The crowd immediately scattered. Lady Celeste, seated in the place of honor, fixed a sharp gaze on Dorian.
Maximilian's parents had died young. He had been raised single-handedly by Lady Celeste.
She lightly raised her jade-like hand. The palace maid beside her immediately stepped forward and instructed:
"Master of Ceremonies, continue."
The ritual official quickly composed himself, setting aside his expression of idle curiosity, and intoned loudly: " First Bow to Heaven and Earth! Second Bow to Parents! Bow to Each Other as Husband and Wife! The rites are complete!"
Through her bridal veil, Isabella watched the indistinct shapes of the crowd.
Dorian, dressed in coarse white mourning clothes, stood as incongruously among them as he had when clad in his priest's robes.
She lowered he
