Intern’s Log: Apparently, My Wedding Is a State Affair

  Date: [The Day of Reckoning]

  Intern ID: Reynolds, J. (I just wanted to get married. Now I’m hosting a geopolitical event.)

  So.

  I knew this wedding was out of my hands.

  ? My mother was involved. (Which meant I was doomed from the start.)

  ? Vicky was involved. (Which meant this became a royal event.)

  ? Bandit was involved. (Which meant it was now a power move.)

  ? Goldie was officiating. (Which meant there would probably be combat trials at some point.)

  ? The Good Boys were providing security. (Which meant it was essentially a military operation.)

  But I did not know world leaders had been invited.

  And I did not know Evelyn Kerensky, my soon-to-be wife, had personally insisted on a Greek Orthodox cathedral wedding.

  Which meant?

  ? I was about to get married in an old, grand church.

  ? With the most powerful people in the world watching.

  ? While uplifted animals and extraterrestrials sat in the audience.

  ? And I had absolutely no say in any of it.

  I need so much alcohol.

  Phase One: The Venue (Apparently, We Needed History)

  I thought, Hey, maybe we’re doing something simple. Maybe it’s a small, quiet ceremony.

  No.

  Because Evelyn wanted a church.

  And not just any church.

  She wanted history.

  She wanted tradition.

  She wanted the weight of centuries behind us.

  Which is why I am standing in front of an absolutely massive, ancient Greek Orthodox cathedral, wearing a suit I didn’t choose, trying to process the fact that my wedding is happening here.

  Phase Two: The Guest List Is a Nightmare

  "Bandit, why are there diplomatic motorcades outside?"

  Bandit grinned.

  "Oh, didn’t I tell you? This is a state event now."

  "STATE EVENT?! WHY?!"

  "Well, when you marry into power, Reynolds, you gotta play the part."

  I grabbed his tiny shoulders.

  "WHO DID YOU INVITE?!"

  He counted on his fingers.

  ? Several heads of state.

  ? Most major intelligence agencies.

  ? The Pope was “interested but busy.”

  ? At least two alien observers. (Zil-Vatek absolutely RSVP’d.)

  ? The entirety of the Bear Collective leadership. (Because of course.)

  ? The Raccoon Dominion. (Diplomatic courtesy, apparently.)

  ? The Lemur delegation. (I don’t even know what that means.)

  ? The Good Boys. (Because they were always coming.)

  ? Several “classified guests” that Bandit refused to elaborate on.

  I am hyperventilating.

  Phase Three: The Ceremony (This Is Too Much)

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  Alright.

  So now I am standing at the altar.

  Waiting.

  Trying not to pass out.

  The cathedral is full.

  Not with friends and family.

  But with the most dangerous and influential people on the planet.

  And beyond.

  ? Goldie is officiating, standing there like a divine warrior-priestess.

  ? Bandit is sitting with world leaders, sipping wine like he’s already won something.

  ? The Good Boys are lining the aisle, looking like they are ready for an extraction mission if I try to run.

  ? Vicky looks far too pleased with herself.

  ? **Zil-Vatek is in the back, taking notes. **

  ? The bears are watching everything like this is a military treaty negotiation.

  And then?

  Then the music starts.

  And the doors open.

  And Evelyn steps inside.

  Phase Four: The Moment I Forget Everything Else

  She is…

  Stunning.

  Regal.

  Wearing something classically elegant, timeless, and just extravagant enough to fit this absurd event.

  She walks toward me, completely unbothered by the insanity happening around us.

  Like this is exactly how she planned it.

  Like she knew I’d be standing here, overwhelmed, speechless.

  And when she reaches me?

  She smirks.

  "Don’t pass out, sweetheart."

  Phase Five: The Part Where I Actually Get Married

  Goldie clears her throat.

  "We are gathered here today…"

  I barely hear the words.

  Because suddenly, nothing else matters.

  Not the politics.

  Not the world leaders.

  Not the fact that my wedding is now an interspecies diplomatic event.

  Just her.

  Evelyn.

  The only person in my life who terrifies me and comforts me in equal measure.

  And when Goldie asks, "Do you take this woman?"

  I don’t even hesitate.

  "I do."

  And just like that.

  Everything changes.

  Phase Six: The Aftermath (And the Party That Will Probably Last for Days)

  ? The ceremony was a success.

  ? No wars broke out. (Yet.)

  ? The reception is already out of control.

  ? Bandit is absolutely using this to finalize diplomatic agreements.

  ? Zil-Vatek got wasted on human alcohol again.

  And me?

  I am standing on a balcony, drink in hand, trying to process the fact that I am now married.

  Evelyn steps up next to me.

  Smirking.

  "You survived."

  I exhale.

  "Barely."

  "So…" she nudges me, teasing. "Still questioning your place in the future?"

  I laugh softly.

  "Not anymore."

  And for the first time in forever…

  I think I finally believe that.

  Final Thoughts (This Is My Life Now, and That’s Okay)

  ? I got married in a state-level event.

  ? The world was watching.

  ? I am now tied to one of the most terrifyingly brilliant women alive.

  ? And somehow?

  ? That doesn’t scare me as much as it used to.

  I don’t know what happens next.

  But I do know this—

  I wouldn’t want to face it with anyone else.

  End Log.