Free The Last Oracle by Delia Colvin Page B

triple-coat her hair with it—just once lightly.” 
    “We cannot have the bride’s hair falling out at the reception!” the stylist argued.
    “If it falls out, it falls out!” Camille snapped. The stylist gasped in horror at that idea. But Camille continued, “She has gorgeous hair! But she doesn’t want to keep her husband waiting while she shampoos and dries her hair tonight, does she? She has to be able to comb it out.”
    “Tonight!” Valeria thought, as a warm shiver ran down her spine and tears formed in her eyes.
    At last, with Camille completely satisfied, the crew left and Valeria’s friends went up to the main house to dress.
    The smell and warmth of the day, with a hint of coolness from the mountains, was intoxicating. Valeria had changed into the undergarments that Camille had left for her—even they were exquisite—and then she pulled on a white silk robe. A small orchestra warmed up outside, and the chatter of guests increased.
    Alone at the vanity in the bathroom, Valeria admired the necklace and earrings that Alex had given her. She sipped her mimosa and rose to peek out the curtain again hoping to catch a glimpse of Alex. She was surprised to realize that she didn’t feel an ounce of nervousness—which she thought was normal for a bride.
    Finally, Camille arrived looking gorgeous; she had her hair pulled up and was wearing a  deep-blue gown with lace across the neck and arms. Valeria glanced out the window again, now needing to see Alex. Suddenly, she noticed that there were rows and rows of white covered chairs. Obviously, more than the family would be there.
    “Camille, how many people are coming?”
    “Oh, we’re keeping it small. There are about sixty guests.”
    Valeria rolled her eyes. “ Sixty! Where did you find sixty people who we know who aren’t immortals?”
    “New York.”
     
    ∞
     
    Taking her time and appreciating Camille’s assistance, Valeria stepped into her wedding gown. Camille zipped it and instructed her not to eat, drink, or sit down until the reception.
    Her heart raced with excitement and she wondered what Alex was feeling. Ava returned with Camille’s and Valeria’s bouquets. The bouquet held gardenias tipped with a pearl and deep blue belladonna, surrounded by greens and a deep bluish-purple ribbon; it was truly a work of art. As she looked at her bouquet, her eyes flooded with tears once more.
    “Camille—it’s all so beautiful! Thank you!” Valeria hugged her friend, and then said, “Oh, and now I’m going to ruin all this makeup!”
    Carefully wiping a tear from her own eye, Camille said, “The woman swore to me that you are completely waterproof. I’ve left the makeup remover on the sink for tonight and you’ll need it.” She smiled. “But you look absolutely stunning!”
    There was a knock and Camille opened the front door and smiled at Mani.
    He was wearing a tuxedo with a boutonnière of belladonna and lily. Mani was one of Valeria’s favorite people in the world. She went to hug him and felt the amazing luxuriousness of the silk on her skin. It was the first time she had seen Mani in a tux. She smiled at how handsome he looked.
    “I was hoping to walk you down the aisle, if you’d like.”
    The emotion welled up inside of her. Mani would be at their wedding! He had been forced to avoid their previously planned wedding due to the council. Now, not only was Alex’s closest friend here, he was going to walk her down the aisle.
    “I would love that!” she gushed.
    Mani held a special place in her heart; the man who lived in Alex’s original family home, who’d lost his own symbolon, his wife, nearly 500 years before. Yet he still spoke to her every day of his life. Valeria hoped he would again know love. He had so much to offer.
    Camille brushed Valeria’s cheek as the music began.
    “Val, you look gorgeous! Mani, make sure you pace her to the music. When you hear the next song, count to ten, then you’re on!” Camille said