Her first thought that morning was "It's my wedding day!"
She felt the need to see him. She ran over to the balcony and looked to his, then looked to the beach, but he wasn't there. She sighed; it was supposed to be bad luck to see the bride before the wedding. She wondered, grumpily, who made up that piece of folklore?!
She decided to run down to the baths before the 'entourage' crashed into her room to get her ready. The ceremony was at ten o'clock this morning, so she would have to hurry. She ran down the stairs but then decided to relax once she hit the water. Floating in the warm bubbles she remembered what Peter had said about the baths after the wedding. It occurred to her, amazingly, for the first time, that after the ceremony today her body would not belong to just her but also to him. A shiver ran through her, of excitement or nervousness, she couldn't tell, nor could she think about it anymore. She hurriedly washed and went up the stairs. She looked in the mirror; she was still blushing; no wonder they talked about 'a blushing bride.' She had just finished putting on the undergarments when the knock came.
Instantly, her once quiet room became a flurry of female activity. Her dryad friend and bridesmaid, Ariana, was there to fix her hair. Felice was going to do her makeup, or, well, whatever they used for makeup here. Mrs. Beaver was bustling around talking about last minute preparations and going on about this being the first royal wedding in Narnia, all of which were increasing the amount of butterflies that were beginning to form in her mid-section.
At last, Mrs. Beaver was called away by the kitchen, something about the cake, and a mood of semi-peace settled. Ariana's light touch on her hair soothed her some. She thought back to how she became friends with the dryad. She had met with the dryads to prepare for the State dinner and had more fun than she had ever expected. They had met daily to plan and prepare. Ariana singled her out after that first day and asked if she could talk to April. They became fast friends. She was aware that the dryad who became human, whom she was descended from, was here somewhere, and wondered if she would meet her today.
Felice was putting the finishing touches on her face by adding some berry stain to her lips. It was light and looked natural, only enhancing her complexion. Her hair was finished and she was delighted. Parted on the side, it was loosely pulled back from her face and clipped far back on each side with beautiful combs decorated with pearls. The rest was loosely curled and flowed down her back. It would allow her crown to fit well on her head. Her crown! Oh my, she would be crowned queen consort today as part of the wedding! She felt the butterflies return in full force.
It was time for the dress. It was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. It was regal and elegant and unbelievable that they were able to make such a garment in two weeks. Amazingly, it was hers. She had never owned even a formal gown. They helped her into the dress and multiple petticoats. She moved over to the mirror to look at it more closely while they did up all of the buttons in the back. She didn't think they knew what zippers were.
The dress was made from white brushed silk. The scooped neckline had tiny pearls embroidered around the edges. It coordinated with the low scooped waistline. It was overlaid with a beautiful white lace and fit her slim figure like a glove. The three-quarter sleeves were made from the lace and started right at her shoulder coming to a point on her forearm. The skirt was the fullest she had ever seen. She looked over her shoulder; the train was long and curved beautifully, edged with matching lace.
The veil was made of the sheerest fabric she had ever seen. It was very soft and had a pleasant weight to it. They attached it to the combs. A portion came over her head and down to her shoulders. But her face could still be seen. The back came down the full length of the train. She did feel like a queen. She thanked her friends sincerely, telling them how much it meant to her to have them here.
Mrs. Beaver had come in and started to cry when she saw April in the dress. She walked forward and presented her with a velvet box and a vase of beautiful roses.
"Gifts from your groom," she said tearily.
April touched the roses lovingly and felt the butterflies receding. How wonderful that he would think of these things for her. She then opened the box and saw a beautiful strand of graduated pearls with matching pearl earrings. She gasped in surprise and pleasure. Her friends gushed over them and helped her fasten them since her fingers were trembling. It was the perfect finishing touch to her bridal array.
~|XxXxX|~
She stood outside the double doors to the main hall trying to stop her racing heart and slow her breathing. Ariana has just gone in and the doors had closed to allow her a grand entrance. She heard the music swell and change, and then the doors were flung open. At first her senses were dazzled; bright morning sunshine streamed in and sparkled through the magnificent stained glass window behind the dais. Flutes and lyres were pouring out beautiful music; the decorations were incredible white banners with green vines of beautiful colors strung between and around the columns, not to mention all of the people and creatures lining the carpeted aisle.
She clutched her bouquet of flowers, concentrating on holding it where it was supposed to be. Would she even be able to walk? She was trembling so much. She knew a second of panic until her eyes settled on Peter. He had moved into place at the end of the aisle, and even from this distance she could see that he was smiling at her; not just any smile, but the one he always seem to save just for her. Her trembling ceased as everything else faded from view and she saw only his eyes as she slowly moved forward.
As she neared the end of the aisle he took a few steps to meet her as if he could not wait a second longer. She looked up and saw Aslan's kind eyes on her, and felt His peace. She curtsied to Aslan, and then turned to her groom. He looked amazing wearing a dark navy velvet tunic trimmed in gold. She gave a low curtsy to him as was fitting for his rank of the High King. He held out his hand and she placed her hand in his. He raised it to his lips and bowed, his long golden cloak fluttering behind him. She moved closer to him and he lifted her veil, placing it behind her head, and whispering, "You are astonishingly beautiful!"
She flushed, making her even more radiant. He smiled at her and offered his arm. They moved as one to the remaining steps to stand before Aslan. She gave her bouquet to Ariana and turned to Peter to take his hands.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of the Emperor-Over-the-Sea, and in the presence of these witnesses to join together this man, High King of Narnia, Peter William Pevensie and the Lady of Cair Paravel, soon to be Queen of Narnia, April Elizabeth Treed in holy matrimony. If any here can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
A moment of tense silence ensued before Aslan continued, "Marriage is not to be entered into lightly. There is a verse in the book of Deep Magic that reads: 'Entreat me not to leave you, or return from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people will be my people, and your God, my God.' This woman has chosen to do this very thing for this man. And, there may be a time when he will have to do the same for her. This is true union, to follow each other through all circumstances of life."
"Peter, will you take April to be your wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her, so long as you both shall live?"
Peter gently squeezed her hands and said in a loud, clear voice, "I will."
"April, will you take Peter to be your wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him, so long as you both shall live?"
April smiled into his eyes and said, "I will."
"Having expressed your intent to one another, please repeat after me."
"I, Peter, take thee, April, to be my wife, and I promise before the Emperor-over-the-Sea and these witnesses that I will share my life with you in all love and honor, in all faith and tenderness, through joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
"I, April, take thee, Peter, to be my husband, and I promise before the Emperor-over-the-Sea and these witnesses that I will share my life with you in all love and honor, in all faith and tenderness, through joy and sorrow, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
Aslan spoke, "The unending circle of the ring symbolizes the unending vows which you are taking. As a token of your love and commitment to each other you may now give and receive the rings."
Peter turned to Oreius, his best man, who handed him April's ring. Peter gently held her hand and slid the ring onto her finger, saying "April, as I place this ring on your finger may it always remind you of my never ending love, and may it always remind me of the precious treasure I have in you. Wear this ring with joy, for your love has made me complete. I will honor and protect, love and cherish, you no matter the time or world we are a part of. From this day forward we are united in love, in faith, and in body for all of our days."
April looked at the ring. It was exquisite! A small silver band that had beautifully etched leaves in it all the way around the circle. She met his eyes and saw all of the love that he had to give in them. She could have kept staring at him all day, but there was a nudge at her arm. It was her turn. She nervously moistened her lips. She hoped she could remember what she had written for him. Overall, the service was very traditional, but they had wanted to add this personal touch to their vows. She turned and took his ring from the stand next to her. His was silver too and matched hers perfectly. He had taken care of getting the rings made by the dwarves and she was so touched that he truly meant to join her completely by wearing leaves, the symbol of her family, and the silver color of her birch dryad tradition.
She took his hand and with trembling fingers slid the ring on. His hands seem so strong and large and capable. She looked into his eyes and said, "On this day, I marry the one who shares my life, my love and my dreams." His smile grew larger at that. "Peter, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. I offer you all of my heart, my body, and my love. I join my life with yours to cherish and protect you as my husband with all that I have, both now and forevermore."
He squeezed her hands and she gave him a shaky smile.
Aslan looked at Peter and nodded. Peter turned to Oreius, who held out a small wooden chest. Peter opened it slowly and spoke.
"April, this chest contains the traditional items that Narnians exchange during their marriage and bonding ceremonies. I present to you . . . twigs for our nest." He held up three twigs; the birds in the crowd twittered excitedly and April couldn't help but smile. Peter smiled too and turned back to the chest.
"I give you rocks for our foundation," he paused for the ground digging animals to mutter and grunt. "Feathers for our bed. . ." the larger birds squawked and hooted; April blushed and Peter's smile grew wider. "Fur to line our nest," the dogs, cats, and wolves howled and purred very loudly, "Straw for our stall," the horses and donkeys brayed and neighed.
"Honeycomb for our food," the bears growled, "A flute to entertain and lighten the mood in sad times," the fauns smiled and did a little dance, "A piece of unmolded silver to remind us that our marriage will be known by the work and skill we craft into it." The dwarves said "here, here!"
"A knife to protect each other," the centaurs gave the fist-over-heart salute that was the mark of the Order of the Lion. Peter solemnly returned it. "And, last but not least, dirt to keep our roots planted firmly where they need to be." The dryads swayed and rustled their leaves.
"Will you accept these gifts as a token of my love and as a commitment to build our home here in Narnia?" Peter closed the chest and took it from Oreius and handed it to her.
She placed her hands over his. "Yes!" she said, looking at Peter and then at the Narnians in the crowd who were watching her expectantly. "I would be pleased and honored to build our home here in this great kingdom with you."
The Narnians cheered or hooted, cawed or stomped, their approval. April handed the box to Ariana who then set it on the stand provided.
Aslan spoke, "Peter and April have consented together in this ceremony before the Emperor-Over-the-Sea and the witnesses of this company. Having pledged their faith to each other and to Narnia, and declared the same by joining hands and by the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. Therefore what the Emperor has joined together, let no man or creature tear apart. Peter, you may kiss your bride."
Peter's eyes lit up; he gently took hold of her waist, pulled her to him as much as her full skirt would allow, leaned down, and with all of his heart, kissed her. She had kissed him so many times, but this was special. It contained all of the love and promise that they both had. She could have stayed in his embrace forever, but he pulled back as the crowd began to cheer again.
Aslan let the crowd get quiet and said, "And, now we crown the newest Queen of Narnia!"
The trumpets sounded. She noticed Mr. Tumnus coming forward with a blue velvet pillow in his hands. On it was a beautiful crown that was bright, gleaming silver. It was shaped like a ring of intertwining birch leaves and vines, intricate and beautiful in craftsmanship. The leaves looked so real. She looked up at Peter, tears welling in her eyes, and he smiled at her. This was his doing. She blinked away the tears as he took her hand and led her to stand in front of the throne that was to the left of his own. They looked at each other, smiled shaky smiles, and then she turned to face the crowd, and he stepped back.
Aslan's deep voice sounded from in front of her, "To the deep center of the great forest, I give you Queen April, the Gracious."
April leaned her head down and Mr. Tumnus gently placed the crown on her head. She stood and stepped back and sat on her throne. Peter was standing just beside and a little behind her and she felt more than saw his glow of joy and pride.
Aslan said, "Once a Queen of Narnia, always a Queen of Narnia. May your graciousness bless the High King and the people of Narnia for all time."
A shout went up from all of the Narnians assembled, "Long live Queen April!"
She was so overwhelmed that all she could do was smile. She had never been as filled with joy as she was in this moment. This was so far beyond anything she had ever dreamed of. She looked at Aslan and whispered, "Thank you." He nodded regally.
She felt Peter's touch on her shoulder and she looked up to see the same joy mirrored in his eyes. He held out his hand and she placed hers in his. He led her to the edge of the dais and they stood facing the crowd.
Aslan announced, "I now present to you His Majesty, King Peter the Magnificent, High King of Narnia, Emperor of the Lone Islands, Lord of Cair Paravel, Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Lion and his wife, Lady of Cair Paravel, Queen April. May the glory of your union unite and protect this great Country of Narnia both now and forevermore."
As she and Peter started to walk down the aisle, with her hand tucked inside of his arm, the entire company knelt to pay honor to the High King and his new Queen. It was the most humbling experience she could have ever imagined. Peter was watching her intently as they walked slowly and she looked up at him with wonder and amazement.
Then, they were outside in the vestibule and the great doors were closed behind them. She let out the deep breath she didn't know she had been holding. She turned to him, but he picked her up and swung her around.
He set her down and gathered her in his arms. "My love, my light, my Queen, my wife! How I have longed for this moment!"
He kissed her tenderly and gently. She was glad he was holding her tightly because she felt lightheaded with emotion.
She laid her cheek against his and said softly, "I love you so much, my King of my dreams!"
She heard him say, "I have something for you. . ."
She looked and saw him holding a ring. It was her promise, now engagement, ring. He had the diamond, which came with them into Narnia, mounted in the center of the delicate flower-like emerald petals on the silver band that had leaves scrolled on the sides. She held up her hand and he slid it on her finger next to the wedding band. She almost overflowed with tears of joy.
"As much as I would like to whisk you away, there is a party in there waiting for the guests of honor. Shall we?" he asked in a low voice, holding out his arm.
~|XxXxX|~
They were indeed waiting for them. The doors opened and they walked in to applause and cheers. The crowd instantly engulfed them as they were greeted and patted by well-wishers and creatures of all kinds. The nobles and heads of State were kind and complimentary, but reserved. Well, except for King Cor and Queen Aravis; April accepted their hugs of well wishes with great joy. But, overall, she preferred the Narnian's jubilant nature.
As they made their way through the crowd, she noticed a long table lay full with gifts. Oh my! She had forgotten about gifts. She wondered how many sticks, tufts of fur, and patches of turf were included. She smiled; pleased at the thought and kindness of what were now her subjects too.
They eventually made it to the long table that had been laid out for them to sit at, and they all feasted. April could barely eat she was so excited, and everyone wanted to speak with the new Queen; but Peter, she noticed, being the middle-aged teenager he was, tore into the food like he had not eaten in a week. She laughed and almost had the thought of how much fun this was going to be until she remembered why they were here.
Almost as if she had a premonition, Oreius and a dryad approached Peter with grave faces. The dryad looked familiar, yet she didn't think she had met her yet. The dryad turned to look at April. It was her! The one she was descended from. April couldn't speak. The General was talking in a low voice. Peter looked concerned. He stood up and turned to April with an apology in his eyes.
"I have to step out for a moment. I will be back."
"Do you need me, Peter?" she offered.
"Yes, maintain the presence here at the reception. Stall the other festivities until I return, and make light of my absence."
"Of course," she nodded.
She refused to feel slighted or upset that he was leaving during their reception. As she had just reminded herself, this was why they were here. She did hope that they would have at least some time together before the threats overwhelmed them.
When she turned around the dryad had drifted away. She so wanted to speak with her. Maybe she would get the opportunity later.
Peter returned sooner than she had expected. His expression was serious, but he pressed her hand and told her all was well; that the situation was being cared for. She was concerned and he leaned down to speak in her ear.
"There are rumors of some Narnians missing along the coast. Oreius has taken his sentry of centaurs to check it out. The dryad discovered it when she was looking for Advisors that she was summoning to the Council meeting. I trust Oreius with my life. He will take care of this. It will do us no good to worry. Let's try to enjoy ourselves not only for our sake, but for the sake of our people, and the image that we are called to present to the dignitaries."
They cut the cake together as tradition in their world stated; Peter's hand over April's symbolizing his protection of her. Then came the dancing. It was truly like a fairy tale waltzing around the large space in her wedding gown. Had it only been a little over a year since they waltzed together for the first time at the spring formal? Peter had warned her that a lot of memories from their world might start to fade the longer they were in Narnia. But, she didn't care. She had all she wanted right in front her.
After dancing many dances, most of them Narnian in nature, they moved to the balcony and looked at the ocean. Aslan had already gone. April wanted to say goodbye, but Peter told her that that was not His way. They felt a rushing of wind. It was the dryad! She had come for an update on the situation. Peter explained it to her and then she started to leave.
"Wait," he cried. She turned in expectation, assuming her human form again.
"I wanted to thank you," he began. "Not just for collecting my errant Advisors, and for your faithful service, but for all the times you were there looking out for me and I didn't know it. And, I want to introduce you to April. April, this is Sabina. Sabina, this is April. She is not just a human from my world. Do you sense anything special about her?"
The dryad looked closely at April. She nodded but looked like she wanted to leave. April guessed Sabina might be feeling a little hurt. April knew just how much Peter meant to the dryad. But he was speaking again...
"In a little over 1200 years there will be an opportunity for humans to leave Narnia and journey to my world to begin a new life there. I cannot tell you more than that, but you will fall in love with a human man and ask Aslan for a life as a human. He grants your request but leaves the essence of you inside to be passed on for generations to come. He also puts you as protector of a book that chronicles our reign from the past fifteen years."
He pulled April into his side, "April is one of your descendants. It is your essence that lives inside of her. It is you and your caring that has enhanced the deep love that April has for me and caused it to shine so brightly from her. It helped to heal my deep emotional wounds from not being a King in Narnia any longer. It was like you had been looking for me through the ages and you found me. I have seen the book and it is a treasure. Because of the book, April fell in love with me when she thought I was only a fairy tale. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart."
The dryad looked amazed and couldn't speak. It was April's turn, "I would be honored if you would dance with me at the State dinner. You can speak to your sisters and they can show you what we have been working on. I think you will enjoy it."
Sabina nodded, gave a deep curtsy to them both, and said to Peter, "It has been my honor, and . . . My pleasure to serve, King . . . Peter." She said his name in almost a lilting whisper. Then, she took on her fluid blossom form and flew away.
April stared in awe, wondering if she needed to ask him a question, but Peter slowly turned her to him. As he traced her cheek and gently let his finger fall over her lips, around her jaw, and slowly down the side of her neck, the thought flew out of her head. She closed her eyes, relishing his gentle and sensuous touch. With his other hand, he lifted her face so he could look into her eyes. When she opened hers, the look in his eyes melted her to the core. He leaned in and kissed her cheek, his lips close to her ear.
"It is our time, my love . . . are you ready?"
A/N: The wedding ceremony is a mix of the traditional and modern; many parts were taken directly from my own ceremony. However, the Narnian portion was not. :) Although I placed the items in the chest and built the words around them, the concept is borrowed from the animals giving those kinds of gifts to Edmund and Morgan in Rthstewarts' Harold and Morgan: Not a Romance.I thought it was a great idea and brings the personalities of the different groups of animals out, making them more real.
Scripture reference: (Ruth 1:10)