// Chapter 32 \\

Leeyon wore a sleek white dress, wave lacing cupping her breasts. The skirts and frame were sprayed a light blue and flowed outward from the tight upper part of the dress that clung to her taught but curved form. Her hair was pulled up into a bun with three short braids dangling from it. The makeup she wore was a surprising pair of white and gold. White eyeshadow covered here eyelids and golden lipstick shimmered on her curved lips. That's when I realized that the Serpent held a serene smile on her face.

It felt unreal to see such a smile on her. Though, her green eyes were looking forward to the alter where Mingi was. Her almost-fiancé and soon to be almost husband had to be the cause of that smile. Though, by their viewpoints, it was hard to see how the two fell for each other. Though, their meeting gazes showed nothing but love.

Both seemed to smile at each other as Leeyon made her way through the room, climbing up the steps to be right beside Mingi. The priest at the alter led the ceremony, directing the pair through the process. Their almost-vows were taken, both promising each other a long lasting life and union of their Courts. Their vows ensured an unbreakable bond of power, connecting their two Courts. However, the bond was rather fragile with the uncertain result of High Monarch Trials, but that fine detail wasn't spoken of if it wasn't in the word of 'almost.'

They were given their rings, one was golden with a gem of aqua symbolizing Eastern Court which was placed on Mingi's finger. The other ring was black with a red gem in the center symbolizing Dusk Court. That ring was placed on Leeyon's finger.

Then, the priest announced for the newly almost-wedded couple to kiss.

Leeyon inched forward slightly, staring into Mingi's eyes. For a moment, Mingi hesitated, the moment of the two staring at each other lasting for a second, before he pulled her in and kissed her deeply. He tipped her over as she cupped her hands around his cheeks. The crowd cheered as Mingi brought Leeyon upright. The two smiled and laughed as they embraced each other. They truly seemed happy.

I was clapping, happily smiling as I watched the two.

They waved, beaming as they stepped off of the pedestal. That was when the crowd diverged into talking amongst each other. Mingi and Leeyon talking to whom they passed until they'd finally made their way towards us.

"Congratulations!" Heeyoung was the first one to say, beaming at the two.

Leeyon gave a sheepish grin, nodding her head before what sounded like a bit of a forced thank you came out.

Mingi nodded his head as well, beaming as he turned to Yeosang. He pointed his finger towards him with a laugh, "Now I thought you would be the first to congratulate me."

"Congratulations." Yeosang spoke with a half smile, nodding his head.

Mingi's own grin became an awkward one as he scratched the back of his head, "Ah, you might need a drink to loosen up some."

"I'm not parched." Yeosang replied.

Leeyon narrowed her eyes towards him, "On edge, are we?"

I could've been more enraged by the statement, but I couldn't help but also feel enraged at Yeosang. I looked at him then, and Leeyon's words were no lie. Yeosang was stiff, his face emotionless. Usually, Yeosang masked whatever he felt, or so I thought. He'd always done that in our childhood.

I wanted to scoff and ask him why he was so on edge, but I already knew that. The guards, the crescent, the wielders, and Takers possibly here to take them. He'd only told Mingi to raise security, however. Not the full story. However, this crowded room isn't the place to tell it.

"The last time we had any festivities, Takers attacked." I spoke. Yeosang gave me a cautious glance for a brief moment before he blinked the look away. I looked to Mingi and Leeyon, "He's only concerned by what the past has shown."

Leeyon scowled, "If you were so concerned, perhaps you should've seen yourself out, Star of Night Court."

I grimaced, knowing Leeyon still believed I was a threat from Eastern Court.

"Wasn't there a conversation about us all being threats to each other?" Yeosang asked.

My heart leaped then and my eyes went wide as I turned back to him. He was standing up for me. He was glaring towards Leeyon now.

"Now," Mingi stepped between them, "Please. This is a time of relaxation and celebration before..."

There was a slight grimace on her face before she gave Mingi a soft look, "Then let us go to the dining hall and celebrate our union."

Mingi's smile came back then, making a matching one appear on Leeyon's face, "Alright." He looked to us then with a nod, "Please, enjoy yourselves. The passion halls can be accessed in the exit behind the alter. Take the edge off, relax. Enjoy yourselves." Mingi gave a solemn smile, "For me, please."

I returned that smile nodding my head towards Mingi. He deserve as much as he requested, "Congratulations to the two of you."

Leeyon scoffed but Mingi smiled genuinely, nodding his head once more, "Thank you, Star."

The couple left then, leaving us to ourselves in the alter room.

"I think I'll turn in for the evening." Yeosang spoke.

Heeyoung snorted then, "Really? Mr. Partier is gonna go sleep alone in a cold bed instead of having some fun in a warm one?"

I had to hold back my laugh as I watched Hongjoong's panicked gaze look at his sister, "Heeyoung! We're in public! He's a High Monar—"

But Hongjoong cut himself off as Yeosang began laughing then. He grinned, giving a nod to Heeyoung.

"You're right... I've rather dampened the mood." Yeosang commented with a smile, "I should relax a bit more." And then his eyes flicked to me.

I looked away then, smiling as I looked to the others, my heart racing.

Heeyoung nodded, lifting an eyebrow towards me but waved it off as she spoke, "Okay but there is no way Okra is following us in there."

Hongjoong furrowed his brows, "What?"

"Passion halls! Sure, it's not exactly private, but I don't want our Captain of the Guard seeing me in there."

Hongjoong rolled his eyes, but relented with a sigh, "I'll give her the night off."

Heeyoung was bouncing on her heels, beaming, "Thank you!"

"You're going in there without-" I coughed as I raised my brows, a silent finish to my question: Jongho?

Heeyoung smiled, "I may have been promised a meeting spot."

"Since when did Jongho have time to talk to you?" Hongjoong looked at his sister who was now blushing a deep red.

She turned to her brother, "Hongjoong!"

"What? Everyone here knows what you mean. Your relationship isn't exactly a secret."

"I'm going to burn your hair."

Hongjoong laughed, "You tease and prod me all the time and I can't do the same back."

Heeyoung now rolled her eyes as she turned back to us, mainly Yeosang. She blushed redder at knowing what Hongjoong had flatly stated. She quickly turned, dismissing herself from the group to tell Okra, the Southern Court Captain of the Guard, that she has the night off. That reminded me of my own Captain of the Guard.

Elara had taken to minding her own business in the alter room. She stood near the side, keeping a rather professional guard pose and blank face. I hadn't payed much attention to where she'd been the entire ceremony, though she was to stay with me at all times unless instructed not to.

"Hey," I spoke as I walked up to her.

I smile made the way to the Captain's face, "Hello."

"How did you like the reception?" I asked.

Elara shrugged, "The priest's words were good but I can only stand so much talking and looking at blobs of heat isn't exactly the best depiction of an almost-wedding."

I laughed, "So not your scene?"

"Not really," Elara laughed a bit more but nodded before she said, "But now I can at least say I have— well— somewhat witnessed an almost-wedding."

"An almost-witness to an almost-wedding." I grinned.

Elara laughed to that.

I cleared my throat before I spoke, "I was planning to go to the passion halls with Hongjoong, Heeyoung, and Yeosang." I hesitated before asking, "Do you have any interest to come?"

She shrugged, shaking her head. "You can go on." Elara smiled, "I think I'll find my way to the Night Court's quarters and turn in for the rest of the evening."

"Okay," I nodded before I asked, "Will you be able to find your way?"

Elara laughed with a nod and a smile, "I always know my way. Don't worry."

I laughed as well, "All right. I'll see you tomorrow a least."

"I'll see you then." Elara gave a salute before she was off to the entryway of the alter room, not a fault in her step. She would be fine.

I then turned to suddenly find Heeyoung next to me. She nudged my shoulder with a smirk on her face, "Well, now it's time to have a little fun."

REMEMBER:​​​​​​

1. Smack dat butiful star

2. Leave a comment talkin abt dis tea

3. Share dis tea induced book with yo fwends

WHY? Because I appreciate it 🥺

\\ See u in the next chapter! \\