I Won!
Disclaimer: I do not own anything of Princess Ben - Catherine Gilbert Murdock does and I thank her for my latest "playground."
Prologue: "The Toast"
Florian, King of Drachensbett and Prince Consort to Montagne, rose from his chair at the head of the long banquet table. He looked splendid, wearing a black brocade tunic over a scarlet silk blouse and hose, with the intertwined Drachensbett Dragon and Montagne Hedgehog seal of state embroidered on his tunic in gold thread. His posture was still erect and the touch of gray at his temples, curling slightly over the edge of his crown, only added to his handsome appearance. Florian cleared his throat and everyone present became silent in anticipation of what their monarch would say.
"I welcome you all on the occasion of celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. My lovely queen and I appreciate the support and loyalty you've given us from the very beginning. The peace in our lands has proved strong and enduring for all these many years. I humbly thank you."
Quiet applause erupted around the banquet hall. Many people nodded their heads in solemn approval. Florian looked all around the room, making eye contact with many of his long-time friends and counselors. Finally, his gaze settled upon his celebrated wife, Her Royal Majesty Benevolence of Montagne and Queen of Drachensbett, or just Ben as he called her. She looked resplendent in her scarlet gown with gold trim and cut obsidian jewelry. The years had been kind to her and her gentle plumpness gave her an even more regal bearing than in her younger days. Florian's dark eyes sparkled with a mischievous gleam, and his lips twitched slightly under his salt-and pepper mustache, as Ben slightly inclined her head toward him with a smile of her own.
"The Queen, at long last, has given me permission to tell the tale of one of our most private jokes. Many of you have seen the result of this jest - that being her royal highness' most inappropriate fits of giggling at the most inopportune times. This, I must confess, is my fault entirely."
There were chuckles and twitters throughout the grand hall, as people recalled their queen's odd behavior at times. Everyone knew that the king and queen had an unusually jovial marriage, and their seven children seemed proof enough of a happy marriage bed. Now however, everyone quieted to hear the king speak. Florian was a gifted storyteller, and he never failed to amuse even the stuffiest of foreign diplomats and ladies.
"But first, I shall offer a toast!" Florian proclaimed.
"A toast! A toast!" The people responded, raising their goblets.
"To my most magnificent, intelligent, gorgeous, brave, kind, thoughtful, and loving wife Benevolence - I love you deeply and forever. I won!"
With that, Florian bent down and gave Benevolence a deep and not entirely decorous kiss, while their guests drank to their health and happiness and began to applaud and whistle loudly.
Florian stood up straight again and added, "Oh, and long live the Queen!"
Choruses of "Long live the Queen!" filled the hall, as well as more applause, as the monarchs kissed again.
A/N: This is my first fanfic for Princess Ben. I hope you like it. Please read & review. Thanks!