29: 29 Bound to Darkness (AVOT)

29 Bound to Darkness (AVOT)

The morning dawned with an air of nervous anticipation, and the household bustled with resounding energy. Everyone scurried about, trying to find their clothes, shoes, and jewelry.  1

Daisy's mother was solely focused on her, helping her arrange her wedding gown, pulling out the jewelry, preparing a bath, and pampering her with oils and perfume. Daisy's heart thumbed with nervousness as her mother groomed her, preparing her for her new role. 

The hairdresser arrived promptly, her hands nimble as they weaved intricate patterns of braids, only leaving a few locks to flow down the sides of her face. She set her hair in a half-up-do style adorned with tiny blossoms that matched the dress.

Downstairs, Katherine and her daughters were in a whirlwind of their own preparations. Dresses were being ironed and steamed, and makeup and hair products were strewn about as the daughters primped and preened under their mother's scrutinizing gaze. It was like a bustling marketplace, with the air filled with an array of scents and constant chatter. 

Daisy's friend Anna arrived during the preparation to offer her support. "You should get dressed. The mother has to look good as well. I will take care of Daisy," Anna told Helena. 

Helena was hesitant, but she knew she had to get dressed at some point. 

Anna helped Daisy with her makeup, painting her lips a flush of pink that matched her cheeks. Then it was time to get into the wedding dress. 

Rhain had sent a tailor who took her measurements the day after they decided on their wedding, and Daisy was surprised at how this impeccable dress was sewn in just a few days. 

Daisy looked at herself in the full-length mirror. The dress was an exquisite work of art, tailored perfectly to her figure. The color, a beautiful blend of soft white and ivory, gave her a regal aura. The bodice was adorned with intricate lace and beads, giving way to a full skirt that cascaded down gracefully. Her veil, attached to the back of her hairdo, cascaded down her back, a sea of white with delicate lace trim.

Helena had just returned after getting dressed, and seeing Daisy in her wedding gown, brought tears to her eyes. "Oh, Daisy," Helena whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You look like an angel."

Thomas, who had quietly entered the room, cleared his throat, his eyes moistening as he looked at Daisy. His voice was a hoarse whisper when he managed to speak. "You look… beautiful, Daisy."

Daisy smiled warmly at both of them and said, "Thank you." 

Soon after, the thunderous sound of hooves and creaking wheels echoed outside, announcing the arrival of the carriages. There were three lavishly outfitted carriages, each gleaming in the mid-morning sunlight, with a retinue of footmen standing at attention beside each. Their livery was that of the Blackthorne colors - deep, royal blue with gold embroidery. The sight of such grandeur made Daisy's heart beat frantically. 

The entire neighborhood gathered, watching in awe while her mother and Thomas escorted her into the first cart, her voluminous gown taking up most of the spacious interior. As the carriage set off, Daisy peered out of the window, watching their familiar home grow smaller with each passing moment.

The journey to the wedding venue was nerve-wracking. Daisy felt her anxiety grow with the pull of the carriage. Her mother, who sat beside her, held her hand tightly, and Anna, sitting across from her, gave her a reassuring smile, but nothing calmed Daisy's nerves. She just hoped she wouldn't make a fool of herself. 

Upon their arrival, Daisy's heart became erratic. She could feel her hands tremble slightly, and she did her best to control them. With the help of a footman, Daisy stepped out of the carriage, her heart hammering against her ribs. Her father offered his arm, and she put her arm in his. 

"Are you alright?" He asked, placing his hand atop hers. 

Daisy nodded. "Yes." 

They began their procession through the courtyard, a path lined with multicolored flowers leading the way to the grand ballroom. The scene was breathtaking; white roses and ivy climbed up the stone arches, the cobblestone path beneath them covered in a carpet of soft rose petals. Hanging lanterns swayed gently in the breeze. Daisy could hear the soft murmur of the guests, the rustle of silk, and the occasional soft tinkle of laughter.

Her heart pounded in her chest with each step she took, and her breath was shallow. As she entered the hall, the guests stood up, turning their attention to Daisy to watch her walk down the aisle. She was acutely aware of their gazes, whispers, and murmurs. There were noblemen and women in their finest clothes, and servants in their livery, all gathered to witness her union with Rhain. Her heart went from beating frantically to almost stopping. The panic was starting to get hold of her, and her eyes darted nervously when they landed on Rhain. 

Her breath hitched. Rhain stood at the altar, tall and regal, every inch the noble lord he was. His eyes met hers, and even from the distance, she could feel the pull of his gaze. 

The walk down the aisle seemed to last an eternity. With every step she took, Rhain grew closer, his eyes growing more intense. It felt as though a string was tugging her towards him, an invisible bond pulling her closer. 

When they finally reached the altar, Thomas gently handed Daisy over to Rhain. He gave her a nod and a reassuring smile before taking a step back. Daisy turned toward Rhain, her gaze meeting his. His eyes were dark, and intense, and for a moment, she could see a hint of warmth there. His fingers brushed against hers as he took her hand, a jolt of electricity running up her arm at the contact.

The clergyman started the ceremony, his voice echoing in the grand ballroom. Rhain and Daisy stood opposite each other, their hands clasped tightly. He held her with his gaze, his thumb playing calm patterns on her knuckles while he offered a gentle smile. 

The clergyman kept speaking, and Daisy wasn't really listening until she was. 

"Do you, Rhain Blackhorne, take Daisy Winters, to be your lawfully wedded wife? Do you pledge yourself to her in the waxing and waning of the moon, in the rising and setting of the sun? Through the endless nights and the breaking dawns, will you stand by her side? Will you shield her from the darkness, bathe her in the moonlight, and keep her safe from the shadows that lurk?"

Rhain's dark gaze was unblinking, the intensity almost overwhelming. After a heartbeat, he broke the silence with a firm, "I do."

Daisy was still surprised by the wedding vows. She had never heard this version before. 

The clergyman then turned to Daisy, repeating the vows, and she became sure she did not imagine what he said as she listened. 

"Do you, Daisy Winters, take Rhain Blackthorne to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you pledge yourself to him in the waxing and waning of the moon, in the rising and setting of the sun? Through the endless nights and the breaking dawns, will you stand by his side? Will you shield him from the loneliness, bathe him in your warmth, and keep him safe from the despair that lurks?"

Still confused, Daisy answered, her voice soft, "I do."

Her words hung in the air, binding her to Rhain, an unseen tether tying them together.

Before pronouncing them husband and wife, the clergyman presented a pair of simple yet elegant gold bands, one larger than the other. Rhain took the smaller ring, holding Daisy's left hand gently. He slid the ring onto her finger, the cool metal nestling into place.

Then it was Daisy's turn. Her hands trembled as she took the larger band, lifting Rhain's left hand. She stared at his hand for a moment, then looked up at him. He met her gaze, his eyes swirling with something she couldn't comprehend. Without looking down again, she slipped the ring onto his finger before her hands could start to tremble again. 

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the clergyman announced with a broad smile. The crowd held its breath in the hushed silence, anticipation buzzing in the air.

"You may now kiss the bride," he continued, stepping back to give them space.

Rhain's eyes continued to swirl, but with something else. Daisy could see a hint of that wicked charm playing on his lips, the one that always left her off balance. 

There was a moment of pause, a single beat of silence in the grand ballroom, before Rhain leaned in, closing the distance between them. His lips met hers in a soft, yet firm kiss. It was respectful and measured, not like the one they had shared during their more private encounters.

The room erupted into applause and cheers as they broke apart, Daisy's face glowing with a blush, and Rhain, ever the composed gentleman, giving a faint smile. They were now officially husband and wife.

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