The First Wedding

“I can’t believe this is actually happening.” Delphi said as she laced up the back of Persephone’s wedding dress.

Persephone blew a piece of her hair out of her eyes, “Think anyone would notice if I was drunk beyond belief?”

“Yes. You’re a lightweight.” She pushed Persephone down by the shoulders to sit down at the vanity table. She picked up a brush and powder.

Persephone reached up and lightly held Delphi’s wrist. She looked up at her, meeting her brown eyes, “I’m sorry you have to go through this today.”

Delphi let out a surprised laugh, “You’re the one being forced to marry.” She put down the brush and cupped her lover’s cheeks, “Don’t worry about me. Remember why you’re doing this.” She pressed their foreheads together, “And if he does anything to hurt you, I will kill him myself.”

Persephone felt a genuine smile cross her face, “I’ll protect myself. And you.” She leaned in and kissed her.

Delphi sighed against her lips, pulling back a little, “I’m going to miss your lips.”

“Hmm..how much?”

“So much. I won’t be able to stop thinking about them.” She swiped her thumb across Persephone’s pink lips.

Persephone pursed her lips and kissed her thumb, “I’m going to miss your lips, too. And your arms. And your ass.” She smirked.

Delphi scoffed as her cheeks turned red, “Alright, Princess, let’s get you ready so we can get this over with.” She straightened back up and got to work on Persephone’s makeup and hair.

About an hour later, Albert knocked on the door, “Princess? Are you ready? All of the guests have arrived.”

Persephone took a shaky breath and stood up. She turned to Delphi, “Please remember that I love you.”

Delphi gave her a smile, “How could I forget?”

Persephone took a breath and nodded. Delphi went to the door and opened it, “She’s ready, sir.”

Albert nodded, “Come along then, Princess.”

Persephone gave Delphi one last look then followed the butler out into the hall. She kept her head up straight as they made their way to the Great Hall. Inside she was screaming with rage, but on the outside she looked as calm as ever.

Albert stopped outside of the doors and turned to Persephone, “Your mother always spoke about this day.”

Persephone gave him a sad smile, “To be honest, I’m glad she’s not here.”

Albert hummed softly, “Still, she would want you to have this.” He held out his hand, opening it to reveal a necklace.

Persephone recognized the necklace right away. Her mother had worn it everyday. It was a silver chain with a small sunflower charm at the end. “Oh, Albert…thank you.”

He put it around her neck and clasped the chain into place, “Princess, it’s not too late to back out.”

Persephone took a deep breath as she touched the little charm, “No. It’s time.”

He nodded and turned, opening the door. The hall was full of guests from the castle and village. Freshly picked flowers lined the aisle and the room was bright from the sunlight coming in from the large windows. A priest stood at the top of the aisle, bible in hand. Casper stood waiting for her, his suit clean and perfect. As soon as the signal was given, the band started to play the Kingdom’s wedding march. The guests stood and faced Persephone. She instantly spotted the Royal Advisors standing at the front row, probably to make sure she didn’t run. She put on her best smile and made her way down the aisle.

When she made it to the altar, she took Casper’s outstretched hand and stood next to him. The guests sat as the priest began to speak. Persephone didn’t pay much attention to the ceremony, repeating after the priest when she was prompted and moving when Casper moved. She wasn’t sure how long it took before it was over and she had to kiss the groom. She did it quickly as the crowd cheered and then it was official: Persephone Sol was married.

The rest of the night passed in a blur. Persephone made sure to grab a drink as soon as the reception started. She watched from her high table as Casper walked around the room, being congratulated by his family and fellow King’s Guardsmen. The Royal Advisors also took this time to introduce Casper to fellow nobles as the new King. Casper and Persephone were to be crowned in a week. That’s how much time Persephone had to kill him. She picked up her glass and drained it.

“I know this isn't easy, but take it slow.” The Princess heard behind her.

She didn’t have to turn around to know it was Delphi, “What? I’m celebrating.”

“Have you eaten anything?”

“Not hungry.”

Delphi placed a plate in front of her and a glass of water, “Take care of yourself, Sep. And this is your reception, you’re free to leave whenever you want.”

Persephone’s heart swelled as she picked up her fork, “I don’t know what I would do without you.” She said quietly.

Delphi touched her shoulder gently, “Make sure to get some rest.” She said before leaving.

Persephone let out a deep sigh and finished the meal. She watched the guests dance for a little bit then decided it was time to take her leave. She stood and went over to Casper, “My apologies, I need to steal my husband for a minute.” She took Casper’s hand and led him away from his group of friends. She ignored the cat calling as she brought him over to a quieter part of the room.

“I’m feeling a bit tired, I’m going to retire to my room.”

“Oh..so you’re asking me to come with you?” He asked, smirking.

Persephone could smell the alcohol on his breath, “Oh no, I just wanted to let you know so you weren’t wondering where I am.”

“At least let me walk you. Don’t want my wife getting lost.”

Persephone’s jaw clenched. Was this not her castle that she has lived in all her life, “Sure. Let’s go.” She walked out of the Great Hall with him.

“It was such a beautiful wedding.”

Persephone hummed softly, not really listening.

“And just think, soon I will be a king. I never expected my life to turn out this way.”

“Me neither.” She mumbled as they reached her room, “Well, here we are. You can get back to the party now.” She let go of Casper’s arm and went to open the door.

Casper grabbed her wrist to stop her, pushing her gently against the door.

Persephone’s eyes flashed, “ What are you doing?”

“Come on, it’s our wedding night.” He leaned down and started to kiss her neck.

Persephone tried to push him away but he was actually stronger than she imagined. She had to get out of this now. “My love, our wedding night must wait. I am currently on my moon cycle.”

Casper pulled back, a look of disgust on his face, “Are you serious?”

“Unfortunately yes. But good things come to those who wait.” She gave him her best flirtatious smile as she got out of his grasp.

He smiled back at her, “And I look forward to that day.” He squeezed her hip through her dress, “Goodnight, Mrs. Griffin.” He let go and left.

When he was out of sight, Persephone went into her room and locked the door. She ripped off her wedding dress and collapsed onto the bed, screaming into her pillow.

One week. This would be over in one week.