Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 64

Alastor and Charlotte were married in the summer. On the eve of the wedding, Charlotte took part in the traditional farewell to maidenhood. Surrounded by her closest friends, Vagatha and Molly sang softly as they wove fresh flowers into her hair—one last time as an unmarried woman.

She wore a wedding gown sewn especially for her by Natasha—a soft cream dress, light as air yet layered with delicate care. The bodice was gently fitted, never tight, shaping her figure with quiet elegance rather than showy glamour, its surface adorned with subtle, intricate embroidery.

The neckline was modest, softly rounded, framing her collarbone with understated grace. From the waist, the skirt flowed into a long, gently flared silhouette, free of excess volume. It moved naturally with her, creating a look that was composed and ethereal rather than dramatic.

A wreath of flowers weaved by Vagatha and Molly completed the look.

Alastor arrived in a finely tailored suit, richly decorated yet tasteful in its elegance. Upon greeting Lucifer, he presented his dowry—gold, diamonds, and pearls—offered with deliberate confidence, as if to quiet any lingering doubt the judge might have about entrusting him with his daughter's hand.

The ceremony was held within the church, where the couple stood side by side to receive their blessings and speak their sacred vows of eternal love and faithfulness. When they were at last pronounced husband and wife, the celebration carried them beyond the chapel doors and into the warmth of the summer day. Outside, beneath blossoming flowers and golden sunlight, a grand feast had been prepared in their honor.

Lucifer had spared no expense, hiring the finest cook in Snejotep Haven to oversee the meal. However Molly and Anthony took special care in serving the cake and sweets, ensuring the final course was as memorable as the rest.

Music filled the air—violins, fiddles, and flutes weaving lively melodies that drew guests to the dance. Partners were exchanged with laughter and ease, skirts and coats turning in rhythm across the grass. Yet Charlotte reserved her dances for only two men: her husband and her father.

"Are you happy, Charlotte?" Lucifer asked, his voice soft. "Truly happy?"

She met his gaze, her smile unguarded and certain. "Yes, Papa. I am the happiest I have ever been in my entire life."

"And it's all because of him, not me."

"No, Papa, it's—"

"Don't try to spare my feelings," he said gently, though there was weight behind it. "I loved you, Charlotte, but I wasn't the father I should have been. I didn't see how unhappy you were... or perhaps I refused to see it. He did. He saw you clearly, and he came into our lives determined to give you the happiness I failed to protect."

Charlotte's expression softened, her hand tightening slightly in his.

"That's why I gave him my blessing," he continued, quieter now. "Not because of his wealth, or his standing... but because he loves you the way you deserve."

She embraced her father tightly, holding him for a lingering moment before stepping away and into her husband's arms. Without a word, he drew her back into the dance, their steps falling easily into rhythm.

"The house is all ready for us," he said softly. "It's warm and cozy. There's a garden where you can grow your flowers, and windows everywhere, so we can watch the sun in the morning, the stars at night, and the snowfall when winter comes. There's a little kitchen for us to cook together, and a nook by the fireplace where you can read and sew."

She looked up at him, her smile bright with recognition. "You remembered."

"Every word."

"And is there a space where I can dance with you every night, like you wanted?" she asked, a playful note in her voice.