Grandmother Emmeline did a fantastic job turning the garden into a pristine wedding venue. She went with a rose gold theme that Lizzie actually loved. They both reached a compromise when it came down to the small details. My cousin wanted glittery tablecloths with simple tulip centerpieces and heart shaped candles. She wanted her guests to enjoy themselves rather than feel intimidated by the decor. I was personally impressed by the outcome of their planning. The palace gardens looked very inviting. Soft chill out music drifted from the speakers while I stood next to Greg, Ruppy, and our cousins. Ruppy was supposed to greet the guests alongside Freddy and aunt Edith. The wedding ceremony was less than ten minutes away but he chose to hang out with us instead of listening to our aunt and her nonstop ranting. She was displeased with the whole ambiance. She said it was not lavish enough. She wanted everything to scream extravagant.

“Freddy, no offense, but your mother is driving us all crazy. She’s one big ball of tension. She needs to take a Xanax and leave the servants alone.” Ruppy remarked.

My older brother looked extremely uncomfortable. He hated weddings of any kind. Part of his royal duty was to have a wife and provide an heir to the throne. If our father became king, the pressure would mount on him to get married. Our parents were very accepting of us when we all came out of the closet but I’m sure they would love to have a grandchild of their own.

“Well, her only daughter is minutes away from tying the knot so she wants everything to be perfect,” I said. “How the hell is she walking in that dress? The fabric looks incredibly heavy.”

“Aunt Edith values form over function. She’d rather suffer in silence rather than wear something comfortable and practical.” Greg said from beside me. My younger brother was more laid back and blasé about weddings. He was also a commitment phobe so he hated it when our family, mainly my grandmother, tried to hook him up with anyone. He loved flying solo, especially during parties and charity events. He valued his independence more than anything.

“Why are we standing here without drinks in our hands?” Cousin Tommy finally opened his mouth. He was the artist in the family and an incredibly creative person. He sold his most recent painting for a large sum of money.

“Good point.” I strode over to the swan shaped bar and ordered wine for everyone.

The Moonstones finally arrived to set up their gear. I joined the boys while we watched Nathan walk in his usual confident swag. He was the epitome of eye candy. He wore a designer suit that hugged every inch of his delectable butt. Last night, we finally slept together and it was divine. He knew exactly how to touch me. Being the center of his attention was a heady feeling. It was like being the only one at his concert. The morning blowjob he gave me was still on my mind. I tried to keep a straight face while my eyes followed his every move. He was setting up his microphone and guitar. Those long fingers of his held the instrument so delicately.

Greg, Tommy and I were staring at him unabashedly. He oozed charisma as he walked around the stage, talking to his band mates and tossing back his soft raven hair. How on earth did I manage to seduce a guy like him? My fantasy of sleeping with a bad boy was finally fulfilled. However, I wanted to get to know Nathan better. He was a man of many intriguing layers.

“The lead singer is unbelievably hot.” Greg practically said what I was thinking.

“I agree. He definitely oozes charisma on stage.” Tommy added. “I wonder what he’s hiding under those dress pants.”

“Just look at those hands. He’s probably packing a monster.”

I almost choked on my drink. “Guys. Behave.”

“What? We are simply admiring the view.” Greg gave me an innocent look. “Besides, you were checking him out just now. Admit it. You have a thing for him too.”

They had no idea how bad I wanted to tell them about last night. Greg was easy to talk to about men and relationships. He was a good listener. “Maybe.” I shrugged.

Nathan bent over to retrieve something from the floor. Tommy wolf whistled, making the handsome rock star look over his shoulder at us. I pretended to look elsewhere.

“Well, that was embarrassing.” I finished the rest of my wine and joined the others in welcoming our guests. Grandmother Emmeline invited a crowd of ambassadors and representatives of neighboring Waverly and Kitson. Drinks and canapés were served on silver trays to the seated guests. Mother and father arrived and sat down in the front row. Of course, father was dressed in his traditional white and red tunic. Our family crest was pinned to his chest as well. Only the Queen’s son was obligated to wear such formal garb. I opted for a dark chocolate suit and a dark green tie that reminded me of Nathan’s eyes. In an effort to forget about him, I plastered a polite smile on my face and escorted a group of old ladies to their seats.

Mark, the groom, made his entrance along with his parents. He looked adorably nervous.

He walked down the isle in his sharp suit and tie. All eyes were on the American groom and his best man who was also from Florida. He was under a lot of pressure and scrutiny. I offered him a smile of encouragement and stood next to Ruppy.

“What were the three of you giggling about earlier?”

“Nothing really.” I shrugged. “So, did Lady Vera start nagging you about marriage or not yet? The old hag loves embarrassing you in front of everyone.”

“Not yet.” He replied, scanning the crowd with cautious eyes. “Keep a lookout for her though.”

“Will do.” I responded.

Poor Ruppy. He was constantly bombarded by questions about his singledom. It was painful to watch him give gracious answers to such nosy questions.

“Here comes the bride!” He spoke in a sing-song voice.

Lizzie stood at the top of the stairway that led to the garden in her ethereal wedding down. It was designed by Alexander McQueen who was famous for making Duchess Kate’s dress as well. Everyone gasped in awe as she glided down the steps with Freddy by her side. I almost teared up at the sight of her. She looked so beautiful.

We watched her walk down the isle with flower girls sprinkling petals on the golden carpet. Mark smiled from ear to ear as she slowly approached him. He truly loved her. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was going to make a great husband. He was patient, generous and had a kind heart. Lizzie needed someone to balance out her crazy. Her creative spirit was a gift but sometimes she got carried away. Mark was good at anchoring her feet to the ground.

They exchanged their vows in a hurry and urged the high priest of Raplen to marry them off. I guess they were both afraid someone would raise his hand and object to their union. I held my breath as they promised to love, honor and cherish one another.

They finally kissed and everyone started clapping. My jaw hurt from all the smiling. I rushed over to Lizzie and kissed her on the cheek. Our family photographer waited for us to assemble into three long rows with the bride and groom in the middle. Everyone said cheese as he took a family picture to commemorate the occasion. Aunt Edith demanded three more pictures just in case the first one was a bust.

We ushered the guests into the nearby reception area with its rose gold chairs and satin ribbons. The overhead tent was decorated with violet chandeliers and Swarovski crystals. They created a kaleidoscope of colors in the late afternoon sun.

Aunt Edith was huffing and puffing as usual. She was unhappy with the placement of the ice sculptures. I had no idea why she insisted on having them displayed at the wedding. Freddy took her by the arm and escorted her to her seat.

“Mother. Take it easy, will you? The reception looks flawless. There is no need for you to fret over every little detail.” He used a gentle voice to calm her down.

She crossed her arms and sat down with a loud huff. “No one appreciates me at all. No one. I spent months planning this wedding with your grandmother. Months! None of the credit was given to me. They were all praising Chef Alfonso for his culinary ideas when I was the one who planned the entire reception menu.”

Freddy rolled his eyes. “Contrary to popular belief, everyone here knows about your menu. You sent it to everyone on your Whatsapp list. Pope Francis at the Vatican probably knows about it too.”

She glared at him. “Thanks to me, our guests will have a choice between chicken and fish.”

“Good. They should also have the freedom to choose between pussy and dick but that’s just me.” He shrugged.

Aunt Edith snapped her mouth shut. Her face was red as a tomato.

Ruppy almost choked on his drink along with Lady Annabelle who had the misfortune of joining us at our table. Yes. We were one crazy family indeed.