22. Alyx
Six months later…
Alyx stared at the dress in the mirror. The white chiffon spilled down to the floor, while the lace bodice hugged her chest while diamonds and flowers decorated her hair. She’d refused the offer of a tiara, but when Armand requested the right to walk her down the aisle, she didn’t turn him down.
They’d come a long way in the six months since they’d met—vacationing in Belgium with him and his siblings, as well as meeting up in New York twice, and once more in Los Angeles during the engagement party. The only true argument erupted when it came to the wedding venue. Armand wanted to host her wedding at the family estate in Norway. But she had no ties to that place, not yet. Daniel preferred Los Angeles, but was pretty much willing for anything—except the drive-through Elvis chapel she’d suggested.
They’d compromised and chosen a sleepy little church in Woodland. Her parents had been married there. Both families agreed and the city of Sacramento’s tourism board threw in help with security as royal watchers from around the world flocked to see their simple wedding. When a certain British prince appeared on the guest list, they’d had to double their security conditions.
“You look radiant,” Rhonda complimented and kissed her cheek. She’d chosen Rhonda for her maid of honor and Lucy for her bridesmaid. Daniel’s secretary tried to refuse, but she insisted and Daniel swore he’d call her morning, noon and night until she agreed.
Standing best man for Daniel was Martin.
As part of their wedding present, he’d hosted a beachside bonfire, burning their contract while they toasted marshmallows. Even Daniel’s mother was in the crowd, along with Grace Burrows from the social services office. The chapel could only hold about a hundred and fifty guests, so the rest of their wedding guests waited for them at the ballroom of the Grand Hotel where they would celebrate the reception.
Armand arrived with both of his brothers—Sebastian and George. George was by far her favorite, just two years her junior and with a deep interest in film. They’d hit it off during the first vacation and she’d promised him a tour of Hollywood after the honeymoon…
The top-secret honeymoon that only Victor knew the destination of, because he’d taken care of getting her clothes ready.
Personally, she didn’t care where they were going. With the craziness of the wedding plans, the Takahashi contract and the recently announced European deals, she and Daniel hadn’t had five minutes alone together. Armand insisted they spend the night before the wedding apart and he’d hosted her at his recently acquired Petersburg Tower along with the rest of the family, including two dowager aunts, a haphazard collection of cousins and his brothers.
He’d given her a ring for Daniel—she could give it to him after the ceremony. Like her necklace, it carried the family crest and declared him an official member of the Andraste royal family. From blue-collar billionaire to member of the pedigree’d elite, who would have imagined that a random dinner appointment with his attorney would have sat them in her station and led to this day?
“Are you ready, beautiful cousin?” Armand stood in the doorway. She could hear the first stirrings of the music as Rhonda and Lucy preceded her up the aisle.
She exhaled and he held out his arm. So much pomp and circumstance, but none of it mattered. Armand guided her down the hallway and the double doors to the chapel opened. Inside the guests stood and a single photographer, one approved by the family and vetted by Daniel, took her picture. The first bars of the wedding march echoed through the chapel, but Alyx heard none of it.
Standing at the end of that long walk was the sun god who woke her from a long and lonely sleep. She forced Armand to pick up the pace.
She couldn’t wait for their happily ever after.