“I, Emily Margaret Worthing, take you, Charles Alexander Wesley to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish,” the bride uttered softly, “ till death us do part”. Emily touched her fiancés hand tenderly as she looked into his brown, glistening eyes. Charles covered Emily’s slight hand with his own as he made his vows.
“I, Charles Alexander Wesley, take you, Emily Margaret Worthing to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part”.
“May I have the rings?” asked John smiling down at the couple. Richard, Charles best man stood forward giving the rings to the vicar before retiring to his seat.
“Heavenly Father, by your blessing let these rings be to Charles and Emily a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant which they have made this day through Jesus Christ out Lord. Amen.” The congregation in unison murmured, “Amen”. Charles placed Emily’s ring on her fourth finger, laughing as it got stuck but eventually passing it over her knuckle and holding her hand tightly before saying,
“Emily, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. Emily then took Charles ring from the vicar and placed it on his fourth finger with ease before gently keeping it in her own, her round green eyes gazing up into his own brown eyes.
“Charles, I give you this ring as a sign of our marriage. With my body I honour you, all that I am I give to you, and all that I have I share with you, within the love of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. Emily and Charles smiled at one another as John proclaimed to the congregation.
“In the presence of God, and before this congregation, Charles and Emily have given their consent and made their marriage vows to each other. They have declared their marriage by the joining of hands and by the giving and receiving of rings. I therefore proclaim that they are husband and wife”. Stifled sobs echoed within the cathedral as the vicar joined the couple’s right hands together and said aloud.
“Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder”, before the crowd burst into applause and the couple kissed passionately. After several moments, the crowd sat back down as the couple knelt before the altar. John turned to face the altar raising his arms high into the air.
“Blessed are you, O Lord our God, for you have created joy and gladness, pleasure and delight, love, peace and fellowship…,” Theodore bent down to Eveline’s ear and whispered gently, his warm breathe covering her face delicately.
“It is rather moving this whole wedding extravaganza,” said Eveline, who wiped away a tear and turned up to Theodore and nodded.
“Yes it is rather.” After a moment Theodore bent down again. “Do you hope to marry someday?” he asked softly his eyes upon the couple at the front.
“Oh I don’t know,” whispered Eveline turning also to face the couple at the front.
“Do you have a bow?” asked Theodore curious to know.
“A bow?” replied Eveline quietly.
“Yes someone you love?”
“Well, well it’s complicated,” she muttered. Theodore felt a pain sore through him at her words, complicated, did that mean yes? Because he certainly didn’t know about any lover, but he thought to himself, he had been gone from Keswick for over three years, who knows what Eveline had been up to in all that time. Inwardly Theodore punched himself, how could he have been so silly not to think that the beautiful Eveline would someday be the apple for some man’s eye. God, he thought to himself, how would he cope? Actually how would his boss cope?
“Theodore?” Eveline murmured looking at him with a concerned face, “are you alright you look ill?”
“Ill? No, no I’m fine honestly,” choked Theodore looking ahead at John.
“God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully grant you the riches of is grace, that you may please him both in body and soul, and, living together in faith and love, may receive the blessings of eternal life.” John declared loudly to the guests before the congregation muttered, “Amen” together. The organ and choir struck up another song as the couple went to sign the register. The guests began to whisper and talk whilst the music played.
“So who is he?” questioned Theodore rather harshly, quickly coughing to cover up his jealousy, how could he expect Eveline to feel the same, she had only met him today and anyway, he shook his head violently, it wasn’t allowed, in no way, absolutely no way was he allowed to even utter the words, because if he did he would pay with his life and that would be a regrettable mistake.
“Oh the son of the rector actually,” smiled Eveline at the thought of William Botsworth, slightly shorter than Theodore and less handsome, but smart, quick and kind, they had been best friends growing up and although she didn’t love him with a passion, more a brotherly affection, she knew he was ardently in love with her and she had come to realise that the whole town collectively agreed that they would marry someday soon when William arrived home from the war.
“How ironic,” coughed Theodore, “so what does he do? How did you meet?”
Eveline’s face beamed at the thought of her dear William, it helped take her mind of the handsome stranger who sat beside her, his arm resting behind her on the bench.
“Well he is the local teacher but he’s been away fighting, I haven’t seen him in eighteen months,” she replied her eyes glistening slightly at the memory of his faithful face. “We grew up together really and I expect everyone thought we would end up marrying at some point.”
Grew up together? Thought Theodore to himself trying to remember Eveline’s male friends, she has many being the tom boy she was; could it have been the lanky, brown haired boy that clung to her sides during her sword play activities, he pondered this thought, looking up heavenward.
“And you? Do you have a…, bow?” asked Eveline nervously not really wanting an answer. Theodore thought about the question, should he lie and make her jealous or should he be truthful? Well to be fair he had been lying to her from the moment they met but that was business he had no other option, maybe by saying yes he could analyse her response and see if she felt pained by his having a love interest?
“Yes,” he blurted out suddenly, watching Eveline’s eyes grow slightly dull with emotion that quickly turned to happiness, was this a betrayal of how she really felt? He would never know and it wouldn’t do him any good in knowing he was already past his limits.
“What is her name?” asked Eveline withdrawing her eyes from Theodore to gaze around at the guests who were now mingling amongst themselves.
“Her name is…,” choked Theodore. “Isabella.”
“What a lovely name, and when did you meet?” prompted Eveline turning her gloves around in her hands.
“When I…, was injured,” answered Theodore sharply, lying was really against his nature it was odd.
“Oh how romantic,” cooed Eveline her eyes somewhere else.
“I suppose so,” muttered Theodore.
“So she is a nurse?” Eveline went on.
“Yes, yes she is a nurse and a pretty fine one at that!” coughed Theodore. “ Striking lass really, tall, long brown hair and brown eyes, the kind of eyes you just melt into you know?” he asked his brows pointed. Eveline felt a flare of jealousy rise within her, she began to feel slightly defensive of William.
“Yes, I know exactly what you mean, when William reads to me in the evenings, sometimes I find myself melting into his eyes,” lied Eveline watching Theodore’s back straighten.
“And the softness of her features,” Theodore went on trying to act as those he was a desperate Romeo missing his Juliet.
“His square jaw,” drivelled Eveline thinking of Theodore�
�s square jaw.
“Her lush red lips,” Theodore blurted out looking down at Eveline’s fine lips.
“His gentle hands, sculpted for the piano,” declared Eveline sharply.
“Her darling feet just made for bouncing about…,” mumbled Theodore annoyed. Eveline fixed Theodore with a confused expression. “You know to bounce about on the…, on the…, bed!” demanded Theodore instantly regretting his choice of words.
“Bed?” blushed Eveline jumping to conclusions and feeling as though she had been slapped in the face, soundly.
“Yes,” choked Theodore. “You know the patients bed,” he drawled out wishing the bride and groom would hurry up and sign the blasted registrar.
“I think I know what you mean,” replied Eveline harshly before turning away in silence, trying to hide her inner turmoil.
“Yes well that’s brilliant for you,” spat Theodore turning the opposite direction and finding he was now looking at a wall, sighing he turned round again and watched the bride and groom finally re-enter the church, holding hands and following John back towards the high altar.
“Oh good they have come back,” muttered Eveline.
“Wonderful,” huffed Theodore loudly, folding his arms tightly. John quickly looked down from the altar towards Theodore and Eveline and frowned at them, unnoticed by Eveline but noticed by Theodore who groaned inwardly feeling a lecture was to come. The congregation stood and watched as the bridal party made to leave the church, John leading them out. Theodore and Eveline sat and watched the guests follow the wedding party out, until the church was empty and quiet. Eveline smiled as she folded up the rug and handed it to Theodore before getting up and making her way up the aisle towards the high altar, leaving Theodore feeling guilty and alone. The candles illuminated her soft auburn curls as she softly walked up the aisle, her long legs swaying.
Eveline knew his eyes were on her as she walked up to inspect the flowers, passing the choir boys, some of whom upon looking at her golden eyes messed up there words. Smiling at the choir, Eveline reached the flowers which stood above her slightly, reaching up she touched a pink rose lowering it down so that she could smell it. The beautiful scent filled her senses and she closed her eyes trying to calm herself down. It was outrageous to feel jealous of Isabella, and yet she did, forget William, her faithful friend, she wanted to be Theodore’s love interest, despite them only meeting this very day. She couldn’t rationalise her feelings, couldn’t analyse them in a way that made any sense to her, she just felt like Theodore stood out above every man she had ever met, he felt as though he was from a different time and place. Off course he was slightly childish at times, but in all sincerity he was a wise man, full of worldly knowledge and in possession of a kind and compassionate heart. A tiny bud of water fell from her eye as she sniffed slightly, her right hand holding on to her stomach as she tried to breath. Today had been strange, she had felt strange ever since her grandmother’s letter and the dream. Weirdly she thought to herself, this very altar reminded her of that strange and almost real dream. The presence of the strange God like man felt similar to Theodore’s presence, warm and inviting. Opening her golden eyes, Eveline gazed up at the beautiful ceiling that reminded her of the trees that lay about the lake at Keswick and smiled deeply, feeling her body calm and relax.
“I’m sorry,” Theodore apologised, coming up behind Eveline and laying a hand on her shoulder gazing down upon her beautiful, long and pale neck, hiding behind her thick, auburn curls that sat upon her delicate shoulders. Eveline shook at the touch but stayed still only turning her face to him slightly as he came closer to her.
“You have nothing to apologise for,” she whispered, letting her hands fall to her sides, brushing against her green skirt. Theodore’s hand fell away and ever so gently, nearly touched her own hand. Silently he let his hands hoover over her own, thin and petite hands, wondering if she could feel the same, incredible, almost spiritual feeling that flowed within him. Maybe it was different for him, considering his heritage, maybe she felt things differently, but they were both different from those around them, and so really they were much more alike than un alike. For a wild moment, Theodore felt as though his true identity would be revealed as an inner glow warmed him.
“I was rude,” he replied gently, his breathe winding its way in between her curls.
“So was I,” answered Eveline, her heart thudding.
“I am glad you are loved Eveline, when we part ways I shall be happy to know that you will be loved and looked after,” Theodore whispered, his eyelashes lowering.
“And I you,” mumbled Eveline, trying so hard to feel optimistic. Theodore studied Eveline’s hair, it seemed to be pinned up into curls, he wondered how long it actually was were the pins to fall out.
“How long is your hair?” he inadvertly spoke aloud, instantly cowering back in embarrassment.
“Why do you ask?” replied Eveline feeling his cautiousness, the air tightening around them.
“I.., it’s just quite beautiful,” he murmured, lifting his right hand, and sweetly tracing her hair with his index finger. Eveline didn’t know what to say to Theodore, the moment grew dark and intimate, it felt beautiful but inappropriate, especially as she was bound to another and he also, it seemed standing in front of an altar before God, flirting with another man, was somehow morally wrong.
“Like Isabella’s?” she retorted knowing this would pain him and force him to stand away. Theodore dropped his fingers understanding her unspoken plea.
“Sorry,” he whispered aloud, backing away and turning to find John closing the cathedral doors behind him, not looking at Theodore. Eveline instantly felt the cathedral darken, she didn’t know why but she suddenly felt as though the tide had changed.
“Theodore,” she whispered turning slowly. Theodore stood still, looking down the long nave of the cathedral not turning to Eveline just holding out his hand to her. Without asking or thinking she took it and stood behind him carefully.
“Eveline, stay beside me, whatever you do, do not let go of my hand,” he commanded, his eyes still on his friend who now joined his wife. “Friend, why do you close the doors?” Theodore asked John, who looked nervous.
“I’m sorry Theodore I had no choice,” pleaded John, his wife clinging to him.
“I don’t understand?” replied Theodore checking his surroundings, suddenly aware of tall figures descending from the walls, heavily cloaked and hidden beneath hoods. Eveline followed his gaze and stepped in closer to Theodore, frightened.
“Theodore, who are they?” she whispered urgently as the cloaked figures began to encircle them slowly, making no noise.
“He came to me last night, he’s been following you, I’m sorry. I should have protected you, I didn’t know that she would be here as well, if I had known,” John stuttered backing away from one of the hooded figures who stood before him. Georgiana shrieked as her husband was taken by the throat and lifted up into the air.
“My how time flies!” Laughed a dark and insidious voice coming from the cloaked figure, now strangling John.
“Let him go!” demanded Theodore now taking Eveline and making his way towards his friend, his eyes on Georgiana who was screeching at the top of her lungs, begging for mercy.
“Please, I beg of you, kill me not John, please,” she pleaded falling to her knees crying, her hands outstretched, watching as John’s face paled, his cries becoming quieter and quieter, turning into moans before he stilled. “No!” cried Georgiana as the clocked figure flung John from his presence onto the hard and cold marble floor. Georgiana crawled to his side, leaning over his body, weeping. Theodore stopped, holding Eveline close to him and looked over at the dead corpse and stood still.
“How did you find me?” Theodore asked coldly, his body straightening. The figure turned and revealed himself to Theodore and Eveline. Instead of facing a monster, Eveline found herself facing a man, yet not a man, for he was not human and yet he had the image of a human. The man was b
eautifully sculpted, his eyes black, his hair white. Eveline felt a shiver of terror run down her spine, his beauty was deceiving, for his eyes were as black as the night’s sky and terrifying, how was it that such beauty could terrify a person to their core?
“How simple you are, do you not realise Cael…, we are,” he waved his long arms around him, Eveline followed his gaze and watched in horror as gargoyles, high up on the ceiling began to move and change into men similar to those that now encircled them, “everywhere.”
Chapter III
The Invisible
Theodore could feel Eveline’s confusion at his given name and fear of the demons that now encircled them; off course she was confused anyone would be, but she, she was a prize above all other prizes to demons like Lagmar, one of the five guards of the valley, a vale in which the dark lord Lagar ruled, in Christian terms, hell. The five guards of the valley, were usually the highest ranking of demons, they occupied their time by seeking out enemies, and more importantly were tasked with assassinating members of the royal family of Heaven which included the children of Heiden and those of his bloodline, which were few. Eveline was right when she talked about man’s ability to limit God to his own understanding or agenda, the same could also be said of Lagar, or Lucifer the God of Darkness and Lord of Death. The portrayal that humanity had concocted of Hell was a far nicer contemplation than the actual kingdom itself. Hell was not a place shrouded in fire, it had evolved way beyond the concept of man. Those who fought on the side of Lagar during the battle of the heavens, now claimed a new part of the universe as their own, a new kingdom, ruled by Lagar, far more foul than the human version of Hell. Those condemned to Lagar’s kingdom were not burned by fire they were possessed by fire.
One Crown & Two Thrones: The Guardians Page 5