Chapter 98

“…Where are all the others?” Alicia whispered audibly.

It was only her. Ivan too. Witnesses from both kingdoms should have surrounded the bed with white curtains drawn by now. But it was empty.

“Most likely enjoying the wedding reception banquet.”

“…What do you mean?”

He poured a glass-half-full of liquor and passed it to his wife. She took it half-heartedly. He poured another glass for himself.

“It’s a wedding and it’s only natural a reception is held to celebrate the bride and groom. They’re most likely dancing, drinking, playing, and fooling around. They won’t be home until after dawn.”

True. A reception was as natural as the passing of time. Even now, she heard the rambunctious echoes of excitement and melodies playing from here. But this was not the answer she sought for.

“They won’t be coming? The people who would bear witness to our…”

“No.”

“Yes?”

Ivan looked into the eyes of the girl he loved… like the blue of the sea cradled by the moonlit night. He loved the rain, the ocean,