Our Time Bomb

Chapter Twenty-eight ~ The Wedding

Continuation of chapter Twenty-seven.

I walked down that isle made of forest flowers on that fateful day. It was the best wedding I could've ever asked for, to the best man the planet could possibly have produced. The two of us had eyes only for each other the day. We wanted a quiet wedding, no more than one hundred people at most. It was rather a strange event. Several shadow nation came, Jefferson's family, and some of his closest friends (gyardicans of course) came. Looking back on it, I'm sure it was very awkward for the few guests that were there. The Gyardicans didn't know that the strange guests were Shadow Nation, but the other way around, it was awkward.

But for the two of us vowing to spend the rest of our lives together, it was free of awkwardness. I felt amazing, forgetting completely any components to my decision that might lead to realize that it was a risky one... I saw the situation through a clouded filter of love. Perhaps that made me weak, but nevertheless, no one had ever made me happier than Jefferson had.

The way that we do weddings here in Fantastica is a little different from where you live. By tradition, every wedding is the same. We cut a slit down our wedding finger and swear an oath to each other. We don't need a ring because the scar that will forever grace our fingers serves as a reminder of our commitment. I like this tradition very much because it has got a seriousness behind it. You see, the pain reminds you of how hard marriage can be, yet the pain and the blood is worth love.

The second part of the tradition is that the bride kneels to her husband. This signifies that she promises to submit to him when necessary. Then he will help her up and kiss her. Then they are married. These oaths are so serious that if a couple breaks them by separation, they are shamed by society.

After the ceremony, I left my husband's side to greet my Shadow Nation guests.

First, I talked to Syra's father, the Chancellor. He had been very disturbed at the sight of me under the submission of a Gyardican. However, like the wise man he was, he kept his mouth shut on my wedding day and instead grimly congratulated me. "Best of luck to you... I hope you will not regret this choice one day."

I was so full of happiness, that his sour face could not affect me in the slightest, so I just beamed at him, "How could I ever regret this? I am so happy."

He just smiled at the ground, "I do not often see you happy, so for that I am glad."

"Thank you." I said, then I joined a group of the other Shadow Nation that had come. I greeted them and thanked them for coming. Even Syra was there. She gave me a hug, glad also to see me happy.
Then I felt hands come around my waist, Jefferson joined us. I then would have to sensor what I said. He hadn't a clue that he was surrounded by his enemy. I felt a slight twinge of guilt. Like something was wrong, but I quickly shoved it away. Everything was going to be fine. Nothing to worry about...

"Hey!" I said in response to his touch.
"Hey beautiful, what are you guys talking about?"

I grinned, "Nothing much."

"We were just congratulating her. We're happy for you guys..." Syra said with a smile. That surprised me, coming from her. I was grateful for her statement however and my returned smile was truly sincere.

"Thank you." Jefferson said, then he whispered in my ear, "There's someone I'd like you to meet."

I waved politely to my people and followed him, my arm in his. He led me to a man in the crowd, he looked about in his sixties or early seventies. His hair curly was gray, matching his beard.
"Erika, this is Sir Ulrich. He was the Captain of the Guard before I. He's practically a legend and he came to our wedding. Is that not an honor?"

I bowed my head, cringing inside, so this dude is basically a previous archenemy of my people... Lovely. I remember hearing of him, though I'd never met him. "Pleasure to meet you Sir." I said.

He took my hand and kissed my gloved knuckles, "I am glad that this guy has found himself a woman finally. He needs one, and you are definitely one to speak of, it would seem. He could not shut up about you the last time I saw him."

I blushed, "Is that so Jefferson?"

He rolled his eyes playfully, "Possibly..."

I nudged him in the ribs and looked down, a warm glow resonating in my cheeks.

"Always knew the Captain would marry someone spunky. You two fit together beautifully. I am happy for you." the old guy said.

This was a glad change from the previous conversation I'd been in. Talking to them was awkward and a veil of disappointment seemed to settle over me despite the fact that it was my wedding day. Talking to Jefferson's friends was almost a relief. They looked at their Captain's bride with clear vision,  unclouded with judgement.

I met some of the people that he was close to and worked with daily, one of them being Sir Bennet whom now I hate very much. I recall that he was rather kind to me on that day and my first impression of him wasn't bad. That disposition would soon change however, after things took a tumble downhill.

Back to the present...
I am awakened from my thoughts by the very man who I've just been thinking about... Sir Bennet. He is standing outside my cell with a heavily creased forehead. "I need to speak with you." he says.

I groan and stand to my feet.  "What."

He sighs, "Well it would seem that your children have been abducted."

I raise my eyebrows, "They have... Have they? It is about time."

He frowns, "You're not upset?"

I smile, "Who took them?"

"Shadow Nation... Obviously."

"And who am I?"

He is silent for a moment, "So you mean this was intended? May I inform you that your daughter struggled against them and called the Captain for help. At least she knows which side she's on."

I chuckle, "Once I talk to her, her eyes will be opened."

His eyes flicker coldly, "You will never see her again..."

I make a point to hold my posture with authority, though I have none over him. "don't underestimate me, you have made that mistake before."

He scowls and shakes his insolent head.

"Can I talk to Jefferson?" I ask him.

"Doesn't wanna talk to you you..." Sir Bennett mumbles.

I sigh, "Of course..."

"And," he continues without hesitancy, "He doesn't wish to even see you for a long time. I'd say he's done with you, my dear." I notice his upper lip curl with resentment. I know immediately that Jefferson never actually said that.

I smirk at him through the bars, "Is that so?"

I can see the hate for me in his eyes.

"I'll only believe that he is done with me when he says it to my face." I say.

He shrugs, "You will see."