Royal Wedding

The palace grounds bustled as guests dressed in their finest attire slowly streamed into the grand hall. The air was filled with a medley of music, laughter, and chatter as everyone shared stories of their journey and anticipation of the royal couple’s arrival. The space was filled to capacity with people from all corners of the kingdom, adorned in colorful gowns and suits, eager to witness the union of the most praised couple in history.

The moon was anything but shy as it beamed down on Khari, who stood in front of the mirror admiring herself in her wedding gown. She was reminded of her first wedding to Azim. That day she wore a white dress too, but it was nothing like the dress she was wearing now. She admired the intricate beading and embroidery along the bodice, skirt, and train that billowed out behind her like a perfect wave. Her hair was coiffed into an elegant updo, glossy curls cascading down her delicate face. And around her neck hung a dainty crescent moon pendant gifted to her by Azim, a reminder of their love that had endured the test of time. Khari couldn’t help but smile as she thought of him and that they would be husband and wife again in just a few short hours.

Azim entered the room, and Khari’s breath caught in her throat. He was a striking figure in his tailored suit, the drape of the fabric emphasizing his broad shoulders. His hair was slicked back away from his face in a way that made her want to run her hands through it. His brown eyes sparkled with warmth as he crossed the room to her, and the sensation of his hands enclosing hers made her heart flutter. “You look breathtaking,” he said softly.

Khari’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she averted her gaze. She mumbled her gratitude, her voice barely above a whisper, “Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself.”

Azim’s heart pounded, and he bent his head toward her. Her lips were soft, and she tasted like the sun-ripened strawberries he had eaten only moments before. He looked into her eyes before tenderly asking, “Are you ready for this?”

Khari nodded, her eyes glimmering with steely determination, “I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”

Azim grasped her delicate arm in his strong hands and intertwined their arms together before saying, “Then let’s go get married.”

As they stepped into the room, the guests erupted into a roar of celebration, standing to their feet and clapping while they walked down the aisle. Azim and Khari exchanged shy smiles, never looking away from each other until they reached the altar. It was apparent they were in their own little world, mesmerized by the love that had brought them there.

The ceremony was incredibly beautiful. The moonlight blazed through the large windows and shone upon the youthfully smiling faces of Azim and Khari as they exchanged their vows. The officiant’s words washed over them like a soft caress as he declared them husband and wife. Azim lifted Khari and spun her around before dipping her low as he kissed her. When they rose, everyone cheered and clapped, tears streaming down many cheeks while others had wide grins from ear to ear. The newlyweds glowed with joy as they walked down the aisle together, arm in arm.

After dancing the night away, Khari and Azim snuck away from the reception, giggling as they heard the muffled music from the ballroom drifting in the night air. Azim fumbled with his keys as they arrived at his door and finally opened it. Inside, Khari saw a room of opulent luxury with a vase of freshly cut flowers, a mahogany wardrobe, and cream velvet sheets draped across a four-poster bed. Azim nervously grasped the back of his neck, averting his gaze and confessing quietly, “The men thought it would be a nice touch.”

Khari’s eyes lit up, and a wide smile spread across her face as she exclaimed, “How thoughtful!” Standing up on her tiptoes, she kissed his cheek and said, “Tell them thank you,” rubbing his arm affectionately.

He chuckled and pulled her close, wrapping his muscular arms around her waist. He tenderly pressed his lips to her collarbone as he whispered, “I will.” A wicked shiver of expectation ran up her spine as he pulled away and grinned mischievously. “I have an idea,” he said.

“Oh yeah? Do tell,” she said, giggling.

He smirked and gave her a flirty wink as he suggested, “Why don’t you go to the bath, and I’ll meet you there.”

Understanding bloomed in her eyes like a flower as her head tilted in surprise. She was overcome by a wave of nostalgia that surged through her as she asked, “A redo of our first night together?”

His mouth curved in a sly smile as he saw the excited glint in her eyes, and he added with a naughty flash of his own, “Plus the added thrill of someone from the court catching us there.”

Their faces were close, and she placed her hands on his cheeks, pressing her lips gently against his. She looked up at him and smiled. “I’ll be there in ten,” she said before breaking away.

His grin widened at her response, “Okay. See you in a bit.” He quickly moved his hand to her backside, gently swatting her as she spun around in shock. Giggling, she playfully shoved his shoulder and ran towards the bathhouse.

Khari stepped into the humid air of the bathhouse and lowered her body into the milky, warm water. She closed her eyes and felt the heat soaking into her muscles and the tension gradually melting away. As she waded through the pool, she began to worry about Azim’s whereabouts. She wanted to stay in the comforting warmth of the water, but her skin was starting to prune, and a gnawing worry was growing inside her. Minutes felt like hours as she waited until she finally had to accept he wasn’t coming. A heavy weight settled in her stomach as she realized something was wrong.

Droplets of water glistened on her skin as she stepped out of the bath and grabbed her robe, hastily knotting the belt. As she entered the bedroom, her eyes widened at the sight of the beautiful vase and flowers she’d admired earlier, now shattered. The balcony door was wide open and creaking as a freezing cold breeze blew into the room. Her heart pounded as she edged onto the balcony and yelled his name into the darkness, “Azim!!!!” There was no reply, only her own voice reverberating in the night air.