Chapter 52
Soft violin music drifted through the air. Avelyn took a deep breath. This was it. The moment had been waiting for, dreaming of since the moment she discovered Jaxon’s true identity, had arrived. She was going to become his wife and the queen of his kingdom. After all they had gone thought to get to this moment, she scarcely believed that it was here. She remembered the time he had surprised her as she sat in the creek laughing. The memory of their walk in the garden before he was captured by Drax flitted through her mind. She thought of the feeling of dread that overcame her when at the knowledge of his peril. Then, her steely resolve she had to rescue him at all costs. Nothing could have deterred her, not even the dragon himself. And she finally remembered the joy she had felt when they were at last reunited. They had come so far in their journey.
Yes, this day was a day to celebrate.
A slight change in the music drew Avelyn out of her reverie. Jaxon gazed out over the crowd. There were many faces he had grown to love dearly over the years, and also many faces he seen only today. But by the way they smiled at him, he knew he would grow to love them as Avelyn did. She was loved. This came as no surprise to him though. He couldn’t imagine anyone not loving his dear Avy. His dear Avy...how he loved the sound of that. The truth of it brought a streak of joy into his heart. She would soon be his! He had waited a long time for this, spent a few sleepless nights agonizing over his fear of losing her and rejoiced like a madman when she had said yes. And today, he would finally have to the answer to his prayers...she would become his wife.
A hush fell over the crowd. Instinctively, his eyes followed those of everyone else’s to the back....And there she stood. Dressed in all white, she looked more beautiful than anything or anyone he had ever seen before. Even if his love blinded him to her flaws, he didn’t care. She was his little flower and he loved her more than anything in the world.
She slowly mad her way down the aisle towards. It was so quiet, he could almost hear the swish of her dress as it passed over the grass. When her gaze met with Jaxon’s own their eyes locked. The deep love he read in her deep blue/green eyes matched his own. The intensity he saw there, however, surprised him. She had endured so much to get to this moment and it had left its mark. But instead of hardening her soft and gentle spirit, it had left her with a quiet strength. Yes, they would endure whatever came their way. They had learned the truths of the words, “the things that are fought for mean more.” That was something they wouldn’t easily forget.
At last Avelyn stood before him. Bowing, he took her hand and together they walked to the makeshift altar. As the pastor began reading the vows, Avelyn leaned closed and in a tone mean for Jaxon’s ear only whispered.
“I love you my prince. I love you with a love that will not fade with time, a love that shines brighter with each sun rise. I promise to be yours forever.”
Jaxon’s heart burst at her words. It took every ounce of willpower to resist taking her in his arms and saying a vow of his own. Instead, he smiled down on her and smile said even more than words ever could.
“I do,” Avelyn said clearly.
“I do,” Jaxon answered. He nearly shouted words.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Everyone looked at Jaxon expectantly. Without any hesitation, he pulled Avelyn close and kissed her. Breathless, they gazed into each other’s eyes. They could see their own joy radiating back at them.
At last...their dreams....had come true.
“Ava, I am so happy for you,” Cassiopeia gushed. Nyssa agreed. In the six months since their first meeting, the two of them had become fast friends. They already began to act so alike that they were often mistaken with each other. Avelyn's heart was almost bursting with happiness. She glanced over at Jaxon, her husband, marveling at the truth of that for what seemed like the hundredth time. She. Was. Married.
