The beginning of Gwyn and Azriel

A Love like That

  Gwyn did not know where to look.

  The spymaster had completely halted his tracks, in the middle of the aisle. Elain Archeron was gripping his arm, pulling him the rest of the way. But Azriel was in some trance, transformed into another realm for a moment.

  And he was staring at her.

  Gwyn nervously pulled on her dress and turned her neck to the orchestra. She was trying to slow down the tempo of the song, trying to adjust to the movements in front of her. The members of the orchestra were as confused, but were able to adapt to the new melody. 

  Then suddenly, as if it was a trick in her the mind, Azriel adjusted himself and continued his way along the aisle. 

  Gwyn put on a show of an unbothered, calm, singer. When in fact, his stare had burned deep into her chest.

  She pulled herself together, and nodded once more to the orchestra. Her signal for them to transition to the next song.

  And then her love song to her best friend began. In secret, Gwyn had written a melody for Nesta during the last few months. 

  The first note came to her the moment that Gwyn had signed her name on the training list. The final note arose as she spoke her truth at the blood rite.

  This was a song that symbolized pure love, healing, and acceptance.

  A song meant for those who dared to climb the mountain.

 As Nesta began her descent down the aisle, tears gathered at the corner of Gwyn's eyes. Nesta was radiant and godly. No words in the alphabet could properly describe her beauty, power, and most of all, her glowing happiness. 

 Gwyn stood as tall as she could as she sang her love song to the woman who had shown her such friendship. 

  Nesta smiled widely at Gwyn, and then she was completely gone from the physical world as she stared into her mates eyes.

  It was just the two of them, in that crowded temple.

  Gwyn's eyes wandered across towards Cassian and she noticed that the general of the Night Court was noticeably crying at the sight of his mate. He had a hand covering his mouth as she paced closer to him.

  Gwyn's song concluded just as Nesta took the generals hand. 

  The moment they made skin contact, Gwyn's eyes wandered towards Azriel. 

  He too, was staring at the couples hands.

  He too, seemed affected, especially when the ceremony officially began.

  It was a blur of ancient phrases of love and commitment.  All anyone could do was stare at the couple that shined together.

  And when it was over, the general cupped Nesta's cheeks, leaning down towards her in the process.

  "I love you...so much Nes," he had whispered, just to her.

  Gwyn's own heart swelled at the words, and his tone. She could never even imagine such words being said to her. 

  Then the entire crowd was clapping for them as they began their walk down the aisle, as mates, as husband and wife.

  Gwyn remained still, even as everyone dispersed, leaving her alone at the alter. She could barely pronounce any more words after witnessing such love. 

  She did not want to think about her past during such a joyous moment. She did not want to think that she may never be able to love like that ever.