The carriage finally stopped in front of the Cathedral. Tall stained-glass windows let colored light spill onto the stone steps. The heavy wooden doors were open wide.
Derek stepped out of the carriage first. He turned and offered his hand to Marissa, helping her step down gracefully in her heavy silk dress.They stood at the bottom of the long stairs.
At the very top, the bishop stood waiting.
Derek and Marissa linked their arms again. They began to walk up the stairs together.They entered the Cathedral. The massive room was completely packed with people. Every lord, lady, general, and wealthy merchant in the kingdom was standing inside. As Derek and Marissa walked down the long center aisle, everyone bowed their heads deeply in complete silence.The only sound was the beautiful, slow music playing from the high balcony and the soft rustling of Marissa's heavy silk dress dragging on the red carpet.
