27. Kathleen

Two weeks.

Only fourteen days until the day of our human wedding, and yet it feels like a lifetime away. The time is flying by in a whirlwind of preparations and excitement. My mind can hardly process the fact that this is actually happening… despite my humble beginnings, I am suddenly thrust into a world of luxury and opulence. Every moment is filled with primping and pampering fit for royalty. Draknir, my beloved groom, spares no expense in ensuring that our wedding will be nothing short of perfection.

Anticipating the wedding, Draknir assigned me an entire entourage of lovely elven ladies to help me prepare, effectively doubling the handmaidens at my service. Though initially feeling out of place with such pampering, I soon found myself embraced as a sister by the kind elf maidservants. The sweet elf maidservants treat me as one of their own.

Finally, I have female friends to whisper and giggle with!

We are like carefree girls again, laughing and gossiping endlessly about dream weddings, handsome men, and the latest fashion trends as they help me prepare for each day. I can hardly recognize myself in the mirror, transformed from a mud-stained peasant to a radiant bride. Each day brings new excitement as the wedding draws nearer.

From dress fittings that make me feel like a princess to indulging in menu samplings and attending music rehearsals, I am able to make all of the decisions. Me, the forgotten dripir girl now living out this fairy tale with every breath I take.

At first I felt out of place, a mere peasant girl suddenly living a princess"s fairy tale. But Lena, Rona and the other girls welcomed me warmly, swiftly helping me learn the ways of the higher caste of society.

At times, I have to pinch myself to make sure it"s not just a dream. But the genuine smiles and warm embraces from my dear friends reassure me - I have finally found my place in this world. My impossible fantasy has become a reality, all thanks to unwavering love.

We pass endless hours giggling over gown sketches, sampling cakes, debating floral arrangements. With their doting help, I feel myself transform from a cautious wallflower into a radiantly confident bride.

"Oh Miss Kat, you look simply beautiful!" Lena gushes during one final dress fitting. We all tear up, hugging tightly.

In just two days" time, I will walk down the aisle to the love of my life. Surrounded by loved ones, I know this is exactly where I belong.

"Oh Miss Kat, this lacework on your gown is just exquisite!" exclaims Lena, one of my elf handmaidens, as she assists with my dress fitting.

I beam at her. "Lena, your eye for beauty astounds me as always. However, would I have chosen fabrics and florals without you?"

"It will be the most wondrous wedding in the whole kingdom!" Lena declares excitedly.

"And you"re next!" I tease her.

She blushes. "No! You really think so!"

Rona, another handmaiden, dabs at her eyes. "We are most overjoyed for you, Miss Kat. You will be the most radiant bride!"

I embrace them, my heart overflowing with gratitude. "You dear girls have made this process magical. I don"t know how I can ever repay your kindness."

Lena"s gentle fingers playfully arranging delicate baby"s breath in my hair, Rona"s soft humming as she meticulously stitches shimmering sequins onto my slippers keeps me firmly rooted in the present moment, banishing any lingering doubts or fears

Amidst the whirlwind of wedding magic, a pang of sorrow remains that Grandma is too frail to attend the ceremony. Her health improves daily with treatment, but she still needs more time before leaving the care of the finest healers in the land.

As Lena delicately places the flowers in my hair, I can"t help but feel a pang of sadness. "I wish grandma could see this, share this day with me," I confess to her.

"I know, darling," Lena says soothingly, squeezing my hand as she finishes the floral arrangement. The colorful petals contrast beautifully against my dark hair. "She'd want you to be happy."

"I think so too..." I manage a bittersweet smile. "And you"re right. She"d tell me to enjoy every moment."

I shall savor each second of this fairytale – for both of us. I only hope Grandma will continue recovering so we can visit her soon, show her the woman I have become thanks to the man who saw my potential when no one else did.

And when the long-awaited wedding day arrives, it is amidst happy chaos.

The hushed chapel fills with admiring gasps and smiles as all eyes turn to the radiant bride. Sunbeams through stained glass bathe the space in ethereal light.

Under the flower-woven arch stands my beloved, his eyes shimmering with adoration and awe as he gazes upon me. My heart races in time with his as he takes my hands in his, his touch sending electric sparks through my body. This is the moment we pledge our lives to each other.

His voice, deep and husky, fills the air as he speaks his vows: "My dearest Kathleen, you have breathed life into my soul, awakening a light I never thought possible. I vow to always cherish your tender heart, nourish your unbounded spirit, and hold each moment we share as a precious gift." His emerald eyes never leave mine as he makes these promises, and I know in my heart that every word he says is true. He is a completely different man than I met that fateful day.

And I"m a different woman.

Tears threaten to spill down my cheeks as I steady myself to respond:

"My love, you saw worth in me when no other would. I vow to stand by your side through anything life could throw at us, I will ease your burdens… My heart is your home, now and forevermore."

Our earnest words hang in the air, intertwining our hearts and souls in a binding promise. As we stand before each other, surrounded by loved ones and the beauty of nature, time stands still. Every word is spoken with such weight and emotion, as if our very existence depends on them.

The rest of the ceremony passes in a blur, but my focus remains solely on my beloved standing before me. His presence lifts me up and sets me free, filling every corner of my being with love and joy.

A smile spreads across my face, unable to contain the joy bubbling inside me as the normally stoic and serious Draknir takes my hand and leads me onto the dancefloor. To my surprise, his movements are fluid and graceful, a natural dancer emerging from within him.

With every step, he exudes confidence and mastery, guiding me smoothly through spins and dips that leave me breathless. As an elf, he moves with the innate elegance of his people, effortlessly.

Draknir, my beloved betrothed, has taken on many roles throughout our whirlwind engagement – fierce protector, gruff commander, cautious ally. Standing at my side, he is the prince from my childhood fairytales come to life. With a mischievous grin and sparkling eyes, he expertly twirls me around the dance floor as I laugh breathlessly in his arms. In this enchanting scene, I feel cherished and alive, like a princess in her own fairytale. The once hard-edged soldier has shed his armor becoming a dashing gentleman just for me.

Our guests admire Draknir"s flair and finesse. But I see something deeper - for once he feels joy and freedom, far from duties and burdens.

Our union is finally fulfilled, on our own loving terms.

We are now united for life, facing whatever lies ahead hand in hand.