“I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you,” he whispered, sliding the ring onto his beautiful Queen.
The priest looked between them, satisfied that part was fulfilled.
“Now that Queen Eliza and Nathaniel have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. Those whom Creator has joined together, let no one put asunder,” he said.
Eliza and Nathaniel held hands, knowing that it was almost over. In rehearsal, Nathaniel had blazed this part into his mind. He couldn't wait for the final words to be said.
“Bless, preserve and keep you; the Creator mercifully with his flavor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen,” the priest prayed over them.
“And also with you,” everyone echoed.
“Queen Eliza and Nathaniel, having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as husband and wife. Nathaniel, you may kiss the bride.”
Nathaniel grinned and dipped her down, to the applause of the crowd. Everyone roared and cheered, as Nathaniel brought her back up.
But there was one more thing to do before they walked down the aisle.
“Eliza, Queen of Jeffro,” said the priest, as head of the church. “Now, that you are married to this man, do you name a successor?”
“I do,” she said “I name Nathaniel, my husband, as Prince of Jeffro, my heir and the future father of my children.”
“Then let it be known that Nathaniel, husband of Eliza, is to now be known as Prince Nathaniel, Regent of Jeffro. God save the Queen!”
“God Save the Queen!” came the cry as everyone dropped to their knees.
Nathaniel grabbed Eliza's hand, as they advanced down the aisle. They had to greet the public on the steps, as their first official duty. He felt Sienna at his back, not just as the maid of honor, but as the Baroness, to greet the public, as well.
And, as he came to the end of the church aisle, there was Prada, standing there. He had wanted her to come, but she had been on assignment, deep in Dramoon politics. However, it appeared that as always, Prada had found a way. She was dressed in field clothing, and she cocked an eyebrow at him, and then bowed.
“Oh, no, Princess,” he said. “You do not bow to me.”
“Maybe one day we can rebuild Powys,” she said with a smile. “But you focus on Jeffro for now.”
“Aye,” he said. “I'll see you around.”
“You will,” she said. “Congratulations”
He smiled and took Eliza's arm again. The church doors flew open, and he found them immersed in a crowd of what felt like the entire planet. The crowds cheered, yelled, wavered flowers, and bowed.
“Oh, my,” Nathaniel said, and Eliza gripped his arm.
“You get used to it.”
“I imagine you do,” he said. “But with you by my side, I'll get used to anything.”
“Did you mean what you said to Prada? About rebuilding Powys with her?”
“Today one planet, tomorrow an empire.” Nathaniel smiled as he turned to Sienna, at his back. “What do you think, little one?”
“You're always thinking about us, about others,” Sienna said. “We're okay , Prada and I. Enjoy your wedding day.”
“I am thinking like a Prince,” Nathaniel grinned, and Eliza squeezed his arm.
“You are,” she said. “But that isn't why I love you.”
“Do you love me because I'm a witch?” he asked.
“I love you because you're my soulmate,” she said.
“You're my soulmate,” he echoed, kissing the top of her head. This wasn't the way he had planned his career, but it was the happiest outcome he could imagine. They were safe, they were with the ones they loved.
“Then we will build an empire together,” she said, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“As long as we are together,” he said, “then we can do anything.”
Nature had a plan for them, he knew, and he believed that this was the plan all along. The intention of Nature could be nothing but having them together, for the rest of their lives. This was where they fit, where they belonged. This was the path that they walked.
*** THE END ***
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