Trails of Intertwined Stars: Chapter 74 {Part 1}

~Chapter 119: The Wedding Dress~

That morning, Jiu went to check on Leora, admittedly, he'd woken a little later than usual; he was surprised to find she was not exactly alone. Well, in truth, he couldn't particularly spot Leora at all. Rather, Hetty, the maid; was flusteredly trying to dress Leora, though Leora was hidden in her bedroom closet. Upon seeing Jiu, Hetty screeched and shut the door; trapping Leora inside.
"Mr Jiu! You can't see Miss Leora yet, you can't!" Hetty cried," She's changing, she is."
Jiu raised an eyebrow," Oh?"
He then raised his voice for Leora to hear.
"Leora, is this true?"
"Yes!" Leora called from the wardrobe," It's a surprise, listen to Hetty or I drag you out of my room by your ear!"
Jiu blinked in shock, startled. He sighed and made his way to the chair at the other end of the room.
"Fine, fine!" Jiu announced loudly," I won't watch, just don't take too long..."
The maid went back to faffing around with the girl in the wardrobe, trying to sort her outfit out. Victor, who'd been washing himself on the bed, noticed Jiu and got up, with a stretch. He mewed, happily, rubbing against the general's legs with fond purrs. Jiu smiled, despite himself, and reached down to occupy himself with Victor as he waited. About five minutes later, Hetty opened the wardrobe, and Leora stepped out.

"May I look now?" Jiu hummed, still staring at the cat he was scratching behind the ear," Or will you tie me up for such a heinous crime?"
"Don't be silly, you can look now, dear."
Jiu glanced up; expecting some sort of dress for Christmas Eve. He was rather startled to find it was something completely different. Dressed in a ballgown-ish ivory, intertwined with flowers, with the most intricate of designs. Leora, herself, had her hair tied into a beautiful sort of style that Jiu wasn't sure how to describe. And, on her head, a long veil that shone like freshly fallen snow. It was a wedding gown. Jiu's hand dropped to his side, his eyes wide; memories of their first meeting rushing to his mind.
"Do you like it?" Leora smiled, awkwardly," It was my mother's, apparently. Hetty found it this morning, when clearing out a wardrobe."
"You look just like Lady Emmeline, miss!" Hetty hummed, looking like a proud aunt of sorts, despite being the same age as Leora," A spitting image. If she saw you, and your father too! Oh...they would have been so happy. You look like an angel in that."
"She does..." Jiu agreed, unconsciously.
Leora blushed, but couldn't help but smile flusteredly, despite herself.
"I'm glad you both think so," Leora giggled, girlishly," I had no idea my mother had such lovely tastes in dresses, I wish she'd have left more of them for me."

"Mistress was quite eager to burn them all on her passing," Hetty frowned.
Leora's expression darkened, picturing her grandmother," I bet she was...oh well...," Leora waved her hand, smiling," Fetch Henry, will you? He'll be so happy to see it, I'm certain. He remembers mother much more than me."
Hetty nodded, and rushed off to fetch the young lord. When Jiu was certain Hetty had left, he made his way over to the girl, and went to lift her veil. Leora turned away with a gasp.
"Jiu!" She giggled," That's bad luck if we're not marrying yet."
Jiu pouted," Ah...such a shame. Not even for a kiss?"
Leora hummed, stubbornly, and held out her hand. Jiu rolled his eyes, playfully, and took it leaning down to press a kiss to her flesh. Leora watched him, contently. Jiu let his lips linger for a moment, before he pulled away to admire her hand. Some health had seemed to have been brought back to her flesh. Was she actually getting better? Despite himself, he glanced up at her, and grinned.
"You're feeling well?"
"Quite," Leora chuckled," Much better than yesterday. Perhaps I'm recovering."
"It's a Christmas miracle, no doubt about it," Jiu smiled.

He leaned down, to give her another kiss; till they heard a sudden smashing sound from downstairs. His heart lurched.
"What was that!?" Leora gasped.
"Probably Hetty," Jiu reassured her," Wait here a moment, I'll check."
Leora watched as the general swiftly dashed out of her room, leaving her door open. Leora clutched the dress, chewing her lip, anxiously. The girl shook her head, ignoring his orders and chasing after him.