The Fire Within

Wedding

Cirice woke, sore and groggy. Her face was chapped and raw, her cheeks an irritated red as she pushed herself up from her cold pillow. Tears that had since dried echoed on the pillowcase and her skin as she pushed her hair from her face, taking in the bright morning sun that streamed in through the stained glass windows.

Today was the day. The reminder pitted in her stomach like an angry animal. On the table, her breakfast sat, completely untouched since Ithica had brought it in earlier. She couldn't even stomach the thought of eating as she left the bed and went to the vanity. She tamed her hair and confined the top half of it as best she could with a clip. She then pulled on her usual dress and cloak.

Outside, the hallway was barren. Cirice took advantage of it and made her way downstairs. Ithica was in the foyer, dusting. When she saw Cirice she let out a small cry of surprise. Cirice's eyes were bloodshot, rimed with red puffy skin.

"Princess?" she asked gently as Cirice mustered a smile.

"I thought I would go for a walk. Is that alright?" she asked casually as Ithica eyed her.

"You better have Mason come along." she started. Cirice shook her head.

"He is engaged in the library. Please? I won't be gone long and need the fresh air." Cirice begged. Ithica reluctantly agreed and Cirice slipped out of the castle and into the chilling morning. Bright winter sunshine shone down as she walked quickly along the cobbled streets. Cirice turned a corner and collided with someone.

"I am so sorry!" she cried out, taking in whom she had assaulted. Margaery looked back at her, cheeks perfectly blushed. She smiled, her eyes gentle and genuine.

"It's alright, I can't see past these anyway," she said gently, gesturing to the two boxes in her arms that had almost clamored to the ground. Cirice ahead and raised her eyebrows.

"Well I best get home, they are expecting me," Margaery said awkwardly, dropping her eyes as she started past Cirice. Cirice turned to her intended direction but didn't move.

"Margaery," she started, so softly she was surprised she heard her. Margaery turned around. The sun illuminating her bright, beautiful blonde curls.

"Be good to him, please," Cirice whispered, the wind carrying her words to Margaery. She watched her for a moment before sighing.

"Of course," she replied as Cirice sighed and gave her a small wave. 

Cirice continued on, approaching the gate that was open. She was surprised to see that it wasn't closed but noted how people streamed in and out, most likely in preparation for the wedding. She dipped her head low, weaving through a throng of people before heading towards the woods, her destination hours away.

***

"Remember not to slouch, and smile darling." Alex's mother prodded from the entryway of the church. Inside, a joyous wedding tune emanated from the organ as members of the Vale found their seats. Alex shifted uncomfortably, the frills of his formal shirt bothered him and the neck was too tight. His mother watched him with somber eyes, her mouth a tight line.

"Oh, that's our cue. Come darling." she encouraged, extending her arm to him. Alex looked at it for a moment, unsure of what he should do. 

His mother sighed and linked her arm in his, taking his hand. They both started down the aisle. The guests all turned to look at them. Alex kept his eyes up front where Papa stood, his robes gleaming in the late morning light. He felt like he was going to be sick as his mother left him and took her place on the front pew.

Alex sighed and mounted the few steps to the altar. Once situated, he inhaled deeply, meeting Papa's eyes. Papa gave him a curt nod before clasping his hands together and looking to the back of the church. The music started and Alex swallowed hard, looking down the aisle to see Margaery.

She was a sight to behold. Her rosy cheeks and lips made her glow, but the glow did not reach her eyes. She walked slowly with her father at her side. Alex closed his eyes for a moment, imagining Cirice, trying to remember the type of flowers in her hair from his dream. Pain radiated from his arm as Papa's hand retracted. Alex flinched, grabbing his arm where Papa had pinched him.

Papa gave him a hard glare. Margaery and her father came to the bottom of the altar, her black dress and veiled face making her look like a dreamlike specter. Alex pushed his lips together as Papa spoke.

"Who gives this woman to her husband before the Dark Lord?" Papa asked, his voice echoing in the cavernous church. Alex fought to keep his hands still as Margeary's father answered.

"Her mother and I do," he replied as Margaery smiled at him. She then looked to Alex who was supposed to reach his hand out for hers. Alex watched as her father extended their hands to him. He took Margeary's and lead her up the stairs, quickly dropping it and turning to Papa.

"Citizens of the Vale, we are gathered here today to witness the unholy union of this man and this woman," Alex let his mind drift as Papa continued. 

The bright sun shone in through the stained glass windows above them, casting beams on the polished wood floors. He watched fibers float in the light, his thoughts once again returning to Cirice. He was reminded of her on the happiest days, wild green eyes and dark hair billowing in the breeze.

Alex felt his hand warm as Margaery took it. He turned to her, raising his eyes to meet her blue ones as Papa spoke.

"Alexander Edward Idris, do you take this woman, Margaery Jane Hughes to be your wife?" Papa was dreading asking this question, knowing very well Alex's impulsive nature. His hands tightened on the book in front of him as he watched the couple. Margaery's eyes searched Alex as everyone watched them both in silence. Alex met her blue orbs and watched as she faintly shook her head.

"No," he said, his voice echoing about the silent room. Alex watched as Margaery exhaled and her tight shoulders loosen. Papa cleared his throat eyeing him. 

"What?" he asked, looking at him. Alex laughed.

"No. Listen Margeary you are perfect, but you're not perfect for me," Alex said, dropping her hands. Margery lifted the veil, flinging it over her head. Her bright eyes, which Alex expected to be pained, were crinkled in happiness.

"I almost thought you were going to go through with it." she teased, sighing and shaking her head. She stretched her shoulders and smiled at a young man who sat a few pews back. Margaery's father followed her gaze and scoffed loudly. 

"The cobbler's son!?" he cried as her mother fanned herself. 

"This is an outrage," Alpha muttered, standing. Alex turned to him.

"No, what is an outrage is you expecting me to hold onto a promise that was made years ago. You expecting me to be with her every moment and not loving her. That's outrageous." Alex snapped as Papa sighed, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, sir. I love your daughter and nothing you say or do will ever change that." Alex said, turning to Papa. Papa watched him for a moment, the rest of the guests stunned at the scene. For a moment, Papa saw himself. A younger, more valiant version of himself. For a moment he saw the man who so ardently protested for sweet Evelyn's character, love, and worthiness. How could he have condemned the very behavior he had fought so hard for so many years ago? Papa sighed as Alpha watched in bated breath.

"Then you had better go tell her," he said as a soft smile formed across his face. Alex beamed back and turned to Margaery who smiled at him.

"Thank you," she said gently, squeezing his hand. She gathered her skirts and descended the altar, pulling her veil off and throwing it behind her. Alex laughed and looked to his mother who nodded vigorously. 

Then Alex did what he had been dreaming of since the moment they had returned: he ran to tell Cirice the truth. That he loved her more than anything in this world and that he would never leave her again.