First and for all, I would like to give thanks to a_magical_myth for writing this Epilogue. I would like to dedicate this to her and give all the credits to her. 

She indeed made their wedding magical. Thank you for doing this part for me! It was beautiful... 

Again, this is for you, and all the credits go to you. Cheers! 

By the way, it was almost 8 thousand words so I decided to make it into two parts.

....

Raffy's POV

Natalia was sleeping peacefully beside me looking damn beautiful. She looked so pure, so innocent just like an angel. Finally, she is completely mine. Mine to hold, mine to love. Now no one is going to take her way from me, and I wouldn't let anyone too.

I stroke her cheeks gently with my hand. There was small crest formed between her eyebrows, and I kissed her there. She was instantly relaxed under my touch.

She must be drained. I didn't let her sleep very much last night. We made out almost the whole evening. But damn! Her monthly cycle. It just had to arrive now, when it was our honeymoon night.

We arrived at Pushkin at 6 in the morning. Last flight was the best fight of my life. Having her in my arms, below me, kissing her, but I can't just wait to love her in the way I want. It was like a beautiful dream came true. Just me, her and our love. It's the most amazing feeling in the world.

If I have had realized how much I love her, then we could have been together like this from the start. I can't believe I was on the verge of losing her. This wonderful woman, I hurt her so much yet she was here loving me.

"I love you so much, Pumpkin," I smiled, and look out of the limo window.

The Palace was quiet when we arrived this early morning. The stillness of the morning scene at the front yard of the Palace was quite a view. The mist rises over the trees, over the well-manicured lawn, and over the bloomed flowers, but they all paled with my sleeping beauty sleeping in my arms.

"Pumpkin," I cooed, acquiescently gave her shoulder a soft nudge. "We had arrived, My Duchess," I whispered into her ear, taking in her feminine scent on the process. Oh, how I love her smell.

She woke up with a start, causing me to chuckle. "What! We had arrived? Already?" she exclaimed.

She rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand.

I find it so cute.

Smiling like a lunatic, I spoke with tenderness in my voice. "Come on, let's go." I took her hand and climbed out of the limo. Iya leaned against me as we walked through the main entrance of the palace. We were thrilled to see the main hall. It was beautifully decorated with different shades of flower and crystals.

At each corner, the candles were lit up. Every chandelier was glowing, emitting yellow light. It gave the ceiling an effect as is it is made up of gold. There was a new red furry carpet over the grand staircase. It feels like we have transformed to nineteen century.

Natalia and I were watching the place in awe. "This is for our wedding," I murmured in her ear and kissed there.

She was smiling sweetly at me. I gave her a peck on her lips which turned into an aggressive kiss when she responded hotly.

We didn't notice grandpa and uncle Nick standing behind us. We were so oblivious, so lost with each other, until someone made a fake cough making their presence known.

I quickly stepped back, abruptly released Iya and dropped my hands to my side like I was burnt, and my gaze met Uncle Nick who was glowering at me. I felt like a deer caught in the headlight.

Uncle Nick threw me his deadliest glare ever, that could slice a glass, making me feel like I'm going to shit my pants.

Damn! Way to get on his good side.

"Dad!" Iya squealed and jumped into her father's arms, breaking the tensed silence. Uncle Nick's face softened when he shifted his gaze to her. He hugged her back, and I could see the overwhelming fatherly love in his eyes. And I promise myself, I will use every second of my life to love and cherish her, to make her happy.

"Oh, my princess. You're no more a baby!" Uncle Nick grumbled sulkily, I could sense a little sadness in his tone.

I just smiled, a tugged in my heart string as I watched them.

The scene before us is a perfect epitome of a father and daughter's love.

As soon as Uncle let her go, Iya turned to greet my grandfather. I could tell how much grandpa adored her. And who doesn't?

Everyone adored her.

"Grandpa!" She moved closer to him and gave him a hug. Grandpa chuckled at the sweet gesture. "You never aged, Grandpa!" Iya giggled, causing grandpa to burst into a fit of chuckles.

"Oh, dear! I have missed you!" Grandpa exaggeratingly said, and I cocked my eyebrow at him. Mom told me that grandpa was the coldest man she had ever met but look at him now. Who would say he was a cold-hearted man?

He's the softest, kindest old man, not to mention, a sly old man. He sure knows how to use his charm to get what he wants.

But I've seen his other side mom was talking about. He's not the merciful one when it comes to his family. He'll never forgive if someone touches his family.

I felt Uncle Nick's burning gaze rather murderous gaze on me. Grandpa must have sensed it that Iya's dad was killing me in his head. Perhaps, thinking about how to kill me.

"Natalia dear, why don't you go with your father? Have some rest I am sure you must be tired," grandpa coaxed her, his tone filled with fondness. He sensed the tension between us.

"And Raffy, you too! Go and freshen up!" I nodded at him. I hate to be separated with Natalia, but the way Uncle Nick look at me, I acquiescently turned on my heel towards the grand stairs.

"Your wedding starts at 4 PM, so be ready by then." With that, Grandpa left.

Natalia and her dad converse as they trudge up the vast staircase up to their room. I was behind them, trying to keep my pace slow, not wanting to bother them even if I wanted to.

As soon as I stepped into my room, a sense of emptiness blossomed in my chest. I missed her already. I thought we won't be separated after that wedding.

Damn!

I decided to have a shower.

Even though we were together a few minutes ago, it feels like it has been years. Few more hours then we will be together again. This will be the last time I am having a shower alone. I can't wait to have her back in my arms again.

I undressed, tossed my clothes on the floor on my way to my ensuite bathroom. I stepped into the shower after turning on the water tap and adjusted the water temperature to the desired temperature. My thoughts were filled with Iya.

My hands and my mind were working on different things. My brain was clogged with Iya's thoughts while my hand was working on my body.

Minutes later, I stepped out of the shower.

I toweled myself dry then wrapped it around my hips loosely. I strode towards my closet and pulled out a light blue shirt and jeans.


As I put on my shirt, I heard mom. "Raffy, are you there?"

"Yes mom, I will be out in a minute," I responded and continued dressing up.

When I came out, mom and dad were waiting for me, sitting on the sofa in my room.

As soon as they saw me, mom and dad rose from their seat. Mom was first to speak up, "Raffy, I wanted your approval on something."

She glanced towards dad, and he gave her a nod then she continued. I really admired the way they talk through their eyes. They knew each other so well that even just a blink mom knew what it meant or vice versa. They always talk on about anything, and we saw them a few times arguing, but after that, they'll be making out.

Mom took the bag that was sitting on the chair adjacent to the couch, I failed to notice and held it up. "This," she said, showing me the black plastic bag which has a transparent cover in front. "You were gone, so I had this tuxedo made for you for your wedding. I hope you like it, if not, then we can arrange another one."

It was a navy blue color tux. The fiber of the tux gave it a smooth texture making it look classic and elegant.

No need to doubt mother's choice when it came to her children. Mothers always choose the best.

"No need mom. It's perfect," I took the bag from her, and I walked over to my bed and placed it down.

"I am so happy, Raffy. Finally, my baby is getting married today," mom cooed following behind me. She gave me a hug from behind, and I turned to face her, then she kissed me on my cheek.

As soon as mom released me, dad pulled me for a brief hug. "You are not that slow. You finally proved it that you are my son. I am so proud of you." I saw the mischievous smile on his lips, yet his eyes were prominent feel with pride for me.

Dad released me, and mom spoke, holding something. "Raffy, this is your wedding card." She handed me a box, and I took it, observing the box. It was a beautiful golden box. It had beautiful intricate designs over its border. In the middle were two circles intersecting each other.

"This is a royal tradition, Raffy." Mom explained.

She continued, and I focused all my attention on her. "These rings and the designs are made from 18 carats pure gold. These rings symbolize eternity of happiness and togetherness to the couple."

I smiled at that, and opened the lid of the box, wondering what is my Iya gonna do with all of these rings. I've given her already the rings from my great, great grandmothers.

Inside the box was the wedding card which had a beautiful color of gold, white, and a light blue. The family crest was on it in gold, too.

I read the letters written in cursive, beautiful writing.

'A life of sharing and caring. 
 A love of endless giving together.'

Everyone are welcome to be part of the Royal wedding of

Rafael Benedict Valiente, The 18th Duke of Pushkin

AND

Natalia Nicolas Petropoulis

Please give them your blessings and best wishes on 7th May, Saturday.

Venue: - The Markovich's Palace, Imperial residence, Pushkin, Russia.

After the card, there were some ethnic Russian sweets and chocolates. "It's beautiful, Mom." I murmured.

"Yes, but we have no time to admire the stuff," mom said causing me to look at her. "Raffy, come on. We better go and invite Natalia for the wedding!"

Wait! What?

"Wait, mom! Who's wedding?" I asked, dumbfounded.

"Your wedding. It's a tradition that you have to invite your bride for your wedding." She explained, clearing up my confusion. "And also we need a Ransom," she added.

My eyebrows darted together again. "Ransom for?" I asked, feeling stupefied. There are too much to do.

Mom cleared my confusion. "You have to give some jewelry or money as a ransom to the bride's family and ask for her hand. This is known as vykup nevesty," she elaborated.

With that, mom handed me another box. A small blue box. She motioned me to open it. I did, and before my eyes, a pair of diamond earring. They were beautiful.

"You can give this to her. I bought for myself, but you can present it a gift to her."

But just when she said jewelry, my memory faded to an auction night I had attended before. I excused myself, and walked to my safe and pulled out a red box. I came back and handed it to my mom who was frowning at me, her eyes filled with confusion. But when her gaze dropped to the box, the crease on her forehead relaxed.

Her eyes lit up with recognition. "Here mom. I once visited an auction and bought this necklace for Iya."

As mom opened it, she looked at it with much astonishment.

The necklace was made of diamonds and sapphire like Iya's eyes. When I saw it, I knew I have to buy it for her. I'm sure it will make her eyes stand out.

"I bought this for her long ago, but I never got a chance to give it to her," I said as guilt came over me.

"It's okay, dear. We all make mistakes. You have your entire life with her to rectify it and show her how much you love her," Mom said while rubbing my shoulder.

"Come on now, let's go. We are late."Dad piped in. Mom and I nodded.

Mom was first to walk out followed by dad and me. The walk to Iya's wing was short. I walked fast so I could meet her first.

Mom had the invitation and the necklace.

As we reached her door, mom knocked, and seconds later, the door was opened. Aunt Addy smiled broadly when she saw us and opened the door wider.

"Please, come in," she beamed at us.

As soon as I got inside, I noticed that Uncle Demetrio and aunt Yvonne were present, too.

"Hey, Demi. When did you arrive?" Dad asked. Uncle Demi narrowed his eyes at dad. Dad chuckled at his reaction and the two hug briefly, patting each other's back after. "An hour ago," I heard Uncle Demetrio replied.

Uncle Demetrio and his wife congratulated me, then we all seated. With each passing second, I grew more impatient. As everyone was talking, my attention was focused on the door.

The voices, their boisterous peals of laughter passed my hearing path like a blur.

"Somebody is growing impatient." That snapped me out of my half-conscious state.

It was Victoria's teasing voice. Although everyone was happy and smiling, Uncle Nicolas occasionally throwing me murderous look, which only fueled up the impatience within me.

After another fifteen minutes or more, I stood up. I can bear to wait another minute.

"Where is my Natalia?" I asked, unable to keep a tight rein of the possessive beast within me. I feel like I need to let everyone, especially Uncle Nicolas know that she is mine now. She belongs to me.

Suddenly the door open, revealing Nicolai with Natalia. She was dress in full sleeves white gown and a veil which covered her face.

Why did she dressed up so early?

They walked across the room, stopping in the middle. Nicolai kissed her on her knuckles. I was about to closed our gap when Xandrous walked in with another girl, dressed in the same way as the first. I frowned.

What the hell is going on?

I thought the surprise ends there, but Morrison entered with another girl, followed by Luke, then Markus with another girl in tow, all dress in the same gown, the same veil covering the woman's face.

Why are there five girls all looking the same and dressed like my Iya? What's going on here? Where is my Pumpkin?

Aunt Addy's voice cleared her throat and spoke. "Raffy, this is another tradition. Your mom told me about this. It is to know how much you love our Iya and are you capable of being with her."

I looked at my mom in confusion, and she nodded at me. "Raffy, out of all these girls, one is Natalia. You have to guess who she is. But you can't touch anyone." Mom explained, causing an eyebrow to jut upward.

"Well, you better choose our Natalia, or else we are taking her back to Greece with us."

Of course, it was Uncle Nicolas. I'll be damned if I let him win.

Nicolai butted in, in his pompous, smug tone. "Oh, yes! You're maybe a Duke, but that won't stop us from taking her back!" Nicolai threatened. His tone was as sharp as his father's.

"Come on, Raffy." My dad encouraged. "Go and choose our daughter in law." He gave Uncle Nick a smug grin. Uncle Nick narrowed his eyes at him. Dad just brushed it off.

I nodded and tentatively took a step forward where Nicolai was standing with the girl. I stood in front of the girl and stared at her closely. I felt nothing. She smelled different. Then I walked over to Xandrous and did the same. Her presence doesn't stir any excitement in me. Something is missing. Next, I walked to Morrison. Although I hated his presence, I ignored him and stood in front of the girl.

And yes, it's her. Her sweet, familiar feminine scent assaulted my nostril. I could feel my hands itching to wrapped it around her and snuggled her against me. Even if I close my eyes, I could tell who my Iya is. It seemed that her smell, her distinctive feminine air radiating off from her already engraved in my heart.

The first two failed to make my heart beat faster. Like it followed some another rhythm which was connected to her. Tickles started to rise up my skin, and I wasn't even holding her.

I grinned inwardly, but that faded quickly as soon as my gaze drifted to Morrison. He was holding her. The possessive beast within me growled in protest. Glaring down at him, wanting to throttle his neck.

I hastily tore my eyes away from him.

These people wanted a game. I decided to play along. When I glanced through my peripheral vision, everyone looked at me expectedly, so I walked over to the next two girls.

I heard Iya let out a sharp intake. It was actually too faint, but when it comes to her, all my senses seemed to be sharper than ever.

I could feel her eyes burning on me, too.

After I was done inspecting the other, which was too brief, I came and stood beside my mother.

"Do you know who is the real Natalia?" Mom asked, leaning in a little to me. I nodded my head, my gaze trained on the real Natalia, my Iya. All the boys walked away and stood in different places in the room.

Mom handed me the necklace, and I purposely walked to the second girl although Iya was the third.

Just as I begin to walk towards the second girl, I saw Iya squirmed a little. I was actually watching her through the corner of my eyes.

I sauntered ever so slowly until I was in front of the second girl. I lifted my hands, with the necklace, faking to put the jewelry around her neck, and I heard faint gasps, murmurs from behind me.

I caught Iya turned her face away.

Just as she did that, I moved towards her and placed the necklace around her neck. Everyone gasped and then there was a round of applause.

I smiled broadly. Iya snapped her head to me with glistening eyes. The smile on my face suddenly withered. I immediately felt bad for what I did. I raised her veil and locked her gaze.

I wiped the tear that escaped her eyes and spoke tenderly. "I am sorry, Pumpkin. I was just playing them. Forgive me,"I murmured apologetically.

"You knew who was I?" The shocked in her face is evident, her beautiful eyes widening innocently like buttons. And she looked even hotter in my eyes.

"Of course, Pumpkin. Won't I recognize the love of my life?" I grinned lopsidedly, and she giggled softly.

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with mixed emotions I could only tell it's all positive. "I love you, Pumpkin. I will always recognize you even if I close my eyes. Even if I ever forget myself, still I will never forget you. Our love will never let me forget you. No matter what, it will always bring me back to you, and only you." I murmured, blazing passion lacing each word.

"I love you too, Raffy." And every time she said those words, it never failed to make me feel the happiest man alive. The raw emotions in her voice were very powerful rather overwhelming, making it hard to hold up the tears of joy starting to fog my vision.

I leaned in to kiss her, but just before my lips would touch hers, I hear a cough.

I held the irritation furling up in my system and forced a smile out of my lips.

"She is still my Daughter." Uncle Nick said as he walked over to me and took Iya from my arms. If they know that she is my wife already ...I think they do.

But Uncle Nick doesn't want to accept it.

"Well, when I was acting the same when I gave my princess to your son, you were mocking me about how protective I am. Now, who is acting protective." Uncle Demetrio was mocking Uncle Nick.

Everyone was laughing and obviously enjoying this scene very much, except me.

A walk straight toward uncle Nicolas " You know Sir, you think I don't deserve your daughter and trust me, I felt the same way, but I love her too much to let her go. She completes me. She is my better half, my soulmate. I promise to make her the happiest woman alive." I declared with all the conviction, sincerity, and tenacity I could muster.

He just gave me a blank look, and then looked at Natalia and murmured something in her ear.

"Raffy, let's go and get ready. The wedding starts in 3 hours. We got very less time," dad broke the awkward silence.

To be continued...