Chapter 8

Amelia squeezed his arm, to show him how grateful she was for his support. "I'm okay, I promise."

The walk down the aisle seemed both endless and over far too fast. When they reached the altar, her father placed her hand in Niko's with solemn formality before stepping back to join her mother in the front row.

"You look beautiful," Niko murmured, his voice low enough that only she could hear.

"Thank you," she whispered back.

The Archbishop stepped forward, his voice ringing out through the cathedral as he began the ancient ceremony. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony..."

Amelia let the familiar words wash over her, acutely aware of Niko's hand holding hers, warm and reassuringly solid. Unlike other less formal weddings, there was no opportunity for personal vows, as royal tradition demanded the traditional service, unchanged for centuries. Even if they could say