You might've noticed, but Miho's been focusing  more on her outfits recently. She never paid attention before the war because she hated being dolled up, and she was obviously too busy to care during the war.

About Miho's wedding dress, if you don't think what I'm describing is pretty, feel free to project whatever dream dress (yours and/or your spouse's) you want onto her. The style and material don't matter so much as the color—Miho always wears blue.

P.S. I don't know a whole lot about weddings. I relied a lot on Google-sensei.
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{MIHO'S POV}
My wedding dress has to be blue. That's my only requirement, and the designer comes through in a big way. Knowing that I'm not the opulent type, he keeps it simple. Empire-waisted and sleeveless, white on top with a gradient down to the navy blue hem. The veil is almost as long as the train.

Asahi, as usual, is in charge of my hair. She pins it up in a crown braid.

"How fitting for our future empress!" She grins at me via the giant mirror I'm sitting in front of, while arranging a diamond, pearl, and sapphire hair comb into my strawberry pink locks.

There's a commotion on the other side of the curtain separating me from the rest of the bridal suite.

"I'm sorry, but I can't let just anyone inside." My bodyguard, Torako, protests.

"But I'm not just anyone!" She whines. "I'm Miho's
sister! I want to see her first!"

It sounds like Akegi is done getting dressed. I stand up. "It's alright, Torako. Let... Ane-sama in."

Seconds later, Akegi bursts through the gauzy white curtain. She stops short when she sees me. Tears well up in her eyes.

We hug each other. She cups my face lightly, trying not to mess up my makeup. "Look at you! My baby sister is all grown up and getting married! It seems like just yesterday when Shiro and I were holding your little hands after you were born."

"Speaking of marriage," I elbow her lightly. "I heard... the news. Congratulations."

"Oh please." Akegi huffs, managing to look annoyed and embarrassed at the same time. "That Eiji Shenazard is lucky I took pity on him and said yes."

"Oh really?" I ask, raising my eyebrows and leaning forward. "So it's a lie that you made... a fool of yourself, jumping around the castle and squealing yourself hoarse, as soon... as he left?"

Akegi blushes and I purse my lips to suppress a smirk. Thought so.

"E-Enough about us! Today is your special day!" She diverts the conversation.

Today is the tenth day past my twentieth birthday. Aoi's and my wedding day. Royalty from lots of kingdoms have traveled here to see the youngest king and queen in Zoral's history.

The so-called Shipping Queen, Mirajane of Nalu. Kgosi Ade of Evander and his many wives. And, of course, the royal family of my motherland, Clarines, as well as our allies from Tanbarun.

Basically, a lot of big shots have come, and I suddenly feel sick to my stomach. I want to see Aoi, but I can't until we're on the alter. Curse whoever came up with the bride not seeing the groom!

Torako swishes through the curtain. "Your Highness, it's time."

I cling to Akegi's arm and allow her to escort me from the bridal suite. She leads me to Mom and Dad, who are both going to walk me down the aisle. They cry when they see me, and I'm very grateful for Asahi choosing waterproof makeup.

Akegi slips back into the crowd. The ceremony starts, but I'm not allowed to peek as Aoi goes down the aisle. Finally, it's my turn.

I loop one hand in Dad's and one hand in Mom's. Asahi hands me a bouquet. A bunch of red azaleas, the same shade as Aoi's eyes, along with some yura and akegi shigure. The music starts and everyone stands as I walk out into the sunlight.

We're having it outside, just like Aoi's coronation two years ago. Burg castle rises in the background like a postcard. The citizens have gone all out for me, decking the streets with hundreds of flowers of all colors and varieties, but especially blue and white.

A carpet has been laid out, littered with petals. The weather is cooperating; it's the perfect temperature and without a cloud for miles. Just clear blue sky.

The aisle is much too long. I focus on the positive, Aoi waiting patiently at the end. He's dashing as always. I feel a lump in my throat.

Aoi's red eyes widen when they see me, trailing up and down my figure, leaving fire in their wake.

I want to break from my parent's arms, kick off these constraining high heels, and spirit the rest of the pointless distance between us. I want to throw my arms around Aoi and kiss him so the officiant can quickly proclaim us husband and wife.

I want him to belong to me already.

You've come this far, Miho. Wait a few minutes more, I scold myself lightly.

Finally, we reach the alter and the bridal music stops. Dad and Mom hand me off to Aoi, both wishing us all the happiness in the world.

Everyone sits. Mom and Dad walk over to sit beside Uncle Izana, Aunt Haki, Hiiro, Hikari, Yui, Shiro, and Akegi in the front row. They all glow with pride.

Akegi is sitting awfully close to a boy her age with brown hair and forest green eyes. Her fiancé, Eiji. His arm is casually around her waist. They're completely wrapped up in each other, both grinning goofily. Pity, my ass, oh smitten sister of mine.

Aoi and I stand face to face in front of all our guests. This doubles as a wedding and me being crowned queen, so the officiant has to make some long boring speech, yada yada.

My only focus is Aoi, and trying desperately hard not to touch him. I squeeze my red bouquet in a vice grip, trying to keep my hands to myself. Loosely-veiled tension sparks between us.

After much blathering, the officiant finally gets down to the important bit.

"Do you, Aoi Fujimiya, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded bride?"

"I do." Aoi says. Then he decides to ad lib a little. "I vow to love and cherish you fiercely for the rest of my days. I will never forget this once-in-a-lifetime love. And I will always know in the deepest part of my soul that, no matter what challenges may pull us apart, we will always find our way back to each other. I will spend my life, all it's ups and downs, with you."

He slips the perfectly-sized band onto my left ring finger. Show off.

"Do you, Miho Wistaria, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." Don't think I'll let Aoi one up me! "I promise to be your... lover, companion, and best friend, in sickness and in health. I am your ally in conflict, your greatest supporter, and your... toughest adversary. You are the person with whom I'll spend the rest of my life, my future partner in... parenthood. I swear that I will love you for as long as I live."

I nervously shove the ring onto his left ring finger. Aoi winces slightly, but smiles it off.

"By the power vested in me, I name you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

About damn time! I thread my arms around Aoi's neck, allowing him to take the initiative. He kisses me hard. We stay like this for twenty seconds, and I could stay an hour more, but Aoi breaks apart.

"I present to you, the emperor, Aoi Fujimiya, and the empress, Miho Fujimiya!" The officiant raises his arms grandiosely. The crowd roars in approval.

"You're mine now." I whisper in his ear.

Aoi grins and presses his lips to my eyelid. His breath is warm. "Always."

The rest of the day is a blur. There's tons of food, cake, and many balls with lots of dancing. Today is a day of festivities and celebration.

I have my first dance with Aoi. Then I dance with Dad, Uncle Izana, Shiro, even Hiiro for a song. Of course, I end up back with Aoi. Always.

I finally feel like my life has fallen into place. All my suffering as a child and doubt as a teen culminated for this moment.

I remember the bedtime stories Mom would read to when I was young and couldn't sleep. Stories with dazzling heroines like Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel. All those stories ended with the same line: the prince and princess were married and rode off into the sunset.

Is this what it means to have a happily ever after?

THE END