The long walk felt both like an eternity and a perfect moment. Daphne's eyes never left Alaric's. She saw the light of a thousand emotions swirling in their depths as she moved closer and closer.
When they finally reached the altar, Lord Thomas's hand trembled as he placed Daphne's into Alaric's, "Please take care of her."
"With my life.", he swore.
Alaric's hand then closed around hers, his touch sending a jolt of warmth through her. He squeezed her hand, a silent promise, and his lips curved into a soft smile.
A high-ranking priest in ceremonial robes stepped forward. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Prince Alaric of the Blake family and Rose Daphne of the Thomas family"
"Do you, Prince Alaric Theodore Blake, take Rose Daphne Thomas to be your wife?" the priest's voice boomed through the hall.
Alaric's eyes never left Daphne's. "I do," he said, his voice a firm promise. "And I vow to stand by her, to protect her, to love and cherish her for all of my days."
