Wedding

After an hour of immense sparring, Michael and Bruce finally stopped. "Do you love her?" The question came unexpectedly. Michael looked at Bruce for a while. "I don't know. Do I?" He asked, innocently. "How would I know?" He decided to tease him. "But from the looks of things, you've changed. From the day you met her." Michael just stared at him blankly. "So, you're planning to go back to Manchester?" He changed the topic. "Yes, I am." He left, after replying. As he entered the room, she was still asleep, he gazed at her with an unknown emotion.

Preparations for the wedding were made, the palace was filled with people bustling around. She finally woke up by the sounds, and stretched in bed. "How long did I sleep?" She asked no one in particular, not noticing the figure beside her. "Long enough for the preparations to be completed," the voice said. She gasped, "why didn't you wake me up?" She pouted her lips, which made her look adorable. Michael just stared at her. He was about to speak when a maid knocked. "Sorry to disturb, but the dressmakers are here."

"Thank you, I'll be there shortly," she replied.

She chose a white strapless long gown that had a diamond sequin around the V-neck of the gown, that hugged her curves. "Wow, this is really outrageous. You look beautiful, just like a goddess, Milady," Vanessa complimented. "Thank you." She took off the dress and thanked the dressmakers. She was accompanied by Vanessa to the garden, where she sits to enjoy nature's view, read books or relax. "Your tea, Milady."

"Nessa," she called out. "Yes, Milady?"

"Is it true?" Nessa was confused. She noticed it and added, "Is it true that he is the Invincible Devil?" The question was unexpected, and Nessa wasn't sure how to answer it, as they were strictly warned never to speak about it. "Be sincere with me. I promise, no one will know about this. Tell me everything you know about the Prince and why he is called the invincible devil."

"Milady, the prince is a very kind person. The kindest of all royalties. He saved me and my grandmother as well. When I first arrived here, I remember the prince being a carefree and jovial person. He fought many battles and came back victorious. Once he left for a mission, that was the end of his jovial lifestyle. He suddenly changed, he distanced himself from everyone, including the king. He never spoke to anyone, the aura he exudes, could send electric shocks down your spine. The only person he speaks to is Bruce. I don't know much about Bruce, all I know is that he is the commander and superior of the Gallatin Army— the Prince's powerful army." Stephanie listened to her explanation and sighed. "Where are the men now?" She asked. "I don't know their exact location, but I think they are in the Prince's Ville."

"Ville?"

"Yes, ville. It's more like another name for palace. It was called Chester Palace, until the prince took over and named it Chester Ville," she said.

Stephanie was about to ask another question when Bruce interrupted. "Sorry, Milady. The prince wants you in his chamber."

She sighed in frustration, she wanted to satisfy her curiosity. She trailed behind him and strode inside the room, shutting the door. Michael was standing near the window, he was lost in space. He sensed her presence, and came back to reality. "You sent for me?"

"Yes," he replied. "After our wedding, we will leave Amadeo's palace." He stared at her for some minutes, to his surprise, she didn't flinch. He felt a wave of happiness in his heart. "Can I ask for a favor?" She said, playing with her fingers. "What is it?" He asked. "Can Vanessa come with us? She is the only person I am comfortable with. I don't know where we are going to, I need someone I could stay with and—" she tried to convince him to let Nessa tag along. " You talk too much," he mumbled. "Huh?" She pouted her lips. "You might want to stop doing that. And yes, she can come. Happy?"

His eyes widened as she squealed and jumped on him, giving him a tight hug. He stood there, frozen, while she tightly hugged him. "You really want to choke me?" He chuckled as she mumbled 'sorry'. "It's past your bedtime. Now, sleep." He tucked her in the blanket and covered her to the neck. "Goodnight, Prince Michael."

"Michael. Call me that when we are alone," he said. "Goodnight, Mich." She smiled and slowly closed her eyelids. "Mich." The word rang in his head, his heart beat skipped. He felt a sense of Déjà vu. His memories were foggy, as he tried to recall. He stared at the lady in front of him. "I don't deserve you. I don't want you to go through the hell I am in. I just want to see you smile." He gave her a kiss on the head and caressed her cheek.

The palace was filled with people bustling around with various activities. Stephanie woke up and yawned, stretching her limbs. The sun peeked through the window, and a Happy smile was plastered on her face. She was in feel thought and didn't seem to notice Vanessa's presence, until she cleared her throat. "Oh, hey there, Nessa." She beamed in happiness.

"Milady, I see that you're happy. The beauticians are here and have been waiting for you."

"Quickly now, prepare my bath," she said as she stood up. "Already prepared, Milady." As if knowing her next question, "and yes, it is mixed with carrot and lavender. Let me help you wash your body."

Michael fixed his intent gaze on the voluptuous woman taking slow steps towards him. She wore a long white strapless gown, with diamond sequin, her hair was braided in princess style, and her makeup, all made her look enchantingly beautiful. Everyone present, were in awe, for her being was a cornucopia of beauties, like a moon goddess in all shades of purple, blue and green, glistening under the moonlight.

She finally stopped in her tracks as she stood beside Michael. The king, after long procedures of the Amadeo's law, declared them husband and wife. As usual, Michael had a poker face, contrary to that of Stephanie, whose face had a wide grin. Eric stood watching in envy and bitterness. He clenched his fists and his fingers were digging deep, almost giving him a cut on the palm.

Immediately the wedding was over, Michael didn't waste time, their luggage was packed in the chariot, waiting for them to set out. The chariots rode pass the children, who waved at them. Eris whispered to one of his men. He smirked, thinking of his plan, as being successful.

Stephanie turned back and stared at her hometown, where she lived all her life, before they crossed the border, and something unfortunate, happened.