Although she would admit to having imagined her wedding day on more than one occasion, Jess could honestly say that the day she got was dramatically different from any of the ones she'd imagined. In fact, there was only one thing reality had in common with the most recent daydreams she'd allowed herself to have and that was the man who waited for her in front of the priest who was going to marry them.

Becker swallowed as she approached, his gaze sweeping over her as she drew nearer. Jess blushed under his scrutiny, feeling somewhat exposed in the exquisite gown she'd been given to wear by Queen Elizabeth as a thank you for helping protect Princess Mary.

Though the skirt, made of heavy velvet and dark burgundy in colour, was certainly longer and fuller than what either herself or Becker was used to, the brocade bodice with its intricate gold embroidery was a little more revealing than her usual modern day tops and dresses. The corset had been laced tightly over the simple slip she'd been given as an undergarment and gave her a cleavage she'd never dreamed she'd be blessed with.

The curve-enhancing bodice flowed into long bell sleeves with matching embroidery and Jess fought the urge to fidget with them as she came to a stop in front of her husband-to-be, who stood resplendent in a traditional uniform for one of the King's men, complete with sword at his side. He looked incredibly handsome, but her nerves wouldn't allow her to enjoy the sight.

The actual ceremony itself was a bit of a blur but whether that was because she was distracted by the rapid pounding of her heart or by the sight of the man whose hand wrapped around hers, Jess wasn't entirely sure.

She spoke when she was urged to do so, uttering the vows that would make her Becker's wife in a quiet but serious voice, finding that she meant every word. Jess held Becker's gaze, feeling her cheeks heat but somehow unable to look away, even when it was his turn to make his promises to her.

Her heart fluttered in her chest when he slid the ring that had been procured from somewhere for the ceremony over her knuckle but it wasn't because of the unfamiliar weight of the metal on her finger. No, it was the expression on his face when he did it, the look in his dark eyes as they remained locked with her own.

Dimly, she was aware of the priest announcing them husband and wife, and heard the low, congratulatory murmurings of the few witnesses to the ceremony.

It was only later, after sitting through a meal that felt like it passed both too fast and too slowly, that Jess allowed herself to think about what would happen next.

As a married couple, they would finally be permitted to be alone in the same room. It would be expected of them, in fact. Their marriage bed awaited them in the chambers that the Royal Family had so graciously supplied them with and it was the thought of that that made her mouth go dry.

She didn't expect anything to happen, of course. Not really. They would have to keep up the pretence that they were a happily in love couple in front of their peers but in private, she didn't expect the charade to continue. No matter how many times she'd replayed that kiss, over and over, in her head.

No matter how disappointed she would never admit to being at the thought of it never happening again.

All too soon, Jess found herself being led towards their room. Becker would follow, she was told by Mistress Margaret, once she'd had time to 'prepare' herself. Blushing deeply at the insinuation that she was a virgin bride, Jess could only force a smile and duck her head in order to avoid the other woman's gaze.

Declining the help of Margaret and the other giggling girls to help her undress, Jess could do little but sit on the edge of the high bed that was the main feature of the room and watch as her attendants busied themselves with lighting the fire and candles, creating an intimate atmosphere in the otherwise darkened room. She had no choice but to sit through Margaret's ministrations as the older woman carefully unpinned her hair from its elaborate style, letting it fall in loose curls around her shoulders.

With a lot of whispering and knowing looks, the small team of women left, the thick wooden door closing heavily behind them. Lowering her gaze to her hands, which she clasped tightly in her lap, Jess found herself holding her breath as the door hinges creaked to signal it being opened once again to admit her husband.

No.

He was Becker.

She couldn't let herself think of him like that. Couldn't get caught up in fantasy or illusion, no matter how tempting it was to do so.

He was Becker. Just Becker. Colleague. Friend. Potential boyfriend.

And now... husband.

Bugger.

Her heart began to race as she heard the door close with a soft snick that seemed to echo throughout the room. His footsteps, though soft, sounded impossibly loud the closer he got.

She stared down at her hands, at the ring that graced her finger, and willed her nerves not to betray her. She couldn't make a fool of herself in front of him, not when he was all she had.

Not when he meant so much

"Jess. Jessica. Look at me."

She thought his voice sounded different but wasn't sure if it was just because of the blood rushing through her ears. It sounded low, rough. Strained. Steeling herself with a deep breath, Jess looked up at him and immediately lost the breath she'd just taken.

His expression unlike any she'd seen on his face before, Becker moved towards her slowly, his gaze intent on her face as if watching for a sign that she didn't want him too. He lifted a hand to her cheek, evidently finding what he was looking for, his fingertips trailing gently over her skin as it slid to the back of her neck, tangling in her hair as his lips descended on hers.


The next part was going to be slightly more M-rated than T. There's nothing too graphic or explicit but I'm not going to post it as part of this story because of reasons (i.e. people scare me ;)) For those wanting the full story complete with the missing chapter, I'll probably post the whole thing on Archive Of Our Own once the story is complete. To everyone else, the story will continue with 'the morning after' soon enough.

Thank you all for the support and reviews and everything *hugs*