"That won't stop me from doing whatever I need to to protect you. It won't stop us. This family fights together to protect one another."

"You have real children that need you." Yehudit sniffled. "You can't let yourselves get killed over me."

"You are my child as well," Aron assured her.

Yehudit sobbed. Her arms wrapped around Aron's waist and she thumped her head into his chest.

Aron wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He rested his chin against the top of hr head, one hand rubbing her back.

Liadan smiled at Aron. He was the better parent.

"The feast isn't over... How about you wash your face and go down there? Sileas would want you there." Liadan said.

"Your mother is right. Sileas would want her very best friend to enjoy the night with her."

"All right." Yehudit sighed. She was still doubtful.

"That's my girl," Aron said, getting to his feet.

Yehudit stood up and went over to the wash basin. She splashed cold water on her face.

Sileas said to not follow her, but she was so upset Wulfsen did not want her to be alone. He hoped he was not making a mistake and knocked on Sileas's door.

"Sileas? It's me..."

There was no sound or movement in the room.

The silence alarmed Wulfsen.

"Sileas? Sileas- I'm coming in!" Wulfsen forced the door open.

The room was empty.

Sileas had managed a few hours of sleep, despite her excitement. It had helped that her parents had taken Oscar for the night. Her mother was already there, fussing around, so obviously Oscar was with her father. Sileas was enjoying an early bath, listening to Millie and Mama move about. She was excited to finally see the dress. Millie had assured her the dress was absolutely perfect for her, and there was absolutely no ruffles. In fact, Millie admitted she had designed it some time ago. Sileas dried herself off and stepped out of the tub, wrapping herself in the thick wrapper.

"Did yer save anyfink for tonight?" Questa yawned from where she slept on her corner of the floor.

Sileas blushed slightly. "Yes, everything was saved for tonight. We did behave last night." She glanced at Questa. "Have you seen the dress yet?"

"Some even fancier kit are 'angin' over there." Questa pointed to the wedding dress.

Sileas's glance traveled to where Millie was working any wrinkles out. She gasped. Apparently her mother had even been pressed into service while she and Wulfsen had been away looking for Aalyssa. The dress itself was a midnight blue, with a filmy overskirt. Instead of fabric, the shoulders had been made from a delicate metal. "That is gorgeous," she whispered, heading over for a closer look. On the floor was matching slippers. Millie had outdone herself.

"How long are yer wearin' it?" Questa asked.

"I...until after the reception. Until Wulfsen and I are alone," Sileas replied. "Millie, this is beyond words. You have outdone yourself." She grinned at her cousin's flush.

"Not gonna do it in front of us then?" Questa asked.

"It's not in my plans, anyway," Sileas said.

"Not plannin' on it, right, but it's still right likely ter happen?" Questa asked.

"Only if there is magic in the air again today like it was last night," Sileas grumbled.