ALTHEA
I was halfway down the aisle when I notice Alistair, behind him Jonathan and Williams. Surprised, I walked up to them. "What are you guys doing here?" I asked. "We are here with the groom, looking good little bunny." Jonathan said. "Call me little bunny again, and I will make sure you never continue your bloodline." I threatened him.
I turned to Alistair who had a slight amused smile on his face. "You guys know the groom." I asked. Williams laughed slightly,he then slapped Alistair on his shoulder. "This is your groom. Lady Althea." he said.
Oh. OH.
I stared at him for a while. Only one thought running through my mind. THANK HEAVENS
"Do you find me repulsive to be your groom?"Alistair asked.
What the heck does he mean by repulsive. I am so darn happy right now.
" No, no, of course not."I replied.
He nodded with a relieved smile.
One thought came to mind. Lips, he can definitely kiss me on my lips. Looking at his tempting ones had me eager. It will be my first kiss, both in his life and the one on earth.
"Shall we begin?"The priest asked,that was when I looked around to see everyone staring at me. Guess they have never seen someone interact with the men so freely.
First step of the ritual is to confirm my lineage.
" Lord Bellmere, step forward. Let us perform the lineage confirmation ritual." The priest said.
Papa pig walked up to stand on the other side from Alistair and I. I watched as the priest made some sort of magic circle that had water in it. Then he pricked Lord Bellmere's finger and pinched it to allow blood drop into the water. The water turned red, then blue then golden.
"My lady, please step forward." The priest said to me. The priest pricked my finger and my blood dripped into the water. Immediately the water turned red, then blue. No more changes, I guess that confirms it.
The priest breath a sigh of relief as Lord Bellmere stepped down.
The priest cleared his throat. "Now that the lineage confirmation has been completed, we shall proceed with the vows."
Alistair turned to me, his gaze steady and unwavering. He reached for my hands, his touch firm yet gentle. "Lady Althea," he began, his deep voice carrying across the silent hall. "By the laws of our land and the will of the gods, I take you as my wife. From this day forward, I vow to honor, protect, and cherish you. In battle or in peace, in hardship or prosperity, my loyalty shall remain with you."
His words sent a pleasant shiver down my spine. It wasn't just a formal vow—it felt real, sincere.
The priest turned to me. "Lady Althea, do you take Lord Alistair as your husband?"
I swallowed, suddenly very aware of how many people were watching. "I do."
"Then please say your vows."
I glanced at Alistair, his stormy eyes locked onto mine, waiting. Taking a deep breath, I spoke, "Alistair, from this day forth, I vow to stand by your side. To honor and respect you. I swear to be your partner, through good and bad, and to never betray the trust we place in each other today."
A small smile tugged at his lips.
The priest nodded approvingly. "Then let us proceed to the binding."
Two ceremonial ribbons—one deep crimson, the other royal blue—were brought forward. The priest wrapped them around our joined hands, binding them together. "With these sacred ties, may your fates be intertwined, your hearts united, and your souls forever bound."
As the final words were spoken, a faint glow emanated from the ribbons before they faded into our skin. A sign of divine blessing.
The priest raised his hands. "With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He turned to Alistair. "You may now seal your union with a kiss."
Oh.
The moment I'd been waiting for.
Alistair stepped closer, his hands still clasping mine. His gaze flickered to my lips before he leaned in. My breath caught as our lips finally met—a soft yet firm kiss, one that sent warmth spreading through my chest.
The hall erupted in cheers, but all I could focus on was him. His lips, his warmth, the realization that this was real.
I was Lady Althea Ravenshade now.
We separated but I wanted more. Later, I thought.
The next was to sign the marriage certificate and I signed my name as Althea Vale, completely disregarding the Bellmere house.
Preparing for the Journey
After the ceremony, I returned to my chambers to change. The extravagant gown I wore for the wedding was stunning, but it was not suited for travel. I carefully removed the layers of fine fabric, sighing in relief as I slipped into something more practical—a simple yet elegant dress of my own making. Soft, durable, and perfect for the long journey ahead.
As I secured the laces on the bodice, my mind raced. I was married now. To Alistair. My heart fluttered at the thought. Despite the political nature of our union, I felt fortunate—he was a man of honor, and if the way he kissed me earlier was any indication, there was potential for something deeper between us.
I turned to the small trunk that had been prepared for me. It contained only the essentials—warm cloaks, sturdy boots, a few gowns, and a handful of personal items. As I checked the contents, making sure nothing was missing, I heard a soft knock at the door.
"Come in," I called out, expecting Miguel.
Instead, my youngest brother, Cassian, slipped inside.
"Cassian!" I gasped, my face lighting up. Even though we did not have the chance to be close enough, he was different from the other siblings and the only person I will miss in this manor.
He was only twelve, a bright-eyed boy with messy dark curls and a heart too big for his own good. Unlike our other siblings, who saw this marriage as a mere alliance, Cassian saw it for what it was—I was leaving. And for him, that meant losing me.
He shuffled his feet, glancing at the half-packed trunk. "You're really going," he mumbled.
I softened, bending to his level. "I have to, Cass. But it doesn't mean I'll forget you."
His lower lip quivered, but he set his jaw stubbornly. "I know." Then, from behind his back, he pulled out a small package wrapped in cloth and held it out. "I made this for you."
Surprised, I took the package and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a small, hand-carved wooden charm in the shape of a fox. The craftsmanship was a little rough, but the effort was undeniable. My heart clenched.
"I thought… if you had this, you wouldn't forget home," he said quietly. "Wouldn't forget me."
I pulled him into a tight embrace. "Cassian, I could never forget you."
"Promise?"
I leaned back, holding up the charm. "I promise. I'll keep it with me always."
His arms tightened around me for one last hug before he pulled away, rubbing at his eyes. "You should go. Alistair's probably waiting."
I nodded, Be good, Cass. And write to me, alright?"
But then, Alistair is from the north and letters might be difficult. I decided to do something.
" I'm going to do something okay, but it's a secret. " I said to Cassian. He looked at me curiously.
I activated my magic circle and made a phone, a simple smartphone, along with the charger and a power bank but this power bank, I filled it with magic so it will never die.
Cassian looked at me shocked. "I know. It's magic." I smiled at him. He looked at the phone and powerbank "What are those?" he asked in a quiet voice.
I placed them in his hand. "This is a phone. And this is a power bank." I turned on the phone and showed him the screen. Soon he got a hang of it.
"You can call me on this" I showed him my name. Not really a number, just something connected to me, "Once you click on it. I will know and I will answer you." I told him.
" And this is a power bank, your phone has to be charged with this."i showed him how to connect a charger. "Or else, the life will die, try to connect it this way for a while, until this shows hundred." I showed him the battery percentage icon.
"Nobody can know okay." I told him. "Okay, I promise. Thank you." he hugged me.
Cassian left the house hiding the phone and power bank under his tunic.
Looking at the charm, I enclosed it into my palm and watched as it glowed, when I opened my palm, there sat a bracelet, the charm and some other ones on it.
I picked the small bag and left the small house Lord Bellmere once confined mom and I to.
When I got to the place where Alistair was waiting for me. Mom and Miguel were also already there. The carriage I asked for too.
I turned to the Bellmere family. Cassian was not with them, definitely exploring his new phone. I can't believe I actually gave him a phone.
"I'm supposed to say thank you for taking care of me, but you hardly did anything so instead I'm gonna say. FUCK YOU." I raised both middle fingers with a mocking smile and got into the carriage.