The Arcana - Muriel Fanfics!

XVIII - The Moon

Every inch of my guest room enticed comfort, as always when staying in the Palace. The silk sheets flowed over my fingers like water, and the mattress sunk irresistibly once I'd sat down.

I didn't sleep a wink. 

Despite Nadia's reassurances and Asra's smiles, the butterflies in my stomach had returned with a vengeance. The butterflies, or the baby. Either way, I'd tossed and turned my way to dawn. My wedding dress is draped over an ornate armchair. I eye it wearily. Golden sunlight begins to spill into the sky, staining it a light persimmon orange. It's not until the sky bleeds blue that there's a light knock on the door. 

Pulling a silk robe over my shoulders, which feel heavier with worry by the second, I pad quietly to the door. Easing it ajar, I smile to see distinctive fiery curls. Opening it fully, Portia beams at me. 

"Oh, good, you're an early bird," she says cheerily, pushing past me. Closing the door, I follow with a shaky smile. 

"I...couldn't sleep," I say with a shrug. Portia smiles, and the grin reaches her eyes. "I don't blame you. Ooh, you must be so nervous, poor thing. But today's the big day," she says, reaching up to pat my arm. Portia's face lights up with genuine warmth. "The nerves are gonna melt, for sure. Once you're down that aisle, it'll be just you and Muriel, and you won't even remember what you were worried about!" 

She flashes me a reassuring smile, before tugging me toward the door. "Now, you can't get married on an empty stomach! Let's wake the chef, and we'll sneak in a early morning snack. What'd you say your favourite food was?" 

Before long, the stomach-butterflies are squashed by as many pastries as the chef will let me have. Portia sternly reminds him that I'm eating for two ("She's got a bun in the oven, if you get my culinary drift"), and he grudgingly slips me two more walnut croissants. 

By mid-morning as I slip into my wedding dress, I silently send my unending gratitude to the seamstress who had the foresight to make the dress loose-fitting. Nadia is waiting for me in the saloon, and draws a sharp breath when she sees me. 

"Oh my. Valeera, you look absolutely stunning," she says, standing to give me a quick hug. "But are you certain you don't want me to call back that stylist?" I shake my head. Yesterday after Asra had left to join Muriel at the hut, Nadia had offered to hire a stylist to take care of my hair and makeup. Absently, I run my fingers through the choppy curls. "It's ok, Nadia. Luckily Muriel makes a pretty good hairdresser, and makeup..." I trail off, uncertain.

Nadia pats my shoulder lightly, smiling. "You don't need it," she whispers. Straightening, Nadia clears her throat. "Now, I do believe there's a carriage outside waiting to take us to the wedding."

I nod tersely, my stomach tightening into a mess of churning knots. Suddenly, those pastries didn't seem like such a good idea. Nadia sweeps me out of the saloon. Stumbling numbly, I follow her to the steps of the Palace. The carriage glitters in the sunlight, gilded and gold. I give Nadia a questioning look. She laughs lightly, waving her hand. 

"Oh, this? Don't worry, it shall deliver us to your hut, but no one will see it." I swallow dubiously, before clambering in. The Palace shrinks away, and soon branches and leaves scrape and snap against the carriage. I feel the magic of the forest wash over me like warm rain. 

My heart is thundering. I hastily wipe my sweaty palms on the carriage seat. What if something goes wrong? If I'm late, or if I trip, or something else stupid like that?

Nadia rests a hand on my arm, snapping me out of my thoughts. "Valeera, you look...a bit pale. Is everything alright?" She says leaning forward, concern shining in her eyes. 

I stumble over my words. "I...um...yes, I just...I'm a bit nervous," I say finally. Nadia sits back, smiling. 

"Ah. Yes, I suppose you would be. Well, you remind me a bit of Muriel when you're nervous," Nadia says, amused. I feel the heat rising in my cheeks. Nadia laughs, taking pity on me. "Don't worry, that's a good thing. You two were meant for each other, I know it." Suddenly, a look of disgust passes over her cool features. "And as far as marriages go," she says, eyes closed, "I think there are worse men to marry." 

Just like that, the carriage slows to a stop. I peer outside, and realise we've arrived. The footman opens the door for Nadia, who steps out graciously. She turns, leaning in to speak to me. "I can accompany you down the aisle if you wish," she says. Nadia hesitates before continuing. "...Or I could ask someone else, perhaps Asr-Julian?" A knowing look passes between us. We both know she was going to say Asra, and we both know that if Asra walked me down, neither of us would make it without crying. 

I nod. "Julian, I suppose. Thank you, Nadia," I add. Nadia smiles at me, clasping my hand. "Of course, Valeera. Good luck, though I doubt you will need it." With that, she disappears towards the hut. 

Fidgeting with the embroidery on my dress, I listen intently to the sway of the trees, the distant swell of the stream. Eventually, I hear footsteps crunching toward me. Taking a deep breath, I step out of the carriage. 

Julian shoots me a nervous smile. "Ah, hello, Valeera. You, er, you look..." his features pinch together, searching for the right word. "...ravishing," he finishes with a flourish, flinging a hand to his forehead. I giggle, the nerves dispelling. Julian relaxes, holding out an arm. "Oh, good, I hoped that would work. Nadia told me you were nervous." I link arms with him, breathing deeply. I set my shoulders, pushing the anxiety away. I know Muriel is down that aisle, somewhere. Waiting for me, probably blushing, knowing that soon enough, I'll be his wife. 

I nod to Julian, smiling. "Not anymore. I'm ready." Julian clears his throat, looking forward. "Good. That's the fierce Devil-slayer we know and love." I shoot him a sidelong glance. He raises his eyebrows. 

"What? Devil-slayer doesn't work? Hm...how about 'Tarot-slinger?' Or 'Goatsbane?'"

Laughing, we set off arm in arm towards the wedding. Towards Muriel, I think happily.