Color of Roses

Wedding

Chapter 41

"You look absolutely stunning," the head maid says to me placing the lace veil over my curled hair. I glance over myself in the mirror and the white of my wedding dress is blinding. Diamonds and pearls cascade over my bosom and my swollen belly is hidden beneath an array of silky flowers and ruffled material falling past my feet. I hardly recognized the woman in the reflection to be me.

"I'm so nervous," I say eying myself over one final time.

"You'll do great," my maid says before nodding in approval at my appearance. We both start when a knock at the door surprises us. "It's almost time," she says and heads over and opens the door. My eyes grow wide when Elias steps into the room. His cheeks burn red when he sees me. "Wow, you look amazing."

"Thank you," I say blushing.

"I've been asked to escort you down the aisle."

"Really?"

"Alyn asked me to. He's been bugging me about it all day. I will say I'm glad I get to see your first."

I feel my cheeks burn brighter and I smile like an idiot. We stand awkwardly for a few minutes before the head maid rushes over and pulls me towards Elias. She wraps my arm around his and hands me a large bouquet of flowers. "Start heading to the Hall," she orders. She as well as the other maids grab the ends of my dress and hold it as Elias ushers me down the hall. My heart clamors inside my chest and I try to keep my hands from shaking.

"You'll do great," Elias whispers noticing my nervousness. I feel my mouth getting dry in anticipation. As we grow closer to the Hall, I can hear my heart beating inside my ears. I force myself to take calming breaths with each step.

Guards bow in my direction as we approach the tall, wooden doors. "Are you ready?" Elias says with a kind smile. I take a deep breath and exhale. "No, but I'll never be," I admit. Elias chuckles softly before nodding for the men to open the doors.

The doors open slowly and I feel the eyes of the guests glued to me. Elias starts to walk forward and I stumble to keep up. I pace alongside him down the carpeted aisle and my heart nearly stops beating when my eyes lock with Alyn's. He's wearing a burgundy suit with silver and gold linings. His is combed to the side allowing his crimson eyes to shine bright. He smiles widely as I grow closer to being beside him.

He takes my hand as I reach the bottom of the steps and helps me ascend onto the stage. A smile remains on his face and I can't take my eyes off him. He looked so incredibly handsome that it made me so happy to know that he was to be my husband. The priest begins reading the traditional scriptures and Alyn's hands grow tighter around mine.

"Alyn Crawford, do you take Princess Aria to be your wife till death do you part?"

"I do," Alyn says smiling.

"Aria, do you take Alyn Crawford to be your husband until death parts you?"

"I do," I say reflecting Alyn's smile.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," the priest announces and the sounds of applauding and cheers reverberate throughout the Great Hall. Alyn lifts my veil over my face and slides his hands against my face and pulls me closer until our lips meet. He holds his lips to mine for a good while before pulling away only to kiss me again.

We turn to face the audience and white roses rise into the air with delighted huzzahs. Alyn takes hold of my hand and wraps it around his as we descend the stage. Rose petals shower us as we walk out of the Hall and into the great dining room where food awaited us in celebration.

Shortly after, friends began making toasts to us as well as leaving behind gifts. The day was long and I was more than ready to relax after all the excitement. Alyn had escorted me to his room where he helps me undress. His lips explore my body and his hands become adventurous.

"Alyn," I giggle. He never wasted any time.

He lowers my dress and slide sit over the curves of my hips until it collapses to the floor acting as a halo to my feet. He pins me against the door and his hands run up the indents of my waist. "Alyn," I mutter and he pins me harder to the door.

"Alyn, you're being too rough. You'll hurt the baby." He pulls away and his eyes look apologetic. He backs away and grabs my hand softly and leads me to the bed. He sits at the edge and places his hands on my hips. He pulls me close and his face is level with my stomach. I glance down at him confused when he suddenly presses his lips just above my belly button.

"I'm sorry," he mumbles. "I promise nothing will ever hurt you. I'll keep you and your mother safe." He presses his lips to my belly again and his hands pull me closer until I've fallen into his lap. I brace myself against his chest and he places his lips to mine. "I love you, Aria," he breathes and kisses me again.

"I love you, Alyn," I reply with a kiss of my own. Butterflies fill my stomach as he showers me with kisses and sweet nothings and I giggle each time his hands trace the curves of my body. We eventually end up lying next to each other in his bed and his hand rests protectively on my belly. I feel our child move happily beneath and Alyn's eyes remain focused on me.

"I couldn't have asked for anything else in this world," he whispers.

"Me neither," I say with a soft smile.

"I'll make you the happiest wife in the world, Aria," he mutters. He plants a soft kiss on my forehead.

I lock my eyes with his and a big smile plays on my lips. "You already have."