Epilogue II

An excerpt from the article “San Francisco Stands United: Sovereign Couple Attends Unprecedented Wedding Between Hero High Priestess and Demon” written by Elise Sasini for The San Francisco Light ? —

On July 20th, exactly one month to the day from the attempted assassination of Theodore Solbourne and Margot Goode at the solstice service, the sovereign couple returned to the scene of the crime for a much happier occasion: the marriage of High Priestess Petra Zaskodna and a demon named Silas Cuttcombe.

A massive crowd gathered around the perimeter of St. Emaine’s as the couple exited their vehicle, heads held high, and entered the cathedral for the first time since that fateful day in June. In the days leading up to the ceremony, which was quietly announced to the public just a week before it was set to take place, there was speculation that the sovereign couple might not attend — and that protesters would.

As the UTA grapples with the events of the solstice, many have rallied around not only the sovereigns, but High Priestess Zaskodna herself. In front of a packed cathedral, she and her fiancé were witnessed thwarting the assassination. An already beloved figure in the community, Zaskodna’s star rose to near sainthood when footage of the event went live across the continent — a much needed ray of light during the dark days that have followed the simultaneous attacks on Sophie Goode and the Shifter Alliance headquarters, the disappearance of Isand Taevas Azdaja, and, tragically, the assassination of Queen Sigrid at her home in Boulder.

As the United Territories was rocked by the attacks perpetrated by a militant group hidden within Glory’s Temple, many have come to see Zaskodna’s actions as a heroic stand against conspirators within her own organization. While worshippers across the continent have turned their backs on the Temple — at least until the investigation into the conspiracy concludes — St. Emaine’s has been packed every dawn and dusk.

The sovereign couple have already awarded her and her fiancé the highest honor for their service, the Sovereign’s Hand, as well as announced their support of her maintaining her position as High Priestess of St. Emaine’s.

In a statement released to the press a week after the solstice, the sovereign offered his support. “My consort and I owe our lives to High Priestess Zaskodna and her mate, who stood against the established order, followed their instincts, and chose to do the right thing even when it put them in grave danger. While we adjust to this new reality and forge a path through grief and anger, I cannot think of another person I would trust more in the position as San Francisco’s High Priestess. She has our full support — and our eternal gratitude.”

But not everyone can overlook the other revelation that came on the heels of Zaskodna’s heroics. Not even a daring attempt to save the lives of the Elvish Protectorate’s leaders can completely turn the heads of those who staunchly object to her relationship with a demon.

Little is known about Silas Cuttcombe besides the fact that he comes from the Cuttcombe clan, famous in certain circles for their small batch whiskey made in Tennessee. The clan turned up in force for the wedding, too, as a long line of vehicles pulled up to the doors of St. Emaine’s to deliver a host of rowdy demons of all ages.

Though the calls for her resignation on the grounds of disrespect and even blasphemy were few, they were loud. When the wedding was announced, those calls grew in volume and were accompanied by a widely circulated plan to protest at the event itself.

Understandably, security was tight on the morning of the wedding. Patrol closed off all the roads within two blocks of the cathedral, and no one was allowed on the grounds without explicit permission. Helmeted guards stood in a ring around the cathedral itself, prepared for the worst.

But as noon neared, it became clear to everyone that those who came to show their support vastly outnumbered the protesters, whose signs were all but swallowed by the crush of people eager to catch a glimpse of the couple and their privileged guests.

The sovereigns were the last to arrive. They briefly greeted the crowd from the steps of the cathedral and were met with roaring approval. The city is clearly still riding the wave of relief that came hand in hand with the grim news of the other attacks that put Sophie Goode in critical condition and killed Queen Sigrid — as well as Taevas Azdaja, who many speculate might also be dead, though Draakonriik officials have flatly refused to give up the search for him. The wedding, it seems, became a much needed spot of cheer and camaraderie as the people celebrated in the streets.

The ceremony itself was a much quieter affair.

The Light was given exclusive access to the event, which was held in the main cathedral. Demons, Weres, acolytes, and elves sat in attendance as Zaskodna’s second in command performed the ceremony. An unknown being identified only as the groom’s brother stood as Cuttcombe’s witness. The sovereign’s consort, wearing a huge smile on her face, stood as the bride’s witness. Margot Goode helped Zaskodna with her veil, and when it came time for the families to exchange gifts, she performed the familial duty with a lavish offering from the Solbourne vault.

Zaskodna wore a simple crimson gown and her groom wore a matching tie with a black on black suit. Cuttcombe, a handsome demon reportedly responsible for the recent anonymous purchase of the Flood mansion, cut an intimidating figure against the backdrop of the damaged stained glass window. The only adornment worn by the High Priestess, whose order is well known for their love of gold and opulence, was a simple gold necklace and the now-famous band of shadow around her throat — the mark of a demon’s claim.

The ceremony was short, and the roar of the crowd could be heard through the towering walls of the cathedral throughout it. The couple didn’t exchange personal vows, but Zaskodna did perform the branding part of the ritual herself. When the time came, Cuttcombe knelt before her and, to this reporter’s discerning eye, didn’t appear to blink once through the entire process. He then held the mirror for her when she branded herself between the brows with a traditional marriage sigil.

Family offerings were exchanged before the couple collected their ember from Glory’s feet and were blessed by Zaskodna’s grinning second in command. The couple then shared an enthusiastic kiss before their assembled loved ones, who cheered riotously in the pews.

Before the party moved to the banquet hall, this reporter was lucky enough to overhear the groom say, “Well, you’re really never getting rid of me now.”

To which High Priestess Zaskodna replied, “Sounds like a good deal to me.”

THE END