We join Abby and Xander on their big day, a huge wedding at Hotel Spectre. When the rings go missing, the bridal gown gets tainted with blood and the groom starts a fistfight in the garden, only the efforts of friends and creatures can make Abby have the wedding day she deserves.
Whatever fate had in mind, this will be the happiest damned bride that ever animated her lawn ornaments. Or else.
Mistress Galfor darted out of the bridal tent and found Raven Dexter.
The midwife looked at her with curiosity, her blue leather corset with black silk skirt making her look like an exotic blooming flower. "What is it?"
"The gown is stained. We need someone to remove it."
"The gown? Oh my god, the bridal gown?" Raven's red eyes were wide with shock.
"Yes. There was a problem with transport and a splinter gouged into the hand of one of the carriers. A troll."
Raven winced. "Troll blood is the worst-possible stain. Of course, it would have to be something like that. Give me a moment."
Raven turned around and scanned the growing crowd. "I think I may be able to find someone to help. How much time do I have?"
"An hour. The bridesmaids are helping me delay, but I don't know how long it will take to do Abby's nails and hair."
She was almost crying. Her tears welled but didn't fall. This was a disaster. "I would put on a new panel, but I don't have enough of the spider silk. We have to clean that gown."
Galfor accepted the hug that the midwife gave her.
"Give me ten minutes. I will find something." There was something so calm about those red eyes under the white arched brows.
With a shaking nod, she returned to the bridal tent. While across the garden another outburst of activity was occurring, she didn't even look. Her mind was locked on the gown and the stain that would mark it forever if something couldn't be done before the ceremony.
In a move of desperation, she grabbed her phone and called the assistant who was still at the shop. "Bring every unbleached silk gown we have. Every single one. I want them here when you bring the last of the gowns for the bridesmaids and flower girls. Use a portal. I don't want you to waste any time."
"Mistress, are you sure? That is close to twenty gowns."
"Bring them all. This is an emergency." She snapped the phone closed and tucked it into her clothing so she could feel the vibration if it went off. It was time to pretend everything was normal. Abby was an amazing client, but it was her wedding day and everything had to go according to plan. The Nexus's wedding had to go off without any problems.
