Royal Masquerade

Chapter 33

It’s almost midnight when Zephyr drives Astrea to the small chapel where she would soon be wedded. Since she had insist to get married that very night and he couldn’t resist her request, the only place that’s available by law to make the marriage legal was the small chapel where people usually elope. The place was known as Love&Marriage Made Easy Chapel, a place that provided 24/7 matrimonial service.

Despite of the fact that they are going to get married in haste, they still adhere to the basics of the human tradition during one’s marriage, which prohibited the groom from seeing the bride on the wedding day until the actual ceremony. Astrea insisted on it and Narcissus had initially frowned over the silly tradition, though. They’re both not human anyway. But of course, Astrea doesn’t know that yet, and he have no choice but to play along.

Narcissus had earlier joked with her that they should fly to Las Vegas and have an Elvis lookalike priest to marry them and witness the ceremony. But since she was impatient to have her ways with him, as he put it in his teasing to her, the Love&Marriage Made Easy Chapel would have to do just fine.

As Astrea ride in the Lamborghini Diablo convertible with Zephyr she looked at the scenery around her and sighed as the warm spring breeze sooth her.

“What’s wrong, Miss Sinclair?” Zephyr asked as he detect Astrea’s sighing.

“Do you think I’m rushing into things?” she asked out of the sudden.

“Why are you asking? Having cold feet already?” Zephyr laughed.

“My feet is warm as ever. That’s the problem. I feel that it’s not normal. I thought I’m supposed to feel jittery and all that.” she replied dryly as Zephyr chuckled at her annoyed tone.

“That’s good isn’t it? Miss Sinclair, no one could tell you if you’re making a mistake. Only you know whether you’re making a mistake or rushing into things or not.” Zephyr told her, still keeping an eye on the road. He wish he could fly in his Pegasus form. He really hates the trapped feeling he have when he’s riding in a car.

“Honestly, Zep. I don’t feel like I’m rushing into things. Maybe what I’m saying wouldn’t make any sense to you, but I felt that I’ve known Narc for my whole life…strange, isn’t it? I’m sorry, I must be out of my mind after the snake bite” she laughed.

“Maybe, that’s because you already knew him for your whole life,” Zephyr said softly, as he maneuvered the car to turn into a small corner.

“Maybe,” she replied absentmindedly.

“But I do feel like I’m rushing him into things, Zep. I seriously think that he felt as if he’s being married while being held at gunpoint” she giggled nervously, causing Zephyr to burst into peals of laughter at her usage of metaphor.

“Trust me, Miss Sinclair. He’s been waiting for so long for you to drag him to church, marry him and let you have your ways with him.” Zephyr boomed. Astrea flushed at the teasing.

“You’re making me blush, Zep. I don’t think I have such a wild streak in me to have my ways with him.”

“That’s the point, isn’t it? You’re supposed to be the blushing bride tonight.” Zephyr said, as the car came to a complete halt. He step out of the car and opened the door for her.

“This is it, isn’t it?” she said, taking Zephyr’s hand to steady herself as she looked at the small chapel that stood before her. It looks more like a small cottage rather than a chapel, and like any place that provides instant marriage to couples, this one have the funfair look to it too.

“Yes, Miss Sinclair, this is it. So, shall we?” Zephyr asked as he offered his arms for her to latch on.

“Suddenly I feel as if my heart will break my ribs. It’s beating so fast! Oh, heavens! I can’t do this!” she exclaimed breathlessly while her hand automatically flew to her . She’s going on a full scale panic attack. Zephyr watched her with admiration before reaching out for her hand again.