It Was All Arranged [R. Sakamaki]

Our Happily Ever After

Athena Tsukinami wasn't pacing back and forth before the large, golden framed mirror. She wasn't taking deep breaths as her plump, red cherry lips stretched into a beautiful, pearly smile. Her gown - her mother's gown - was a lovely, long ball gown which swept the polished floors. The corset was tight and tied so neatly the strings couldn't be seen behind her. The bodice had been decorated with luxurious, sparkling beads, the leaf-shaped diamonds decorated the sweetheart neckline, falling from Athena's pale shoulders. There were many skirts, the first layers invisible beneath the heavy, bejewelled mesh which trailed behind her. It came with a long, diamond-embroidered cape which was clasped gently around her neck, the soft fabric tickled her skin with every movement.

Her auburn curls had been half up and half down, the thick plaits forming a beautiful crown around the back of her head and decorated with white tulips pinned inside.

"You look stunning," Athena's eyes widened, thinking she spotted her mother as she turned, lips parted. It was Christa.

"Oh, Christa," she did little to hide the disappointment in her voice as she greeted the ancient woman, "how have you been?"

"Don't ask about me," said the woman as she stepped further into the room, her long white hair pulled into a flower-smothered plait and the gown she wore a deep red. "How are you feeling?"

"Excited," Athena smiled, turning back to the mirror, "much more different to last time."

The doors opened and Yui pushed in, a grin on her lips as she said, "It's time!"

Yui's gown had long sleeves which ended in flares and a plunging neckline. It was a beautiful magnolia colour and the skirts were long. Yui's hair had been left down and curly, tucked behind her ears. She passed Athena her fuschia bouquet. "Are you ready?"

The sand was warm beneath the soles of her bare feet as she strode down the long, winding aisle that'd been smothered with white petals. Yui's arm linked around Athena's as the autumn breeze lifted Athena's cape, catching the small party's attention.

Only family and friends had been invited: the Sakamaki brothers, Christa, Ray and the Mukamis. The Mukamis stood towards the back, Kou beaming as he bowed to his previous Queen before glancing at his older brother. 

Ruki was in a trance, his cheeks pink and lips parted as he looked her up and down. Athena ignored him as she and Yui trailed down the aisle.

Reiji was stunning in his magnolia coloured suit, his shirt a soft white. He smiled widely as she reached the podium, taking his hand in hers.

They didn't listen to the man who was wedding them, merely staring into one another's eyes until it was time for their vows to be said.

"Athena," said Reiji, his voice clear, "I used to hate you," a laugh sounded from her lips, "you were a spoilt brat - sometimes you still are," he smiled, squeezing her fingertips, "if you had told me nearly half a century ago that I would one day fall in love with the woman who imprisoned me, I would have laughed. But here we are now. We've had half a century of hardships, and my love only grows more and more for you. I promise and I swear to love you with all of my heart, to protect you and care for you with all that I am. From now on until forever, I am yours, Athena." She smiled, eyes glossing over with tears as she cleared her throat.

"Well," she said, "I hated you even more when I first met you." Reiji chuckled. "You were such an arrogant prick… Half a century ago, we stood in this position and when it was our vows, all I could say was 'For the sake of peace' and that our marriage was merely a representation of a union. And it was." She licked her lower lip. "But now… it is so much more than that. Soulmates aren't found, Reiji, they're made… and you were made to be mine. So instead of peace, I will say that this is for the sake of our love and I cannot wait to wake up every morning next to your handsome face and to smile every time you tell me that you love me. I am yours, Reiji, and I always have been." She was shocked to see the small tears welling in his eyes.

The rings were introduced next and little Sayori had taken a detour around the chairs rather than down the aisle to give her sighing mother the cedar carved box.

"Do you, Princess Athena Tsukinami, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." His ring was silver and had flowers carved along the outside band, her name engraved on the inside of it 

"And do you, Prince Reiji Sakamaki, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do." Her ring was identical to his but thinner.

"You may now seal your marriage with a kiss."

His arm snaked around her waist, his hand digging into her hair as he dipped his bride, pressing the sweetest kiss to her lips.

"Half a century!?" Screeched Ray as he watched the bride shove a quiche into her mouth, "Princess?"

"Oh dear," Laito's sultry voice sounded as he wrapped his arm around Athena's capeless shoulders, "you haven't shared what we are to your dear friend?"

"I thought he knew," she shrugged through her quiche, causing Laito's nose to scrunch with disgust.

"Hello there, Laito Sakamaki, the groom's brother," his dark eyes glimmered as he shook Ray's ring-smothered hand, "I'm also a Prince to the Vampire Clan. Athena here is the last remaining Founder and it's… technically Queen now."

"The Queen of a lost Kingdom," Athena's eyes rolled as she scanned the small crowd, "you two have fun."

His arms were strong and comforting as he led her through their first dance. His eyes never left hers as they span, smiles on their faces. "I'm so happy right now," whispered Athena.

"I'm glad," he said, "you look absolutely ethereal."

"I love you."

"I love you more."

[The story is not over, don't worry!! I really hope you enjoyed this chapter <3]