It made Arielle laugh, and she let both girls finish her look with the matching veil and the flower crown. That time when she looked at herself, she felt like a bride.
Her father gasped when he saw her as she came out of her room. Which, she must admit, made her feel pretty, unique and loved. The four of them went into the family cart and drove to the rainbow river, where everyone was waiting for her. Stress rose into her stomach at each inch they were making forward. Probably feeling her nervousness, Delilah took her hand and smile kindly at her. Following the older girl’s lead, her father started to sing fillorian songs just like he did when he was working in the orchard.
Quentin cried when he saw her. Which was expected. The big surprised was Eliot’s teary eyes as well. It made her tear up too. She barely listens to the High Worshiper ceremonial talk, focusing on the warmth of Quentin’s hand in her and how his eyes had golden flakes she never noticed before.
She promised obedience, care, and love; he promised protection, respect, and admiration. The first kiss they shared as husband and wife was met by a thunder of applause. The crowd of over more than two dozen people was rejoicing in their love.
As everyone was led toward the food, drinks, and music, Arielle, Quentin, and Eliot stayed alone with the High Worshiper who blessed the union of the two men as life partners. Despite her faith, Arielle didn’t fully understand the religious intricacy of why only the Royals could be married twice at the same time but not the commoners. That was why the life partner ceremony was something that could link a poly relationship like theirs. Eliot would still be able to share their bed, metaphorically and physically, without angering the Gods. Plus it was the same promise of care and love she’d share with the brown haired boy.
But this ceremony had to be private. Not because religion asked for it, but because she knew it was a big emotional step for both men who were doing this because she entered their life. They might have never gone forward and make a promise to the Gods if she didn’t show up, but the fact that they were doing it without even feeling the mandate to do so was the purest form of love Arielle saw.
And just like that, they became a family.
They both hug a long time and share kisses before joining the rest of the crowd. Both Eliot and Quentin were holding her hand, their face glowing like she never saw before. Hers was probably too. From this now on, she would be named, Mrs. Coldwater. And she couldn’t be happier.
(Excerpt from The Golden Tile, available on AO3)
image by me and Canva photostock
