“You look beautiful.” Julian whispered to his sister. And she did.

  Her long black hair had been woven with tiny glittering gems like stars in the night sky. Her dress was cream white, with sleeves that fell off the shoulder. A single black fabric flower was pinned above her heart.

  She wore a plain gold locket similar to the one he had around his own neck.

  Each had a portrait of their family and a gift from their late father behind an enchanted pane of glass.

  “I’m ready.” Julia smiled up at him. Gone was the nervousness of the day before.

  She looked ready… but more, she looked happy.

  “I’m proud of you.” He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. “Congratulations, little sister.”

  She swatted him with the hand that wasn’t holding her violet and lily bouquet.

  It was almost time. Inside the Sanctuary, Their Royal Highness Rowen of Peldeep was giving a welcome speech and asking anyone intent on murder, to do so now or hold your peace until after the ceremony.

  After a second thought, Julian reached up and pulled out his own locket from under his tunic. “Julia, don’t hesitate to use our father’s gift if you need it.”

  Her eyes fell, and her voice caught as she replied. “I-I’ve already used mine.”

  “What?” Julian frowned. “When?”

  “It was at the Spellscript Symposium - where I met Chloe.” His little sister sounded like she was a child caught sneaking into the armoury when she wasn’t supposed to. “There was an accident and we got trapped in a burning building. A part of the roof collapsed on us, and I wasn’t going to be able to hold it up for much longer…”

  Julian waited for her to continue.

  She shot him a guilty look. “I wouldn’t have used it, even then, but Chloe… she broke the seal.”

  “And why did Chloe have to break the seal?” Julian tried to hide the frustration in his voice, but obviously failed when his sister flinched.

  “I’m sorry.” Her voice was soft, and Julian resisted the urge to shake her.

  She was his confident and unshakable little sister... who was acting like he would be upset with her - like she’d somehow failed him.

  “Julia. The locket was there to protect you.” He stressed, trying to make her understand. “Of course you should use it. I owe your wife a thank you.”

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  “You’re not angry?” She asked carefully.

  “Never.” He assured her.

  It must have been weighing on her all this time, because she hugged him.

  When they broke apart, he poked her on the shoulder, "But after this is done, you're going to have to tell me everything.”

  She shot him a grin. “I’ll tell you. But you’ll have to wait until we get back from the honeymoon. After all of this, I’m surprising Chloe with a get-away.”

  “Fine.”

  The sound of Minstrel Bronwynn’s lyre harp started, and the opening notes to Julia’s favorite song played clear.

  They walked together to the open doors of the Sanctuary. Julia took a deep breath, and he led her inside.

  With the sheer number of assassination attempts foiled already, Julian was on high alert. He'd even cast [Guard] on Julia, and would take any damage she received.

  His eyes swept over the guests, standing for the entry of the bride. He noted with amusement that Gerda stood beside his mother in a place of honour at the front of the hall. That was a story he was interested in hearing.

  They arrived at the front of the hall too quickly. He squeezed Julia’s hand once before letting go and taking his place beside his mother, opposite the troll.

  Chloe wore a form fitting black dress, also bedecked in gemstones. A white fabric belt made out of the same material as Julia’s dress wound around her waist. She reached forward and took Julia’s hand.

  His sister beamed down at Chloe, only looking away for a moment to pass her bouquet off to Hana.

  Their Royal Highness stood in their stately gentlemen guise for the occasion. They addressed the guests. "You may be seated."

  For this next part, the rest of the wedding party each placed a hand on their heart. They nodded to Their Royal Highness before turning and walking off to take seats in the front rows. On Chloe’s side, Rufus and King Keith joined Henrietta; and on Julia’s side, Hana and Wendy sat beside Gerda.

  Julia and Chloe would make their vows alone. This was a North Sumbrian tradition that ensured anyone who stood before the gods, proved they were doing so of their own free will.

  “We welcome all before the twelve constellations to witness the marriage of these two; Countess Julia von Slyke, Paladin of Light, and Necromancer Chloe Watercress of Nilheim.”

  Their Royal Highness swept out their arms. “Marriage. That beloved arrangement is why we are here today. To celebrate the love, true love, that brought these two before us.

  “Whether Fate tied your souls together or Luck gave you a chance to fall in love, your heart is your own to give. And it is by your own free will that you have come here today. Julia and Chloe, you have decided to embark on this extraordinary adventure together. A journey filled with laughter, love and a shared dream.

  “Marriage is not defeating a boss monster, or conquering a dungeon, or leveling up. It is the shared experience points you earn along the way, the decisions you make every day, and the battles you fight side by side.

  “In your darkest hour. In your greatest triumph. This is the person you have chosen to join your party for life.”

  The two woman were facing each other. Julia was next to tears and Chloe squeezed her hands in reassurance.

  “Chloe," Their Royal Highness asked, "do you take Julia to be your wife?”

  Find out next time on IRANT!