29. Kri

Kri stood just outside the dining hall doors, her fingers twisting the simple wedding band she was about to put on Michaels finger. Her bridesmaids were smiling, but she was too nervous to even pretend, and it had nothing to do with being unsure about the male she was marrying.

It was the damn wedding gown.

It was grand, a true masterpiece, but she was not used to wearing dresses, especially not one as constricting as what Stella had designed for her. The corset was tight, making it difficult to take a full breath, and with her ample cleavage, Kri was afraid that if she fully expanded her chest, the zipper would give up.

Served her right for not making time for fittings. Stella had taken her measurements, and Kri had thought it would be enough, but apparently it hadnt been.

Her large breasts were pushed up uncomfortably, making her self-conscious despite her bridesmaids gushing over how lovely she looked in the damn dress.

Instead of succumbing to peer pressure and her mothers pleading, she should have gotten married in an elegant white pantsuit like shed wanted to. The dress, while stunning and crafted to fit her six-foot-tall broad-shouldered frame, did not complement her Guardians body.

Her bridesmaids, on the other hand, looked effortlessly beautiful in their dresses.

Taking a shallow breath, Kri turned inward to calm her nerves.

After all, it was just a ceremony. She and Michael had pledged their lives to each other a long time ago.

Their relationship hadnt been all smooth sailing, and they had weathered some rough waters, but once Michael had given up on his preconceived notions of masculinity and femininity, it had been as close to bliss as she could have hoped for.

Kri smiled, thinking of their first meeting.

Curious about the newcomer housed in the keeps dungeon, shed volunteered to deliver him lunch, and the connection had been immediate.

Michael had been taken aback by her. She was so different from the girls hed encountered in college. Shed teased him, and hed almost choked on his food, but then hed expressed his admiration for her in such an earnest and uncommon manner that he had won her over.

In no time, they had found themselves deeply in love, and despite a few rough spots along the way, she had zero hesitation about pledging her life to Michael.

Taking as deep of a breath as she could in the damn corset, Kri steeled herself for the walk down the aisle and the reaction of her clan members to seeing her stuffed like a big sausage into a too-tight white dress.

It was nothing compared to facing traffickers and other scum, and if she could handle that, she could handle a few snide remarks. She would walk into the hall with her head held high.

So yeah, today she was a bride, but above all she was a Guardian, and Guardians feared nothing.

When the music started, and the doors opened, Kri trained her eyes on Michaels smiling face and strode forward.

When she and her bridesmaids reached the podium, she took Michaels extended hand while her bridesmaids took positions next to their mates, who were Michaels groomsmen.

Standing on top of the dais, the Clan Mother was so petite that her eyes were on the same level as Kris and Michaels, and as she turned to them, her gaze was full of warmth.

When the room fell silent, Annani turned back to face the guests. My beloveds, today, we gather under the auspices of love and community to witness the union of two extraordinary souls—Kri and Michael.

She turned her gaze affectionately towards Kri. Kri, our fierce and brave Guardian. You embody strength, courage, and loyalty. From the moment you took your first baby steps, it was clear to everyone that you would grow up to be a warrior. You have always stood tall, not just in stature but in spirit. You have never backed out of a challenge, and when you found your one and only, you conquered him the same way you conquered every goal you have set for yourself.

As a few snickers sounded from the assembled guests, Kri gave Michaels hand a gentle squeeze, and he returned it along with a wink.

Annani turned to Michael with a brilliant smile. My dear Michael. You entered our world unexpectedly but have since become a cherished member of our community. Your openness, humor, and bravery have not only won Kris heart but have earned you the respect and affection of all who have come to know you. You remind us that strength is shown not just through acts of valor but through determination, hard work, and the courage to embrace a vastly different world from the one you were born to.

The goddess then addressed them both. May the love that has brought you together continue to grow and deepen with each passing day. May you face every challenge hand in hand and side by side. And may your lives be blessed with endless joy, unwavering support, and love that deepens and grows along with your joined journey.

Annani lifted her hands. In the presence of your family and friends, I bless this union. Kri and Michael, would you like to exchange vows?

Kri dipped her head, Yes, Clan Mother.