In One Night

lking about Zemira being pregnant. She had also heard someone say that it was Cassians baby because he had seen them riding together on Cassians horse.

Verona had told Altair and he had spoken to Zemira. What he had told her had made her change her mind about not marrying Cassian.

So here she was in her wedding dress, on her wedding day. Everybody downstairs were all smiles while she was on the verge of breaking down. She buried her head on the table and bawled out her eyes.

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”May we all rise to greet the bride ” the priest, said as the musicians began to play The Bridal March. The ceremony was being held at the marquis courtyard. An arbour was set up in the courtyard with few chairs. It was a shotgun wedding so many people were not invited.

Everyone rose and turned to the entrance of the house where Zemira slowly walked out in her white breast tube, ruffled wedding gown. There were so many ruffles on the skirt and the bodice had an embroidered floral pattern. It was the same dress Xylia had worn on her wedding day to the duke of West Scottin.

”Shes so beautiful ” some of the servants gushed as Zemira made her way down the aisle. Zemira raised her head and saw her parents at the front in their traditional attire; her father wore a pair of black trousers and white shirt with a grey tail-coat and her mother wore a grey satin dress with hints of white and a grey fascinator sat on her blonde hair which was pulled into a bun.

Zemira was quite surprised to see Aza smirking at her. How did she know about the wedding? Zemira thought. Does Stern know as well? she thought as Azas smirk turned to a smile and then she mouthed, ”Congratulations ”.

Zemiras eyes travelled to the flower arch where her soon-to-be husband stood with the priest. Cassian looked very handsome in his white trousers and black and white tail-coat which were studded with diamond buttons and on his shoulders were golden shoulder brooches.There was a sheathed sword at his hip. Once a soldier, always a soldier. He would have looked better if only he wore a smile on his face.

It was clear that the both of them were not happy and that they did not want to get married.

Zemira handed her bouquet of carnations to Xylia who sat at the front seat with her husband. Her brother, Ivar, the earl of Uhoria, was also present with his wife. His youngest sister was finally getting married, though he did not know the circumstance at which she was getting married. She would finally have a sense of responsibility.

Cassian stretched out a gloved hand to Zemira who looked at his hand then at him before she took his hand then he led her up to the priest.

Everyone took their seats as the couple faced each other and the music died down. ”We are gathered here today to witness the union between Cassian Monterey and Zemira Cobain ” the priest began and looked around. Everyone had smiles on their faces except the bride and groom.

”If anyone present knows of any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace ” the priest said and looked around again. There was no sign of movement from anyone.

The priest waited for about a minute but no one stood up. He sighed and continued, ”Very well then, marriage is a solemn— ” ”Zemira! ” someone yelled, accompanied by a horse neighing and everyone looked at where the noise had come from; the gates of the compound.

Stern jumped down from his horse and ran inside. Cassian had already taken out his sword to defend himself. Zemira looked at Stern, ”You
e getting married to him? Really Zemy? You
e getting married to the mad viscount? ” Stern said and Cassian rolled his eyes, must be her former lover, he thought but he still kept his sword unsheathed.

Everyone was baffled at the drama unfolding before them. Ivar was yelling at the servants to get Stern out of the premises, Xylia was trying to assure the guests that nothing was wrong. As usual, Verona felt faint so she was sitting with a glass of water in her hands. Altair had told Isaiah to get his pistol.

”You said you were not ready for marriage? Was it just a farce? A lie, so you would not wed me? ” Stern asked. He was obviously hurt.

Aza got up from where she sat and ran to hold Stern, ”Brother, control yourself! ” she said as she saw servants marching towards them and Isaiah had arrived with the pistol. ”Was I not good enough Zemy? ” Stern asked.

Cassian looked at Zemira, there were tears in her eyes. ”Brother, come! ” Aza said as she dragged Stern out. ”Zemy! Zemira! Zemira! ” Stern shouted as he was being dragged outside.

Cassian kept his sword back in his sheath and looked at Zemira, ”Lets continue with the ceremony ” he said as he turned back to the flabbergasted priest. ”Eh? I should continu— ” Cassian slightly brought out his sword, ”Continue with the damn ceremony! ” he growled lowly and the priest gulped nervously then he continued with the ceremony.

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Glasses were clattered together, music was being played, laughter was being erupted from every corner.

”Now you are in the married women community ” Xylia and the women with her laughed. Zemira just forced a smile. ”Zemy! ” Verona called and the women grumbled, ”We were just having a little married women chat, mother ” Xylia grumbled as Zemira walked away from the clique and to her mother.

Verona hugged Zemira and looked at her, ”Are you feeling okay? ” she asked and Zemira nodded. ”Don think about what happened at the ceremony ” Altair said and they bowed, ”My lord ”. ”Wish I could throw that rascal into prison. But hes a dukes son and I…am a mere marquis ” he joked and Verona laughed.

Altair only made jokes when he was drunk and the jokes only made Verona laugh. ”My lady ” he said and kissed her hand, ”You owe me a dance ” he said and led Verona to the centre of the room.

Zemira heard clapping beclapping then she turned and saw Aza walking towards her as she clapped. ”I must say, I am impressed. You managed to make the duke of Leordas first born and only son, look mad ”. ”Aza, I did not mean to— ” ”You told him that you did not want to have babies with him because it would distract you from loving him but then you went ahead to marry the mad viscount ”. ”Aza, I am— ” ”Never go near my brother again ” Aza warned her then she walked away.

Zemira held her belly and sighed, ”Its all because of you ” she said then she heard a voice, ”Zemy are you pregnant? ”