The wedding practice ran smoothly. 

We arrived an hour beforehand to receive a briefing about security, different contingency plans. Because of Cas' background he insisted to be a part of the planning, or at least a watchful eye. I let my eyes glaze over, as points were pointed out and maps were zoomed in on. My entire body was still aching from the full massage. I wondered how much I'd feel it tomorrow.

Dad and Mum were also present for the run-through. Dad would be the one to walk me down the aisle and Mum had a part a little earlier on. Some of Cas' friends who were a part of the procession had arrived. I got to meet some of them, exchanging tight hugs and celebrations. 

"This is Yury," Cas introduced me to a reddish-haired man with a toothy gin and the edges of a beard, "we were in the same cohort together,"

"Wonderful to meet you Yury," I grinned, shaking his hand.

"Oh please," He beamed, "a hug would be better suited!" He gave a brief, tight hug. 

"Watch out!" A dark-haired man with an athletic build, Erik, called. He turned to me, "wonderful to meet you m'lady," He took my hand and gave it a kiss. 

"The pleasure is all mine," I smiled elegantly. A round of laugher at Erik fluttered his eyes in appreciation 

"You sure that she's not ready for the cameras already?" Yury laughed, nudging Cas. Cas spluttered as I looked to him accusingly. 

"We'd rather keep it under wraps," Cas huffed, rolling his eyes. 

"Sure, sure," Yury snorted, he looked to me with a grin, "all in good time,"

I returned the smile, unsure if it reached my eyes.

Aside from that, it went all through smoothly. Luckily it took only four takes to get just right.

Who really cares! I wanted to roll my eyes, there wouldn't be more than thirty people. Sure, it was a big, symbolic moment, but I was almost in a mood to dance my way down the aisle. 

There was a moment where everyone looked to one another after everything was said and done. That was it! All that was left was for everyone to sleep until tomorrow arrived. 

"Thank you everyone for being here!" Cas took it upon himself to address the twelve or so people in attendance and the thirty or so Protection Officers who were sweeping the area, "we're super excited and will see you all tomorrow!" 

A splutter of a clap, someone cheered, probably Erik. People began moving in small groups to their cars. 

I stayed where I was- at the end of the aisle. Tomorrow, there'd be an arbour at the end. There'd be white chairs in neat rows across the green. There would be smiling faces and all the people that Cas and I ever cared about. However, for now, there were simply little markers on the grass.

I took in a deep breath, taking it all in. We were almost there. The clock had gone from days to hours. The anticipation was tearing me a part. 

Cas took my side, also taking in the view. Past the arbour was a view into a secluded valley. The green and blue would be the backdrop for our special day. The weather was forecasted to be perfect, the people were all in attendance. All that needed to happen was for it to be tomorrow.

"Why don't we get married right here and now?" I turned to Cas. He looked from the view down to me, a smile on his face.

"My parents would be mortified," He chuckled, "we definitely should,"

"Someone get a celebrant," I whispered gently, "because I'm about to marry the love of my life,"

Cas leaned closer, wrapping me in a hug. 

"I-If you can't," He breathed out, delicately choosing his words, "if you can't, let me know,"

"If I can't, what?" I asked softly, pulling away slightly and looking up at him. 

"If you can't do this," He whispered, "it's okay. I would understand," 

I looked into Cas' eyes, surprised by his sudden offer. I began to wonder what had triggered such a reaction. Was it not only a single appearance from the paps, but two? Was it my stress over the Protection Officers and the increased risk of security? Was it because of someone I'd said or did? Did he think that I would truly abandon him over being tracked and followed?

I cupped his chin, looking into his eyes. They were full of genuine concern, a legitimate plea. 

"I've already almost died for you, you silly," I chuckled, touching my nose to his in an Eskimo kiss, "I'm ready to die for you, every single day," 

"Preferably no dying," Cas leaned in for a kiss, I stopped him with a finger.

"Save that one for tomorrow,"

"Sofia!" My mother called, distantly, "time to go!"

His mouth dropped open. I gave him a peck on the check and gave his hand a final squeeze before leaving.

"See you tomorrow!" I shouted over my shoulder before half-skipping to catch up to my parents. 

...

I was still thinking about Cas' words while lying on the couch that night. Lena had just left in the place of Franciszek, who was sitting on the opposite couch. He was writing up reports for tomorrow, and the future days ahead. He'd just done his sweep of the neighbourhood and then the house. Seeming satisfied, he'd sat himself down in the living room.

I'd showered and was now laying in my pjs. There was nothing left to do. There was no further to scroll on the social medias. There was no one left to text. Most of the family had gone to bed, save for Feodor, who was completing university work in the dining room. 

Was Cas that worried that I would ditch him? I sighed. Or was it simply a last minute joke before tomorrow?

I didn't want to spend too much time theorising about it, but it kept returning to the surface of my mind.

"You seem deeply lost in thought," Franciszek commented, barely raising a glance from his tablet. 

"Just something weird someone said today," I dismissed it with a shake of my head.

"Will it matter tomorrow?" Franciszek asked, his words gently.

"No," I sighed.

"Will it matter in ten years?" 

I shook my head. 

"I know what you're trying to say," I mumbled, "it was just odd,"

"Many things in this world are," Franciszek chuckled. After a moment, he opted for silence. 

I breathed out evenly. It was still early in the night but maybe it'd be a good time to get to bed early. 

Yeah, that'd be a good idea, I thought to myself. 

I stood, clicking the footrest of the couch in. Franciszek paused, watching me move. 

"I think I'm going to try sleep," I hummed.

"Good night," Franciszek nodded. 

Knock knock knock. I paused, turning around. Franciszek looked to me. His tablet was already on the couch, and he was quietly standing. 

"Are you expecting anyone?" Franciszek's words were low, looking to me. 

I slowly shook my head. Franciszek stood, moving to the door. He gently rested a finger or two on his handgun. He nodded for me to take refuge around the corner. Most of the family was already in their rooms. No one else has been moving around the house. 

I pulled back, the blood rushing in my ears.

Franciszek opened the door. I could hear the slight creak.

"Hello?" His voice was soft.

"Hi. Who are you?" A male voice.

"What are you here for?" Franciszek's words were low.

"Sofia, is she here?" I recognised the voice. 

Alek.

I moved forwards out of the shadows. The door was slightly ajar. Alek was standing indignantly on the other side.

"Alek?" I asked, trying to keep my voice down.

"Sofia," He breathed out. He looked at Franciszek, a side glance. He gestured to the street, "can we, talk?"

"No, not that far," I murmured, moving to the door. 

"Okay," Alek breathed out. Franciszek was looking to me, poised in question. 

"Just outside," I spoke, looking to Franciszek, "would that be okay?"

Franciszek nodded, "Don't be too long," 

I nodded back. Each second that Franciszek let me out of his sight, I was in more danger.

The door softly clicked behind me. Not enough to be properly closed but enough to give us a slight bit of privacy. 

Alek looked to me. He was breathing in and out. As if he'd ran to his car to be here. His eyes were shining and his chest was rising. His hair had grown slightly longer. With the slight edge of sweat on his cheeks. 

"What are you doing here?" My words were instantly hot. It'd been a long day. I didn't want another drama on top of this. 

"Sofia," Alek murmured, in the same way that he'd always done since we were children. My chest twisted. I gritted my teeth.

"Why," My eyes were stinging, I breathed out evenly through my teeth, "why are you here?"

He seemed almost surprised at my reaction.

"What's wrong Sofia?" He spoke softly.

"Why are you here?" I asked blankly. 

"Don't do this?" He murmured.

"Don't do what?" I narrowed my eyes, looking at him suspiciously.

"The Prince," Alek's words were even lower, "don't marry him,"

"What do you know about the Prince and I?" I shot him a glare.

"Please, you're in danger," His words started to edge into a plea.

"What do you mean, 'I'm in danger'?"

"You don't understand, I-I can't tell you. Please Sofia, don't do this," His words held a slight tremble now. He took my hands in his. I looked to him, my brows furrowed. 

"Why shouldn't I do this? What do you mean?" I shook my head, looking up at him. He still held onto my hand, the skin burning where he touched. 

He looked down to me, his brows drawn together. Perhaps in an alternate universe we might've worked out. His mouth paused open and closed. There was a conflict in his eyes. 

Would he tell me? Wouldn't he? I waited, with bated breath.

"You're in danger," He re-affirmed, "please don't do this,"

"Why? Are you involved?"

"I can't say," He shook his head, "don't do it,"

I stepped back, pulling my hand with me. In an alternate universe, maybe.

But it wasn't this one.

"Is that all you came to tell me?" I looked at him scornfully.

His lips opened slightly, then closed. He looked down and then away.

"I'm sorry Sofia,"

My breath caught in my throat. Was this the apology I'd been finally waiting for? I looked up to him, waiting with watching eyes. 

"Sofia I'm so sorry,"

"Why?"

His lips moved slightly, as if the explanation was only moments away. Instead, he looked down and away, shaking his head. 

"I'll see you soon," He nodded, moving away and back up to his car. 

I was inside the house before he'd even left.