THE WEDDING DRESS

The afternoon sun in the angelic realm shone high in the sky, bathing the realm in its soft, golden glow. Its golden rays peeked through the sheer curtains covering the windows in Arella's room. The light was warm, dancing across the walls. The room itself was luxurious, as most things in the central palace were. However, for Arella, it felt like a cage to keep her until she was married off.

She stood before a full-length mirror, her eyes tracing the reflection that seemed foreign to her. A corset, tight around her waist, was being sinched in by young angels. It had been ages since the era of corsets had died down in the human realm and angel realm. However, they were still worn under wedding dresses, like the one she was expected to wear. It was nothing more than a tradition that was considered sacred.

The corset had been custom made to accommodate her wings, which stretched proudly from her back—always a symbol of her angel heritage. The corset would also allow her to wear the dress, which was designed with a plunging back to allow her wings to unfurl without constriction.

The dress had been placed on a dress form in the middle of the room. It was made with the finest silk, and Arella could say with certainty that it was nothing short of a dream. It was a dress that seemed to have stepped straight out of a fairytale. 

The gown itself shimmered with the soft glow of the sun, as if kissed by starlight, with its layers of silk flowing in graceful waves like clouds caught in a soft breeze. The fabric itself was light as air. The bodice was adorned with intricate chains of pearls that adorned the underside of the bust and crystals that scattered down the long, soft lace sleeves that would swirl over her arms. The neckline was high enough that it would cover most of her chest, also made from soft-looking lace.

The skirt bloomed out like a flower in full bloom, full of soft tulle and satin. The golden accents that traced the curves and folds of the skirt mimicked how angels believed their holy power flowed. It was so beautiful that Arella was scared to even touch it—and to think that she would be dressed in the dress in just a couple of minutes. 

The angels who were assisting her to dress were young angels who had just earned the title and rank of low tier two. Since they were still young, they had yet to be given important tasks or get into any department. Their eyes and actions showed the excitement of being trusted with such an important task.

They had pinned her hair in a soft chignon at the nape of her neck, the only way to hide her short hair while still keeping it classy. It was also the only way they could hide the fact that her hair was so painfully short. Each stray strand of hair was purposeful—in order to frame her face. A delicate gold butterfly clip adorned her tresses, adorned with tiny pearls and iridescent wings. It was nestled in her blonde locks, with the wings peeking out of the sides of her head.

After they were content with the tightness of her corset, they had a look at the light makeup they had already applied. Then they fussed with the dress, dressing her with it.

The silk slid over her skin so softly. It was luxurious, and once she was dressed it flowed around her in a way that felt ethereal.

The back of the dress dipped down her back in a v, stopping just at her lower back. This meant that there was enough room for her wings to settle. The train was Arella's favorite thing about the dress. It stretched behind her like the tail of a comet in a river of fabric that swept over the floor. The golden embroidery accents matched that of the skirt and trailed the entire length of the train like threads of sunlight.

After they were done and she was fully dressed, she was seated on the edge of a velvet chaise lounge. The corset was tight, but since it was not unbearably so, Arella did not complain. If anything, the pain grounded her.

A knock sounded on the door.

One of the angels then went over to the door of the room and opened it. Outside the door, a short figure waited. Lailah was wearing heels that day. Her dress was a subtle shade of green with long sleeves and a boat neckline. The green complemented the warmth of her auburn hair, and her heels clicked sharply as she walked to Arella. Her hair cascaded down her back in soft waves. In her hands was a wooden box.

When she saw Arella, her eyes teared up. "Arella." She strode into the room with long strides, in the process giving the box to the angel who had let her in. She crouched down, engulfing Arella in a hug. "My child."

"Mother." Arella hugged her back. Her voice was soft and steady, despite the emotions swirling inside her. 

Arella heaved an internal sigh of relief when her mother did not notice her short hair.

"I did not want this to happen, Ella. I have been fighting; I tried my best, but I failed you, Arella. For that, I am sorry." She pulled away from her daughter and looked her in the eyes. "I know that we do not have much time left together. I was not supposed to be here, but I begged your father to let me bring you this." She called the angel carrying the box forward and took the box from her.

"You may leave us," Arella addressed the angels. "I would like to speak with my mother alone."

The young angels stepped back, leaving mother and daughter alone in the room.

With trembling hands, Arella opened the box, gasping at the sight of the beautiful halo crown that sat in the box. It was a radiant circle of gold that shimmered in the light. "Your father and I had this made when you came of age." It was the duty of the parents of an angel bride to make her a halo crown that she would wear on her wedding day. Arella did not think that her parents would have had the time to make it, and so she had been ready to wear her normal halo. "If anything, I am glad I have gotten the chance to give it to you."

"Will you help me to put it on, mother?"

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Lailah was deft with her fingers, and within a few minutes, the day-to-day halo had been placed aside, and the base of the halo crown bobbed ever so gently over Arella's tresses. The base of the crown was intricate and bound together like vines. It gave the illusion that it had been worn on the head itself, although it floated above her head.

The band of the crown was adorned with delicate, slender spikes that rose like graceful rays from the circle. The band immediately melded with her holy power, causing it to have a very soft glow.

Arella met her gaze in the mirror. "I love it. You and father had impeccable taste when you chose this."

"Of course. Who do you take me for?" Lailah smiled and touched her daughter's hair. "You make a beautiful bride." She patted Arella's head.

Arella's heart clenched. "Thank you, mother."