Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Ever After characters. This is purely for personal reading.
Note:
Usually in a wedding ceremony from the 16th century, the woman would say the word "obey" in her vows. I will be leaving that word out.
Chapter 4 – The Wedding
The Queen and Danielle hurried to the family chapel. Once they got there Marie told Danielle to wait outside for a moment so she could check and make sure everything was going as planned. Danielle waited and was thinking how nervous and excited she was all at the same time. My God, I am getting married, I cannot believe it, she thought. Just this morning I was a prisoner to that horrible Le Pieu and now I am marrying the man of my dreams. It was all happening so fast. She was thinking how she couldn't wait for tonight, to be in Henry's arms making love to him. She wanted to feel her body next to his. The thought of that sent a shiver down her spine and her face broke into a huge smile.
Marie came out of the chapel and said, alright my dear, everyone is in their places, it's time. Let me just go take my place and then in a minute you will be walking down the aisle to my son. Congratulations, Danielle, may you both only know happiness and joy throughout your life together. The Queen had tears in her eyes and then hugged Danielle. Thank you Mother, she said.
This is it, she thought. Henry I am yours, she whispered. With that the guard opened the door and Danielle stood there for a moment and walked in. All eyes were on her. This time nobody would be ripping her dress or calling her names. This time she will be where she belongs…. with Henry. Everyone was smiling at her. Just by looking at Henry's eyes you could tell how he felt about her. I've never seen anything more beautiful in my life, he thought, as he watched his beloved bride walk down the aisle. Danielle began to slowly walk down the aisle smiling and looking right at Henry thinking how incredibly handsome he is. He was wearing a doublet made of silver threads with black breeches and black boots.
When she reached the alter they both smiled at each other and mouthed the words "I Love You". Henry held his hand out and Danielle placed her hand in his. The Priest said a few words in Latin and then said "Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honourable estate, instituted of God, and into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore, if anyone can show any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let them now speak, or else hereafter forever hold their peace. The room was silent. For a split second Danielle thought Rodmilla and Marguerite would barge in and ruin her wedding. That thought quickly passed. The Priest turned to Henry and said "Will you have this Woman to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep you only unto her, so long as you both shall live?" Henry looked into Danielle's eyes and said, "I Will forever and ever my precious Danielle." The Priest then turned to Danielle and said, "Will you have this Man to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others, keep you only unto him, so long as you both shall live?" Danielle looked into Henry's eyes and said, "I Will forever and ever my precious Henry."
Do you have the ring? the Priest asked Henry. Henry reached into his Doublet and pulled out the ring. It was a simple gold band with two rubies and a diamond in the middle. Henry's grandmother left it to him to give to his bride. Danielle smiled, she thought it was beautiful. Henry place the ring on the fourth finger of Danielle's left hand, the Priest said. Henry placed the ring on Danielle's finger and said "I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honour you. With this ring, I thee wed. The smiles on both Danielle and Henry's faces were like the brightest stars in the sky. The Priest then said to the audience, "Henry and Danielle have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a Ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce therefore that they be Man and Wife together. Henry, you may kiss your bride". Everyone was clapping. Gladly, Henry said with a loving smile.
He took Danielle in his arms and their lips gently met. Danielle was melting as was Henry. Henry looked at her and said, "I Love You my Princess". Danielle looked into Henry's eyes, and said "I Love You my Prince". Ohhh I can't believe it Henry, we are married. Yes, my love we certainly are and then he kissed her again. Everyone in the room came over to congratulate them. Both Henry and Danielle beamed with such love and happiness, the likes of which no one in that room ever saw.
May I have your attention for a few minutes, said the King. Everyone stopped talking and looked towards the King. Henry and Danielle, Mother and I wish you only happiness and love in your life. It is written: when children find true love, parents find true joy. Here's to your joy and ours, from this day forward. Congratulations! Now I hate to break this happy occasion up but you all know what is to take place now and we must hurry and get into our places in the throne room. After the trial there will be a reception for Henry and Danielle in the small banquet room.
Henry and Danielle walked out of the room kissing and giggling to one another until their faces grew serious because of what was about to take place. The attendees followed them out of the chapel.
