17. Kathleen

The next three days are a frenzy of wedding preparations, with every moment filled to the brim. Draknir and I are swept up in a whirlwind of meetings with the priest, tastings of cakes and wines, and endless tasks to ensure that our special day will be perfect.

But amidst all the chaos, Draknir never fails to make time for our daily reading and writing lessons. These moments together are like precious gems, each one adding to the sparkle of our love.

In his presence, I feel relaxed and carefree, able to let go of all my worries and just embrace the joy of being with him. Each passing day, our bond grows stronger and deeper, like roots reaching further into fertile soil. He makes time to teach me how to read, showing a gentle and patient side I never knew was possible. As I struggle with my letters, he calmly takes hold of my hand, guiding it with a gentle touch. A wave of warmth and comfort courses through my body, sending pleasant shivers down my spine. "Well done," he whispers softly, his voice full of approval. His hand then moves to my shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. My heart flutters wildly at his casual touch, causing a rush of emotions to flood over me.

For some reason his approval means everything to me.

Other moments reveal our rapport too – the subtle exchange of secret, knowing smiles across the dinner table, strolling hand in hand through the vibrant gardens and chatting amiably about our hopes and dreams. With each step we take, I feel his reassuring grip on my arm, melting away any lingering doubts or worries. Slowly but surely, the awkward strangers of our first meeting transform into familiar, not exactly sure what we are, but we"re united by a strange bond that grows stronger with each passing day.

The day of the wedding arrives in a flash. Draknir is sequestered, as custom dictates we cannot see one another until the ceremony. A flurry of servants arrive and awaken me in the morning, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors, to help me prepare for my wedding. They bustle around me, fussing over every detail of my appearance - my hair, my makeup, my gown. As hours pass by in a blur of primping and preening, my nerves build with each passing minute. The weight of the day begins to settle on my shoulders.

Finally, I am fully dressed in an exquisite gown and veil, carefully selected by Draknir's servants. I stare at my reflection in the ornate mirror, scarcely recognizing myself. The once simple girl from a small village is now transformed into a princess fit for a king.

I can hardly believe it - in just a few short hours, I will be bound forever to Draknir, a man whose wealth surpasses even my wildest imagination. My heart races with anticipation, my mind swirling with a tumultuous mix of emotions. Trepidation, excitement, and longing all churn within me, threatening to overwhelm my senses.

But despite it all, I can"t help but feel an intense thrill at the thought of what"s to come - after all, this is the beginning of my new life with Draknir.

As the maids fix my hair and makeup, I catch the eye of Lynne, a kind older elf who helped me those first days.

"Oh Lynne, I"m positively trembling! Do you think I"m ready for this?" I confess anxiously.

Lynne gives my hand a comforting pat. "It"s only natural to feel nervous on your wedding day, dear. But I"ve seen how close you and the master have grown. Your love will see you through."

I manage a shaky smile. "I hope you"re right. It"s all happening so fast!"

Lynne"s voice is a soothing balm, calming the nervous flutter in my chest. "Hush now," she says gently, her hand resting on my shoulder. "Just follow your heart. You and Draknir were fated to walk this path together."

She carefully arranges the veil around my face, her skilled hands smoothing out any wrinkles and tucking it securely into my hair. Her smile is warm and reassuring. "There, you make the loveliest bride. Now come, your groom waits with bated breath." As we make our way towards the ceremonial chambers, the sun casts a golden glow over the trees and a light breeze carries the sweet scent of wildflowers. I inhale deeply, filling my lungs with the cool, crisp air and feeling a sense of calm wash over me. The late afternoon sun casts a warm glow on the manor, highlighting the vibrant colors of the trees and flowers around me. I take in my surroundings, grateful to be exactly where I am meant to be at this moment.

But before I can fully embrace this next phase of my life, I have one last stop to make.

I enter Grandma"s room, the faint smell of lavender and medicine filling my nostrils. She lays in her bed, still as pale as ever but slowly healing from her illness. "Everything is happening so fast," I confess, taking her hand into mine. "We"re getting married now. Can you believe it? A slop girl like me in a dress like this..."

She seems to stir a little, as she always does, but the medical staff tells me it"s likely nerves. "I just don"t know. I"m still so nervous. It"s all too good to be true. How could we ever go back to the slums after living like this?"

As I sit by her side, taking her limp hand in mine, a tidal wave of emotions surges through me - hope for her recovery, longing for our close relationship to return, and guilt for being here when my own life is moving forward without her.

Is this wedding a blessing or betrayal? I quietly whisper my thoughts to her, hoping she can hear and understand them.

My steps falter as I walk down the aisle alone, my mind consumed by dark thoughts and doubts. But then I see Draknir waiting at the altar, his imposing figure radiating a sense of solemnity and strength. Despite everything, a spark of joy ignites within me at the sight of him, his presence acting as an anchor, grounding me to the present moment. His gaze reflects a mixture of tenderness and apprehension, mirroring my own feelings.

Together we stand on the precipice of forever, prepared to take the leap.

At this moment, doubts no longer matter.

All I know is that our fates now run together, for better or worse.

Draknir gives my hand a gentle squeeze, a simple gesture that means everything. No matter what comes, we will weather it as one. With him beside me, I feel bold enough to embrace any future.

Lost in the moment, I gaze up at Draknir and offer a tremulous smile. His eyes lock with mine, filled with unexpected tenderness. The look pierces my soul, making my heart flutter wildly like a feather caught in a storm.

The priest"s solemn words fade into the background. I have ears only for the cadence of Draknir"s breathing, the warmth of his palm pressed against mine. We stand anchored together amidst the swirling forces around us.

As we make our vows, my cheeks grow warm, a blush creeping across my skin. Strange new feelings blossom within me though we barely know one another. Perhaps this is what it means to fall in love.

"Draknir, do you take Kathleen as your eternal mate, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for better or worse, for all your days?" Captain Hays kept to his word and is officiating this wedding.

"To the end of my days and beyond," he says, squeezing my hand. And for a moment, I feel like he means it.

He turns toward me and my heart feels like it's going to leap up my throat. "And Kathleen, do you take Draknir as your own, to honor and cherish, forsaking all others, for all eternity?"

"I...I do." My voice trembles but I meet Draknir"s gaze unflinchingly.

This is our leap of faith.

Just as Draknir is about to kiss me, the temple doors slam open. A group of imposing dark elves stride in, led by a severe-looking man with cold eyes. Draknir"s body tenses in front of me.

"Seize him! The wedding must not proceed!" the leader barks. His men move toward us menacingly.

Draknir swiftly pushes me behind him in protection. "You are not welcome here. Leave at once!" he commands, eyes blazing.

The intruder sneers. "We have come to bring Draknir to his true bride. This farce ends now!"

I reel in shock. True bride? Was this Draknir"s motive all along? Before I can react, Captain Hayes storms over furiously.

"How dare you disrupt this sacred ceremony! Remove yourselves immediately or face consequences," the captain thunders.

"Continue with the ceremony!" Captain Hayes commands sharply.

Draknir turns to me and cups my face in his hands. Before I can react, his mouth claims mine in a searing, passionate kiss. All the fear and chaos evaporate, replaced by an intoxicating rush of desire. I cling to him, moaning softly as our tongues meet. My knees nearly buckle from the intensity.

We break apart, both breathing hard. Vaguely I hear someone say we're not really mates. The gravity of those words cuts through the haze.

I am now Draknir"s, irreversibly until death.

But he is not wholly mine – a part of his heart remains locked away.