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November 12th
Will
The Mikhailov empire was built on lies, blood and damnation. Long since forgotten ancestors built the ground their descendents walked on after a war they waged and won. A war no one backed down from. The Mikhailov, Kumarin and Todorov families have made death an art and raised generations of DiVinci’s.
As fourth in line to the Mikhailov throne, I had never been worth much more to my mother than a good shot and a pretty face. But to my best friend, my brother, I was worth the world. And by the gods was Indril worth the same to me.
Which was why, from where I stood at Indril’s side, watching tears fall down my best friend’s face, I did not reach for the notebook burning a hole in my back pocket. Indril Kumarin, third in line to the Kumarin throne and my brother in everything but blood deserved more respect than that. This was his engagement ceremony after all.
Indril turned to meet my gaze and got an encouraging smile in return. Juliet started advancing on the doors of the great hall, a giddy smile tugging at the corners of Indril’s mouth.
My gaze shifted past my beautiful friend and soon to be sister in law to my gorgeous girlfriend Isana Kumain, Juliet’s maid of honor. Isana wore a stunning pink gown, drooping bell sleeves made of elegant lace in a floral pattern matching Juliet’s own.
It was not until the doors opened that silence befell the crowd. Many turned, gazes landing on Indril, but he only had eyes for Juliet. I chuckled as tears of admiration continued falling down Indril’s face. Juliet advanced, Isana and Althea, our real mother in every way that mattered, following behind her.
My sister, Visha, was supposed to also be standing at Juliet’s side, but was unable to come due to an assignment running too long. But we all knew she would move heaven, hell and earth itself in order to stand at Juliet’s side for her wedding.
The beautiful women shone with the light of angels. I was transfixed on Isana as she cast a glowy smile my way before turning to look around in wonder. Joy creased the corners of her eyes, taking in the sight.
Floor to ceiling flowers covered every wall in the great hall, glistening with a shimmery powder. Isana looked effervescent against the lit up doors. I made a note to ask Isana what specifically was catching her attention sometime later. But for now, the ceremonial music had started playing from speakers hung amongst the decor and it was time for the magic to begin.
Juliet stopped about a foot away from Indirl, eyes locked on nothing but each other. A radiant light wafting off them. It’s said that pictures are worth a thousand words but damn memories are priceless.
Indril was night, green eyes dripping with glittering tears. A hue of cerulean light danced around him, stars dancing between rivers of night sky. But Juliet was day, each a compliment to one another, two halves of a single whole. Golden specks of honeyed skin sparkling on her cheeks. Silver eyes coated in black kohl, striking in every way.
Juliet wasn’t crying, probably to conserve the integrity of her eye makeup, but Indril was sobbing. Blue glitter streaked across his face, little lines a testament to his devotion. Indril didn’t seem to care though, and neither did Juliet as she cupped her soon to be fiance's face in her hands, brushing away the streaks of glitter with gentle fingers.
Caden Mikhailov, the apparent but still uncrowned heir to the Mikhailov throne, cleared his throat in the microphone on the dias behind where the wedding party was standing. “May the speeches commence.”
I tamped down on the biting rage simmering in my gut at the sound of that man’s voice. This was a happy ceremony, and it wouldn’t be ruined by my hatred for Caden.
The first step of any engagement ritual consists of the groom giving each of his bride’s ladies a gift as a tribute because, in a way, they are giving her away to him. Indril chose a bouquet of rosemary, as it symbolized protection and love. Both Althea and Isana took it happily before Indril stepped back into his place.
My speech would be first as Indril’s best man. A bright smile lined my mouth as I strode to the pedestal, taking my gift box in hand. Inside was an elegant string of pearls connected to a gold plate engraved with the day Indril and Juliet first got together. I would have chosen the day they met but no one could actually place the day itself
Clearing my throat and taking a small glance at the notes etched on my palm, I spoke at last. “I suppose the best place to start is where it all began. Indril Kumarin has been my brother in everything more important than blood since the day we were born. From cradle mates to best man, we have stood side by side through it all. The day he first saw you,” I shifted my gaze, “Juliet Romeninski, the bond between you two snapped so loud the world shook. The two of you have something special, something worth the history books.” Tears welled in my eyes, my voice breaking, “may this union be blessed by the gods above and below. I love you both.”
I slipped the handkerchief out of my pocket, handing it to Juliet along with her gift. “Take care of him, will you?” I asked quietly, just for her to hear. Tears spilled down Juliet’s cheeks, thankfully not making too much mess of her makeup. She took the box with shaky hands, flashing a winning smile. A small laugh filled the space at the sight of my handkerchief before she started to blot at her under eyes.
Juliet mouthed thank you as Leroy, the only father any of us would ever give credit to, started his speech. He cleared his throat, grabbing a large scabbard off the table. It was about the size of Juliet’s forearm and had intricate floral designs wrapping around the length. “I wish I had known what Will was going to say so my speech could have been more packed but here we are. Juliet,” he started, a rare smile splitting Leroy’s mouth, “you are being taken under Indril’s cloak of protection, and thereby mine as well. And as such, you are family. My family. So, to help keep you safe, I had this commissioned for you. A reminder that as a part of this family you will be respected, loved, defended and honored for every day until your last. May this union be blessed by the gods above and below. All the love, my children.”
Juliet sobbed into my handkerchief as she took the sword, smiling brightly through her tears. We all smiled with her, this day etching itself into many memories each person would hold onto forever.
Isana caught my gaze, a few happy tears starting to slide down her cheeks. Because now it was Indril’s turn to speak, and there was a carrier on the table behind the wedding party. He pulled out a small, white kitten, who pushed his head into Indril’s hand as he was picked up.
Juliet cooed in joy, waiting to get her hands on the fluffy cat. I had gone with Indril to adopt the currently unnamed kitten. Indril had squealed with joy at the sight of the all white one, just having to get him to honor Juliet’s favorite kid’s movie.
Indril momentarily handed the small kitten off to me. I smiled down at the gremlin cat, who refused to stay still in my arms as Indril brought everyone to tears.
“When I was younger I really did not know if I was ever going to find a love good enough for the history books. I was surrounded by people who just sort of knew,” A smirk brushed my lips when Indril sent a knowing look between Isana and I.
Juliet giggled, reaching out to take Indril’s hands in hers. “I had never thought I would get such a spectacular and all consuming love like that, not until I was blessed to meet you.” Indril choked on his words, “you came into my life, stunning and sweet and gorgeous and amazing and I just knew. From the day I met you I knew you were that epic love for me. Your heart was open and full of love, even when I did not fully know how to accept it. Every inch of you, from your brilliant mind to your stunning form is perfect. I love you Juliet Romeninski.” Indril got down on one knee, pulling a ring box out of his jacket pocket. “I love you so fucking much. And if it would not be too much to ask, will you please do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Juliet nodded vehemently, shaking with her tears, “yes, yes, a thousand times yes Indril!”
The two of them shared a giddy smile as Indril surged up, claiming Juliet’s lips in his. Indril kissed Juliet like the world started and ended with her. I smiled at the two of them, because they were precious together and seeing them this happy made the world feel a little more right.
Indril’s arms encircled Juliet’s waist, her arms crossed behind his head. They stood there for a good long while. Caden made an announcement no one bothered listening to about how the party goers were free to mingle. I didn’t care as I stepped over and wrapped an arm around Isana.
She leaned into my chest, smiling ear to ear.
Someone I didn’t recognize came up to take the kitten, saying that he would be bringing the monster back to Indril’s rooms until the party was over. I wearily handed the kitten over and made sure the strange man knew what would happen if the baby got lost.
Leroy and Althea came to stand beside Isana and I, but Indril and Juliet stayed right where they were, preparing for their first dance. Their engagement ceremony was steeped in tradition, and this one was a family favorite.
Leroy led the lot of us to a table a bit away for a perfect upfront view. I pulled out Isana’s chair, Leroy doing the same for Althea, before sitting in my own. Isana laced her hand through mine, the two of us leaning into each other’s warmth.
It was a few seconds before the music started, but when it did Isana gasped in excitement.
My eyes lined with tears as Indril led the waltz, Juliet following his lead gracefully. This ceremony, the Dance of Souls, was where a newly affianced couple binds their souls in preparation for the blood rite, which would take place on their wedding day. The couple would dance on the physical plane, and their souls would start the waltz of marriage on another. I had never fully understood the tradition but still thought it was beautiful.
The energy was palpable as Juliet and Indril stared adoringly into one another’s eyes.
They were physically joined in at least one place for the entire dance, as was customary. I watched as Indril kept pace with the music, leading Juliet with ease.
My hand was still joined with Isana’s, resting on my thigh. Until Isana pulled them to rest on her stomach, wrapping my arm around her. A chuckle softly rattled my lungs; I leaned down to whisper in Isana’s ear, “remind me to schedule dancing lessons before we get married.”
She nodded, still staring as the waltz slowly came to an end. Indril was out of breath and so was Juliet but they stayed joined, Indril bringing his free hand up to cup Juliet’s cheek as she twisted her’s in his hair. They looked at each other so intensely the room shuddered with the power of it. Their lips joined in a kiss, igniting the flame of love.
A new song started, Indril and Juliet not leaving the dance floor, but other people started filling it, Leroy and Althea included. Isana sat up, turning around to face me before planting a sudden kiss to my lips. I gasped, one hand reaching up to rest against her face.
“Angel,” I breathed, my lips brushing into Isana’s. With her eyes still lidded she brushed a kiss to the side of my mouth, sending my heart fluttering.
“I love you, Will,” she murmured into my skin.
“I love you too, Isana.”
We did not join in on the revelry as neither of us particularly enjoyed dancing, but we watched our loved ones partook in the traditional festivities. Every once and a while I pressed gentle kisses to Isana’s hair, her cheek, her shoulder, whatever part of her I could reach first.
***
It was sometime later that Leroy and Althea had returned from the dance floor, pink dusting Althea’s cheeks and Leroy looking happier than I had seen in a while. They sat down across the table and gleefully reminisced on their own wedding.
I thought it amusing to consider that day now. When Leroy and Althea married Indril and I were six, Isana had recently turned nine. Leroy and Althea took the three of us and ran away for three days straight. Indril and I were Leroy’s groomsmen, Isana was Althea’s lady in waiting. It was a ceremony held with no family and no guests, housed in a rundown church three hours away.
One of the best weddings I had ever gone to. It was the day that my real parents, the ones that filled that role, had joined themselves in the most sacred of fashions. Even if there had been no major festivities or grandeur.
A server came around with a tray of champagne, Althea grabbing a flute and taking a sip.
I looked back down at my notebook, which was in great need of a replacement. A few days ago it had run out of pages, and since then I had taken to using a red pen, and writing between lines of unrelated text.
Isana was watching with an air of amusement, our hands still entwined and resting on my thigh. Some of it was notes about things Isana liked in general, but most of it was about things for their wedding. Currently I was detailing the design and color of the drapes hanging above the entryway, because Isana had eyed them with a particularity that couldn’t be passed up.
“Is that the dress you are wearing to the wedding? I thought ours were supposed to match,” Althea asked suddenly.
My gaze shifted to Isana, taking in the details of her dress yet again. It was a pale pink, the body made up of a soft, intricate lace pattern and the skirt was made up of layers of a gossamer.
She was radiant. And her smile all but stopped my heart. “I thought I mentioned it to you, my dress came in the wrong size. Juliet had bought this dress to wear at the reception ceremony since it is the same bodice as her actual wedding gown,” Isana gestured toward where Juliet and Indril were still dancing. “So since it was the color of our matching dresses she had me wear it for today. I’ll have my actual dress by the wedding though not to worry.”
Althea nodded in appreciation and she said something I didn’t catch over the yawn I failed to hide in his sleeve.
Isana’s answer gave something of a clue. “We are thinking about June.”
We had briefly discussed when the dream time for our wedding would be. June had been the best option because it allotted enough time for Indril and Juliet’s honeymoon to last as long as they wanted and then another few months for them to settle into married life again.
Not to mention Isana would look stunning against a summer backdrop.
“I am so happy for all of you,” Leroy said suddenly. I smiled in answer.
The night was not quick to end, the party only starting to slow down around two in the morning. Isana and I stumbled into our chambers, bellies full and hearts happy, wine stained lips melding as we kicked unnecessary clothes onto the floor and fell into bed. Sleeping soundly in each other’s arms.