女神归来的夏天

Chapter 227: Jacksons Wedding IV

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The feather isn\'t much, but for some reason, people will treasure it. I look at Jackson and give an apologetic look. He gives a satisfied look now that his bride is no longer in distress regarding anything. Sally and I walk away and let them do what they do. I grab Sally\'s hand and make sure everyone sees the gesture. Sally is mine and to not be touched or approached by anyone with ill will. "This is the first time you\'ve done this... Show people that we\'re... Together..." We are together, and people need to know if they mess with you, they mess with me.

Be it the church, the elves, bandits, or guests at a wedding. "Let\'s enjoy ourselves, Sally. After this wedding, we have a very long journey ahead of us. One that will change your life forever." She nods her head in acknowledgment of my words. "What do couples do at weddings? Dance?" I have no shame in not knowing what happens at a wedding. Many would call that disappointing, but it just means you are so busy chasing your life and dreams you can\'t make it. That\'s how my life has been, chasing the dream of fixing my family. I succeeded.

The wedding moves on to the actual ceremony, and we find some seats near the front as the bride and groom get ready. There is wonderful wedding music and a melodic voice that gets a certain relaxation to the room. After a little bit, Jackson comes out and stands up near the podium. I look at the priest and see how nervous he is at my presence. He looks at me every so often. Soon the bride walks down the aisle, being escorted by who I assume is her brother. Some handmaidens are carrying the end of her dress, and little flower girls follow, doing their thing.

The ceremony proceeds, and the wedding reception follows, at least that\'s what I think it\'s called. The bride and groom get the first dance, and after a while, others start to join. I stand and hold out my hand to Sally. I\'m not going to waste this moment. She takes it with a smile and small blush. I help her out of her chair, and I escort her to the dance floor. I also don\'t know how to dance, but who gives a damn. We both step on each other\'s toes a few times. After a few more tries, we get each other rhythms down.

I bring her in close as the song slows down, and she lays her ear over my heart. It\'s calm and steady, just as I feel when I\'m with her like I\'m myself. "Thanks for taking me to this... It\'s been fun, to say the least." She chuckles, saying that last part. "It\'s sad that it has to end so soon. The happiest day of a girl\'s life ends in a few hours..." I don\'t disagree with that, but I believe that for women, there are multiple best days of their lives. Many will say their wedding, but after they have their first baby, it changes. It\'s a great thing to look forward to.

Everyone here is finally taking their eyes off me and enjoying the time to dance with their significant other. "There is so much more to come for the new husband and wife. So much for the kingdom to soon receive. They\'ll have princes and princesses running around this palace in a few years. As royalty, their lives are going to be so much better. Having that security for a family will only make them happier." I slowly turn in a circular motion as I say that. Sally hums in response. I look over and see Amelia sitting alone.

Time to do another thing a son is supposed to do. "Mind if we stop for a bit. I see a person who needs a dance partner." Sally lifts her head from my chest and looks in the direction I am. She sees Amelia and knows right away what she meant. "Mind going to get her?" Sally looks up and smiles. We let go of each other, and she quickly makes her way towards Amelia. They talk to each other briefly, and Amelia looks over to me with a smile. She walks over, wiping tears from the sides of her eyes. I hold out my hand, and the song starts to speed up to a more fun tempo.

While the wedding continues into the evening, there is a concern growing between the other kingdom leaders. This meeting is being held in secret away from the church and away from any kingdom still aligned with it. Jackson isn\'t at this meeting for two reasons. The first being he is one of the subjects being discussed, and the other is his involvement with Slayer Zern. These leaders are the most powerful of the kingdoms, still no longer aligned with the church. This is a dangerous subject because of who he harbors. Gregory is leading this meeting.

I look around at my fellow rulers, and we all have the same concerns. The kingdom of Zenith has come a long way, and Jackson is our ally. However, having Amelia Zern as a high-ranking noble in his kingdom causes many problems for the rest of us. Slayer Zern\'s action in Bellvia has a lot of us worried. "I\'m not happy that we need to have this meeting, but we have to discuss what to do if Jackson ever decides to become a waring and conquering kingdom. His connection to Slayer Zern and Amelia Zern allows him the potential help of Slayer Zern." This is catastrophic for us.

Many of the rulers are looking at each other via their magical holograms. Muting to talk to their court. "How do we even stand a chance if Slayer Zern does decide to help Jackson if he goes rogue? This all seems incredibly unlikely and far-fetched, if I must say. A lot of things have to line up specifically for this situation to happen." One of my fellow rulers brings up an excellent point. This doesn\'t really have a chance of happening. I\'d rather have plans in place if it doesn\'t happen than not have any in the case it does.

Many rulers in the room talk about the point that has just been brought up. Many are still young rulers and don\'t know how to run a kingdom properly. "How would all of you feel if Jackson decided to declare war on all neighboring kingdoms tomorrow without any warning? How would you combat him? Even in the very small chance that Slayer Zern does help, what then?" I look at the looks around the room, and most understand what I\'m saying. "We need contingencies and plans in place for this possible situation." Realizing the wisdom behind my words, everyone is ready for a discussion.

I nod at one of my servants, and they bring a large table into the room. I\'ve already mapped out strategic locations in the country of Zenith, and I also have an idea on how to deal with Slayer Zern. I stand up, and the rest of the holograms do too. We all stand around the table as we look down upon it. "As you can see, fighting against Zenith will be incredibly difficult. However, not impossible. It\'s still the same kingdom I defeated no long ago. Still has the same weaknesses." I move my hand over and point at a picture of a blond elf.

This is the weakness of Slayer Zern. My spies have told me that he is traveling with the girl and has more than just a friendship. "This girl is going to be Slayer Zern\'s primary weakness. If we can\'t find a way to use her to keep Slayer Zern out of a potential war, then we have the secondary weakness." I point to a picture of Countess Amelia Zern. The one who is Slayer Zern\'s birth mother. "She is going to be a valuable target if conflict ever breaks out." Many look at each other in doubt. I sigh and understand their hesitation.

These targets will only become of active interest in a potential war that hasn\'t or will not even happen. "These two will only be targeted if Slayer Zern joins a potential war, and while it could motivate him further. If done right, it can completely neutralize him." The rulers around the table whisper and talk to each other. "I want your answers if interested in future planning by the end of tomorrow. Zenith has already become a great ally, but it\'s an enemy none of us want. Another war with Zenith won\'t be so easily won." I say my final words as many turn off their holograms and disappear.