Owl in the Daylight

Chapter 9

Audwin seemed quite nervous for the first time in his life. His twin, Aldous, who was standing beside him peered down at Audwin's hands clenching repeatedly. Otherwise, the groom's face remained passive as if he's bored out of his mind.

Aldous sighed, "Would you settle down? She won't change her mind."

"What?" Audwin sharply turned to him and glared, "Of course she won't. I won't let her."

Aldous just shook his head at the false bravado. The moment Signy chose to be with Audwin, he had a feeling his brother wouldn't do anything to shackle her again like before.

Audwin would never hurt her like that again.

"Thank you for being here though."

Aldous glanced at Audwin, his eyes widening. "What? Did you say something?" his ears must be mistaken.

"Hah! Your loss. I'd never repeat that," Audwin sneered haughtily as he looked ahead.

Aldous' jaw almost dropped in disbelief when the sound of the opening doors and the tune of the wedding march echoed through the hall, stealing his attention.

Looking up, Audwin's body seemed to stiffen. Signy stepped in with the king, her eyes immediately finding his. Seeing her send him a radiant smile, his chest tightened.

He watched as she gracefully walk towards him. Then it finally sank in.

She's really happy.

A crushing weight seemed to lift off his shoulders and he almost sighed in relief.

Everything was worth it.

If he could go back in time, he wouldn't change a thing. He'd gladly endure all over again if it'd lead him to her.

Signy was halfway down the aisle when Audwin unconsciously took a step forward like he's about to fetch her.

Why is she taking too long?

He felt a firm grip on his arm and Aldous whispered, "Wait for her, brother."

In a daze, Audwin nodded slowly and gazed back at Signy.

After what felt like a small eternity, Signy finally arrived at the altar. King Edward XII gave her hand to Audwin and squeezed them together. The king gave him a meaningful look before proceeding to his designated seat.

Signy looked up at her groom who appeared to be frozen as he held her hand. He seemed to be not blinking let alone breathing.

She caressed his hand with her thumb, "Breathe, Audwin."

He broke out of his trance and shook his head. Clearing his throat, he rasped, "I-- have no words."

She smiled knowingly, "It's alright. I already know."

His eyes said it all.

Giving a small grin, Audwin kissed her hand and lead her to the altar.

During the ceremony, Signy kept nudging Audwin to pay attention as he kept zoning out while staring at her.

He recited his vows as if reading a script but his eyes tell another story. The audience might think him dispassionate from his speech but his gaze was so full of heat Signy couldn't help but blush. She barely heard what he's saying when she felt another ring join the purple bethrotal one.

Smiling, Signy took out Audwin's ring and held his hand. She looked at him, hoping she could convey half of what she feels.

"My owl sorcerer. My Audwin. They knew you as the first, but only me got to know you as the second. Thank you for letting me see the side of you that no one else knows," she squeezed his hand.