Speak Now

This is definitely a little rough around the edges but it is a little something that I wrote recently.

This is potentially the prologue of a much longer story that is a retelling of a classic fairytale.  (will post the fairytale in the comments so it won't bias the initital reading)

But any thoughts?

Speak Now

"Let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

I barely resisted laughing to myself.  No one would be so bold as to try to interrupt this wedding.  Still, I couldn't help but glance at the audience behind my veil.  A few members of the congregation shifted in their seats uncomfortably, but no one stood.  Not one murmur rose from the crowd.

I wished Jem could be that courageous.  But not even Jem would be willing to risk the wrath of the man standing in front of me: my fiancé.  There was a slight smirk on his face; he noticed my wandering eyes.  He whispered softly so the preacher couldn't hear,

"There's no one here to stand up for you?  I thought there would be at least that kitchen boy."

Biting my lip, I resisted my sharp retort.  Instead I looked up into my fiancé's eyes, portraying what I hoped to be loving adoration.  He chuckled; I guess I wasn't that much of an actress.

The preacher finally continued, "Ranalt Breandan, do you take Gabriella Ophir for your lawful wedded wife, to live in the holy estate of matrimony?  Will you love, honor, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward, forsaking all others, keeping only unto her as long as both shall live?

"I do," his voice resounded throughout the chapel.

The preacher asked the same vow of me.

I barely kept my voice from cracking as I said, "I do."

The smallest of relieved sighs escaped Ranalt.  For that one moment even he wasn't sure if I would actually say those words.  As if I actually had a choice in the matter.  I mechanically repeated my vows when the time came; Ranalt was absolutely gloating in his triumph.

"You may now kiss the bride."

Ranalt lifted my veil and kissed me.  A spark of heat merged us together into a union that I couldn't resist. Cheers erupted throughout the hall. Breaking our connection, Ranalt grasped my hand, lifting it into the air before his loyal subjects.  I couldn't help wonder what had led me to this moment.  I mean I should be happy right?  But then I didn't even have the courage to speak now.

I guess not every girl could get her happily ever after when she marries the prince.