Chapter 8 I Choose You

18th century

The weight of the gown began affecting Deyanira as she gripped her bouquet. At the very least the seamstresses made it so she could walk with grace without having to worry about tripping on the hems.

She thought to herself, "Why did the women I've seen get married before make it look so easy? I had no idea the amount of work put into this."

But with each step, each intricate arch she passed by, each lantern that was lit up as she walked, were all a blur as she looked forward to her intended waiting by the altar. "I never imagined the boy I hated before is the one I'm spending the rest of my days with."

Her heart leapt when finally, Richard's form was closer than before. "There you are," they both mouthed to each other.

Richard composed himself before taking a step because all he wanted to do at that moment was run to his bride. For the hundredth time that day, he adjusted his golden cufflinks and made his way to meet Deyanira.

He understood why the nobles, guests, and their subjects were there. To witness the union of their future rulers. But if he were to choose, Richard would have married Deyanira, surrounded by just their closest people in a meadow far from prying eyes.

Once he was a foot away, he felt the world narrow down to just them. The magnificence and regality of the scenery faded as he gasped at the beauty of his beloved.

Richard blinked several times to hide away his tears and turned his head towards Deyanira's family. He gave them a sincere bow, showing how thankful he was and making a promise to them. The Earl and Countess returned the gesture with likewise watery eyes.

"So, Princess, here we are," he teased as he offered his hand. If Deyanira didn't know him any better, she wouldn't have noticed the way his smile was crooked. Just like her, he was nervous.

"I pray that will be the last time you call me that in private," the bride bit back as she linked her arm around his. Finally, a support for the rest of the march.

But that wasn't enough for Richard as he placed his arm by her waist to assist her better. Thankfully, the veil was there to cover the deep shade of red that colored Deyanira's cheeks. It felt the same way as when he saved her from drowning in the river.

The couple approached the altar and took their positions. However, the rest of the ceremony passed like a blur to them until the exchanging of rings.

Richard took a rose gold band with a sapphire held in place by intricate swirls. A perfect contrast to her crimson hair.

It dawned on them how much the ring signified.

Slowly, he placed the ring on her left hand as he said, "My beloved Deyanira, I take thee as my spouse. With this ring, I choose you to be my equal partner just as the sun chooses to rise across the earth each morning. In you, I have found my warmth and greatest love. I shall cherish them just as you have."

His fears of what their future had for them were gone as he knew it didn't matter as long as she was there. "Deyanira, I promise to be by your side, sharing in your pain and joy. I pledge to you my living and dying as you have my heart and spirit until the end of eternity."

In turn, Deyanira took the larger ring from the velvet cushion and put it on Richard's finger. "Richard, I take thee as my spouse. With this ring, I choose you as my equal partner just as the moon chooses to illuminate the night sky. Because of you, I have found a love that could transcend all else."

Her thumb brushed the gold ring detailed with engravings. "I vow to be your constant and unwavering support, to be the hand to hold you in trials and triumphs. My devotion and undying love are yours for forever and a day."

Not one eye was left dry after those wedding vows. Never have they heard their prince speak with such sincerity and love. They were just too overjoyed by the miracle that Richard and Deyanira had found each other.

The minister spoke with mirth and reverence, "Now you are tethered one to the other. May you find strength in your union and trust that your bond shall never be severed, be it person or circumstance. May your journey together be filled with laughter and comfort."

Expectations hummed throughout the high ceilings of the cathedral. Leah tightly held her hands together by her chest, the image of her Lady's romantic wedding about to be realized. "Here it comes, here it comes," she chanted to herself.

"So Deyanira Alexis Valen, and Richard Franz Ellis Castellane, by the authority vested in me and the promises that you declared today, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal this commitment with a symbol of your love, a kiss."

Richard's hands were shaking but he refused to show it. He nervously chuckled as he asked his new wife, "May I?"

Deyanira shyly replied, "Yes, you may."

Little by little, the prince lifted the veil that covered her face. His gaze was gentle but sparked with happiness after meeting hers. Richard dreamily sighed as he spoke with admiration, "There's the wonderful woman I've waited my whole life to be with. How is it that every time I look at you, you become more beautiful?"

She jokingly squinted his eyes at him. "Compliments? No banters from you? I should have married you right away had I known it would turn you into this."

They both laughed as their faces got closer. Their expressions soon turned into affectionate seriousness. Richard's gloved hand reached to hold Deyanira's cheek and gently pulled her closer as he lowered his head.

The tender kiss lasted a few seconds but was more than enough for the couple to let the other know of their sincerity and love. A resounding cheer erupted at the announcement that became louder once the people outside joined in.

After it lulled down, the officiant again spoke, "Your Royal Majesties, ladies, and gentlemen, it is with immense joy and honor that I present to you all, for the very first time as a married couple, Princess Deyanira and Prince Richard."

A new wave of shouts and applause rang, much stronger this time. People screamed out their greetings to the royalties as the new couple gladly skipped along the halls to go back outside where the wedding carriage was waiting to wheel them away.

From all the celebration, none heard it when someone said, "It's not yet too late for us. If we play our cards right, she might just be a useful tool for us."