by Renee Carr
Nathan drummed his fingers against his throne and Joshua’s heart dropped. It was such a long silence that Joshua just wanted to scream at him to make a decision. But eventually, Nathan smiled and rose.
“I would be honored,” he said, “to grant you permission to marry her.”
Leah almost fainted, gaping at Nathan.
“Really?” she said. “Really?”
“If my brother wants you, then he deserves all the happiness in the world,” Nathan said, coming down the stairs. “As do you, Miss Leah, for your service to the kingdom.”
Joshua actually yelped in happiness and picked up his bride, spinning her around. Leah shrieked with joy and the ballroom broke into applause.
“We’re getting married,” she said, and Joshua kissed her.
“Finally,” he answered.
When he put her down at last, Ivy approached her, taking her hand.
“Just wanted to welcome you to the family,” she said. “They aren’t the easiest family... but they are worth it.”
“I suppose we’ll be sisters,” Leah said. “That’s exciting.”
“Frankly, we’ve all been waiting for Joshua to do this for ages,” Ivy laughed. “I’m glad he finally got on it. Now, we just have to get Cory married and we’ll be set.”
“I think that one is a harder nut to crack,” Leah said with a smirk. “But we can work on it together.”
“Sounds good to me,” Ivy grinned. “Now, get out there and dance with your fiancé.”
It sounded so odd to Leah, but so right.
“When do you want to get married?” she asked Joshua as they danced the first dance that the band offered. The entire ballroom had cleared for them, and they swayed to the music, putting more passion and energy into the dance than was usually presented. They were a marked difference from the king and queen, who mostly stayed off to the side these days. Their steps were in sync with each other, and the power in their gazes made even the largest naysayers forget their ill wishes for the pair.
“As soon as possible,” he said. “As soon as we can pull it together.”
“You move fast,” she said, and he grinned and kissed her.
“I’m not wasting any more time,” he said as he kissed her again and again. Leah thought it was slightly inappropriate, but she didn’t care. She was Joshua’s forever and she was going to start her forever now.
Chapter 20
Leah hadn’t always pictured her wedding day, because she was starting to believe she was at a point in her life where it would never come. If she did marry, she imagined it would be because she settled, and not because she was happy. Looking back on her adult life, she knew now that she had only been happy when Joshua was at her side. She had once dismissed any thought of him, because he was a prince, her best friend, and would never look twice at her, given the type of women he used to look at. But now, gazing into the mirror, she knew that she could never live without him—at her side, and in her bed. This was her soulmate, and she had been a fool to deny it all this time.
She had chosen a conservative gown with lace up to her neckline and to the tips of her fingers. She had always thought she’d choose something like that, but not for her wedding to a prince. She just assumed it would be a mundane wedding. Now, she knew that the top of her head, bare currently, would soon hold a crown. As soon as she was married, she would be a princess in title, and tied to Joshua’s dynasty for the rest of her days.
The thought sent happy shivers down her spine. Today, she didn’t have to be a warrior. She didn’t have to be strong, and she didn’t have to put up any walls. Today, she was a bride, the center of attention and the happiest being on the planet.
She was alone in the bridal suite because there was no one left for her. However, that thought didn’t sadden her, because she knew it meant it was the last day she would be alone. Out there, in the church, Joshua was waiting, and his family would become hers. She was about to have her best friend for the rest of her life, and she couldn’t stop smiling.
“Captain,” it was Christine at her door, which made Leah smile even wider. It wasn’t a smile of triumph, because she didn’t wish Christine any harm. She was happy that the two of them could put the past behind them, and Christine could stand here and congratulate the happy couple, rather than be in pain. “They told me to tell you that everyone is ready, if you are.”
“I think I am,” Leah said and looked in the mirror one last time. “This feels so strange. I never wear gowns.”
“I think you look lovely,” Christine said sincerely. “And... I imagine you’ll wear a lot more as princess?”
“Maybe,” Leah said. “But I don’t intend to be a typical princess.”
“No,” Christine said. “I don’t think you will be. Shall we?”
“Yes,” Leah said, and followed her out the door.
She could already hear that the church was crowded, and she knew that every noble of every type would be inside. She wasn’t afraid of standing in front of them all. If they thought that she wasn’t worthy, then she would show them that she was. She could show them exactly what a warrior princess could do.
When the doors burst open, she held her chin high, with her bouquet of fire roses tightly in her hands. The entire congregation rose, but all she could see was Joshua, standing at the end of the aisle.
In full royal costume, he looked so handsome that she almost swooned. His eyes sparkled, and he held his hands behind his back, waiting for her with a smile.
Leah walked down the aisle, slowly, in time with the music, and reached the front of the aisle quickly.
Before she turned to Joshua, however, she had to turn to Nathan and Ivy, who were standing at the front. She dipped low to them, as the king and queen, out of respect, and they indicated she should rise. It was a formality, but she was still nervous that they could say no, even now.
“I ask your permission,” she said in a strong voice, “to marry Prince Joshua, as one of nonroyal blood.”
“I grant you permission,” Ivy said, “as Queen of the Dragon Kingdom.”
“I grant you permission,” Nathan echoed, “as King of the Dragon Kingdom.”
“Thank you,” Leah dipped low and then was finally allowed to turn to Joshua. Someone took her bouquet and she couldn’t stop her widening smile as she squeezed his hands.
“Hello, my dear,” he said to her, gazing into her eyes. “Fancy meeting you here.”
“Hello,” she said. “Ready for our most epic hang-out session of all time?”
“I think so,” he said and turned to the fire priest. She heard the whoosh of everyone sitting at once and squeezed his hands as she stood up straighter.
It didn’t matter to her that she was about to become a princess. It didn’t matter to her that she would live a life of luxury if she chose. All that mattered to her was that she was going to be his wife, by his side forever.
The fire priest cleared his throat and then began the ceremony that they had practiced yesterday. Yesterday, however, it didn’t hit her straight in the chest that this was real. Yesterday had been a flurry of activity and chaos, and she felt like she had been planning an attack rather than her wedding. Today, however, everything was different. Today, she could barely keep the emotion out of her eyes as the fire priest spoke.
“Welcome, and thank you for joining us for this joyous occasion. Together, we are gathered here to witness a truly special ceremony: the union of Leah and Prince Joshua before the Universe.”
Joshua had warned her that the ceremony was long, but yesterday, it had flown by. The idea that they were standing up here, after so many years of not being with each other, made her want to smack her head against the wall. She could have had all of eternity with him a lot sooner.
“It’s okay, Leah,” her soon-to-be husband said, seeing the emotion in her eyes. “It’s okay. We’re here now.”
“I love you,” she mouthed to him and he smiled.
“I love you too,” he mouthed b
ack.
“Leah and Prince Joshua, today we celebrate the power of your love and the strength of your bond. Before we begin, take a moment to look around at the many friendly faces before you. Know that all are here to offer love, support, and encouragement as you embark on this incredible journey together. There are few greater joys in life than finding one’s mate.”
Leah truly did take a moment to do that. The church was absolutely packed to the rafters, not only with nobles and dignities, but there were also her friends, their friends, the troops that they had trained together, and the people that had known them as best friends and colleagues. It didn’t seem like there was an unfriendly face in the house. She knew that there were people who would object, but she didn’t think anyone would stand up and say anything. She and Joshua were a force to be reckoned with.
“May this ceremony provide you with wonderful memories to look back on and treasure for the rest of your days. Who gives this bride?”
“I give myself,” Leah said. “To the prince.”
It was a highly unusual move, but no one expected any differently from the warrior princess. Joshua even smiled when she said it, showing his approval.
“If anyone has cause to object to the forming of this union, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“Let them try,” Leah murmured and Joshua laughed when she said it.
“Leah, if you could not start a war on our wedding day, I would appreciate it. If, you know, you can manage it.”
“That’s sort of up to the congregation, isn’t it?” she teased him. Anyone in the crowd who had doubts only had to look at the two of them making each other laugh to see that they were absolutely perfect for each other.
“Prince Joshua and Leah, as you stand here today before the Universe, realize that you are preparing to celebrate one of life's greatest gifts, the depths of which you have only begun to explore. Your level of love and commitment is something that many seek, but not everyone finds. The bond you share is a rarity in this world, and its fruits more valuable than any precious stone or metal.”
She knew that, and she realized that she had known that since the first moment that she saw him. In her mind, she saw all their beautiful moments in a flash. She saw them fighting together in battle, or laughing over a drink. She saw moments when they were weak, and moments when they were strong, bracing each other, taking their strength and taking each other’s pain. There had never been anyone else that she had ever connected with on such a powerful level. She loved him so much, and this moment was almost overwhelming.
“Marriage, of course, is more than a formal exchange of rings. It is a sacred and solemn promise to one another that no matter what, you're in this together. Life is full of surprises—both positive and negative. By nature, it's impossible to know what is around the next bend. However, with a trusted partner by your side, you may take comfort in the unknown. Whatever storms may come, you will weather them together. That is the beauty of love: not only does it cradle us when we are feeling weak and tired, it creates a solid foundation on which we can always rely.”
Leah knew that they were going to be fine, because they had already weathered so many storms together. She thought back on all the missions that had seemed hopeless, all the powerful moments that had made them stand closer rather than dividing them. She even saw the many women that Joshua had taken to bed, and how she thought he would never look twice at her. But now, at this moment, he wasn’t looking at anyone else. All he could do was stare at her with shining eyes, and she knew that he was hers forever.
“Henceforth, your lives will become permanently intertwined. The union you form today is built to withstand any and all challenges. Through sorrow and joy, through failure and success, through despair and triumph, your bond will persevere, buoyed by the everlasting love you share. With the vows exchanged today, you will both finalize this promise and begin life anew, together. As we gather here under the eyes of the Universe, let us also recognize the seriousness of the occasion. Marriage is a profound, sincere commitment, and one worthy of our reverence. Love is the soil from which life itself grows. “
Leah felt her legs grow weak for a moment and her eyes widened.
Not now, she pleaded in her head. Dear Creator, not now .
Joshua squeezed her hands and pulled her up, giving her the additional support she needed. The moment passed and she breathed a sigh of relief, hoping that no one saw her half collapse.
She would never be free of what plagued her, but Joshua would always be there to support her and to give her the strength to heal.
“Prince Joshua and Leah will now exchange their vows.“
This was the only moment in the entire ceremony that had made Leah nervous. She could speak in front of huge crowds, and she could rush into battle headfirst without a second thought. However, sitting there and spouting centuries-old vows, word for word, made her quake in her shoes. She had spent hours pacing her room, trying to remember the exact words, and she hadn’t ever gotten a perfect take. She hoped for a miracle today, but she was sure she’d make at least one mistake.
Luckily, Joshua had agreed to go first. He didn’t usually have to memorize speeches as captain of the guards, but he did have to as prince. He cleared his throat, looking right into her eyes, and spoke the words he had memorized slowly and clearly.
“Leah, today I take you to be my wife. As we join our lives together, I vow to be supportive, caring, and honest with you always. I promise to hold you close, to respect you fully, and to love you deeply. As your companion, your partner, and your best friend, I promise to stay by your side through thick and thin. I love you with all my heart, and I plan to remind you of that every day, from this day forward.”
She knew that she would have an easy time saying her vows if she heard him say them first. Still, she took a deep breath and looked up to the ceiling, praying for that last-minute miracle. She spoke clearly as well, but slowly, hoping that everyone would take her pauses as emotion and not sheer terror in reaching for each word.
“Prince Joshua, today I take you to be my husband. As we join our lives together, I vow to be supportive, caring, and honest with you always. I promise to cherish you daily, to respect you fully, and to love you deeply. As your companion, your partner, and your best friend, I promise to stay by your side through thick and thin. I love you with all my heart, and I plan to remind you of that every day, from this day forward.”
To her surprise, the words came faster with each sentence, and she found herself speaking them from her heart, rather than her memory. She didn’t struggle as much as she had in her room or even yesterday. She stared into Joshua’s eyes, and when she was done, she breathed a sigh of relief.
She had done it, and perfectly. And she had no doubt the reason that she had was because of his love, jumping across the distance between them.
“Leah, do you take Prince Joshua as your husband and your companion? Do you promise to share his laughter during the good times and wipe his tears during the bad, from this day forward?”
“I do,” she said. Now that the hard part was over, she found herself smiling even more. They were being sealed together as hundreds of dragons had before them, standing in this very spot. She wondered how many of the other princesses have loved their husbands for as long as she had loved Joshua. Did they, too, harbor secret affections in their hearts? Were they just standing here because they were told to? Had they come to love their husbands later?
“Prince Joshua, do you take Leah as your wife and companion? Do you promise to share her laughter during the good times and wipe her tears during the bad, from this day forward?”
“I do,” he said, and there wasn’t a person in the room who doubted it then.
“Prince Joshua and Leah, today we've had the great pleasure of witnessing your union become official. As a symbol of your bond, you will now light a unity candle, the flame of which is emblematic of your two souls coming together as one.’
Because dra
gons were so entwined by fire, the unity candle was a powerful symbol for them. She had made a joke about lighting it with their breath, and Joshua had thought it was a brilliant idea. Normally, it was done with a match, but she was confident the two of them could produce fire in their human forms, and hold it long enough to light the flame in front of them. They had practiced it late at night, in the privacy of the garrison, giggling the whole way. She was much less nervous about this then she had been about the vows.
The two of them stepped forward and then let go of each other’s hands to breathe in and then out, slowly. Both of their eyes turned yellow, and then they breathed gently. Leah got her flame first and held it in the palm of her hand. Joshua was second, and both flames burned bright orange in front of them.
The priest tried to stop his eyes from bugging out as he spoke the next lines in the ceremony. It certainly was unusual, but these two weren't a usual couple.
“Prince Joshua and Leah, you each hold in your hand a flame. Think of this flame as a representation of your individual lives. Your dreams and sorrows, passions and fears, joys and disappointments—all reside within the light of this candle. Now, give one last look into this singular light, for it is about to merge with another.”
Leah and Joshua looked at each other and smiled. Their flames didn’t burn them, of course, because they were dragons. They brought them together, holding their palms horizontally, and the flames merged.
“You will now light the center candle together,” the priest said, and Leah and Joshua brought their hands even closer, and then brought them toward the candle. They lit it, and each of them stepped back, watching the flame as they extinguished their own flames.
“The two flames now burn as one, just as your two spirits have formed an unbreakable bond. This bond is powerful enough to help you through any difficulties and struggles that may arise. As your love steers you through the obstacle course that is life, remember that your lights burn brightest together.”