Chapter 11 - I Object!

The long-awaited day dawned crisp and bright, a vision of nature's bounty laid out solely for Fred and Victoria's joy. Guests from across the lands flooded their fairy Glade, radiating good cheer that lifted all hearts.

Victoria awoke swathed in silk more luminescent than the sunrise, heart near to bursting as maidens carefully applied her ethereal wedding attire. Jewels and flowers woven into her raven locks made her rival the beauty of dawn itself.

'My blossom, you are heaven's queen come to earth,' Fred beamed upon seeing his beloved floating down the aisle on her father's arm. Their souls married in a glance, all the more blessed to pledge themselves for all to witness.

Hand in hand before the priest, fingers entwined in a grasp dwarfing simple rings, Fred and Victoria recited ageless vows fresh as their dawning love for each new soul. Tears of joy glittered upon smiling faces witnessing souls who taught hope its most stubborn adversaries could not dim its radiance.

As the blessing concluded, a hush rippled through the gathering. From the shadows emerged a haggard figure, pale eyes burning with madness unchecked by humanity's bounds.

"I object to this farce!" The intruder rasped. All recognized Fred's rejected father, finally driven past restraint's fragile chains by fury and disgust.

"You soil our name, boy!" he howled at Fred. "Marrying scum while I beg in gutters! But mark me - when her curse destroys you, don't come crying for aid!"

Gasps shuddered through onlookers yet Victoria clung firm to calm. My love, his poison means not if we stand united, she soothed Fred with a loving squeeze. Darkness thrives on fueling division; together we are light's undying flames.

Breathing deeply, Fred stared pityingly upon the man who birthed yet never knew him. Father, I understand your malice stems from pained pride, yet cannot condone its fruits poisoning more lives. Our bond is unassailable; leave in peace or face the law. The choice remains yours.

For a long moment, only frothing outrage responded. Then with a snarl, the intruder spun on his heel and vanished amongst shocked murmurs, finally expelled from love's luminous realm he dreamed razed.

Turning smiling faces back to their congregation, Fred announced, Darkness has no power this day! Let our celebration resume in peace, a light to world showing love conquers all adversity. My blossom, shall we proceed to wedded bliss?

Victoria beamed. Nothing could diminish this moment's beauty, my darling. I am yours, now and forever more.

Their kiss sealed souls before heaven's watchful eyes, the beginning of a fairy tale inspiring hope across the ages.,,,,,,