Chapter 216: Married To Two Beautiful Women

“Right,” Piers said, rubbing his hands together. “We need to sort out clothing, location, invitations-”

“Invitations?” Aiden interrupted. “Piers, you said tonight.”

“Exactly, so we need to move fast,” Piers replied. “Now, for clothing, I’m thinking we go traditional. Doublets, probably dark colors. Fred, you’ve moved about this city the most, do you know where the good merchants are?

Fred nodded slowly. “There’s one near the market square.”

“Perfect. Oliver, you and Fred go find him, tell him we need formal outfits. We’ll pay his price.”

Piers turned back to Aiden. “For the location, I’m thinking the palace courtyard. it’s grand enough for the occasion and central enough that people can attend on short notice.”

“The palace?” Aiden said, his voice rising slightly. “Piers, we can’t just-”

“Can’t we?” Piers grinned. “You’re technically almost in charge in this kingdom, mate. I think you can pull some strings.”

Aiden just went mute and instead decided to watch as Pier continued to make plans around him. He looked increasingly overwhelmed but unable to stop the momentum that had been set in motion. He was, after all, the man of the hour.

The next several hours passed in a whirlwind of activity.

—-

In the women’s quarters of the guild, Elena had taken charge of preparing the brides.

Laela sat in front of a mirror while Aeris carefully braided her long hair, weaving in small white flowers that Innis had somehow managed to procure from a nearby garden.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Laela whispered, staring at her reflection.

“Believe it,” Arianna said from the other side of the room, where Katherine was helping her into an elegant dress. It was a deep crimson that complemented her dark hair, with silver embroidery along the bodice and sleeves.

“We’re getting married. Tonight.”

“Are you nervous?” Elena asked, working on Laela’s dress – a flowing gown of pale green that brought out the color of her eyes, with delicate leaf patterns stitched in silver thread along the hem.

“Terrified,” Laela admitted with a small laugh. “But in a good way, I think.”

Arianna caught Laela’s eye in the mirror and smiled. “We’re in this together.”

“Always,” Laela replied.

Katherine stepped back to admire them both, then nodded in satisfaction. “You both look beautiful. Aiden’s a lucky man.”

They both smiled.

—-

Meanwhile, in another part of the guild, Aiden was being fitted for his wedding attire by Piers.

The outfit was elegant but practical, a black doublet with silver fastenings, over a deep blue shirt, with black trousers and boots. A short cape was clasped at his shoulders, dark blue on the outside and silver on the inside.

Aiden had this look on his face that explained how uncomfortable this whole thing.

Just then, Elena slipped into the room, closing the door behind her. She looked at Aiden with a thoughtful expression.

“Aiden, can I speak with you for a moment?”

He nodded, and she approached him.

Piers moved along to the side for a bit.

“I wanted to let you know. if you want, I know a certain spell that would be able to hide your horns and tail for the ceremony,” she said.

“The spell is called Glamour. They wouldn’t be truly hidden, but to the eye, it’s just not there.”

Aiden considered this for a moment. His horns and tail were part of who he was now, but maybe for tonight, perhaps it would be better to appear more… human.

“Yes,” he said. “Thank you, Elena. I’d appreciate that.”

She nodded and placed her hand on his shoulder, closing her eyes. “Glamour,” she whispered.

A faint glow of mana passed over Aiden, and suddenly his horns and tail seemed to have disappeared entirely, leaving him looking more human again.

He glanced at himself in the nearby mirror and smiled a bit.

“It will last until sunrise,” Elena said. “After that, you’ll need to recast it or let your true form show again.”

Aiden simply nodded

She smiled and left the room, leaving him with the boys.

“Ready to get married?” Piers asked with a grin.

Aiden took a deep breath and smiled. “Let’s do this thing”

——

By the time evening fell, the palace courtyard had been transformed. Torches and magical lights illuminated the space, casting this glow over the assembled guests.

White flowers had been strung along the pillars, and a simple altar had been set up at the far end, with Piers standing behind it in his formal guild attire.

The courtyard was filled with people, all the current guild captains were in attendance, as well as some of the old ones.

Of course there was Oberon sitted with his wife, and Thamoryn to their side.

Then there was Cedric Greystone, who stood near the front with a complicated expression on his face as he waited to see his daughter wed.

In a quieter section near the back, Laela’s father stood with wide, wondering eyes. One of Aiden’s avatars had brought him via teleportation just an hour before.

The old man still looked slightly dazed by the sudden journey and the grandeur around him.

On another section, was that big man, Aiden’s first friend outside of Dragonhold.

It was Alaric, and he was there with his wives, nessa and Elara. And his Daughters, Kira and Mira. An avatar had also brought them as well.

As the guests settled into place, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

“Is this really the time for a wedding?” someone whispered near the back.

“With everything happening in Dragonhold, this seems… insensitive.”

Kayden, standing with the other guild members, heard one of these murmurs and his face contorted into a frown.

He turned and walked over to the source, two mages from one of the guilds .

“Excuse me,” Kayden said, his voice carried this slight edge. “I couldn’t help but overhear.”

The two looked at him nervously.

“Maybe it is a little insensitive,” Kayden continued. “But Aiden has been carrying everyone on his back for months now. Infact you’re both probably alive because of him. He too deserves some happiness. So unless you want to walk out that door right now, I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself.”

The mages went mute instantly.

Kayden held their gaze for another moment, then turned and walked back to his place, with this satisfying smile on his face.

—-

Then, the ceremony began.

Musicians began to play sounds that filled the courtyard and All conversation ceased as everyone turned toward the entrance.

Laela appeared first, escorted by her father, who walked with pride evident in his eyes despite his simple clothing.

She looked so beautiful, downright ethereal in her pale green gown with her braided hair crowned with flowers, and her face glowing with happiness.

Then came Arianna, escorted by Cedric Greystone, whose expression had softened as he walked his daughter forward.

She was radiant in crimson, her dark hair falling in waves over her shoulders. She walked with a sort of confidence, a woman who knew exactly what she wanted.

And at the altar, Aiden stood waiting, his heart pounding in his chest as he watched both women approach.

He was flanked by Piers on one side and Kayden on the other. Piers had a broad grin on his face, and Kayden looked stern but respectful.

When Laela and Arianna reached the altar, their fathers stepped back, and the two women moved to stand on either side of Aiden. Laela took his right hand, Arianna took his left, and they all turned to face Piers.

Piers cleared his throat and spoke, with the sound his voice carrying across the courtyard.

“We are gathered here tonight to witness something not exactly so rare but really precious. The joining of three souls who have chosen to walk through life together. In a world torn by war and uncertainty, love remains our greatest strength and our greatest hope.”

He looked at Aiden. “Aiden Crowley, do you take these women as your wives, to stand beside you in joy and in sorrow, and in whatever odds, for as long as you all shall live?”

Aiden’s voice was steady when he said. “I do.”

Piers turned to Laela. “Laela, daughter of Rivendale, do you take this man as your husband, and do you accept Arianna as your sister-wife, to build a life together in trust and love?”

Laela’s eyes were bright with and it looked like tears were building within. “I do.”

Piers turned to Arianna. “Arianna Greystone, do you take this man as your husband, and do you accept Laela as your sister-wife, to build a life together in trust and love?”

Arianna’s voice was much stronger and just as happy. “I do.”

“Then by the power vested in me as a member of Ravens Grave and as a witness to your love, I declare you husband and wives. You may kiss your brides.”

Aiden turned first to Laela, cupping her face gently in his hands and leaning down to kiss her. It was soft and sweet.

Then he turned to Arianna, pulling her close and kissing her with equal passion and tenderness.

The courtyard erupted in applause and cheers, with the sound echoing off the palace walls and rising into the night’s sky.

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