by Zara Zenia
“I accept the role of mate to the chosen king of the people and ask to be presented to my husband.”
The people stood and bowed, repeating with one voice, “We, the people, do so present.”
Larzukan and Felicity turned to one another, each holding an opposite hand crossing in front of one another. Felicity took a deep breath and recited the speech word for word from memory. She could feel the sweat dripping down her back as the speech dragged on and on.
When it was finally over, they switched hands and Larzukan began his recitation. Felicity already felt like she was going to pass out, but she couldn’t take her eyes off the man in front of her. She was so happy that Larzukan was going to be her husband. She barely listened to the words as he continued the long speech.
With the speeches finally ove, Felicity and Larzukan released hands and once again turned to the people. A third bell rang out in the chamber and the back door opened up. “I reveal the King’s Guards,” Felicity announced as two men strode forward dressed in ceremonial attire.
The two men stopped and stood before Larzukan. Felicity turned to him and held out her hand. “I present the King with his first gift. A gift of protection and service.”
“I accept the Queen’s gift,” Larzukan announced as he bowed his head to the two guards. As the guards took their places, Larzukan turned back to the people. “I reveal the Queen’s Guards.”
The ceremony was repeated as Felicity’s guards took their places as well. At last, the fourth bell rang out and the people went to their knees. Larzukan’s mother strode from the back looking every bit the Queen of the Tharagan people. She stopped in front of the couple and turned to the people, lifting her hands in the air.
“Do you, the people, choose Larzukan to be your king?”
“We do so choose,” the people said in one voice.
“Do you, the people, choose Felicity to be your queen?” she asked.
“We do so choose,” the people responded.
“Then rise for the passing of the crowns.”
Since there was no currently residing king, Larzukan’s crown was held by Blancon. Larzukan and Felicity bent on their knees in front of the queen. Wordlessly, Blancon lifted the crown and placed it on Larzukan’s head. The queen removed her crown from her own head and placed it on Felicity’s.
“So passes the former to the new. All hail the chosen King! All hail the chosen Queen!” The people bowed once more as Larzukan and Felicity rose to their feet. Felicity couldn’t help but notice that the crown felt very heavy upon her head.
Larzukan’s mother was escorted to her seat and the final bell pealed from the chamber. Larzukan placed his hand in front of him and Felicity placed her hand on top of his.
“Now comes the naming of successors!” Larzukan announced loudly. “Chief advisor to the king, Blancon!”
The crowd stood to their feet as Blancon strode forward, reciting his acceptance. When he took his place, Felicity raised her head with confidence. “Chief advisor to the queen, Floretta!”
Floretta came forward, also reciting her acceptance. Then she handed one of the signet rings to Blancon.
“As my first duty to the king,” Blancon said, “I place the king’s ring.” Blancon slid the signet ring onto Larzukan’s finger.
“As first duty to the queen,” Floretta said, “I place the queen’s ring.” Floretta slid the signet ring onto Felicity’s finger with a smile, and then she and Blancon bowed.
With a cacophonous cheer, the ceremony was finally concluded.
Larzukan turned to Felicity and smiled. “What happened to your Tharagan dress?” he asked.
Felicity smiled back at her new husband. “I wanted you to marry the person you fell in love with, as I am. I hope I didn’t disrupt things too much.”
Larzukan broke out laughing. “My love, you have been disrupting things since the moment you stepped into my life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re going to make a wonderful queen.” Then he bent and kissed her full on the lips as he swung her in a circle. The crowd went wild as they rejoiced in the union of their king and queen.
Chapter 18
Felicity
An hour later, the couple strode regally into the reception to thunderous applause and high-pitched yells. Thousands of people crowded into the ballroom to celebrate their new king and queen. For the Tharagan people, the wedding ceremony was of great importance. Now that the ceremony had concluded, they felt unrestrained and free to enjoy the celebration.
Music played throughout the ballroom, and all around them, people danced and cheered. Today was more than just a celebration of a new king and queen, however. It was a celebration of life, freedom, and a future for all Tharagan people.
Larzukan and Felicity finally made it to the raised platform where their table sat. The former queen, Blancon, Floretta, and Kate joined them shortly. While the celebration was normally reserved for those people only in high stations, this celebration was open to all Tharagan people. Elite guards patrolled inside and outside, while the King’s and Queen’s Guards hovered annoyingly behind them throughout the evening.
With the crazy events of the previous days in addition to preparing for the wedding, Felicity had not had a chance as of yet to speak to the former queen. While Larzukan was busy talking to several administrators, Felicity slid her chair next to the queen.
“I never got a chance to say thank you. Had it not been for your help, I might not be here right now.”
The queen smiled as she sipped the beverage in front of her. “You have exceeded my expectations so far, my Queen. Your choice of attire for the ceremony was intriguing, to say the least. I almost regret my passing. Having someone like you on the throne might just keep my life interesting.”
Felicity set her drink down on the table. “I don’t understand why you keep talking about this ceremony. You don’t seem sick to me at all.”
The queen called over a servant and ordered more wine. “Why would you think I was sick, my dear?”
Felicity wasn’t sure how to express her questions tactfully and finally settled for just blurting them out. “If you aren’t sick, why would you be having a continuation ceremony? I thought those were reserved for people who were dying.”
The queen smiled again as she patted Felicity’s hand. “You still have much to learn about the Tharagan people. As I said, I almost wish I would be around to see it. In answer to your question, yes, the ceremony is to honor my death, and no, I am not sick.”
“This is the way of our people. When a new king or queen is chosen, the old indulge in the drink of eternity. All who pass by choice do so honorably and will be blessed in the next life. I have served well and long, and I will rest peacefully knowing that all I have done will continue on.”
Felicity could hardly believe her ears. “Are you trying to tell me that you are going to be killed when there is nothing wrong, just because I am queen now?”
“Yes, dear. That is the way of our people. In this, I will not allow you to change our ways. What you do after I am gone, I have no control over, but I will go through with the ceremony as ordained.”
“But why?” Felicity spluttered. “You are still a perfectly capable woman. You have a strong will, an intelligent mind, and a heart for the wellness of the people. I don’t understand how you could let this happen.”
The queen finished her wine and called for another. “It is not often that I am able to indulge in the pleasantness of wine. As queen, I had to constantly be aware and focused. Now that you are queen, I can at last enjoy the pleasant sweetness of a well-aged wine.”
“Do not be concerned for me, Felicity, and do not weep. There is room enough on the throne for only one queen. For many years, I greatly feared who would sit in my chair after I was gone. Now I have comfort in knowing that you also have a strong will, an intelligent mind, and a heart for our people.”
“Even if this were not the way of our people, it would be my choice to do so. You and Larzuka
n need a chance to build a life for yourselves and a flourishing kingdom for our people. You do not need a meddling old woman. One day soon, when you bear a child, you will tell him of the honor of his lineage. He will know me, through you and through my son.”
Felicity felt tears welling in her eyes, but as queen, she knew she could not let them fall. She stiffened her face and held her head high. “I will be honored to raise our child in the wisdom of his grandmother, the most heroic and honorable queen in Tharagan history.”
Frintuk patted Felicity’s hand again and stood, kissing her gently on her forehead. “Not only do I bestow on you the kingdom and my son, but my blessings to you as well.” A silent hush fell among the throng of people as all eyes turned to the exchange. Without another word, Frintuk stood and exited the room with dignity and poise.
Larzukan leaned over. “You have just been given an honor that has only been given one other time in Tharagan history. The people will revere you now as none have been revered in thousands of years.”
Felicity could hardly believe the impact of his words. She stood solemnly and without thought, bowed to the people. When she resumed her seat, the music began playing and the people resumed their dancing merriment.
“You handled that very well, my Queen,” Blancon said as he leaned across the table. “I concur.” Floretta agreed from the other end of the table. Felicity took one look at the two new advisors and smiled.
“Larzukan, I feel as though our new advisors might need a lesson in diplomacy. What do you think, husband?”
“Oh, I completely agree, my love,” he replied with a straight face. Felicity stood and held her hands up, calling for the music to stop. Once everyone turned their attention toward her, she turned to Larzukan, who also stood.
“On behalf of myself and my husband, as our first act as your king and queen, we would like to propose a union. We have decided that two people as dedicated and qualified as our two advisors would be even more effective as a team. If they agree, of course,” Felicity said with a satisfied smirk upon her face.
Blancon and Floretta took about three seconds before they realized what was happening, and then they both began to splutter. Larzukan elbowed Blancon gently. “If you don’t propose to her right now, I may have to reconsider your decision-making abilities.”
Blancon cleared his throat and stepped around the table, coming to Floretta’s side. In one swift gesture, he bowed low on one knee. “I would be honored, Floretta, If you would consent and choose to be my lifelong mate. I promise to honor and protect you for as long as I live.”
Floretta scanned the crowd, who collectively held their breath. She glanced to Felicity, who nodded her head encouragingly. Finally, Floretta looked down at Blancon and smiled. “Yes! I will choose you.” Blancon picked her up and swung her around as the crowd went wild once again.
Larzukan leaned over and whispered in Felicity’s ear, “Do you have the rings?”
“Chutan is bringing them. Let’s get this thing moving before they change their minds.”
Larzukan gently pushed Blancon and Floretta toward the center of the ballroom, where he made them face each other. Felicity quickly grabbed the rings from Chutan and stood by Larzukan’s side.
“What’s happening?” Floretta asked quietly.
Felicity smiled. “Isn’t it obvious? You’re getting married.”
Blancon’s blue face turned a strange whitish-grey hue. “What—you mean now?”
Larzukan slapped his friend on the shoulder. “Yes, now, my friend. Felicity and I have decided that you two plot and scheme just a little too well for comfort. We figure that the sooner we get you married off, the better. That way, you will be too busy plotting against each other to worry about us.”
Floretta turned to Felicity with clear shock across her face. “You two planned this all along, didn’t you? You never had any intention of having us executed, did you? Did you really run away, Felicity, or was this all planned from the beginning?”
Felicity and Larzukan smiled as they held out the rings. “I guess you’ll never know for sure one way or another, will you? Just remember that we’re always just one step ahead of you two. If you ever need a reminder of that, just look at the ring on your finger.”
With looks of horror and excitement on their faces, Blancon and Floretta quickly repeated the words and placed the rings on each other’s finger. Thankfully, the ceremony for a normal wedding was not very involved. Ten minutes later, Larzukan and Felicity held up Blancon’s and Floretta’s hands to the crowd.
“I, King Larzukan, present to you Blancon and Floretta, mates for life!” The crowd cheered, having never experienced so many wonderful and unexpected joys in one day. After several hours of drinking, dancing, and eating, Felicity was ready to retire for the evening.
Felicity stood and addressed the crowd. “Thank you all for choosing to spend this joyous day with us. We ask that you stay and continue to enjoy all the food, wine, and dancing that you wish. Now is the time for the king and I to join in our first union as man and wife.”
Felicity couldn’t help but feel the heat rush to her face at the cavalier announcement, but she had been informed that Tharagan law mandated the announcement. Blancon and Floretta headed out first, followed by Larzukan and Felicity, with the King’s and Queen’s Guards following behind.
“Where are you leading us, my friends?” Larzukan asked
Blancon and Floretta smiled but did not answer. They walked slowly down several more corridors before finally stopping in front of a pair of large, ornate doors.
Blancon couldn’t keep the smile off his normally stony face. “Floretta and I took the liberty of restoring the king and queen’s chamber from ancient times. We felt that the two of you needed a proper room to share with one another. Consider it our gift to you on your wedding day.”
Floretta handed over a key to Felicity. “Now, if you will excuse me, I would like to take my new husband to our bedroom and teach him how to be a proper mate.”
Felicity chuckled to herself as Floretta led Blancon away, his face a picture of giddy nervousness. “I don’t know whether to be happy or scared for him,” Felicity said.
Larzukan leaned in, touching his lips with Felicity’s. “Shall we go inside?”
Felicity took his hand and followed her new husband through the door.
Chapter 19
Larzukan
Felicity stepped inside and stared in awe at the luxurious surroundings. The room was even more opulent than her own room had been. She took off her crown, setting it down on the table as she took Larzukan’s hand and examined the room.
White marble covered the entire bathroom, with a staircase Jacuzzi in the middle of the room. Wall to wall sinks with cabinets, drawers, and mirrors lined the bathroom on both sides. A sofa and several chairs adorned the massive room, as well as a lighted vanity.
The dining room contained a vaulted ceiling painted with a gorgeous mural and a diamond chandelier. The table was made of a dark cherry wood with high-backed chairs and plush seats. Tapestries lined the walls and statues adorned the room.
The bedroom was decorated in amazing shades of blues and blacks and white, giving it a sweeping ocean look. The canopied bed was large enough to accommodate ten people and the walk-in closets wrapped all the way behind the walls in a gigantic circle. A sapphire chandelier hung from the muraled ceiling, bathing the oceanic appearance in alluring lights.
The best part of the suite, however, was the outside. Through double glass doors from the bedroom lay a balcony complete with a swimming pool, a glass bar, a large sofa, and several reclining chairs. The view of the city below was incredible, and the stars above shone bright and true.
Larzukan put his hand on Felicity’s back as he joined her outside. “I though we could share a bottle of the finest wine and perhaps go for a swim under the stars . . . if my bride is not too tired on her wedding night, that is?”
Felicity turned toward him with a smile. “Oh, I
think I have enough energy for a swim. Why don’t you pour the wine, my love?”
Larzukan walked over to the bar and grabbed two glasses, opened the wine, and walked back over. Felicity was naked in the moonlight, and Larzukan was so in awe of her that he almost dropped the wine.
“I hope now that we are married, you don’t find me unattractive,” Felicity said as her breasts stood out against the night sky.
Larzukan smiled deeply. “Oh, no, my love. I find you more beautiful in this moment than I ever could have imagined. All my life, Felicity, I could never have imagined marrying for love. You have made me the happiest man in the galaxy today, and I hope that I can spend every day of my life doing the same for you.”
Felicity grabbed the wine from his hand and took a long drink, and then she sank herself into the warm water. “If you want to come swimming with me, I suggest you take off all those clothes.” She laughed. “And make sure you bring the wine in with you.”
Larzukan was naked and in the pool in less than a minute. His lips found Felicity’s as they swirled together in the warm water. Every part of her was intoxicating to him. The stars and moon shone of her slick body, and her long hair lay wet against her shoulders.
Felicity’s breasts rose buoyantly in the water, her nipples raised by the night air. Underneath the water, her long legs wrapped around Larzukan as she pressed herself tightly against him. He felt almost overwhelmed by her perfection.
They swam together and sipped wine as they simply enjoyed the pleasantness of one another and washed away the tensions of the long day.
“I wonder how Floretta and Blancon are doing?” Felicity asked with a sly smile.
“I have a feeling that they’ll keep each other on their toes for sure. It was a brilliant plan to marry them off.”
“Well, I wanted to make sure we didn’t have any unwanted interruptions for a while.”