Duke Charming | Craig

Thirty-Seven

Craven Pride was a bit of a mess after Dario's rampage. The lawn and gardens looked as though someone took a drunken plough through them, the kitchen and dining room were nearly levelled, and the ballroom – where the wedding would've taken place – had been a battleground just a few hours ago.

If there was ever to be a wedding that day, the castle would be the last destination for it. Besides, no one was keen on hosting any celebrations on the very ground where we've just held a funeral that morning.

My father was buried on a little outlook over the Loch, his grave marked by a little twine cross Blake constructed with his magic. Rheon promised we'd replace it with a proper headstone after the wedding, but I insisted that the cross was fine. My father has never been one for extravagance and fine things.

I've cried, of course, even though I didn't want to. But as rocky as our relationship was – and despite how small and weak he made me feel – he still raised me. Our blood bound us, and aside from my cousin whom I never spoke three words with in the past, he was my only relative left.

Although small and brief, the funeral was beautiful, and I felt good knowing his soul was at rest. I hoped he found the happiness he lost in the world beyond, and maybe cross paths with my mother.

I hoped, in another life, she'd give him a chance.

After the short memorial, we all headed back to the castle to devise a plan on how to proceed with the wedding. Seeing as the other packs couldn't leave their territories for too long, it couldn't be postponed until the next day. All that was needed was a new venue with a kitchen – where my team, as traumatized as they still were – could fix up a quick buffet of snacks.

"You could use the shed where Alex and I got married last year," Reyna suggested, but her plan was politely turned down.

"Even if we could, the kitchen's trashed," Ash reminded her.

More ideas were thrown around, everyone pitching in to help. I stayed quiet, though. It was my fault the wedding couldn't happen on their home turf, and it felt like any ideas I'd present would either be terrible or hopeless.

Before a fresh wave of guilt could consume me, however, Craig hurried into the living room after just getting off the phone with someone. "Hold yer bloomers, 'cause I've arranged the perfect venue for ya."

Everyone watched him in anticipation, waiting to hear what he's managed.

"I've just got off the phone with Angus. He say's The Den's open and ready for a weddin'," he announced cheerfully. "It's perfect! It's got a kitchen, a bar, lot's o' tables and seats, a stage for announcements, and..." He chuckled and stole a wee look at me. "...a photobooth. You know, for the pictures."

"I never thought I'd say this, Craig," Rheon started after pondering the idea for a moment, "but that does sound kind of perfect."

"Totally," Ash agreed enthusiastically. "We can get married outside in the street, the people can watch if they want, and we move the rest inside. And instead of a first dance, we can do a first song on the karaoke machine."

"And kick off the night with a little karaoke competition of our own, packs versus packs," Rheon added to the idea, both of them sighing dreamily at the thought of it.

I bit back a grin at how adorable they were. The mating bond will never cease to amaze me.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Rieka clapped her hands and stood from her seat. "We only have six hours to prepare, let's get to it!"

I could see who Rheon inherited his knack for strategy from. Rieka basically took over from there as the self-appointed wedding planner. Everyone was divided into teams.