Stolen by the Rebel King
Chapter 223: Second Wedding Celebration

Chapter 223: Second Wedding Celebration

Unlike the first time they had gotten married, this time, the thunderous applause that filled the chapel felt even more enthusiastic. It rivaled the roars of the thunder even during the greatest of storms, accompanied by the melody of hoots and cheers. Even Zephyr was dressed to the nines in a little bowtie, sitting on Jonah’s head and screeching itself hoarse in delight.

When Daphne and Atticus finally pulled apart from one another, their gazes still glazed over with honey and their lips still moist from the kiss they had shared, they were greeted by the screams of congratulations from the crowd.

"I can’t believe you managed to arrange everything so quickly," Daphne said between pants, her breath haggard from the passionate kiss she just shared with her husband.

"Anything for you," Atticus murmured in her ear, his voice laced with a dubious amount of sugar. It was so sweet that if anyone else had listened in to their conversation, they might immediately hurl once they confirmed that it was indeed their king speaking, and not some imposter. "I’ll burn down kingdoms and civilizations if it means you’ll be with me."

Daphne brushed her finger down his nose.

"Sweet talker," she chided. "Did you forget that burning things is my job?"

Atticus merely grabbed hold of her hand, pressing a kiss to her fingertip where it had previously grazed his skin, all while maintaining eye contact.

"Yes, dear, but we should share weal and woe, yes? I’m pretty sure I didn’t hallucinate that part of the vows."

Daphne snorted softly, but she couldn’t help the smile that crossed her lips as she surveyed the wedding hall. She had thought that it would take at least a few more weeks before they could hold their second wedding ceremony and the celebratory ball, but to her surprise, Atticus had managed to arrange everything in a week since his proposal!

Clearly, her husband had been planning this for quite some time. Despite his busy schedule, he was still heavily involved in a lot of the prep work that needed to be done on Daphne’s side.

From something as important as her wedding dress’s designs, to choosing the decorations and menu for the ball, and even minor details like the music that was to be specially composed for their special evening... There was no detail that Atticus didn’t care about. He wanted everything to be perfect for his wife!

Daphne’s heart fluttered warmly in her chest. It had only been a few months but everything was already so different from the first time she had stood in front of the priest, about to swear her love for the king of Vramid.

This time, she meant it.

Daphne wanted nothing more than to grow old with Atticus, to share both joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health.

"Don’t look at me like that, sunshine," Atticus said, his gaze darkening. It was laced heavily with lust, his long eyelashes fluttering delicately, nearly curtaining his golden eyes.

"Like what?" Daphne asked teasingly, playing dumb.

She yelped when Atticus pulled her close by her waist, pressing their bodies right up against each other. He leaned in, speaking right next to her ear. His warm breath caused her goosebumps to rise, the ticklish sensation paired with the heat of something else. She could even feel his lips graze her ear, causing a frenzied blush to rise to the apples of her cheeks.

"Like you want me to do some very terrible things to you," he replied. "Look at me one more time like that and I am hauling you straight into our bedroom. I will personally make sure you won’t be able to walk straight for the next week."

"Atticus! We’re in public!" Daphne nearly shrieked at her husband’s audacity. She frantically looked around, only calming down when she noticed the crowd still smiling and chatting among themselves. Their guests included representatives of other kingdoms; Daphne could have flung herself through a window if they heard Atticus’s lewd comments.

"Our esteemed guests are still here. We also have a ball to attend right after." Even Cordelia had managed to rush to Vramid in time to attend the ceremony! Daphne couldn’t forget about her and simply escape to their bedroom.

"Fuck the ball." He paused, deep in thought, then said, "Actually, no. Fuck me instead."

Daphne giggled at the sulky look on his face. "Isn’t it your job?"

"Weal and woe sweetheart, weal and woe," Atticus repeated himself.

Daphne wasn’t too sure where she had gotten the courage from but when Atticus had pulled back, she hooked her arm around his neck to pull him close. This time, it was her lip right by his ear. She pressed a lingering kiss to his neck, sucking lightly on the side just out of the public eye.

"Maybe later," she said, "if you’re good."

When she finally pulled away, Atticus seemed starstruck. His lips were slightly parted, eyes wide with surprise. Daphne merely giggled lightly before gently patting him twice on his cheek. Then, she turned to walk down the stage, her bouquet of flowers in hand.

Daphne left Atticus standing there, his feet rooted to the spot. He barely even moved from their previous position, his body still slightly slouched forward and arms still poised as though Daphne was standing in his hold.

She simply smirked. She still had a bouquet to toss!

***

"Congratulations, I’m sure you’ll make a fantastic blushing bride," Atticus commented impishly to Jonah as he undid yet another button of his suit. Jonah’s outfit was in disarray, and his hair was mussed up. Jonah replied with a rude signal, and Atticus laughed. "You’ve certainly broken quite a few hopeful hearts."

Atticus was looking for the perfect suit. All he wanted was to find an outfit that could show off his new ’battle scar’ given by his wife, but each one had a higher collar than the last. Why was it so hard to just tease his wife?

"Was I supposed to let the bouquet of roses just stab me right in the face?" Jonah retorted. He huffed, gesturing to the bouquet of roses on the table.

Now that Atticus was clearly off the market, every young eligible miss — and even some gentlemen — turned their sights on Jonah, who barely escaped being mauled by their enthusiastic advances. Not only did he have to make sure everything went well, but he also had to fend off so many admirers and babysit Daphne’s needy pet!

"For all I know, there could be thorns in that thing! I can’t believe you arranged for ninety-nine roses in one bouquet. I don’t even know how Daphne managed to carry that, honestly, much less toss it that far." Jonah complained.

Atticus straightened his jacket, having finally found one that very wonderfully showed off his prized mark― an over-glorified hickey.

"She is stronger than she looks," he said. Then, he dramatically eyed Jonah from the mirror. "And you’re just weak."

"And you’re just weak," Jonah echoed, his voice higher than usual by a few octaves. In his normal voice, he then said, "Don’t have me running your errands and commanding your men, then. I would like to retire to the countryside and buy a farm of my own. And I will never have a wedding. I’m going to elope and you’ll get a letter from me once a year if you’re lucky."

"It is good to have dreams," Atticus said, nodding approvingly. He then turned back and smirked devilishly. "I will be sure to wake you up when it’s time to get to work again."

A knock sounded on the door, swiftly drawing both men’s attention to it.

"Come in," Atticus beckoned, and the door opened to reveal Sirona, who looked even more frazzled than Jonah.

"You boys might want to come over quick," she said.

Atticus’s heart immediately fell to the floor. Likewise, Jonah’s face blanched white. It seemed like his dream would come to an end much sooner than he thought.

"Did something happen to Daphne?" Atticus asked.

He only released his breath, one that he didn’t even realize he held, when Sirona shook her head.

"I’ve just informed her as well," Sirona said. "It’s one of your guests. There’s a rather... watery situation right now."

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