~
ON THE day of the wedding, chiming music filled the air and the scent of flowers wafted on the warm breeze. Inhaling the fragrance, Ella looked out from the fountains and up at the multitude of people who lined every bridge, watching the happenings below. The fountain display had been mesmerising, timed to an orchestra of fifty musicians, and food had been served. Guests were mingling; the ceremony would soon take place, and a sense of anticipation hung in the air.
Ella knew she was nervous for Amber and her brother, but another feeling was creeping up on her, a strange sense of dread she couldn't place. Perhaps it was seeing all these powerful people gathered in the one place. What an easy target they would be!
She tried to shake the sensation.
Hearing her name, Ella turned and saw Shani, the Petryan looking scandalously snug in a burgundy dress. Ella always felt drab beside her voluptuous friend but Shani hugged her and then stopped, pushing Ella back and looking her up and down.
"Look at you," Shani said, shaking her head and grinning. "Lord of Fire, if there's a noble or soldier whose eyes aren't on you today he's not a healthy man."
Ella blushed. She'd forgone Alturan green for a sleeveless dress of sky blue. It had been a long time since she'd cut her pale blonde hair, and it now spilled down nearly to her waist, straight and shining. She'd drawn around the edges of her eyes with a thin black pencil, something she'd never done before, and on her feet she wore silver slippers, matching the silver chain she wore around her neck.
Shani noticed the necklace. "You're still wearing Killian's pendant. Ella, it's been over two years. What about your desert prince? You two seemed to have something going there, although I'm not sure what it was."
Ella defensively took hold of the chain and opened her mouth, although she wasn't sure what she was going to say, when Bartolo walked up and slipped his arm around Shani's waist. "And what are you two lovely ladies talking about? Ella, your brother and soon-to-be sister-in-law are quite the organisers. I'm already flabbergasted and the day is young."
"Miro likes things to be perfect," Ella said, "and Amber's always thinking about other people when she should be thinking about herself. They make a good couple." She grinned. "And how are the two of you finding married life in Petrya?" It was her turn to make Shani uncomfortable. "Any little surprises coming your way?"
"We keep trying," Shani said, poking the bladesinger in the ribs. "But Bartolo here still hasn't put a child in my belly. The trying is fun though. A lot of fun. And there's still so much territory to explore."
Ella and Bartolo both looked at each other and then down at the ground while Shani laughed. "You Alturans are so prudish. Get a man, Ella. You deserve one."
"I'll leave you both to catch up," Bartolo said, touching his fingers to his lips and retreating somewhat clumsily.
"Where's Amber?" Shani asked, for once turning the topic to something Ella was comfortable with. "I'd imagine she's nervous."
"She sent me away," Ella said. "We spent the morning together and now she's said she wants some time alone to think about things. Seeing her so happy… I can't tell you how it makes me feel. I'm going to go and check on her in a minute."
"And Tomas?"
"They're putting him into his costume, as much as he squirms." Ella grinned.
Shani looked wistful. "He's adorable." She gazed around. "I can't believe all the people who've come. You and your brother… You're famous, Ella."
"Well, my brother certainly is. I'm not sure if fame is what I'm really after. Shani, can I ask you something?"
"What?"
"Does it trouble you at all?"
"Does what trouble me? Speak plainly, Ella."
"All of these powerful people. All in the one place."
"Ella, the war's over."
"I'm worried, though. Maybe I should say something…"
"Ella, don't. It's a happy day, and people don't want to think about those times anymore."
"You're right." Ella nodded. "I think I'm just nervous. I need to go and check on Amber." She smiled and touched Shani on the arm. "I'll speak with you later."
On her way to the Crystal Palace Ella was stopped by Amber's mother. They had never been friends; Ella had lived without strong parental guidance her entire life, something the stern woman disapproved of, while for Ella it was Amber's mother who years ago had pushed her daughter into a marriage Amber wasn't ready for.
"Ella, there you are. I was just looking for you. The men are ready. You should fetch my daughter."
Ella wondered if Amber's mother realised Ella was walking in a direct line for the chambers where Amber was preparing herself. "I'm on my way now," she said. Remember her words with Shani she blurted without thinking. "I'm worried something's going to go wrong."
"Nothing's going to go wrong, Ella, and don't voice any of that talk where Amber or your brother can hear it. This is a big day for them."