"There you are!" Isabella cried as I walked through the door. She hurried over and took my hand pulling me into the middle of the room. "I don't even know where to start!" she said.

Chloe slid up beside me and slipped her arm through mine. "I do," she said, pulling me into a hug. "Today is going to be amazing," she placed a kiss on my cheek. "Now, let's get you into a bath! You reek!"

Laughing, I nodded my head. "That's what sleeping on the tower and running an obstacle course will do to you," I said, letting myself be led to the bath.

Laughter filled the room as the preparations continued. Sparrow and Kate were watching the smaller children. While all the women that held special places in my life ran around preparing to help me into my dress. Chloe and Morgan worked on my makeup while Isabella and Ally fixed my hair.

"You are so beautiful," Diana said, placing a hand over her mouth. "Your mama and papa would be so proud of you two girls," she said, looking between Chloe and I.

"And I know that Antonio and Caroline would be over the moon at who their daughter has become," Jone said, with tears rolling down her cheeks.

I hiccupped trying to control the emotions that were pushing through. To have people that knew both sets of my parents was a blessing. To hear their words of encouragement meant more than I could imagine.

"Now for the dress!" Morgan said after a moment. She and Ally ran to the dress stand where my simple, yet elegant, light blue dress hung. They slipped it off and walked towards me. Isabella pulled me to my feet. I stood still as the women worked to get the dress on and fasten it. Yavana and Lucy brought over the satin cape that would trail behind.

Jone walked to an elegant wooden box and pulled out a jeweled headband. She walked back over and held it in front of me. "This was your mothers," she said. "She wore it on her wedding day," she added, slipping it onto my head.

"May I have a moment alone?" Chloe asked. With quick nods, the women ushered everyone out. Chloe walked to a small wooden box and then back to me. Tears already on her cheek. "You have something from your birth mother. I want you to have something from our mama," she said, opening the box. She then pulled out a white waistband with jewels forming a diamond in the middle.

Tears started down my cheeks, as I reached out and touched it. "Mama wore this on her wedding day. How did you get it?" I whispered.

Chloe ushered me to the couch and sat down beside me placing the waistband on my lap. "While you were in Nivetara I sent Morgan, James, and Kole to see if they could find it. They said it was one of the few things that had made it through," she said.

I placed the band aside and warped my arms around my sister. "Thank you," I whispered. She nodded, but didn't say anything as we held on to one another. After a few minutes, we stood. Chloe fixed my dress before slipping the waistband around me. Her hand slowly covered her mouth as she looked at me. Turning, I looked into the mirror for the first time.

Chloe's hand slipped into mine as we stared into the mirror. "You are beautiful inside and out," she said softly.

"This is really happening," I said after a few more minutes of silence.

Chloe laughed lightly as she nodded her head. "Yes, yes you are about to get married to one of your best friends," she said. She then took my hand and led me out of the room and through the halls to the courtyard where everyone would be waiting.

Before we exited the castle Erik appeared. A smile crossing his face as he approached us. He reached out and took my hands from Chloe. "You are beautiful, Sam," he said, twirling me around. "Nikolai is one lucky man to have won over the heart of the girl who vowed never to be married," he grinned, causing all of us to laugh. "I know I am not your father, but as your brother, I'd like to offer my arm to escort you to your prince?" he asked.

I nodded slowly. He held out his arm and I slipped mine through. "Thank you, Erik," I said softly. He went to start walking, but I hesitated. "Erik, I mean it. Thank you for all you have done for me. You were the one that convinced Orion to let me try out for the Dragons. You were my brother first, through the Dragons and then through marriage. I'd always wanted a brother growing up and you have made that a reality."

He smiled down at me. "It's been quite the adventure watching you grow up over the past few years. I am honored to get to play such a role in your life," he said, releasing my arm and pulling me into a hug. He placed a gentle kiss on my head before taking my arm again. "Now, I know of a young man who's been on pins and needles waiting for you."

Together with my arm in his and Chloe beside me, we walked into the sunlight. My eyes took in the crowd already gathered. From four years ago having no one; to looking around the courtyard filled with people who I called friends and family, took my breath away. I let Erik guide me over to where my three apprentice brothers stood talking with Nikolai.

"I believe I have a young woman that seeks your hand in marriage," Erik said, bringing the attention to us.

All eyes turned to us. . . to me. A smile crossed my face as I met eyes with Nikolai, his face glowing as he walked forward. "Sam, you are stunning," he said, reaching out, but Erik blocked him.

"I know you've been warned by her Dragon brothers, but standing here as her brother through marriage I remind you once again, if you cause harm, either physical or mental, I will find you and once I am through with you I will turn you over to her brothers," he said eyeing Nikolai.

My jaw fell open at the blatant threat. However, Nikolai did not seem phased. "If I cause harm to the woman I love, I deserve whatever punishment that you give. I vow to do everything in my power to keep Sam happy, healthy, and safe," he said.

The two men held each other's stare a moment before Erik nodded. He then took my hand in his and after one more smile he placed my hand in Nikolai's. "Then with the blessing of Chloe and I let the wedding march begin."

The events that followed were a blur. Rowen, Kole, and James rode behind Nikolai and I. My Dragon brothers, Nate, Alexander, Amber, their girls, Erik, Chloe, Elias, and Nikolai's family followed behind. Taking up the rear were the rest of the Dragons, Aaron, his sisters, Morgan, her parents, and a few other friends we had made. As we walked the streets of Jarrow to the church the group of people at the end grew. Cheers of congratulation and celebration rose up through the streets as we walked. Once we reached the church the majority of the crowd dispersed leaving those in the wedding march to enter into the church.

After the ceremony we made our way back to the castle courtyard where the feast and celebration would continue late into the night. "We're married," I whispered, as Nikolai and I danced in the middle of a large crowd.

Nikolai laughed as he nodded and held me close. "And I assume this is the one time that we will not have to fight you to wear a dress or dance," he said leaning in and kissing my cheek.

I grinned, shaking my head. "I tried convincing Isabella my dress uniform would work... I nearly lost my head," I smiled.

By the end of the night my feet were ready to fall off. I had danced with each of the Dragons, Alexander, Nate, Aaron, all the children, Prince Louis, a few of the visiting dignitary, and even King Philip. "When do we get to escape?" I asked as I sat beside Nikolai at the head table.

He draped an arm around my shoulders pulling me close. "Soon," he whispered as Erik stood to address the crowd.

"People of Jarrow and honored guests! Tonight we celebrate the union of two people who couldn't be a better match. When I first met Sam, she was a boy, and one of the toughest I knew," he grinned at me. "Not long after I found out she wasn't a boy my admiration only grew for her. I adopted her not only as my Dragon sister, but as my sister as well. Watching, I never thought there would be a man good enough for her, nor did any of the Dragons, or even my own father," he said, pausing as our thoughts turned to Orion. "However, tonight I believe we have seen that Nikolai is as close as we are going to find," he smirked. Then reached forward and took his glass. "Tonight we celebrate new beginnings! These two have already faced many hardships side by side and I can say that whatever comes their way, together they will overcome and conquer," he then turned to talk directly to us. "Nikolai, I have known you since you were but three years old and came to the castle. I have watched you grow. I have seen your kindness and courage. You are fortunate to have Sam by your side, and I believe you know that," he smiled at Nikolai and then turned to me. "Sam, words can't begin to describe who you are and what you have overcome. You, of anyone, deserve a happy life and I believe that tonight is the start of that. In your eighteen years you have overcome more than most in a lifetime. Your world has been flipped countless times, yet you always come out on top. Tonight those gathered here are here to celebrate with you. You are loved by many," he said. Then raised his glass. "To a long, happy, union between Queen Scarlett and our soon to be Prince Consort Nikolai!"

After a few more toasts were given and another dance was completed Nikolai wrapped his arm around my waist and whisked me out of the celebration and to our chambers. "And now it is time to celebrate as wife and husband."