Lingsha beamed just as radiantly at me as if it were her own special day. She was happier than anyone about our marriage, so it really meant a lot to have her here with me to celebrate.
“Oh, Lin, thank you so much.”
“One more thing—Eric asked me to do something for him. Wait here.” She smiled and left the room.
What did Eric ask her to do? I was genuinely at a loss for what it could be. After some time, Lingsha returned to my dressing room with another woman.
“Long time no see, my dear sister.”
“Jill!”
I was genuinely startled by the sudden reunion. I thought Jill was confined to the convent…
“What are you doing here? I hope you didn’t—”
“Prince Eric pulled some strings. Apparently, he kept it secret because he knew you would hesitate to invite me for fear of causing a disturbance.”
There Jill stood in her monastic habit. We had a complicated history, but I had come to value her as an important member of my family.
Still, I thought the gravity of her crimes was too great, so I had decided not to send her a wedding invitation. Seeing her here now made my eyes flood with happy tears.
Truly…you have changed so much.
All traces of her tragic heroine persona had been buried. A distinguished and pious woman stood before me now. The way she continued to grow never ceased to amaze me.
“Hee hee! Aw, don’t cry, sweet sister. Today is your special day! Tears are not invited.”
“Thanks, Jill.” I gently wiped my eyes and smiled at her.
Oh, Eric, thank you so much.
“Leia, I just wanted to tell you I’ve prayed every day at the convent for your happiness.”
“Thank you… I always pray for your happiness too,” I said. Then I went over and gave her a hug. It was the first time I had ever felt such love for my little sister.
“Leia, you’re so warm…so very warm. And I’m so happy. My life is now whole.”
“I’m happy too, Jill. I’m so happy I get to see you grow up into such a wonderful person. And I really am so glad you get to spend this special day with me.”
We looked into each other’s eyes. Jill valiantly tried to hold back the tears that wanted to spill out. After her visit, a maid escorted Jill out to the chapel pews to wait for the wedding.
“Lady Leia, it’s time.”
“Right. I’m coming.”
And now it was time for me to go see the man I loved.
Our wedding was about to begin.
“Here I am, Eric.”
“Leia? Wow…I’m stunned. You look amazing in that wedding dress. So beautiful. I’m the luckiest man alive, having such a beautiful bride by my side on this special day.”
“Th-thank you. You have no idea how happy you just made me.”
Seeing his sincere shyness on full display, I felt a little self-conscious as I thanked him. My cheeks burned and my heart raced double time.
Sometimes Eric gets so heartfelt, so vulnerable with me that I can hardly keep up.
✦ ✦ ✦
His surprise bursts of sincerity always caught me off guard, just like he did that day he dragged me away from my family. And I was sure he would continue to surprise me like this for the rest of my life.
“Hm? Something wrong?”
“It’s nothing. I’m good.”
“Hmm, okay. I’m excited our wedding is finally here.”
“Me too. It’s thanks to all our hard work.”
He offered me his hand, and I took it as we walked out together.