Hellbound With You

It was finally the day of the wedding. Somehow the time just flew by and before Alicia knew it, her big day had arrived!

The Reigns castle had been busy and bustling since 2 am in the morning, but as soon as the sun suffused everything in a golden hue, things eventually settled down.

Since the groom and the bride could not be separated, they were both placed in the same room while getting prepared. The room was silent as Alicia was being prepped by a couple of hair stylists and a make-up artist.

Alicia and Zeke were both sitting on a wide bench. Their hands were intertwined, while their backs were against each other’s, each facing the opposite directions.

While the two ladies were busy with Alicia, Zeke was quietly sitting there, staring at the bouquet of flowers on the table, seemingly in deep thoughts. If Alicia was looking at him now, she would see that his eyes had a gentle yet absorbed look that rarely could be seen.

”Yo, Zeke!” a familiar voice rang out when the door abruptly swung open. Alex emerged as Zeke lifted his gaze. There was no surprise in Zeke’s face. In fact, he certainly looked like he had been expecting the man. Of course, this person had to come and bug him just before his wedding.

A wide smile was plastered all over Alex’s face as he deliberately eyed Zeke suggestively from head to toe. ”Looking pretty handsome right there, man.” He teased and waggled his eyebrows as he entered, walking casually past Zeke towards Alicia. ”Abi sent me to ask if she could come in later.” Alex asked Alicia, the teasing tone complete gone when he spoke gently to her.

”Of course! She can come now, and she should bring the twins too if they are not sleeping.” Alicia smiled at Alex, and he gave her a thumbs up while grinning.

Returning back to stand in front of Zeke, Alex bent over and whispered, smirking. ”Nervous?”

Zeke ignored him. Causing Alex to chuckle. He then clapped his hand on Zeke’s shoulder and continued speaking in a know-it-all manner. ”Don’t worry, Zeke. Being nervous on your wedding day is absolutely normal. I would know. I’ve gone through it myself. Just relax and take a few deeeeep breaths. Stop acting tough and deadpan, or you will end up fainting. Mark my words, Zeke.” Though he seemed to be giving the advice for Zeke’s good, the twinkle in his eyes somehow gave the impression that he might not actually mind that much if the groom would end up fainting due to his nervousness in facing his own wedding.

Alicia’s shoulders shook a little as she chuckled quietly as she heard Alex’s words. She could almost imagine Zeke’s face as he listened to Alexander.

”I am right, right? Alicia?” Alex craned his head around Zeke to look at Alicia. But before Alicia could even respond, Alex had already returned his gaze to Zeke and said, ”See? Alicia nodded. She absolutely agreed with me.”

Zeke sighed, looking as though he just wanted Alex to stop talking. So he used the most surefire way to stop him. ”I hear Alice crying.”

Alex instantly straightened and cocked his head to the side, and then he was gone just like that. He did not even bother with closing the door, leaving Zeke shaking his head as he smiled faintly at the thought of his chatty long-time friend.

Alicia pinched Zeke’s finger a little. ”He’s going to get back at you for that.” She chided him, smiling.

”It’s fine. I can handle him,” Zeke replied with a scoff, as he lightly squeezed Alicia’s hand.

Alicia did not speak anymore as the make-up artist had already signaled to her that she was going to apply the lipstick on for her. She leaned back against Zeke, and he stilled, making sure to serve as the perfect human wall for her.

A few moments later, unfortunately for Zeke, Alex returned. Alice was securely cradled in his arms as he entered the room with more controlled movements. Zeke could tell that his beloved princess was sleeping again since Alex started lowering his voice.

”What did I tell you Zeke? Didn’t I tell you relax? Damn man, you’re still so stiff!” Alex said, not ceasing in his teasing of Zeke at all.

”Alicia…” Abi who had just entered went straight to Alicia after giving Zeke a smile. She gasped at the sight of Alicia, just stopping herself from jumping on her and enveloping her in a bear hug. ”You look so lovely!” Abi gasped and exclaimed in a low voice, as Alexis was cradled in her arms, also fast asleep.

”Thanks, Abi.” Alicia mouthed when the artist pulled away and backed off. She eyed Alicia’s face and then went back for the finishing touches on the make-up.

Soon, the artists nodded at them with smiles on their faces. A signal that everything was finally done.

The other stylist then stepped forward and placed a hair accessory made of precious stones on the crown of her head to complete the whole look. After checking on everything and making sure that everything was as perfect as could be, they finally stepped back and gave Alicia a respectful bow.

”Thank you for the hard work.” Alicia thanked the two artists and they responded with beaming smiles.

”Can I turn around now?” Zeke’s voice echoed from behind Alicia.

”Of course, Your Highness. You can now look at her.” The ladies said with tittering laughter and Zeke finally turned around to look at his bride.

Zeke stilled and his pupils dilated as he stared unblinkingly at Alicia. She was a vision of magnificence that was before him.

Reaching out, he was about to touch Alicia’s jaw, but his hand stopped midway.

”How do I look?” Alicia asked in a low and throaty voice, her eyes so glossy as she looked up at him expectantly.

His hand that was still in midair lowered to his side before he lifted their entwined hands to his lips. He kissed her knuckles without taking his gaze off Alicia even for a moment.