Epilogue
Their wedding wasn’t as small as they’d wanted. The entire village wanted to attend. So instead of just a little wedding in the castle garden, their wedding took place in the village church.
“You look amazing!” Bailey whispered, stepping back to take in Astra’s wedding dress. “You look just like a medieval princess!”
Astra adjusted the long, pointed sleeves of her wedding gown, then touched the tiara on top of her head. “I feel like one,” she replied. “ I didn’t know that there were so many jewels hidden in the castle.”
Macie laughed, then hugged Astra. “I hope there are tons of jewels! And we’re taking pictures of the whole process and sending them to one of the prison guards,” she explained, then lifted her camera to snap another one. “Apparently, Ricardo was livid that he wasn’t released last month,” she explained. And the guards who had been protecting him aren’t getting their bribery money any longer. The man is now in solitary confinement for his temper.” She snapped another one of Bailey, who was one of the bridesmaids. Macie and Bailey both looked like princesses as well, but in soft yellow and peach. “Did you hear that Jeb and Manuel were arrested yesterday too? They were charged with attempted murder.”
“What about Edlora?” Astra asked, adjusting the bow over the top of her belly. “She was in on the plot as well.”
Macie shook her head. “No one has seen Eldora in a long time. She’s just…disappeared.”
Astra sighed. “I almost feel sorry for Eldora. She was trapped and angry.’
Bailey snorted and handed Astra her bouquet of flowers. “Being angry doesn’t justify trying to poison someone.”
Astra took the bouquet and sniffed, smiling at the fragrant orange blossoms. “Yeah, but Eldora and the rest of the staff were most likely abused by Ricardo for years, decades even.”
“True, and I appreciate that you have so much sympathy for the woman, but she still tried to kill you.” Bailey gave her future sister-in-law a stern look.
Astra made a non-committal sound.
“Are you ready?” Macie asked, beaming as if she were the one getting married today.
Astra breathed in deeply, then nodded. “Yes! I’m definitely ready!”
Bailey and Macie both hugged Astra, then turned, flipping the trains of their dresses behind them. They took up their flower bouquets that were tied with matching ribbons, then glanced over at Astra one more time.
“This is your last chance. Are you sure you don’t want to run away?”
Astra laughed, then patted her protruding belly. “I’m not running anywhere!”
The three of them laughed, but then Macie turned and walked down the aisle. Bailey was next. Then it was Astra’s turn. She took another breath, then stepped out into the small church. Immediately, the crowd stood up and her view of Antonio was blocked. She moved forward, probably walking too fast, but she didn’t care. She wanted to do this as quickly as possible. For some reason, she feared that Antonio would change his mind.
But as she stepped closer to the front, she saw him. He was there! And goodness, did he look magnificent! Standing beside his half-brother, Antonio’s dark hair gleamed in the sunshine and his broad shoulders filled out his morning suit to perfection!
This was her man! Six months ago, they’d both left each other, confused and hurt. Now, their pains were finally healing. In another three months, they’d have a beautiful child to welcome into this world.
“My princess,” Antonio said as soon as Astra stepped closer.
She beamed up at him. “My prince,” she whispered back.