Page 30 of Tragic Empire

Though I didn’t want to try another, I told her to keep going. She opted to show me the sleek, baby blue dress Armani found for her to wear to the wedding instead. We decided she would stand by my side as my only bridesmaid, and I was relieved to know I wouldn’t be standing in front of the crowd all on my own.

A few hours after sorting our dresses, Jade is finishing the final touches on my hair. Time has gone by mercifully fast. With her babies keeping us busy, and another quick visit with Doc, I’ve been able to maintain a relatively high spirit.

Nothing about today has gone the way I imagined my wedding would when I was a young girl, but I couldn’t be more appreciative to my best friend for her part in ensuring everything goes smoothly. She and her brothers have made sure that no one bothers me with decisions I don’t want to make, nor problems I don’t have the capacity to handle.

“I’m so happy Cesar took a nap,” Jade tells me, sighing in relief. “I was worried he would have too much energy to sit with Dmitri for the ceremony. If he screeches during the vows, I’m going to turn redder than a tomato.”

“I won’t mind,” I promise. “He makes people smile.”

“Yeah,” she says wistfully. “He does do that.”

The dreamy look in her eye makes my heart swell.

“You look stunning by the way,” Jade adds, arranging a half-halo, diamond hair piece around the back of my head. “I wish I could do my makeup the way you do. It looks professional, seriously.”

I open my mouth to thank her when three soft knocks sound against the door to her room. Jade smooths out my last curl, smiling at me in the mirror before turning to go see who’s there.

I don’t immediately recognize the manly voice that comes through, nor am I able to see him from my chair at Jade’s vanity. But it quickly becomes clear who’s on the other side.

“You’re not supposed to see the bride before the wedding,” my friend softly protests, taking a step forward to make the crack in the door smaller.

“Yes, well, I listened to that superstition last time and my wife and son are still dead. You’ll forgive me if I don’t put any stock in frivolous traditions the second time around.”

“Cassio…”

“It’s okay,” I interrupt, getting to my feet and approaching from behind Jade. “I’m not even in the dress yet. Give us a few minutes?”

My friend gives me a sad smile and dips her head. “I’ll be right in the next room.”

She quickly maneuvers out the door and allows her brother to step inside. I may not be in my dress, but he’s certainly in his wedding attire. It’s a black three-piece suit, tailored to him perfectly. His black tie and white shirt are crisp, like they’ve never seen a single wrinkle. And his trousers… I shouldn’t be looking at how nicely they fit his frame.

Once the door clicks shut, Cassio meets my eyes with his crystal blues. They’re soft but assessing. I’d forgotten how handsome he was, or maybe I’d never looked at him long enough to think about it. His bone structure is strong, with its lovely defined lines and distinctly masculine shape. He used to have stubble all over his jaw but he’s clean shaven now. And his smooth brown hair is longer on top, giving him some wavy texture that draws my attention.

Blinking out of my observation, I hope that he hasn’t caught me gawking at him. Luckily, he either hasn’t seen or doesn’t care if he has.

“Doc told me he gave you something?”

I swallow a small wave of embarrassment, feeling an unnecessary hit of weakness. I wasn’t strong enough to go into my wedding without medication, not while knowing my mother won’t be here to see it. She won’t ever see anything ever again. I shouldn’t feel ashamed for finding strength difficult to hold on to, but it seems I can’t control much of anything going on in my mind now.

“A light mood stabilizer,” I explain, looking down at my hands. “It’s only half the dose of what he gave me before. Are you upset?”

“No,” he answers without hesitation. “Merely concerned with how you’re feeling. You’re not too fatigued, are you?”

The sincerity in his words helps me relax. I don’t know why I assumed Cassio may be angry or offended by my choice. This family has been nothing but patient and understanding with me thus far.

“I’m okay.”

I’m not.But physically, I’m fine.

And I’m not tired. The medicine can make people drowsy, so I realize why he would ask. Having your bride pass out from exhaustion while walking down the aisle isn’t a good look for any groom—let alone one who is doing this entire ceremony for appearance’s sake.

“I apologize that I didn’t come speak with you sooner.” He shifts slightly on his feet. “I’ve been packing, mostly. And organizing our trip.”

“It’s fine.” I shrug. “I didn’t expect you… I didn’t expect anything more. You’re already helping me by agreeing to this.”

His head tilts. “Expect more.”

“W-what?”