Finally, realization strike as sure as lightning bolt striking it's target. Seraphine understood. She watched him, still looking down at her ringed finger. His expression had softened but his eyes were still filled with turmoil.
That woman...she loved Kain. And Kain...
The Bishop asked him, "Kain Miyagi, do you, take Seraphine Gilvius as your wife for as long as both shall live?"
Kain closed his eyes and took a deep breath. For a moment, Seraphine thought that he would decline. That someway, he would be the one to end the ordeal, her suffering. But when he opened his eyes, there was the determined look of a soldier performing his duty. He did not see her, instead, she realized that though he spoke her name, it contained no emotion.
"I do." He said stiffly and averted his gaze to her ringed finger.
"Seraphine Gilvius," The Bishop spoke. " Do you, take Kain Miyagi, to be your lawfully wedded husband for as long as you both shall live?"
She froze. It was her turn now.
She glanced briefly at her father and mother sitting at the front row. She looked at the faces of the guests watching in silence to witness their union. She glimpsed a flash of green hidden by the doorway. Her body trembled. Her tears were about to find their way free. Her corseted gown made it difficult for her to breathe.
She looked at Kain. Slowly, she pulled her hand away considering the Lady in Green's words. But before their fingers parted, he squeezed her hand. Although his expression had not changed, he nodded slightly. A very slight but firm nod that reminded her of her "duty."
Seraphine understood.
She took a deep breathe and answered, "I do."
"I now pronounce you: Husband and Wife." The Bishop announced.
She felt Kain's hand slid behind her waist and gently pulled her closer to him. She knew what was next. They both knew what had to be done. She closed her eyes as he leaned in closer and gently pressed his lips against hers.
The deed was done, and there was no turning back now.
The church bells rang. And the guests cheered the union of the two families. It was a moment of joy for them. A short lived joy for what came next, was unexpected even in anyone's wildest dreams.
(End of Part 3)
