The next morning dawned with golden light streaming through the windows of the noble house. Joshua stared up at the ceiling above his bed, breathing in deeply, then exhaling with purpose.
"This is it," he muttered. "Today is a big day for my sister."
With a sudden burst of energy, he shot out of bed, landing in a power stance like a warrior charging his ki.
"LEEEEEETSSSSS GOOOOOO! Today is a big day for my sister, so I will be on my best behaviour!!!" he shouted, voice echoing through the room.
The abrupt explosion of noise caused Jack to jolt awake, falling right out of bed with a loud thud.
"Hey, dumbass! I'm trying to sleep! Why the hell are you shouting?!" Jack roared, scowling as he jumped to his feet.
"It's my sister's rehearsal dinner today! Aren't you pumped?!" Joshua beamed, radiating enthusiasm.
Jack's eye twitched. "That's great and all, but I don't even know your sister! Why would I be pumped?!"
Joshua's smile instantly twisted into a scowl. "What did you just say about my sister on her special day, you poo stain?!"
Jack stepped forward, grabbing Joshua by the shirt. "What the hell did you call me, fake alpha?!"
Joshua grabbed him right back, the two men locked in a death stare, nostrils flaring. Just before punches could fly, a knock came at the door.
"Come in!" both shouted simultaneously, still gripping each other like brawling brothers.
The door creaked open. Sam stood there in a neatly pressed maid outfit, arms folded.
"Why the hell are you guys screaming again? It's too early for this crap. Anyway, you're supposed to be in the male dressing room getting ready for the rehearsal dinner."
The two immediately let go, brushing themselves off.
"Let's go, Jack!" Joshua declared, his joy instantly returning.
"I'm not going," Jack snapped, turning his nose up. "I don't even know your sister!"
Joshua froze mid-step, joy replaced by wrath once more. "What did yo...?!"
"Are you sure?" Sam cut in smoothly, raising an eyebrow. "Because Jessica might be really disappointed you didn't come to her brother's rehearsal dinner."
Jack's anger dissipated faster than a popped bubble. His face contorted awkwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Actually... I changed my mind! Let's go get dressed, Joshua!" he said, throwing an arm around Joshua's neck as if they were best friends.
"That's the spirit, Jack!" Joshua shouted triumphantly, and the two skipped off like kids headed for a festival.
Inside the male dressing room, Lancelot stood like a hollow-eyed zombie. James was already there, neatly arranging tailor's tools.
Joshua blinked as he entered. "Bro, it's your rehearsal dinner. Why do you look like you came back from the grave?"
Lancelot managed a weak smile. "What do you mean? I'm super excited... just didn't sleep." He swayed a little.
Jack elbowed him with a smirk. "Ohhh, I get it. You and Merlin had a little fun. All night, huh? She's got more stamina than you?"
"Hey!" Joshua growled, grabbing Jack's collar. "Don't talk about my sister like that!"
Lancelot held up a hand weakly. "Nothing happened… I just couldn't sleep next to someone so beautiful."
That silenced the room for a moment. All three guys smiled softly at that.
James clapped his hands. "Alright, time to take measurements!"
As James worked on Jack, then Joshua, the conversation continued.
"You coming to the dinner, James?" Joshua asked.
James shook his head. "Nope, Sam and I will be managing the estate during the event."
Jack narrowed his eyes. "Don't try anything with my sister, pipsqueak."
James paled. "I-I won't, I swear!"
Joshua waved a hand. "Relax, James isn't like that."
Once everyone was measured, Lancelot reached into his pocket and pulled out a small bottle.
"Potion time," he muttered.
Joshua frowned. "Potion?"
Lancelot downed a sip.
"WOOOOHOOOO! I'M SUPER ENERGIZED! LET'S GOOOO!" he shouted, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Joshua stumbled back. "You almost gave me a heart attack!"
Jack shook his head. "Your future brother-in-law's addicted to drugs."
"I'm not a druggie!" Lancelot protested. "It's just a potion my grandfather made. For energy."
He offered the bottle to Joshua, who raised his hands. "Nope. I'm good."
A little later, the trio stepped out of the dressing room clad in sleek black tuxedos with crisp white shirts, oozing charm and confidence.
"Wait outside the carriage for the ladies," James instructed. "You'll want to see this."
Joshua, Jack, and Lancelot took their places outside, striking cool poses.
Jack leaned over. "You and Blanchette… that's gotta be tough. Her family's royalty."
Joshua shrugged. "We're making it work. Her mom's not fond of me, but her dad's warming up."
Jack nodded. "And Lancelot, you got it worse. Noble marrying a peasant? Your folks gonna lose their minds."
Lancelot looked to the horizon. "For Merlin, I'll face any obstacle and win."
Joshua and Jack smiled at his resolve.
Then, the doors of the estate flung open.
Out walked Jessica in a shimmering gold dress, Blanchette in a red and black ensemble, Merlin in elegant white lace, and Julia in dazzling blue.
The men stood frozen.
"Beautiful…" they all muttered in sync, eyes wide, jaws slack.
"C'mon, we'll be late," Blanchette said, snapping them out of their daze.
The ladies entered the carriage first, the gentlemen following behind like obedient puppies. The wheels turned, and off they rode, ready for the night that awaited.