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Paul’s heart was racing lightly as he followed his father down the hallway. What could his father possibly want to talk to him about? He could feel his pulse quicken as several likely answers presented themselves in his head, but there was no way his father could have found out about that, so it must be something else.
Whatever it was, it was bound to be grave if it brought his father all the way here. He was burning with curiosity, but he knew better than to ask his father any questions.
Kings don’t explain themselves.
His father’s words rang loudly in his head, so he bowed his head and followed mutely behind.
Stand up straight. You are a prince of the blood!
His mother’s voice appeared in his head, and he immediately corrected his posture. He could feel the eyes of the people around him, and whispers followed them as they passed through the waiting room.
His father walked into an office without bothering to knock and Paul was right behind him to see the owner’s features quickly morph from affront to deference.
‘Your Majesty, this is an honour I….’
‘We require the use of your office and hope to prevail upon your good nature to accommodate us.’
It sounded like a request but everyone in that room knew it to be an order. Paul felt a faint flush of embarrassment as the owner descended into obsequiousness.
‘Of course, sir. It would be my pleasure. If there is anything else I can do, anything at all… Shall ring for some tea? Coffee perhaps?’
‘That will be all, thank you.’
The owner bowed low at the clear dismissal. ‘Your Majesty. Your Highness.’
Paul averted his eyes in embarrassment as the owner bowed at him as well before leaving.
Eyes forward! We are royalty, we do not shy away from what we are due.
His grandmother’s voice scolded him sharply in his head. He fixed his gaze forward and watched as his father settled himself at the head of the desk, effectively taking over the office.
‘Take a seat.’
Paul was immediately transported to all the times he had been called into his father’s office as a child. There weren’t many because his father had been far too busy to deal with a troublesome child, so the discipline had been left to his mother.
Everything had been left to his mother.
His father had always been a larger-than-life figure to him, and the few times when he had done something serious enough to warrant his personal attention, he would be summoned to his office and the meeting that would ensue were always the most unpleasant moments of his life.
That isn’t to say his father had been abusive. Indeed, in all of Paul’s life, he had never heard him raise his voice once. He didn’t need to. All he would do was lecture Paul in that calm and composed way of his and the disappointment in his voice was more than enough to ensure that whatever got Paul sent to his office would never be repeated.
Paul supposed that was why he never acted out despite how much he craved his father’s attention. He would have succeeded in getting his attention, but the ensuing disappointment would have crushed him.
He looked into his father’s eyes as these thoughts ran around his mind. The king for his part was studying his son thoughtfully from the head of the desk.
‘Your mother told me that the Bennetts have offered their daughter to be your wife,’ the king began offhandedly.
Paul couldn’t hide the visceral reaction on his face. ‘What?’
‘Your grandmother opposes the match, not highborn enough she says, so it goes without saying your mother unequivocally supports it.’
Paul didn’t respond though beneath the table his hands were gripping his legs tightly.
‘Of course, as sovereign, the final decision rests with me.’
He finally met his father’s eyes. ‘And what is your command?’
The king settled back into his chair. ‘I haven’t decided yet,’ he admitted honestly. ‘But that’s not my reason for coming here.’
Paul was now confused. ‘…Oh?’
‘I’m here because your mother is worried about you.’
Paul didn’t know what to say to that.
‘I’m sure you think that you are hiding it well, but she’s your mother. Of course, she has noticed that something is going on. She feels as if you’re hiding something but as I told her the first time she came to me with her concerns, you are a teenage boy. I would have been more concerned if you weren’t hiding anything from us. Nevertheless, I decided to keep an eye on you, and it seems your mother had cause to be concerned. You had always been a quiet child, but lately, your silence is more moodiness than it is reservedness. You are withdrawing more into yourself, and you always appear to be thinking hard about something. Even Alfred has noted that you haven’t been sleeping well.’
The king was studying his son carefully as he continued to speak. ‘Despite all these, I told your mother that we should not get involved. After all, it was normal for teenagers to go through some sort of crisis at some point in their lives. If it ever got serious enough you would come to us on your own accord. But whatever it is, it seems to be growing worse, but you still haven’t confided in us. This makes me draw the conclusion that either we are the cause of the issue or whatever it is, it is so serious that you fear our reaction above anything else. More likely, it is a mixture of both.’
Paul couldn’t meet his father’s eyes.
‘It seems I am right. Paul,’ he waited until his son looked up at him. ‘Tell me what is going on. I ask this not as your monarch but as your father.’
So, Paul told his father everything and the king remained silent throughout the entire tale.
‘I see,’ his father said after the whole story was finally out. ‘I am disappointed. I thought I taught you the meaning of duty.’
Paul looked down in shame.
‘I am disappointed in myself. Your first duty isn’t to your people, it’s not even to your family. No, your first duty is to yourself.’
His words caused Paul to raise his head back up in surprise. ‘But isn’t that… selfish?’
The king considered the question and shook his head. ‘I don’t think it is. But even if it is, so what? Everyone deserves to be a little selfish now and then, and you have definitely earned that right more than anyone I know.’
Paul wasn’t sure he could believe what he was hearing. ‘Are you saying…’
‘Did you know that I was once a rock climber? Back then I was just a spare prince with no serious expectation of the crown. In my travels, I met a woman who was more than a little bit like you. Her spirit was as sturdy as the earth and as wild and untameable as the mountains she loved to climb. She was in love with life, I was in love with my freedom, and a few months after we met, we were in love with each other.’
A sad smile appeared on that regal face.
‘Alas, my brother abdicated, and the crown passed to me. That was a few years after the Civil War and revolution fervor was still brewing. The country could not handle another abdication. I asked her to come with me and my mother didn’t like it but even she understood that if she wanted me to wear the crown it would be unwise to oppose the match. I offered her my heart, my kingdom, and a crown, but she loved the mountains more. In the end, she chose the mountains, and I chose my duty. I married your mother, and we were lucky in our relationship. Though it wasn’t the same, I grew to love her.’
‘What happened to her?’
‘There was a climbing accident shortly after you were born. She didn’t survive.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Don’t be. I know she had a smile on her face till the very end because she died doing what she loved, surrounded by the mountains she called home.’ He considered his son thoughtfully. ‘I do not tell you this as a cautionary tale. My mistakes and decisions were mine to make. And while I am content with the life I have now, following in my footsteps would not guarantee you would be able to say the same. Your life is yours to live. Live it as you please. I will support you in whatever you decide.’
Paul placed his head in his hands in frustration. ‘I still don’t know what to do. Giving everything up just for a boy seems insane considering the fact that we might not even be together forever.’
‘Don’t do it for him. Love comes and goes. Do it for yourself. Do it because you deserve to live your life as your true self.’
Paul let out a humourless chuckle. ‘I don’t think our mothers would agree.’
‘Your mother might not like it at first, but your happiness is the most important thing in the world to her. Once she sees how happy you are she’ll come around. Your grandmother, on the other hand, is a different story but leave her to me.’
‘And the country?’
The king let out a dignified snort. ‘We used to be an empire. Then we became a kingdom. Now, we are barely even a state, but we are still alive. If we could survive wars, invasions, and revolutions, I think we can survive our crown prince loving another man.’
A wry smile flittered across Paul’s face. ‘I doubt I would remain the crown prince for long.’
‘Oh no, the council would depose you immediately. I daresay I would even be forced to abdicate.’
The sadness reappeared in Paul’s eyes as he looked down at the table. ‘I’m sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen.’
‘Don’t apologize. You know better than anyone that despite how the crown glitters it’s not as pleasant as most would like to believe. Besides, your mother and I have long been hoping to retire to some country manor. I have always wanted to try my hands at gardening, and you know your mother would thrive chairing some local committees and throwing one garden party after another without having to deal with snotty lords and ladies. I doubt she would be much aggrieved over the loss of my mother’s company.’
Paul could finally feel himself relaxing. ‘I don’t think Grandmother would approve of the way you’re speaking about her,’ he replied with a teasing smile on his face.
‘She’s my mother and I love her, but by heavens, she does make it difficult to like her.’ His father smiled back at him. ‘Are we good now?’
‘I am, thank you,’ Paul’s voice was filled with emotion.
‘I am your father; you don’t need to thank me. In fact, I owe you an apology. I know I haven’t been the most hands-on parent. I placed far too much importance on my duties, and I allowed them to take precedence. I should have been more involved, and I am sorry that I wasn’t. Despite my many absences you’ve managed to grow into a man that any father would be proud to call his son.’
Paul flushed with pride. ‘I can’t take all the credit for that,’ he muttered in embarrassment. ‘Mum had more to do with it than I.’
The king sighed. ‘I already owe her much more than I can repay in a lifetime. I suppose I shall have to spend my next life repaying her for this as well.’
‘And you don’t need to apologize. You may not have been there for every birthday, or talent show, or dance recital, but you were always there when it mattered the most. Like now. And more than that you gave me an example of what kind of person I needed to strive to be. I couldn’t have asked for better parents.’
A small smile played on his father’s lips. ‘I shall hold those words close to my heart.’ He got to his feet. ‘I’m sure your friends are burning with curiosity about what we’ve been up to. Let’s alleviate their inquisitiveness, shall we?’
Paul stood and followed his father out of the room and his steps felt lighter than they had been when he walked in. When they arrived at the waiting room, they were surprised to find it bustling with activity.
In the centre of the chaos, Cissy stood with a clipboard which she was waving around like a baton. ‘Alright, so that’s the flowers taken care of. Where are my grooms? I need them to settle on a location pronto. Someone get me my grooms!’
‘The hospital has a small chapel,’ Dr. Gay offered helpfully. ‘There is also a lovely garden up on the roof and an auditorium on the second floor.
‘Thanks, but this information is useless without them. You,’ she turned sharply to Cam. ‘Where are they?’
‘I… er…’ Cam stuttered helplessly until Noel cut in.
‘They are in the rehab centre. Sam is trying to get more used to his legs so he can at least walk down the aisle.’
‘Finally, someone who is actually helpful. Text Jayden and tell him that unless they want a bedside wedding, I need a location. Stat! Our options so far are chapel, rooftop, and auditorium.’
Noel took out his phone and began typing away.
‘Also tell them that I need a list of groomsmen and/or bridesmaids. And they have yet to get back to me about a guest list!’
Noel’s fingers were flying as he struggled to get everything down.
‘Also, don’t forget… You know what never mind.’ Cissy walked over and snatched the phone. ‘I’ll talk to them myself.’
‘Seems things are picking up,’ the king said with a slight tinge of humour in his voice.
‘We’ve barely been gone for an hour.’
Cissy finally caught sight of them. ‘You,’ she rounded on Paul. ‘Where have you been? Planning an entire wedding is no mean feat, much less in under forty-eight hours. It’s all hands on deck and that includes you, prince, or not.’
The king placed a sympathetic hand on his son’s shoulder. ‘Looks like this is where I’ll be leaving you.’
Paul looked up in surprise. ‘You’re not going to stay for the wedding?’
‘Not only would it be a diplomatic scandal but also politically unwise because, as monarch, my presence would indicate a position on an already divisive subject. You should know better than anyone that kings are not free to do as they please and no matter how much I would enjoy seeing Samuel walk down the aisle, I’m afraid I must decline. We do not want to inflame already existing passions earlier than we have to, do we?’
There was a sinking feeling in Paul’s stomach as the full import of his father’s words hit him. ‘I guess that means I can’t attend as well.’
‘I didn’t say that. You’ve already been tainted by the scandal, and everyone knows that Samuel is your best friend, so I see no reason to forbid you from going.’
Paul’s spirits picked up at that. ‘Thank you.’
The king chuckled in amusement. ‘Of course. Now off you go before Samuel’s sister gets back and sees you idling.’
‘Before that,’ Paul started as he gestured at Noel who had been watching them curiously from the other side of the room. ‘I would like you to meet Noel,’ he said after Noel had hesitantly walked up to them. ‘He is my boyfriend.’
Noel’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly pulled himself together and bowed his head respectfully. ‘Hello, your majesty.’
The king regarded Noel with interest. ‘So, you’re the one who managed to get my Paul to think about something other than his duty. How fascinating.’
‘I’m afraid I’m not very much interesting, sir,’ Noel stated in a weak voice.
‘Is that so? We’ll have to get properly acquainted with each other before I can pass judgement on that. I look forward to seeing you again.’ He turned to his son. ‘Now, I’m afraid I really have to go. I don’t want to get my private secretary more upset than he already is.’ He bent down and whispered conspiratorially in Paul’s ear. ‘I wasn’t supposed to be here you see. I blew off a deary meeting with members of the diplomatic corps.’
‘And I thought Kings don’t get to do what they please?’
The king straightened up gravelly. ‘Well technically we can, but then we have to pay the consequences for it. I have no doubt I’ll receive a very stern talking-to when I get back. Poor Tom, I have no idea why he puts up with me.’
‘I imagine it has something to do with the outrageous salary.’
The king snorted. ‘Try telling him that the next time you see him. For some reason, he keeps insisting it isn’t enough.’
‘I see you haven’t changed a bit, still the same headstrong boy I taught more than twenty years ago.’
Francesca Fontaine soon came into view. ‘Your majesty,’ she inclined her head respectfully. ‘Forgive me for not curtseying, I’m afraid I may not make the trip back up.’
‘Headmistress Fontaine, I see you haven’t changed a bit as well.’
‘”Time makes fools of us all.”‘
Leo walked in at that moment and did a doubletake when he saw the ageing schoolmistress. ‘H.. headmistress?’ he rubbed his eyes to be sure he wasn’t seeing things. ‘What are you doing here? Don’t tell me I have to go back to school?’
‘No, Mr. Ferrars. Fortunately, we both do not have to suffer through that again. I’m here because my former students invited me to their wedding.’
Paul frowned. ‘Aren’t you a bit early for that? I didn’t even know invitations had already gone out.’
A mischievous smile appeared on that wise face. ‘I had to bring in the backup.’
Cam was puzzled. ‘Backup?’
‘Who else is going to feed the guests? You are not expecting the pots and pans to cook the food, are you?’ a shrill voice barked.
Leo’s face paled. ‘Oh no…’
The head cook of Lumière walked in and immediately snapped into a salute. ‘Sergeant Murray, reporting for duty sir.
‘You know Sergeant Murray, don’t you, your majesty?’ Francesca asked gaily.
‘I’ve heard the rumours but can’t say I’ve had the pleasure.’
‘Served two tours in Syria in His Majesty’s Navy, was stationed as head cook for another two in the Congo when my regiment was deployed for a UN peacekeeping mission, then later seconded for three years with His Majesty’s Air Forces.’
‘An impressive career. At ease, sergeant.’
‘Sir.’
‘Now, I’m afraid I really must be off. It was nice to see you again, Headmistress.’ He turned to his son. ‘Do offer Jayden and Samuel my congratulations again.’
Paul nodded as his father’s attendants rematerialized from the shadows and followed their charge out the doorway. The room suddenly felt lighter with the absence of the regal presence.
Old Sarge immediately walked up to Leo. ‘Why hello Ferrars, thought you saw the last of me did you?’ She slapped Leo heartily on the back which caused him to almost tumble face-first to the ground. ‘Look at you, all skin and bones. An hour or two with me and we’ll fill you right up!’
‘Can we not?’ Leo muttered feebly.
‘What’s that boy? Speak up!’
‘Nothing,’ Leo said quickly.
‘Oh, you finally made it!’ Cissy exclaimed as she entered with the doctor trailing in her wake. ‘Thank you so much, Headmistress. You are a lifesaver. The florists are going to be arriving any moment now and the setup crew are already on their way. Now I can’t be everywhere at once so when they get here, I’m leaving you all in charge of them. They have their instructions; your job is to get them to the roof and make sure they do their job well. I’m sure even you lot can manage that.’
The phone in her hand rang at that moment.
‘Hold that thought. Hello? What do you mean you won’t be able to get it done on time? Listen, I am working with time, and I have less of it to deal with your bullshit. If you had spent the time working instead of coming up with excuses, you would have gotten somewhere by now. Get the job done or I’ll find someone else interested in making money. And mind you, it better be done well, or you won’t only have to deal with being broke but a fat lawsuit as well.’
‘Now there’s a lass after my own heart.’ Old Sarge noted with approval.
‘Sorry about that,’ Cissy said after she hung up the phone. ‘Where were we?’
Old Sarge nodded. ‘I knew I liked you for a reason. You are worthy to be my commanding officer. Just point me to the front lines and I shall do battle under your banners.’
Cissy stared at her. ‘The front lines?’
‘She means the cafeteria,’ Leo explained.
‘Oh, erm,’ Cissy glanced at the doctor. ‘Doctor?’
‘I can take her there. Your father already spoke to the Administrator so they should be expecting her.’
‘I’ll be taking this one with me,’ the sergeant said, picking Leo up by the back of his shirt as if he weighed less than a sack of potatoes.
‘What? Why me?’
‘I’ll be working with new troops. You’ve served under me before, so you can help communicate my orders.’
‘Paul has also worked for you. Why don’t you take him, I’m sure he would be glad to help.’
‘I don’t mind,’ Paul said after Leo shot him a pleading look.
‘Very well, Princey can come too.’
‘Too?’
‘Look alive, men! I’m promoting both of you to the rank of Lance Corporal. Would be nice to be the one giving orders, eh?’
‘But why are you here?’ Leo whined pitifully. ‘Doesn’t the hospital have their own cooks?’
Cissy gave him a weird look. ‘You think I’m going to serve hospital food at my little brother’s wedding? She’s the best caterer I could get on such short notice.’
The sergeant let out a humph. ‘I’m the best caterer, full stop. Now enough dillydallying, lead the way, doctor.’
Leo looked pleadingly at Cam and Noel as the sergeant dragged him away. ‘Help,’ he mouthed before he disappeared out of sight.
Francesca Fontaine looked highly amused as she turned to Noel. ‘Now that my part has been played out, I would be much appreciative if you could point me to the lounge and I shall keep myself occupied until the program begins.’
‘Of course, please follow me.’
Cissy was already back on her phone screaming orders to some poor unfortunate as she started to walk away. She noticed Cam standing by himself and pulled the phone away from her ear. ‘What are you still standing around for? Go out and wait for the crew!’
Cam quickly scurried off and soon everyone was engrossed in their own tasks as preparations for the wedding moved ahead. Down in the kitchens, the old sergeant was barking orders to the harried hospital staff who had no idea what hit them.
‘Man the battlements! Secure the perimeter! We have until 1900 hours before the enemy descends on us. You, load the cannons! You, ready the artillery! Be ready to fire at my command!’
It would have been pure chaos if Leo hadn’t been there to translate her orders.
‘Bring out the herbs and spices. No, no, she means fire up the grills. You’re supposed to get the ovens ready not turn off the stoves! Slice not dice!’
Flames burst to life, ingredients sizzled, and pots and pans clattered as the sergeant marched through the stations.
‘Great work on the sauce, Private.’ She grunted as she passed by a chef who shriveled slightly in her wake. ‘Corporal,’ she marched up to Paul. ‘How are things looking with our secret weapon?’
‘She means the cake!’ Leo yelled out from the back.
‘Oh, erm. I think this design is good but not sure if we have the time for it,’ Paul replied showing her the picture of the cake he had been looking at.
The sergeant considered the picture for a few minutes. ‘I’ve battled with less odds. I suppose it will do. Corporal!’
‘On it!’ Leo yelled back.
The sergeant wheeled around. ‘Where are my calvary?’
‘She’s talking about you,’ Leo said pointedly at the sous chefs who immediately snapped to attention.
Up on the roof, Cam and Noel were busy supervising the setup crew as they got the place set up for the ceremony. Tables and chairs were carted in, and technicians were bustling around as the sound systems were brought in and the lighting rigs put in place.
Amidst the controlled chaos, a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement filled the air as everyone worked tirelessly to bring the ceremony to life.
~
On the other side of the city, a solitary figure sat quietly in the dark drawing room of a grand manor. There was a glass of whisky in his hand and his brows were furrowed in contemplation as he stared at the simple invitation that lay on the table beside him.
The ice cubes clinked gently as he raised the glass to his lips, lost in thought. The room was suddenly brightened by a thin sliver of light as the door cracked open, and shortly after, a thin old man walked in.
He was muttering to himself as he hobbled into the room and the once quiet room was now filled with sounds as he knocked against the tables and chairs.
Azrael sighed and placing his glass on the table, he stood and held onto the man before he could knock over a priceless vase.
The man looked up as he felt a hand close around his wrist and his eyes widened in surprise as they met Azrael’s electric blue irises.
‘Sariel?’ he whispered. ‘Is it really you? Have you finally come back to me?’
‘It’s me, father,’ Azrael corrected gently. ‘Azrael, remember? Your eldest son.’
His father frowned. ‘I don’t have a son by that name. You must be mistaken young man… but you look so much like her. Are you related, by any chance?’
A wry smile appeared on Azrael’s lips. ‘I suppose you could put it like that. Come, let’s take you back to bed.’
‘No. Sariel is waiting for me. I must go to her.’ He looked around in confusion. ‘Where is she? Where am I?’
A nurse ran in at that moment. ‘There you are, Mr. Rutherford. I’m very sorry, sir,’ she said quickly to Azrael as she took his father from him. ‘He slipped away when I was distracted.’
‘Make sure it doesn’t happen again.’
‘I will, sir. Come along, Mr. Rutherford. It’s time to take your medicine.’
The nurse led him away as he continued to mutter to himself. Azrael sighed and picked up his glass.
‘You should spend more time with him.’
He turned to see his brother standing in the doorway. ‘Why would I do that?’ he asked as he emptied the glass down his throat. ‘I look far too much like Mother for it not to distress him.’
‘Still,’ his brother insisted. ‘You should.’
‘Very well,’ he replied though they both knew he wasn’t going to.
His brother walked in and glanced down at the invitation on the table. ‘So, are you going?’
‘I suppose you heard about what happened.’
‘I did.’
‘Then you know that the last thing they need is someone with my name hanging around. I might end up summoning the real deal.’
‘You should go.’
Azrael regarded his brother thoughtfully. ‘My, my, you do have many demands today. Why the sudden interest?’
His brother shrugged. ‘I think they’re nice. It might do you good.’
‘Another fruitless attempt to make me a better man, is it?’
‘And also,’ his brother continued, ignoring his attempts to goad him into a fight. ‘I think you won’t forgive yourself if you miss this and something happens to Samuel.’
That caused Azrael to burst into laughter. ‘Really?’ he asked with mirth still dancing in his eyes. ‘And whatever gave you that idea?’
‘He’s the first real friend you’ve ever had.’
Azrael was now truly amused. ‘So?’
His brother was thrown off by that question. ‘Don’t you care if he dies?’
‘Is death such a bad thing?’
The two brothers stared at each other. No matter how they both tried, they could never understand the other.
His brother finally just shook his head to himself. ‘Forget it. You are far too complicated to even reason with.’
‘I wish the same could be said for you,’ Azrael replied having already grown bored of the conversation. ‘Why don’t you give death a try? Hopefully, you’ll come out more interesting the second time around.’
His brother just shook his head and walked away. ‘You know,’ he said as he reached the door. ‘You were Ariel before you became Azrael. Just something to consider before you decline the invitation.’
The room descended into darkness once more as the door closed behind him with a soft click.
~
Two hours until the wedding, the tables were adorned with crisp linens, meticulously arranged centrepieces, and polished cutlery that gleamed in under the slowly darkening sky.
Decorators were just putting the finishing touches on the delicate fabrics as Paul and Leo walked onto the roof.
‘Damn,’ Leo whistled appreciatively. ‘Cissy really outdid herself. To think she got this done in under twenty-four hours.’
‘What about us?’ Cam’s voice spoke out. Both he and Noel were already fully dressed in their tuxedoes as they came up to them. ‘Don’t we get any thanks for supervising?’
‘I just spent hours in the kitchens with a crazed military veteran, but you don’t see me fishing for compliments,’ Leo shot back.
Noel wrinkled his nose slightly. ‘Speaking of fishing, you both smell like fish and a lot more besides. You better not let Cissy catch you.’
Leo humphed. ‘I’m not afraid of her. After handling that battle-mad lunatic, I can face even the devil if he dares to show his face.’
‘I think the devil would be less scary,’ Paul stated. ‘Here she comes now.’
‘Great job, guys. Everything looks good… why are you two not dressed? The ceremony will be starting soon, and my groomsmen are not even dressed!’
‘What was that you were saying again?’ Paul teased as Leo wilted and hid behind him.
‘Shut up,’ Leo muttered.
‘I can’t believe we are early!’ a thin voice shrieked. ‘This is all your fault, Dmitri. I told you but as usual, you wouldn’t listen.’
‘Oh, shut up, will you? At least we weren’t late which we would have been if we had listened to you.’
Everyone turned curiously as the sounds of arguing grew closer. Soon a girl with beautiful olive skin and a boy with raven hair and storm grey eyes came into view.
‘And what do we have here?’ the boy said as he noticed the eyes on him. ‘I don’t think we’ve met. I am Dmitri, friend and erstwhile lover of one of the grooms.’
‘Do you have to tell them that?’
‘And this delightful harpy is Lucrezia. She is of no importance.’
‘I swear to God, one of these days the police are going to find your body in a trashcan, and no one would wonder why I snapped.’
Dmitri rolled his eyes. ‘Imagine nine hours of this on a nonstop flight from Milan. It’s a wonder I haven’t snapped yet.’
‘I’m Narcissa,’ Cissy said quickly before Lucrezia could snap at him. ‘Everyone just calls me Cissy. I’m the sister of the groom. I was the one who sent your invitations.’
‘Narcissa,’ Dmitri purred. ‘If your namesake possessed half your beauty, I can understand why he drowned.’
Lucrezia rolled her eyes at him. ‘Must you flirt with everyone you meet?’
‘First of all, that’s an unfair accusation to make considering I never flirted with you, but I suppose you are more thing than you are person.’
Lucrezia huffed in indignation, but Dmitri wasn’t done.
‘Secondly, that’s very rich coming from the person who has slept with every eligible and ineligible bachelor on the continent. Must I remind you who the star of the Rosewood scandal is?’
‘Why I ought to…’
‘Cut it out both of you,’ Jayden said coming into view. ‘This is a happy occasion which is thankfully not about you. So, either spare us all and just hook up already, or take your bickering and leave.’
They both stuck their tongues out at each other petulantly but thankfully remained silent.
Cissy finally noticed what Jayden was wearing. ‘Hold on, why aren’t you wearing the clothes I picked out?’
‘Huh?’
‘And what are you doing out here? Where is Samuel? Have you forgotten that you’re getting married?’
‘Oh.’
Lucrezia and Dmitri were giggling uncontrollably while Jayden just looked amused.
‘This isn’t funny. The wedding is in less than two hours, and I have two groomsmen and a groom who aren’t dressed. And we’re already behind schedule. Are you even listening to me? Jayden?’
Dmitri and Lucrezia were now fully in the throes of laughter while Jayden was struggling to stop himself from joining them.
‘Why are you yelling my name? I’m not deaf you know.’ Jayden appeared with the familiar irritated look on his face. ‘Why hello, Lucrezia, I knew I recognized your lovely shrieks.’
Cissy, Paul, Leo, Noel, and Cam all wore the same dumbfounded look on their faces as they stared at the two Jaydens.
Noel took off his glasses, cleaned them, and put them back on, only to take them off again.
‘Am I seeing things? I’m not high, right Cam?’ Leo asked, his voice filled with astonishment.
‘If you are, then so am I,’ Cam whispered.
Jayden glanced at his doppelganger and sighed. ‘I see you’ve met my cousin. Pierre, everyone. Everyone, Pierre.’
Pierre raised his hand in a short wave. ‘Hi.’
Lucrezia and Dmitri were still laughing at the look on everyone’s faces. ‘That never stops being funny,’ Dmitri exclaimed, wiping a tear from his eye. ‘The look on your faces… God I wish I had a camera.’
‘I do,’ Lucrezia said smugly.
Dmitri looked at her in surprise. ‘Please tell me…’
‘Of course. Thou doth underestimate me too much.’
Dmitri’s face took on a look of absolute reverence. ‘I take back everything mean thing I’ve said about you.’
‘Wait,’ Lucrezia took out her phone and pressed the record button. ‘Say that again.’
Dmitri looked solemnly into the camera. ‘I, Dmitri Romanov, take back every bad thing I’ve said about Lucrezia de la Cruz -and I’m aware that is basically everything I’ve said about her, but I was wrong. She is the best thing to happen since water-based lubricant.’
Lucrezia stopped recording and pocketed her phone gleefully. ‘I’m never going to let you live this down.’
‘Wait, wait,’ Leo cut in forcefully. ‘I feel as if we are glossing over this too quickly. You,’ he pointed at Pierre. ‘Are his cousin?’
‘Yep,’ Pierre stated brightly.
‘You’re not twins?’
‘Nope.’
‘Not even a little bit?’
‘Not even a little.’
‘How sure are you?’
‘One hundred percent.’
Leo looked from one to another then shook his head. ‘I need to meet your parents because something is definitely not adding up.’
Jayden rolled his exasperatedly. ‘We look alike, we get it. Get over it. Why are you acting like this is new information when I’ve already told you I had a cousin who looks like me?’
‘Like? Like?’ Leo screeched. ‘He’s your bloody clone!’
Jayden looked highly offended by that. ‘Hardly. There are a few obvious differences if you care to look hard enough.’
Indeed, once they were able to see past their initial astonishment the differences were easy to spot. Jayden’s nose was more angular than Pierre’s which was narrow. His features were sharper and more defined while Pierre’s was soft and gentle. Above all, Pierre’s lips always seemed ready to break into a smile while Jayden’s seemed more likely to curl in disdain which they were doing at this very moment.
Cissy seemed to have gotten over her shock as she fixed Jayden with a glare. ‘Well, what are you doing here then instead of getting ready?’
‘Samuel was looking for you,’ Jayden explained still slightly irritated. ‘And you weren’t answering your phone.’
‘I’ll go and see him. In the meantime, you two,’ she pointed at Paul and Leo. ‘Shower and get dressed. And the both of you,’ her finger moved to Cam and Noel. ‘Go and help Jayden get ready.’
She turned to leave but paused when she saw everyone still standing there. ‘Well?’ she snapped. ‘What are you waiting for?’
That caused them to snap into action. Paul and Leo quickly ran to get ready as Dmitri walked up to hook his arms with Jayden’s.
‘I’ll come with you then,’ he said brightly. ‘That way you can benefit from my superior taste in style.’
Jayden rolled his eyes and tried to tear his arm away, but Dmitri just gripped it tighter. ‘Why are you here again?’ he muttered tiredly.
‘You invited me remember?’ Dmitri replied cheerily.
‘I’m already regretting it.’
‘Don’t be like that. Do you know how difficult it was to get a flight at such short notice? We even had to travel in Economy. How normal people manage it I will never understand.’
‘How tragic for you.’
Dmitri ignored the sarcasm in his tone and went on. ‘As if that wasn’t worse enough, I had to travel with Lucrezia of all people!’
‘Hey!’
‘I sympathise,’ Jayden said and this time it sounded as if he meant it.
Lucrezia glared at them both. ‘Fine. I’ll go help Samuel then. Come on, Pierre.’
Pierre hesitated but quickly relented at Lucrezia’s fierce look. ‘I guess it’ll be good to see Samuel,’ he muttered, following Cissy and Lucrezia out of the roof.
~
Less than an hour before the wedding, the guests had already started to arrive, and the grooms were still getting ready.
Paul and Leo were freshly showered and changed and were in Samuel’s room with Pierre and Lucrezia as he got ready. Lucrezia was busying herself with fixing his hair and applying light makeup to his face.
‘You might be on the verge of death but that doesn’t mean you have to look like that on your wedding day,’ she stated as she put the finishing touches.
‘I’m not on the verge of death,’ Samuel corrected with a touch of amusement colouring his tone.
‘That’s the spirit!’ Lucrezia declared, patting his shoulder with pity. ‘We must remain optimistic even in the face of death!’
‘No really, I’m not dying.’
Lucrezia’s hands paused. ‘You’re not?’
‘No.’
‘Then why the sudden wedding?’
‘Mostly because I want to but also, because I might be on the verge of death.’
‘Way to go Lucrezia,’ Pierre spoke out. ‘You’ve ruined the mood.’
Samuel glanced at Pierre, and he was once again jarred by the resemblance. It almost felt as if Jayden was in the room with them.
‘Are you supposed to be here?’ he asked. ‘It’s bad luck to see the groom before the wedding.’
Pierre looked quizzically at him. ‘I’m not the one you are getting married to.’
‘It looks as if you are,’ Samuel pointed out. ‘Which I think is close enough.’
‘How about we throw a bag over his head?’ Leo proposed, already looking around for one.
Pierre promptly shot that idea down. ‘Absolutely not! Do you know how long it took me to get my hair right?’ He shook his head. ‘He’s already seen me anyway so if there’s any damage it’s already been done.’
A thought suddenly occurred to Leo. ‘Wait, your face looks exactly like Jayden’s-‘
‘We’ve already established that.’
‘Does that mean the rest of your body looks like his too? Including…’
Paul smacked his arm. ‘Now why would your mind go there?’
‘I’m an inquisitive soul,’ Leo protested. ‘Don’t act as if you aren’t curious as well.’ He turned eagerly to Pierre. ‘So, is it?’
Pierre considered the question. ‘I’m not sure. The last time I saw him naked was when we were ten. I can show you mine now if you want, then you can make the judgement yourselves.’
Leo grew excited. ‘Really?’
Paul smacked his arm again. ‘Control yourself. At this rate, you are never beating the allegations that you have a crush on Jayden. Besides, the only one here who knows what Jayden’s looks like is Samuel and I don’t think Jayden would appreciate his cousin waving his manhood before his fiancée an hour before their wedding.’
Leo rubbed his arm sullenly. ‘I suppose you have a point.’
Paul glanced suspiciously at Pierre. ‘You seem awfully comfortable showing off your genitalia to a room full of strangers.’
Pierre just shrugged. ‘I’m French. We are not as weird about sex as the rest of you.’
‘I guess we’re never going to find the answer to that then,’ Leo muttered in disappointment.
‘I do,’ Lucrezia mentioned offhandedly.
‘Huh?’
‘I know the answer.’
The entire room stared at her and though Lucrezia pretended not to notice she was secretly preening at the attention.
‘How?’ Pierre asked in disbelief.
‘I walked in on him and Dmitri back when they were still a thing.’
Samuel wasn’t sure how felt about that information, but his curiosity got the better of him. ‘And?’
‘They are identical… in every way.’
‘Sick,’ Leo murmured in awe.
A knock came from the door at that moment and a man stuck his head in. ‘Am I interrupting something?’
‘Peter?’ Samuel’s eyes were wide with surprise as his brother walked in. ‘What are you doing here?’
‘My little brother is getting married. I wouldn’t miss that for the world,’ Peter answered rubbing Samuel’s hair fondly which caused Lucrezia to let out a horrified shriek.
‘Cissy threatened you, didn’t she?’ Samuel said, ducking away from Lucrezia’s invading hands.
‘She scares me.’
‘What about your exams? And your residency?’
‘I was able to get a few days off once I explained to them that I had a family emergency.’ A concerned look appeared in his brother’s eyes. ‘Speaking off, how are you holding up? I wanted to come but Mum assured me that it was alright. If I had known…’
Samuel shook his head. ‘She didn’t want to distract you and she was right. I’m fine, really. At least, I would be at any rate.’
‘Cissy told me the full story. She dragged me to the changing room the minute I walked in. I hear Mum isn’t taking it well.’
‘She’ll come around. Have you seen her yet?’
Peter shook his head. ‘I’m far too jetlagged to deal with her now so I’m avoiding her for the moment.’
‘Aren’t you going to introduce us?’ Pierre cut in.
‘Oh right. This is Peter, my eldest brother. Peter, Pierre and Lucrezia. You’ve already met Paul and Leo.’
Peter frowned as he stared at Pierre. ‘Pierre?’
‘I’m Jayden’s cousin. We just happen to look like twins.’
Peter nodded as if that made perfect sense. ‘Interesting.’ He turned to Lucrezia. ‘And what about you? What’s your part in this grand event?’
‘I was the one who made the hair you so rudely ruined,’ Lucrezia stated with a glare as she fixed Samuel’s hair.
Peter winced. ‘Oops, sorry about that.’
‘Shame, you are so handsome.’
Peter didn’t know what to say to that. ‘Thanks, I guess.’
‘I wonder how Jayden is doing,’ Leo wondered aloud.
Things were much quieter in Jayden’s room. Dmitri was the only one talking as he fluttered around helping Jayden get dressed which seemed to suit him fine because as Jayden pointed out once, he loved the sound of his own voice.
Cam and Noel were watching in amused silence while Jayden for his part was doing his active best to ignore him.
A knock soon came from his door and his mother walked in. Jayden hadn’t expected her to attend but she was surprisingly already dressed for the wedding in a pale blue dress that had a refined elegance and understated glamour about it.
‘Can we have the room for a moment? I would like to speak with my son.’
Dmitri and the others stole a glance at each other and only left after Jayden gave them a short nod. The tension between the two was well-known.
‘If you’re here to change my mind, I would advise you to spare your breath,’ Jayden said after they were alone in the room.
‘Actually, I came to apologize.’
Jayden didn’t bother to look at her. ‘For what specifically?’
‘Everything.’
That caused Jayden to look up. ‘What do you mean?’
‘These past few weeks, I’ve had a lot of time to think, and I’ve realised a lot. I have been a terrible mother. I know you don’t believe me but everything I did, I did because I truly loved you and thought they were best thing for you at the time but despite my reasons, my actions and inactions hurt you. In the end, I caused the very thing I was afraid to happen.’
Jayden’s expression was guarded as he regarded his mother carefully. This was all very sudden.
‘You don’t believe me.’ It wasn’t a question. A sad look appeared on Victoria’s face as she continued. ‘I don’t blame you either. That is as much my fault as everything else. I am sorry for what happened, for how I handled everything, and for causing you pain. I know sorry can’t begin to make up for what I did, and it would take a long time to even begin to repair the damage I wrought on our relationship, but I thought…’ and here she hesitated. ‘I was wondering if, for this night at least, you can allow me to be the parent I could never be and walk you down the aisle to wed the man you love.’
She reached into her handbag and took out a box. ‘My grandmother wore this brooch to her wedding. My mother never wore it because she pawned it for drugs, and I never got the chance to because I eloped with your father, so it is not tainted with either of our marriages. Your great-grandmother’s marriage, unlike her descendants’, was an extremely happy one and I know she would be glad that it came to you. It can be your something borrowed.’
Jayden just stared at the box for a long minute before turning his back to her. Victoria took that as a sign and turned to leave.
‘You may as well put it on since you’ve gone through all that trouble.’
A surprised smile broke out across Victoria’s face. She walked up to Jayden and, carefully taking the brooch from its cushion in the box, pinned it delicately on Jayden’s chest.
She stared at their reflection in the mirror and as their eyes met, a tear rolled down her cheek. ‘My beautiful boy. I am so proud of you.’
Jayden tore his eyes away as he swallowed his emotion down his throat. ‘It’s a wedding, not a funeral. Control yourself, woman.’
Before his mother could reply, a loud argument broke out from behind the closed door.
‘Unhand me, you foul beast! I am an old woman, not some crippled invalid. I can walk on my own better than you can form a coherent thought!’
A dangerous look came into his mother’s eyes. ‘I know that voice anywhere.’
‘If I wanted to see spineless cretins, I would have gone to the city zoo. Now, open the door before I knock you over with my cane.’
The door immediately opened, and an old woman hobbled her way in.
‘You,’ Victoria hissed.
‘If it isn’t the ornamental slut.’
‘I had hoped you were dead, but of course, evil doesn’t die so easily.’
‘And whores never seem to run out of fashion, which I suppose is the reason why my stepson still keeps you around.’
‘At least my husband still loves me unlike yours who grew bored with you less than a day after your wedding.’
‘Having the attention of brain-addled men isn’t the win you think it is, but since that is your only achievement in life, I can understand why you won’t shut up about it.’
Eyes were peering in from the door as the two women circled each other like jackals.
‘I’m not here to trade barbs with you though your wit could never keep up. I’m here for my grandson’s wedding. Come closer, boy. Let me look at you properly.’
Jayden walked over and his grandmother gave him an up-and-down look.
‘You’re the spitting image of your mother.’
She sounded disappointed.
‘My condolences, though I suppose no one can be perfect.’
She was silent for a moment as she stared intensely at Jayden’s face.
‘You have her eyes,’ she said finally. ‘Eileen’s. It’s like she’s looking at me right now.’
Jayden was surprised to hear that. He had often wondered about that because none of his parents had eyes like his.
His grandmother continued to stare at him. ‘I hear you are quite book smart.’
‘I like to think so.’
His grandmother nodded. ‘Francis was as well. He was a professor; did you know that? Almost received a Nobel for his research in hydrology.’
Jayden couldn’t help but wonder how much of his family’s history was lost to him amid all their toxicity and trauma.
‘You are an artist?’
‘I am.’
‘Your father was as well, and though he never amounted to much in that department, I heard he was quite a good cook. You also have his heart.’ She saw the protest about to form on Jayden’s lips and cut him off. ‘I know it doesn’t seem like it now, but he was a very gentle and loving soul before he lost his mind to hate.’
Jayden wanted to dispute that, but something told him he would never win that argument. ‘I’ll take your word for it,’ he said instead.
His grandmother wasn’t fooled, however, and she chuckled in amusement. ‘You’re just as stubborn and wilful as I am. Tell me, what’s the real reason you invited me here today?’
‘I wanted to spite my mother,’ Jayden answered honestly.
‘Ha! He has my spite as well.’
Victoria sniffed in disapproval, but she thankfully remained silent.
A sad look appeared on the old woman’s face as she placed a hand on Jayden’s shoulder. ‘You carry the best of all of us in you. You’re the one to break the chain and I’m glad I was able to live long enough to see it.’
She was suddenly seized by a fit of violent coughs that caused Victoria’s lips to tilt upwards a little.
‘Hopefully, you won’t be alive for long.’
‘Ha! You would like that wouldn’t you, Jezebel? I’m not leaving without taking you with me.’
‘Dream on, witch.’
‘Ha! It’s a joyous day so I’m going to let it slide.’ She turned to the door where a crowd of onlookers had gathered. ‘Are you all going to watch me cough to my death or is someone going to hand me a glass of water?’
Two or three people immediately broke away and ran off to get her water as she pointed at Dmitri with her cane.
‘You. You look handsome enough, help an old lady to her seat, will you?’
Dmitri snapped to attention and quickly came up to offer his arm to her.
‘I thought you didn’t need any help,’ Victoria observed. ‘Very contradictory of you.’
‘I’m an old woman, I can be as contradictory as I please.’
She hobbled off with Dmitri on her arm and the crowd immediately scattered as she reached the door.
Less than a minute after she had left, Cissy poked her head through the door. ‘Are you ready? The wedding is starting.’
Victoria smiled at Jayden and offered him her arm. ‘Ready?’
Jayden took a deep breath and placed his arm around hers. ‘I am.’
Back in Samuel’s room his parents were already waiting to walk him down.
‘This is it son,’ his father said. ‘Ready for the next chapter of your life?’
A large smile bloomed across Samuel’s face.
‘I am.’
Authour’s Note: And in a few short moments, they’ll both be saying “I do”.
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