The Golden Chain

2 Years Later

Andromeda's wedding dress was everything she could have ever dreamed of. It was a stunning swath of gossamer diamonds, radiant against her dark skin. She had never felt so beautiful. One of her attendants came forward and fastened something around her neck; the final touch. In matching with the dress, it was the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. The pendant bore the insignia of the geneticists, which she had officially joined the previous year. And, the chain was made of thick, rich gold. It was remarkably heavy, but her regal posture never faltered. She marched out with her head high, and her spine perfectly straight. Andromeda was the picture of grace and serenity as she went to join a line of other brides who were to be married that day. After two long years of pretending she wasn't hurt, or that she didn't miss her brother, she had finally retaken her place in high society. The ceremony was a hullabaloo of light and music, every bit what she had dreamed of as a young girl.

A lively waltz played, and the brides began to process out. . The grooms entered from the opposite side, and Andromeda caught a glimpse of her fiancée. She tried to quell the sudden surge of panic at the idea of marrying this man that she had only met once. This is ridiculous. She told herself. The program said you were a perfect match. This is the happiest day of your life. She looked out into the crowd to calm her nerves. This is the happiest day of your life.

She could see her mother in the front row, surrounded by other elegantly dressed Gifteds. Everyone was magnificent, as though sculpted by the most incredible artisan. In a way, they were. But, as though magnetically drawn, her eyes drifted past the blinding sea of sapphires, and towards a string quartet playing in the corner.

Her painted smile faltered when she caught sight of one of the musicians. Despite the distance between them, it was distinctly Edward. Andromeda wondered if her parents had seen him. She supposed it didn't matter. They wouldn't dare speak to him, after all that he had done. Despite having fed and clothed Edward for 20 years, they were quick to forget his name. Besides, in a world of ornate chandeliers and wine glasses, servants and entertainers were inconsequential.

Edward and his fellow Ungifteds had been cleaned up as well as possible, but they were clearly pale and plain. He was far gaunter than Andromeda remembered. But, though it may have been wishful thinking, he seemed radiant. As the musicians entered the chorus, she watched as he tilted his head back and smiled. Andromeda didn't remember the last time she had seen him beam like that. She allowed herself to be drawn into the music's spell with him, and, when the song ended, it was difficult to suppress her cheer. Heat rushed to her face, but it didn't seem as though anyone heard or took notice. Still, as though he could identify his little sister's voice anywhere, even after years, Edward turned. His eyes widened in surprise as their gazes clashed. He clearly wasn't aware that he was playing at her wedding. It's not like they had kept in touch. 

The shock faded quickly however, and he smiled the same free and luminous smile, making a gesture that was dangerously close to a wave. And, though her cheeks suddenly felt as heavy as the chain around her neck, Andromeda returned his smile in kind.