Linda's Wedding

Day of the wedding...

Grace: "I heard they're having Linda's wedding in the ballroom."

Jason: "That's because there's going to be a lot of people!"

Grace felt her stomach drop.

Grace: "A lot... Of people?"

Jason: "Yeah, but... You can stick with me and Steve–"

Jasmine: "She's gonna be stuck with me and Linda, Jason."

Steven: "Ouch."

Jason: *smile immediately falters* "Oh."

Jasmine: "Yup. Although, truthfully I would rather be hanging around you two."

Steven: "That's because we're awesome!"

Jasmine: "Yeah, and you don't have to follow the bride or groom wherever they go."

Linda: "Grace! Jasmine!"

Jason: *teases* "I guess you two better get going before the bride curses you."

Jasmine: *sigh* "Yup."

Linda: *approaches with a bright smile* "There you two are! Come on, the ceremony's about to start, and I need my girls by my side."

Jasmine: *huffs but smiles faintly* "Coming, coming. You're way too enthusiastic about this, Linda."

Linda: *laughs* "Of course I am! I'm getting married, Jasmine! You'd be excited too if it were you."

Grace's hands trembled. She couldn't stand the thought of people looking her way. What if she messed up? What if she didn't look good enough?

Jason: *takes Grace's hand* "Hey. You'll be okay. And if you or Jasmine needs us, we'll be standing right by the ballroom doors having the most boring time of our lives." *spins Grace gently*

Grace: *giggles*

Steven: *teases* "Alright, Prince charming, let her go so she can catch up."

Jason: *reluctantly lets go of Grace's hand, grinning at Steven* "Fine, but only because I don't want Linda to come after me for making her late." 

Grace: "Thanks, Jason." 

Jasmine: *crosses her arms with a smirk* "Don't let him fool you, Grace. He's still plenty annoying." 

Jason: *playfully gasps* "I'm wounded, sister dearest. Truly." 

Linda: *claps her hands* "Alright, enough banter! Grace, Jasmine, let's go. The ceremony won't wait forever!" 

As Jasmine and Grace followed Linda down the hallway, Jason and Steven lingered by the ballroom doors, their playful energy dimming just slightly. 

Steven: *leans against the wall* "Think they'll survive without us in there?" 

Jason: *smirks* "Jasmine might, but Grace? She'll be wishing she was back here with us." 

Steven: "Yeah, I don't envy her one bit. But hey, at least we get to skip the awkward smiles and small talk." 

Jason: *chuckles softly* "True. Though... I kinda wish I could be in there for Grace." 

Steven: *teases* "You're such a sap, Jason. It's almost embarrassing." 

Jason: *rolls his eyes* "Whatever, Steven. You'd be the same if you liked someone." 

Steven: "Ha! Never going to happen."

Inside the ballroom, Linda fussed over the final touches on her gown, Jasmine and Grace standing by her side. The ballroom was dazzling—golden chandeliers hung overhead, and flowers adorned every surface. Guests were already seated, their conversations creating a soft hum in the background. 

Jasmine: *adjusts Linda's veil* "There. Perfect. Now go marry Flint so we can finally eat those cookies I saw in the kitchen earlier." 

Linda: *laughs* "Leave it to you to focus on the cookies, Jasmine." 

Grace: *quietly* "They did smell really good though." 

Jasmine: "See? Grace gets it." 

Linda: *shakes her head* "You two are impossible. Come on, let's get this wedding started." 

As the music began to play, Linda stepped forward, her smile radiant. Jasmine and Grace followed closely behind, each feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as the ceremony began.

The music began playing and as Grace followed Linda through the ballroom, she immediately recognized one of the musicians. Maya. Her happy, lively tune filled the room. Maya had really learned how to control her flute.

Jasmine: "You can say hi to her later."

Grace: "okay"

As the ceremony continued, the room became silent except for the musicians' enchanting music. 

Jasmine: *whispering to Grace* "See? Not so bad, right? Just focus on Linda and pretend the rest of the room doesn't exist." 

Grace: *nodding slightly, whispering back* "Easier said than done." 

Jasmine: *smirking* "Then focus on the cookies we'll eat after this." 

Grace couldn't help but laugh softly, earning a quick glare from Linda, who turned back to the altar with a small grin. 

Flint took Linda's hands, his expression full of love and confidence. 

Flint: *softly* "You look beautiful, Linda." 

Linda: *blushes, her voice just as soft* "And you look like you're about to cry." 

The room chuckled gently at her playful comment before the officiant began the ceremony.

King: *stands* "Before we start, I would like to raise a toast." *raises his glass* "To the union of our kingdoms and to the love that binds us all together. To Linda and Flint, may your marriage be filled with joy, strength, and happiness for years to come." 

The guests cheered, raising their glasses in unison. Linda's eyes sparkled as she squeezed Flint's hands, a bright smile lighting up her face. 

Linda: *whispers to Flint* "I can't believe this is happening." 

Flint: *softly, his gaze locked with hers* "I've never been more certain of anything." 

Back by the doors, Jason and Steven continued to watch the ceremony unfold, though both were quietly aware of how the moment was one that marked a significant change for the kingdoms. 

Steven: *whispering* "I think they're actually gonna make it through the ceremony without making it awkward." 

Jason: *smirking* "You'd hope so. The queen would have a fit if they didn't." 

Steven: *grinning* "True. But there's something about seeing them up there together... it's kinda magical." 

Jason: *eyes focused on the couple* "Yeah. I guess love really does make everything seem right." 

Steven: *nodding* "Maybe one day you'll be up there with Grace." 

Jason: *snorts* "Yeah, right. I'll be lucky if I get her to sit still for a few minutes." 

Steven: *chuckling* "If you can keep up, maybe she'll start to notice you more." 

Meanwhile, Flint and Linda were taking their vows. Grace, being as bored as ever, was making a "yap yap yap" gesture with her hand. Jasmine, although trying to look unimpressed, snorted.

Jasmine: *hits Grace's arm* "Show some respect."

Grace: "Sorry, just trying to keep things interesting." *whispers* "But seriously, this is taking forever."

Jasmine: *glares, trying to hide a smile* "Grace..."

Grace: *nudges Jasmine* "Don't pretend you're not bored too."

Jasmine: *rolls her eyes* "I'm just trying to behave. You should try it sometime."

Grace: *snickers* "I'll work on that… after the cookies." 

Flint: *eyes locked with Linda* "I promise to stand by you in every challenge, to laugh with you in joy, and to love you all the days of my life."

Linda: *smiles warmly* "I promise to love you through every moment, to be your strength when you need it, and your joy always."

The officiant nodded as the vows were exchanged, a soft murmur of approval passing through the room. 

Back at the altar, the ceremony was coming to a close. The officiant raised his hands, signaling the final moment.

Officiant: "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Flint leaned down and kissed Linda gently, his smile never faltering as the room erupted in applause.

Linda: *laughs* "I'm married! I'm really married!"

Flint: *whispers with a grin* "And I'm never letting you go."

As the applause settled and the newlyweds turned to face the crowd, Jason and Steven both watched with a mixture of admiration and amusement.