Chapter 10
Narnia
The Beach behind Cair Paravel
2:37 p.m.
"Gotcha!" he said as he leapt out of his hiding place and grabbed Ginny around the waist. He'd been trying to catch her for the past half hour as they played on the beach, each time he had come within inches of catching her, she had managed to slip through his fingers, so he had decided to take the advice of one of her guards and lay in wait and pounce on her when the most opportune moment presented itself.
Ginny shrieked in surprise when Blaise appeared out of nowhere and grabbed her but she couldn't help her laughter that followed as they both went crashing to the sand, thanks to the momentum his slightly raised hiding place had given him.
"Okay, I admit that didn't work out quite as I had expected it to," Blaise laughed as he brushed some of Ginny's hair behind her ear.
"You forgot to factor in the speed of your descent didn't you? What is it with men and not thinking things through?" giggled Ginny from where she lay on her back next to Blaise, who had propped himself up on his elbow.
"Genetic quirk," he shrugged. "It worked though cause I finally caught what I was after didn't I?" he continued with a smile.
"You've been talking to Kiya haven't you?"
"How can you tell?"
"Because you pounced on me like a cat pounces on its prey," Ginny giggled.
"She gave me a few pointers," Blaise admitted. "Marry me."
"Blaise…" Ginny began as she sat up.
"Ginny please," Blaise pleaded sitting up, placing his hand on her arm to stop her leaving. "My feelings for you haven't changed and Lucius can't torment you here. You haven't had any of the dreams since we got here."
"I know."
"Then what's stopping you? Why won't you marry me?" he asked. There was no hint of anger or recrimination in his voice, just confusion and curiosity.
"Blaise, you deserve someone better than me. Someone you can be seen in public with. I've told you to return to London and find a girl that you can make your Duchessa…"
"And I've told you, I've already found her," he argued as he took a hold of Ginny's head in his hands, caressing her cheeks. "Milady, you are my Duchessa, my Queen. I chose to come to Cair Paravel with you and I have ruled beside you these past three years and I would not change that for the world. My place is here at your side. If I was going to leave I would have done so long before now. I know that a part of you belongs to the Duke of Grey and it always will. I've accepted that but I also know that you are safe from him here. Do you love me?"
"I do. I love you more than I thought possible given everything, Blaise."
"Are you happy here with me?"
"I am."
"Then marry me, Ginny. Let me love you and care for you like you deserve for the rest of our lives," Blaise pleaded.
"Yes. Yes Blaise, I'll marry you."
Once Blaise had Ginny's answer, he leant in and kissed her, gently laying her back down on the sand, laying his body on top of hers, his lips never breaking their hold on hers.
"Blaise wait," Ginny said as she broke the kiss a short while later when she felt Blaise's hand start to work its way under her rather long skirt.
"What's wrong?" he asked in confusion.
"Not here."
"Ginny it's not like we haven't made love on the beach before and Kiya and Rickon are used to it by now, seeing as they're always with you."
"I know that Blaise but have you forgotten the number of people currently at Cair Paravel preparing for tonight's celebration? Most of those people are in the throne room as we speak; a throne room that over looks this very beach."
"Good point," admitted Blaise as he rolled off Ginny before climbing to his feet. "Let's take this someplace a little more private then," he said as he helped Ginny to her feet. "Kiya! Rickon!" he called out. Drawing the attention of Ginny's guards, who were laying down basking in the warm afternoon sun not that far away from where Ginny and Blaise were standing, he continued, "Her Majesty and I plan to return to our chambers."
"You no longer wish to mate?" Kiya asked curiously as she stretched, causing Ginny to giggle.
"Yes Kiya, we do," laughed Blaise. "Just not in view of half the kingdom."
Taking Ginny by the hand, he led her back up to the castle, Kiya and Rickon following them silently as the four made their way up to their chambers through the back corridors of the castle.
"I'm so glad these corridors are off limits," Blaise commented as they turned into the one that housed the chambers he and Ginny shared.
"Oh? Why's that?" asked Ginny curiously.
"Because it allows me the freedom to do this," he said as he pinned Ginny against the wall, his body flush with hers as he devoured her mouth.
"Mmm…bed…" Ginny mumbled when they broke momentarily for air and she managed to get out from under Blaise, at least until he caught her lips with his as they slowly made their way down the hall. He desperate to claim her where they stood and she was determined to get them at least as far as their private sitting room before giving into temptation, much to the amusement of both Kiya and Rickon, who had seen the couple perform this strange dance many times.
"This is it my Lady," Blaise said. He had Ginny pinned between him and a door as he lavished her neck with kisses.
"Then take me my Lord," Ginny moaned.
"As my Queen commands," replied Blaise as he leant over and kissed Ginny. He quickly deepened the kiss as he pressed her into the door, eliciting a moan of desire from her. Without breaking the kiss, he fumbled around as his hand searched blindly for the door handle. Finally finding the knob, he stepped forward as he turned it so he could keep Ginny pinned to the door as it opened without having to break his hold on her lips.
"Ahem," a deep growl like sound of a throat clearing echoed in the room.
"You have the worst timing Aslan," Blaise groaned as he broke the kiss, resting his forehead against Ginny's, his hands still holding her head while her hands rested on his arms.
Aslan chuckled, "This time I have brought a present though," he smiled, glancing over at Josephine who just sat there staring at them with a huge grin, before he focused on the couple once more.
"Cousin?" asked Blaise in surprise as he turned to face Aslan properly, taking in his cousin in the process, while maintaining a hold on Ginny's hand.
"I think she's in shock," Aslan chuckled once more as she continued to just stare at them.
Without thinking Ginny stepped forward and began to curtsey to Josephine but before she could really do anything though, Blaise had laid his hand on Ginny's shoulder, causing her to look at him in confusion.
"No my Lady," he said as he stepped up next to Ginny.
"Blaise, I…"
Josephine snapped out of her shock when she realized Ginny had been about to curtsy to her, rising she stepped towards the two before sinking to the ground herself, "Mi'Lady, Mi'Lord," she spoke before raising her eyes to look at them.
"Why are you here?" Ginny demanded suddenly. "Why is she here?" she questioned turning to Aslan. "Why now? Why is she here after three years?"
"My Lady," Blaise said trying to get through to Ginny before she broke down, he could hear the tears in her voice. "Shh Ginny it's alright," he soothed quietly as he took her into his arms.
Josephine looked at Aslan, unsure just how to tread here and he nodded slightly, "Ginevra, Lady Josephine is here at my request. She did not know of where you were prior to me finding her on Avalon's shores this morning. She does not have any reason to be here other than to see a beloved cousin and friend."
"I just want to be left alone," Ginny said quietly from the vicinity of Blaise's shoulder.
"I know," Blaise whispered as he kissed her temple. "You will have to forgive Ginny, Aslan, seeing my cousin has brought up some rather…painful memories for her."
"Ginny, Mi'Lady," Josephine began as she rose, "I do not wish to cause either of you pain, I know it has been three years for you, and for me it has only been three weeks, but these weeks have felt like years, I missed each of you and when Aslan gave me the chance to see you, that above all else brought me here."
"Do you want to lie down?" asked Blaise quietly as he brushed Ginny's hair behind her ear. When Ginny nodded, he bent down and picked her up. "Kiya, can you come in here please?" he called, knowing that she and Rickon were just on the other side of the door.
"Yes my Lord?" asked Kiya when she stalked into the room, a slight growl in her voice when she sensed the stress coming off her Queen.
"I'm going to put her Majesty to bed for a while. Will you lay with her?"
"Of course my Lord," Kiya agreed.
Aslan, cousin," Blaise said excusing himself as he carried Ginny through one of the doors leading off the main sitting room, Kiya following behind.
"Blaise…" Ginny began when he placed her on the bed.
"It's okay Ginny," he said sitting down beside her. "I'm not leaving you or Cair Paravel. You can't get rid of me that easily, especially now that you've agreed to marry me," he teased lightly. "I'll just be in the other room. I'll try to make Josette understand what you've been through and why you reacted like you did and try to find out what her real reason for being here is after all this time. Kiya will be here with you so you don't need to worry all right?" he said as he rubbed her cheek gently.
Ginny nodded as Kiya jumped up on the bed beside her.
"If you need anything, just call and I'll come running," he told her as he helped her lie down and kissed her forehead gently before removing her crown and laying it carefully on the dresser. He stopped briefly at the door and turned back to look at Ginny, a smile gracing his lips when he saw her wrap her arm around Kiya, who had started purring the minute she had laid down next to Ginny but upped the volume of her purr when she felt Ginny's arm around her. "Sleep well my Queen," he said before turning and stepping back through the door, closing it as he went, but making sure it was cracked at least slightly so he could hear her if she needed anything.
"Is she alright?" Josephine asked as she stood from where she had sat once more, the moment he came into the room.
"She's under a great deal of stress at the moment, given what's going on in the castle today and add to that you showing up after three years…She's afraid," he admitted after a moment.
"What's going on at the castle?" Josephine looked at Aslan in confusion, "What is happening today? I saw all the preparations when we were on the balcony, but to be honest I wasn't really thinking beyond the fact Aslan had just told me the two of you were here and brought me to Narnia's lands for the first time since I first took my place as Guardian of Avalon."
"They're preparing for the celebration that's to take place tonight. It's the three year anniversary of Ginny's coronation as High Queen in Narnia and it's surrounding lands," Blaise replied.
Josephine chuckled humourlessly as she focused on Aslan, "You neglected to mention they were celebrating the anniversary of her coronation, why do I suddenly have a feeling you sought me out today because of the coronation in two days time?"
"No, I also knew it was time to reunite you, though it had been but three weeks in your world," Aslan countered, "Do I deny that the return of Camelot and Avalon do not herald that it is time Narnia be returned to your world as well, no. But that is not my sole reason for seeking you out this day."
"I see," Josephine nodded before looking at Blaise, "Gods above you look so much older," she smiled softly, "But I still see that little boy who used to love to dip my hair in ink with Draconis," she giggled.
"I am still the boy you knew Josette but ruling these past three years at Ginny's side has changed me. It's changed her as well. You would be proud of her cousin. She is the noble you always saw her to be. She is a fair and just ruler. They call her Queen Ginevra the Benevolent because of her kind and good nature," Blaise said.
Josephine smiled, "I wish the Goddess would have let me seen it. She looks happy here, I would not wish to see her leave this place if it makes her truly happy."
"We are to be married."
"We thought the two of you may have decided to go that route when you disappeared together," she smiled, "I'm glad for you cousin, I would love to attend if she would not mind."
"Technically it might be required, as High Queen," Aslan pointed out quietly.
"I have three more days till I become High Queen, kindly do not remind me of that fact anymore than I need to be, I'm trying to forget the coronation and wedding plans I left behind when I left Avalon's shores."
"You of course are welcome cousin but I kindly request that Lucius does not attend," Blaise said, his voice going cold and hard.
"You know of the bond," Josephine surmised, "Well I suspect the bond exists, Lucius denies anything ever happened, and now with the knowledge that Narcissa had Snape as a lover before she married Lucius... it's no wonder I suspect. How did you and Ginny figure it out though?" she asked curiously.
"We've been together for three years Josette, ever since the night of her engagement party to Potter actually. That was when I first asked her to marry me. She said yes on the condition I make love to her immediately. We did but something happened afterwards to spook her causing her to run from the room and out of the castle. When I finally caught up to her we were just outside the Forbidden Forest where we met Ronan. He told us of Cair Paravel and I wasn't about to let Ginny come alone to someplace she knew nothing about. She spent the first year here terrified to go to sleep at night, even with me by her side."
She frowned, trying to figure out the pieces of the puzzle in her mind, "Oh Goddess, they're bonded, the bond exists for a reason, it would pull them together however it possibly could... even in dreams," she realized.
"I returned from a trip to Archenland and Kiya and Rickon told me that Ginny hadn't slept the entire time I was gone. She'd been up for five days straight, refusing to sleep until I returned. Being as sleep deprived as she was it wasn't hard for me to finally get her to tell me what had her so frightened about going to sleep. That's when she told me about her dreams. It was almost the same thing every night, just a slightly different location, but from what she told me it sounds like they were all places at Camelot. She said she'd fall asleep in her own bed but when she 'woke' in the dream she was with Lucius and they would almost always make love in the dream before she would fall asleep and wake up back in her own bed. She said that Lucius always claimed she was tormenting him when she begged him to stop tormenting her. He would tell her that she belonged to him. I asked her when the dreams started and she said it was after her return to Hogwarts in the New Year after the Winter Ball and they continued right up until we crossed into Narnia's borders. That's what caused her to try taking her life and why she ran from me after we'd made love at the party. She admitted to me what happened between her and Lucius both at Hogwarts when he kissed her and at the Winter Ball when he made love to her for the first time."
"Fuck," Josephine muttered before looking over at Aslan when he chuckled, "Yes, there are times when I am not very ladylike, and this is one of them," she grumbled. "Well, I guess that pretty much means I won't get to have either of you at my wedding or coronation but..." she shrugged, "Oh well, I wasn't sure how things would work out anyway once we found you two between Ginny and Tom so... perhaps it's a good thing." she mused before shaking her head, "God I swear in three weeks we've done nearly as much as you guys have in three years, are you sure we were moving at a slower rate back in England?" she looked at Aslan.
"Yes, Narnia moves faster than your world, though once Camelot and Avalon are back amongst your world the time between your world and Narnia will flow evenly once more."
"Narnia and Cair Paravel have given Ginny the safety she has sought for so long. Lucius cannot reach her here, which is her biggest fear, and you being here so suddenly after so long, the fear that Lucius is not far behind has taken hold of her once more."
Josephine sighed, "I'd ask if it would be easier for me to leave for a while and come back after the wedding in a few days time but the time change wont go in to effect until Friday for us which will be a good number of days for you since one week for us was a year for you, I can only imagine what one day for us is for you..."
"Unless you can come up with a way to block the bond from pulling them together, you will never get Ginny to leave her sanctuary here."
"Actually..." Aslan spoke up.
Friday February 13th, 1998
Camelot
Josephine's private chambers
An hour before Sunset
"How do I look?" Josephine asked as she looked towards Eva, Millicent, Pansy and Gabrielle.
"You look wonderful," Gabrielle smiled as they watched her turn her attention back to the full-length mirror. She was wearing a gorgeous creation of silk and lace, the top had long princess sleeves and a sweetheart neckline boarded by lace and pearls, part of a corset bodice that laced up on the side, pearls adorning the edges. The corset was unique in it's design, it looked like the tight part of a rose with pointed leaves, from which the fuller more elaborate 'flower' skirt came out, lace peeking out between the points with two-toned silk roses in the crevices. The skirt had a small hoop giving it fullness, a rose-toned satin silk surrounded by antique collared silk gauze splashes down over the satin, the pattern repeating itself six times around the skirt, each time it was pulled up in the middle with a silk rose at the top of the crevice, once more lace peeking out among the folds.
"Are you really sure?" she pressed while taking in the appearance of her 'companions', each of the four were dressed similarly, a dress reminiscent of the Renaissance, the dress was off the shoulders, the top half of the sleeves fitted then they flared out with a row of lace at the edge. The velvet over skirt and sleeves were a darker shade, while the silk liner, that was visible where the overskirt parted, was a lighter colour, a full hoop skirt giving it body. Eva was wearing a dark burgundy with rose pink liner; Gabrielle was in blues, Millicent in greens, and Pansy in purples.
"We're positive," Eva laughed as she moved up behind Josephine to tuck one of her curls up, her hair in a pile of large curls with ringlets falling down her back. "Come on, it's time mi hermana del corazón (sister of my heart)," she smiled as Gabrielle brought the velvet and satin cape over and they carefully set it on her shoulders before Pansy and Millicent each picked up part of the end.
Josephine smiled at them before turning and making her way from the room, Eva and Gabrielle just behind and to each side of her as Pansy and Millicent held the ends of her cathedral length 'robe'. Walking through the halls, they made their way up to the hidden balcony that overlooked the throne room where Lucius and Thomas waited, Lucius dressed in black dress slacks under a three quarter length white coat that had gold braiding at the buttons, cuffs, epaulettes and around the high red collar. He wore a red sash around his waist and a matching red ribbon in his hair holding it back in a ponytail at the base of his neck. Over the top of everything he wore a red and gold cape that was tied across his chest, over one shoulder and under the other, trailing out behind him a few feet. Thomas next to him was dressed in a similar outfit, not quite as elaborate, his sash green, but no cape.
"Good day my Lord," she smiled as she stopped next to him.
"Good day my Lady," Lucius glanced at her with a smile before focusing once more on the growing number in the throne room there to witness the coronation. One side of the room held the members of the High Council, who in a few days time would be named the Royal Council with Draco taking his father's and her place as the family representative until the day he would take the throne after Lucius. Spread throughout the room were other nobles from around the world, members of the movement, representatives from the other nations' ministries there to make their pledge to the High King and High Queen, and there to witness the wedding the next day. Off on the side closest to what would be her throne were some of the higher Priestesses and Druids from Avalon, the Lady and Merlin themselves would conduct the coronation ceremony…
"His Royal Majesty, the Great Lion Aslan, son of the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea, Great King of Narnia," the herald announced as the room fell silent in shock, and Lucius turned to look at Josephine in surprise before focusing on where everyone else looked, though Josephine was just smiling at the sight of the great lion as he made his way down the aisle towards the dais, taking a spot near the Priestesses and Druids.
"You knew?" Lucius asked as he looked at her once more.
"I've known Aslan since I was fourteen Lucia," she answered with a smile, "This is a great day for our world, and for Narnia, it has long been foretold that when Camelot's halls and Avalon's shores once more shine bright in the sun's rays, Narnia would return, the worlds united."
"Narnia really exists," Pansy breathed in awe.
"As does its Queen," Josephine smiled knowingly before the herald spoke once more.
"His Grace, the Duca di Piancenza, Royal Consort to Her Majesty, the Queen of Narnia. Her Majesty, Ginevra, High Queen of Narnia, the Benevolent, Lady of Cair Paravel, Empress of the Lone Islands, and the Royal bodyguards."
"Oh my God," echoed from the four girls near Josephine as Millicent and Pansy dropped her cape to hurry to the edge of the balcony to see as the group came into sight.
Blaise was wearing a tunic that was made of a royal blue floral brocade and had a round, wide neck that showed the collar of the undershirt. The tunic itself was basically square in shape that was seamed just below his belt and had what appeared to be a skirt of pointed box pleats. The sleeves of the tunic were two separate pieces. An upper piece that was puffed gathered and set into the arm. Below the elbow, the second part of the sleeve was snug over his forearm with some folds in the fabric. His undershirt was made of lightweight pale blue cotton, and was gathered into the self-lined mandarin collar that closed up the centre front with two gold hook and eyes. The cloak that hung around his neck was long and full, made of a royal blue woven wool. The cloak extended at either end and was wrapped around his neck, pleated three times with two to three inch pleats, set into the seam on the right shoulder, allowing the cloak to drape in gentle pleats from shoulder to shoulder and falling down the back on his right and slightly to the front on the left. The cloak was edged in a fine gold braid to complement the gold leaf embroidery that extended down both sides of the cloak as well as the gold lining. He also wore knee high royal blue boots and royal blue hose.
Ginny's dress was made of the richest red satin. The bodice had a two-inch trim of gold that ran along the edge of the V neckline, down the middle of her torso and continued around her waist, following the line of the neck, her skirt continuing down to the ground underneath. Her sleeves were in two parts. The lower part of her sleeve lay snug against her forearms and came down in a small point over her wrists while the top part of the sleeve fell to her elbow before hanging loose below it. The upper sleeve was trimmed in the same gold edging and held in place with two gold buttons. Her hair was hanging loose for the most part, except for the front sidepieces, which had been pulled back slightly. On her head sat a crown created of two sides of intricate gold scrollwork and met and dropped down in a point in the middle of her forehead where a small red ruby was nestled.
"They're older," Pansy frowned as she looked from the walk the two were making with the two cheetahs towards Aslan, to Josephine.
"Time moves different in Narnia, during the forties when Ginny's great-grandfather went to Narnia and was crowned King, what for them was decades were mere seconds in our world. Since those days time has slowed in preparation for this day, these last years in Narnia, one Narnian year is one week for us, but after today the time between Narnia will be even with that in Avalon and our world, as it was meant to be all these years." she explained.
"Oh..." Millicent whispered, "So she's twenty now and he's twenty-one?"
"Oui, and she has ruled from Cair Paravel for three years," Josephine nodded.
"Not to interrupt the conversation mi'ladies, but the sun is close to setting," Thomas spoke, the five women looked out towards the windows to see he was telling the truth.
"Wait for us in the hall; we'll be just a minute," Josephine instructed before they made their way off the balcony as she focused on Lucius, "Brother mine? Are you alright?" she asked softly as she stepped up to his side.
"I'm fine," he replied, not quite sure how he was feeling at seeing Ginny again, especially given her altered appearance and the fact that she was on Blaise's arm and he had been announced as her consort.
"They're to be married Lucia, I know it's probably the last thing you want to hear now, but I thought it best you know," she answered gently. "I still believe the two of you belong together, but he makes her happy, gives her peace to the things that haunted her," she paused, deciding not to explain one of those things was the very man next to her, "Perhaps in our next life the two of you shall find each other."
"Perhaps."
She watched him a moment before nodding, "It's time my Lord King," she smiled softly.
"Then let us go my Lady Queen," he replied as he held out his arm for his sister to take.
Josephine took his arm and they turned to the hall where the others waited, Pansy and Millicent immediately picked up the end of her cape once more as they made their way through the halls to the now closed doors of the throne room.
"You'll be fine," Eva smiled as she and Gabrielle took their places in front of her and Lucius, each of them holding a pillow upon which sat the royal crowns, hidden by a white cloth, behind them was Thomas who held another pillow, the royal sceptre.
Pansy and Millicent made sure that both of their capes were arranged to have no bumps, more important in Josephine's case than Lucius' when they walked, everyone in place, before the doors opened and the two made their way to their seats as they were announced.
"The Duquesa de León, the Vicountess de Chagny, and the Earl of Peverell," the herald announced before they made their way down the aisle.
When they had stopped at the dais, Eva next to the Lady, Gabrielle next to the Merlin and Thomas moving behind the two, the music changed and King Arthur and Queen Guinevere's song began to play, "His Grace, the Duke of Grey, and the Countess de Winters."
After a pause, they moved forward as everyone gathered rose and turned to look at them as they made their way down the aisle to the dais, Avalon on the right side with Josephine as the High Council on the left, Lucius' side, upon the dais itself, the Lady stood on Lucius' side, the Merlin on Josephine's. When they finally stopped at the end of the dais, they paused, looking up at the Lady and the Merlin stepped down to take their free hands and together the four moved up the stairs where Lucius and Josephine knelt upon a group of pillows as the Lady and Merlin moved to stand in front of them, the Lady in front of Lucius, the Merlin in front of Josephine.
"In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony," the Lady of the Lake began.
"Blessed be this day with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body. Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences. Blessed be this day with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home, the heat of the heart's passion. The light created by both to lighten the darkest of times," the Merlin continued.
"Blessed be this day with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake, the swift excitement of the river. The refreshing cleansing of the rain, the all encompassing passion of the sea. Blessed be this day with the gifts of the North. Firm foundation on which to build, fertility of the fields to enrich your lives A stable home to which you may always return."
"Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a great kingdom and a just rule. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this," he finished before he turned to pick up six cords as the Lady took Lucius' right hand and Josephine's right in her own, setting Josephine's on top of his.
"Will you be just in all your doings, see the two sides and find a way between them?" she questioned.
"We will," they answered before the Merlin took the first of the cords and laid it over the top of Josephine's wrist so it dangled over her's and down along Lucius'.
"Will you be valiant, hold true to your decisions and beliefs, even if the cost could be all you have to give, even if it be against each other, for the good of the people?"
"We will," they answered her once more as the Merlin placed the second cord, the second of the colours of the rainbow.
"In each thing you do, will you be gentle, will you treat each as you would a cherished friend?"
"We will," a third ribbon joined the first two.
"Will you give cause that they might look upon you and call you benevolent, as the High King and Queen who were kind, charitable and lived life with goodwill to all?"
"We will," they swore once more, the fourth ribbon gracing their joined hands.
"In all things will you be true?"
"We will," the fifth was placed upon their skin.
"Finally but perhaps most important, in each dealing you make, will you be honest, will you never seek to deceive, those to who you lead, to each other, and to yourselves?"
"We will," they finished in unison, the last cord, being placed upon their hands before the Lady raised their hands to the sky and the Merlin tied the six cords, the six colours of the rainbow, together around their wrists.
"The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union, but the other will be there to catch the cords and together you can stay strong. Let the other be that which holds you fast to your promises here today, when all else fails, you will be that which is always there, a light in the darkness, a beacon leading those who follow your guidance to safety," The Lady spoke before stepping away as she left their hands raised slightly, a moment later the cords disappeared, but upon the skin around their wrists were an intricate tattoo of the six colour cords.
Turning, the Lady removed the cloth from Eva's pillow, picking up a gold crown with five Fleur de Lys, each with a different stone at the centre of the emblem, it was said the five represented the five continents which people resided upon, besides Europe that Camelot ruled over: Africa, North and South America, Asia and Australia.
At the same time, the Merlin turned and pulled the cloth from Gabrielle's pillow, picking up the crown created in Avalon, an elegant piece to represent the land to which Josephine would be responsible, and the sight given to her by the Goddess. The overall appearance looked like an eye, formed by what looked like a stalk of wheat along the bottom created by diamonds and yellow gold, and two 'stalks' reaching towards each other at the top that didn't meet. In the space between them, the eye, were elaborate leaves of diamonds and silver, holding up a large yellow diamond, the size of a child's palm, in the centre of the 'eye', the space directly above the stone was open, the space where the two 'stalks' didn't meet further above the stone.
Together they turned back towards those gathered and held the crowns above Lucius and Josephine's heads, before lowering them, "Rise, High King Lucius, High Queen Josephine, long may your rule last," they spoke in unison before stepping back, those gathered beginning to clap as they carefully rose, turning towards each other as Lucius took Josephine's other hand within his and they faced those gathered, both nodding and smiling until Lucius finally raised his free hand asking for silence.
Turning towards Josephine he smiled, "My Lady Queen," he began as Thomas stepped forward and Lucius stepped back to remove the cloth covering the sceptre, an elegant creation of gold, diamonds, rubies and sapphires, with the centre diamond the size of an ostrich egg, "In times past protocol stated that none could come before the King unsummoned, even the Queen, to do so was death unless the King were to lower his sceptre," he explained as he picked it up before facing her, "I give this to you, so that you can always come before me without fear," he smiled as he handed her the sceptre.
Josephine managed to get her head working before too much time had passed, inclining her head, "Thank you my Lord King," she answered, that had not been part of the plan before hand… she would seriously need to smack him later. Turning she handed the sceptre to Gabrielle for the moment, as she heard the movement from the Priestesses and Druids, turning the other direction she walked the few feet to meet them, taking the sword in it's enchanted scabbard in her hands before making her way back to the dais and Lucius' side. "My Lord King, a gift from the Goddess and Avalon," she spoke as she sunk down to kneel at his feet as she held the sword up in both hands.
Lucius reached out with one hand, grasping the centre of the sword and scabbard before lifting it from her hands, then grabbing her hand before she could lower it with his free hand, pulling her to her feet, "You bow before no one my Lady Queen," he spoke quietly, but a slight threat just lacing his voice. She nodded before stepping back as he turned his attention to the sword, grasping the hilt in his hand and pulling it from the scabbard, raising it, the last rays of the setting sun catching its blade and the light reflecting through the room.
"So it is done," Josephine whispered, the Lady and Merlin speaking in unison with her as they watched the light play on everyone's faces, but more importantly on Lucius' as he stared in awe at the blade, before he finally lowered it. Josephine followed his eyes as they moved towards those gathered for a moment, before they flicked away quickly, not surprised to see they had rested on Ginny, Blaise and Aslan, though it was the first that she knew was no doubt the object of his gaze.
"Long live King Lucius, long live Queen Josephine," Aslan called suddenly before the cheer was caught by the others and echoed through the hall as Lucius returned Excalibur to it's scabbard and took her free hand as she reclaimed her sceptre so they could make their way from the throne room to the Grand Ballroom.
Friday February 13th, 1998
Camelot
The Grand Ballroom
9:27 p.m.
It had been hours since the coronation itself, hours spent making their way around the Grand Ballroom receiving greetings and pledges, dancing, and the announcement of the High Council being named the Royal Council, in total there were thirteen of the members of the former Council, with the House of Rosewood and House of Zabini no longer having a representative, at least for the time being; and the House of Grey and Winters were now combined to be represented by Draco on behalf of all of the titles in their family. Dear Jozséf was made Josephine's Royal Advisor, receiving the title of Count or Graf in his native Hungary, and passing his Baronet on to András. Some of the nobles Josephine knew from America were given places on the Royal Council as well, representatives from all of the five continents.
It was not long after they had moved from the Throne Room to the Ballroom that Ginny and Blaise found themselves surrounded as it were, Millicent, Pansy, and Gabrielle all sinking to a curtsy before them before Ginny bid them to rise, before anyone had a chance to say anything the three had wrapped their arms around Ginny in a four way, with three active participants, hug before they stepped back quickly with a sheepish look and apologized.
"We've missed you," Gabrielle smiled before raising a hand to wipe at the tears gathering in her eyes. "God I'm not supposed to cry, it will kill my makeup," she sniffled and giggled slightly at the same time.
"What she's trying to say is we've missed you like hell, please no more disappearing off the face of the earth."
"Not that we're upset," Pansy rushed to explain, "We get that there was stuff you needed to do and obviously you found where you have to be and you look happy, if not a bit tired but hey who isn't tired right?"
"I think what our three ramblers are trying to say is it's wonderful to see you Milady, and we are very happy to see you happy and in no way are upset with you over anything that you might think we could be upset about," Eva spoke as she walked up to join them, sinking down in a curtsy before Ginny and Blaise.
"You may rise Duquesa de León," Ginny said, her voice and manner distant.
"You look wonderful Milady, Cair Paravel's shores have been good to you," Eva smiled as she stood, "And you milord," she inclined her head towards Blaise, "these three weeks while busy and frantic, have been hard without the light you both bring to all of our lives."
"Those are kind words Duquesa and while I'm sure you mean them I find them terribly hard to believe," Ginny said as she felt Blaise's hand rest on her shoulder, offering her what comfort and support he could.
Eva smiled sadly, "There is nothing we can do to give you the belief you once had in us again is there?" she asked softly, "It seems to me, that the only way might be to prove to you that we would never leave you by doing just that, being around whenever you need us and quite possibly driving you nuts showing up to the point you want to strangle us to get rid of us," she smiled slightly.
"We could always show up one day with Richard Gere and Antonio Bandaras," Gabrielle offered with a smile.
"You'll have to forgive us, but we're not accustomed to this type of gathering anymore," Blaise said. "The Narnians are a much simpler people and we've taken to that way of life. Neither one of us has even touched a wand in three years.
Eva smiled, "Between the six of us, while we may all love a ball, we much prefer a quiet get together. And there is nothing to forgive my friend, for there is no need to ask for forgiveness. The fact you have not used a wand in three years does not make you less in our eyes, in truth it makes you more, and you've gone three years without the use of magic, whereas many of us have not gone a day. If anything that makes you stronger than us."
"It was not my intention to worry any of you," Blaise said. "But I couldn't leave Ginny alone when she needed someone most."
"Don't," Gabrielle shook her head, "Cousin of my heart, any worry we had, and yes there was some, was a lot less because we knew the two of you were together and you'd keep each other safe. What's done is done, the three years for you and three weeks for us, we can't change it, even if we want to get rid of the pain, we'd loose all the good stuff too. So what I say is that we start again, right here, right now. We cherish the time we have and vow to stay together as long as the Goddess lets us you know?"
"We are returning to Cair Paravel after the wedding tomorrow," Ginny said quietly.
"Well," Pansy shrugged, "We hear that time's going to be moving the same now that Camelot and Avalon are returned to us, so who's to say we can't just send you a letter one morning cause Gods know there's going to have to be some way to communicate between here and there, and ask if you want company for a few hours that afternoon."
"I'm afraid we may be quite busy for the next while and not be able to get away from our duties," Blaise said.
"Honestly, we don't care if it takes a few years, we just want to be able to spend time with you guys again and you'll probably end up getting regular letters from us... but we do know how busy things can be, if we didn't before the truth about Camelot came out, we really know after trying to help poor Josette plan a wedding and two versions of a coronation while she was waiting to find out just who would be crowned today," Millicent explained, her voice dropping as she mentioned the plans Josephine had been having to make. "And that was while juggling her regular duties to Avalon and Camelot and driving everyone in charge of looking for you guys nuts by checking the progress every five minutes practically."
"Everything all right?" Blaise whispered curiously when he noticed Ginny trying to look around the room, without actually looking around the room.
"I feel like I'm being watched," Ginny replied just as quietly, turning to look at Blaise, keeping her face turned from the others. "And I'm really not that comfortable in this room, this is where…"
Blaise took one look in Ginny's eyes and knew immediately what she was referring to. "If you'll all excuse us," he said nodding at the others. "Kiya, Rickon," he called, the two cheetahs rising and walking over to stand beside the couple.
"Yes my Lord?" asked Kiya.
"Her Majesty is in need of some fresh air," Blaise said.
"Of course, we shall accompany you," Kiya said.
"Ladies," Blaise said, nodding to the others before escorting Ginny through the Ballroom and out into the heated garden, the two cheetahs accompanying them.
Draco had been by his Aunt's side, having a discussion with Ichiro Miyamoto, the long standing member of the High Council, and now member of the Royal Council, from Japan, when he saw Blaise and Ginny making their way quietly from the room, "Forgive me Miyamoto Hakushaku, my Lady Queen," he nodded to them, "But I must beg your pardon and take my leave."
"Of course Draconis-san," Ichiro smiled.
"Draconis," Josephine smiled, "Tell them hello for me and I hope to have a chance to come speak with them soon."
"Of course my Queen," he smiled before inclining his head to both of them, then turning to follow the two into the gardens. "Oh crap," Draco groaned when he was stopped by one of the cheetahs, before looking up at the sky, "Is there some sort of universal law that the best protection for a queen is a large cat law that I missed out on?"
"Rickon, you can let him through," Blaise called out, the cheetah stepping back to allow Draco to pass.
"Thanks," Draco smiled slightly at the cheetah before making his way towards where Blaise and Ginny sat on a bench, her head on his shoulder, the other cheetah with them, "Milady, Milord, I ask for a moment of your time," he spoke as he neared them, bending to bow before them as he stopped a few feet from them.
"What can we do for you Draco?" asked Blaise curiously. Kiya let out a low growl in warning before resting her head back on her paws as she lay at Ginny's feet.
"I wanted to apologize, to both of you."
"Draco Malfoy apologize," commented Blaise in surprise.
Draco chuckled slightly, "I know, I was more than a little bit of a prick wasn't I?" he sighed. "These last three weeks, a lot has happened, finding out about my mother and Snape..." he sighed and shook his head, "I suddenly had to face a lot of the things I have done, there are a lot of things I regret, though honestly picking on Potter and the youngest male Weasley aren't one of them..." he shrugged, "But what I did to you Milady, that is possibly my greatest regret, second only to never seeing my mother for who she really was."
"I'm confused," Ginny said quietly, her head still resting on Blaise's shoulder. "What did you do to me?"
"And what are you talking about with you mother and Snape or seeing her for who she was?" asked Blaise curiously.
Draco glanced between them before sighing, "Which story would you like first?"
"Start with Ginny's," Blaise said.
Draco nodded, "When Pansy and Millicent first began to hang around you, I refused to see you for who you really were, letting my anger with your brother and Potter especially influence my behaviour. I didn't care that you were Josette's new companion or that she intended to help you come among the nobles, but the idea of a Weasley, anyone related to Ron, being a high noble... I'm afraid what I did can never be forgiven."
"I believe since I'm the one that was wronged, forgiveness is up to me to decide. What did you do Draco?" asked Ginny.
"I told Simeon that you were the child of a peasant, seeking a noble husband for the prestige."
"That would explain his rather abrupt change in treatment of me," observed Ginny quietly. "Draco, your actions at the Winter Ball set a series of events in motion that caused me a lot of pain and heartache."
"I'm fairly certain simply saying I'm sorry would never make up for even the smallest amount of pain and heartache it caused you," he nodded.
"No it wouldn't but Draco it led to something that has made a huge impact on my life and for that I must thank you. Because of Simeon's treatment of me and the events that followed, I somehow ended up with this man beside me insisting he follow me to Cair Paravel and he has been by my side ever since for the past three years."
"I'm glad that something good has come from my mistake," he smiled
"Now what's this about your mother and Snape? You do mean Professor Snape right?" asked Blaise.
That's the one," Draco nodded. "It appears Josette's long standing belief that my mother was having an affair was true. Josette and I went to get her for dinner with," he paused to glance around and ensure they were indeed alone, "with Horacio, Eva, Eva's parents Diego and Elena, and Thomas to celebrate Thomas' claiming of the Peverell Earldom. Josette tried to convince me it wasn't worth it, she heard the moans before I did, not quite sure how but she did. My mother had neglected to use any silencing spells, when she screamed a few moments later I jumped to the conclusion that something was wrong and ran into her rooms with Josette on my heels. The last thing I expected to find was her and Snape in an exceedingly compromising position that fortunately I've had erased from my memory," he shuddered. "Unfortunately finding out that my mother had been having an affair with Snape of all people since before she married Father wasn't even the worst event of that night."
"They never bonded?" asked Ginny quietly.
"No, she's been bonded to Snape all these years."
"Excuse me," Ginny said as she rose to her feet suddenly, causing Kiya to jump to her feet, as Ginny stumbled away from them, her hand over her mouth.
"Ginny wait!" Blaise called as he rose and went after her, catching her by the arm a moment later, turning her around and pulling her into his arms. "Shh, it's okay. It doesn't change anything. I'm not leaving you and you know what Aslan said," he soothed as he rubbed her back.
Draco slowly came up behind them, "Is there anything I can do?"
"Keep any thoughts you may be having about her reaction to yourself," Blaise said.
"The only thoughts I was having was if I could help," he countered quietly.
"Do what you can to help me keep Ginny away from your father," Blaise said.
"I'm taking a guess yours are the tents that were put up earlier this afternoon amongst the tents of Avalon," Draco asked.
"They are," agreed Blaise. "We'll be leaving after your Aunt's wedding tomorrow. I want to get Ginny back to the safety of Cair Paravel as quickly as possible.
"A good plan," he nodded, "I know another way to get from the Grand Ballroom to the hill where the tents are without having to go through the main entrance."
"Thanks," Blaise said. "Come on Ginny, I think it's time we got you to bed."
Ginny nodded silently in agreement as she allowed Blaise to take her hand.
Draco moved ahead of them to keep an eye out for his father as they moved back into the ballroom.
They were stopped as they made their way through the room. "Your Majesty, will you do me the honour of sharing the first dance?"
Ginny swallowed nervously before turning around, aware of all the eyes on her. "Of course my Lord," she said with a curtsey.
Draco exchanged a look with Blaise, both silently concerned about the very thing they had been trying to avoid happening before their eyes, and cursing out the whole can't say no to the King thing, while across the room Thomas led Josephine to the dance floor.
"You presume too much my Lord," Ginny said quietly as she stepped back, having recognized the music as being King Arthur and Queen Guinevere's song that begun to play moments before.
"Ginevra wait," Lucius demanded as he took a hold of her arm when she had turned to walk away from him, preventing her from leaving.
"Do not address me so informal my Lord," Ginny snapped coldly as she turned back to face Lucius, her guards quickly at her sides growling. "Narnia may bow to Camelot but that does not change the fact that I am High Queen of Narnia, Empress of the Lone Islands. You will address me as fits my station my Lord and you will remove your hand from my person before my guards do so for you."
Seeing the two cheetahs stalking in a circle around them, keeping everyone else at bay, Lucius quickly released his hold on Ginny. "I meant no disrespect my Lady."
"Then perhaps in future you should give more thought to either your choice of music or your choice in dance partner," Ginny said, turning once more to make her way back over to where Blaise was standing.
"Is this feeling something real or will it disappear?" Lucius asked Ginny's retreating back, causing her to stop in her tracks.
Ginny couldn't believe she had just heard Lucius utter those words once more. Turning she stalked back over to where Lucius still stood, slapping him as hard as she could, the sound echoing in the suddenly silent room. "How dare you," she hissed angrily. "Do you think I don't know where I am? The significance of this room? I know exactly where I am and what happened here so many nights ago my Lord and I also remember your words from many nights before that. Well, I have tried to do as you demanded. I have tried to forget that night, to pretend as if it never happened. I've even tried to keep my distance from you, again like you demanded, and yet you have proceed to torment me in my dreams, refusing to leave me alone like you demanded of me. You weren't even bonded to your wife when…"
"Majesty," Blaise said interrupting Ginny's tirade as he placed his hand on her shoulder. He had been the only one Rickon and Kiya had allowed to pass by them and near the couple. "Perhaps it would be best if we retire for the evening," he suggested quietly.
Without a word, Ginny turned away from Lucius, allowing Blaise to wrap his arm around her waist and lead her out of the room, Kiya and Rickon taking up position on either side of the couple, growling at the guests as they made their way by.
After leaving the ballroom, Blaise led Ginny back to where the Narnian tents were situated. Once they were back in the safety of their tent, Blaise turned to their guards, "Kiya, will you please find Aslan and tell him I'd like to see him as soon as he's able, tonight if possible."
"Of course my Lord," Kiya said before leaving the tent and making her way back towards the castle.
"Rickon, her Majesty and I wish to be disturbed by no one except for Aslan."
"Yes my Lord," Rickon said as he made his way out of the tent, taking up guard position in front of it.
"Did you know?" asked Ginny quietly once they were completely alone.
"I had my suspicions but I didn't know how it would even be possible. Like you and everyone else, I believed Lucius to be bonded to Narcissa," Blaise said as he rubbed Ginny's arms comfortingly. "It doesn't change anything Ginny…"
"He is right Ginevra," Aslan said interrupting Blaise as he entered the tent. "The night's revelations change only those things that you wish for them to change."
"I love you Ginny. That hasn't changed nor has my desire to make you mine forever. Unless of course, you've changed your mind."
"Blaise never," Ginny told him as she took his face in her hands. "Don't ever think that. You are my lifeline, my love…"
"Then marry me," Blaise said, taking her hands in his. "Here. Now. Let Kiya and Rickon be our witnesses."
"But…"
"Do you love Blaise Ginevra?" asked Aslan quietly.
"Yes of course I do. I love him with all my heart and soul," Ginny replied.
"And you Blaise, do you love Ginevra?"
"More than I thought possible. I would die for her."
"Then from this moment on, the two of you shall be as one. One heart, one mind, one soul until the end of your days," Aslan said before gently blowing on their hands.
Looking down, Blaise and Ginny were surprised to see that matching gold bands had appeared on their left ring fingers. "But…"
"Do not worry Blaise; all of Narnia will be overjoyed at the news. They have been waiting for this day for three years."
"I don't understand," Blaise said in confusion.
"Kiya, Rickon, come here please." When the two cheetahs were sitting in front of Aslan, he continued, "Perhaps one of you could explain it to them."
"All of Narnia has watched you since you first arrived at Cair Paravel," Rickon said. "It is no secret in all of Narnia how much you love and care for Queen Ginevra and how much she loves and cares for you in return. We have watched her suffer through your absences, no matter how long or short they may be, and we have seen how you put a smile on her face and a laugh in her heart simply by being with her. While you may not have worn the crown of the King of Narnia, you have been our king in the hearts and minds of all who call Narnia home."
"I knew your great-grandfather well Ginevra. He would have been pleased with your choice in a man such as Blaise and he would be proud to call him his grandson. From this moment on you shall be known as King Blaise the Steadfast, High King of Narnia and Emperor of the Lone Islands," Aslan said. "The bond the two of you have formed today will outshine and out power all bonds before it."
"Does that mean that…that I'm free? That I'm free from the bond with…"
"Yes Ginevra. As long as you stay true to the promises made here, you will be free of the bond formed the night of the Winter Ball. As long as your love lasts, that is the only bond upon you," replied Aslan.
"Mother Goddess thank you," Ginny said with a huge smile of relief.
"You're free!" Blaise cried as he wrapped his arms around Ginny and pulled her into a tight embrace before picking her up and swinging her around. "By the Goddess you're free, and you're mine," he laughed.
"I shall take that as my cue your Majesties," Aslan said as he turned to leave. "I shall leave you to your celebrations. I have a message full of happy news to send after all," he chuckled as he left.
"I'm free," Ginny said happily from where she was still in Blaise's arms, although her feet were back on the ground, at least physically they were on the ground.
"And you're mine, my Queen," Blaise said resting his forehead against Ginny's.
"Forever my King," Ginny said as she leant up and kissed him.
Saturday February 14th, 1998
Camelot
Josephine's Private Chambers
11:30 a.m.
After Ginny and Blaise had left the ball, Josephine had walked over to her brother and quietly told him to retire for the night, sending Draco after his father to talk to him as she turned her attention to damage control as it were. By smacking Lucius, Ginny had broken a great deal of protocol, truth be told protocol that could require her death as punishment. But those gathered were all loyal nobles and she was able to keep everything from blowing up. Those there who figured out the very obvious implication that Lucius and Ginny had been in a relationship that ended badly found it understandable, and it was simply decided it would never be mentioned or talked of again. Fortunately the decision was made without her having to cast a number of memory charms.
After she had seen everyone retire for the night, and double checked the arrangements for the wedding ball and wedding celebrations to take place on the hillsides outside the castle with the servants and the house elves, she made her way towards her brother's chambers, finding him awake and nursing a glass of brandy. She had made her feelings clear on the matter, understanding his actions to a degree but the fact he did them in the middle of a ball in front of a good number of people, Lucius had glared at her, pointing out he had already realized what he had done and didn't need the lecture, but smiled as she left, knowing she was doing it in part because she cared for him, in part because she cared for Ginny as well, both factors more important than the political aspects, though she was thinking about those as well.
And now it was her wedding day…
"Are you ready?" Eva asked with a smile as she knelt next to Josephine as she sat at her vanity.
"Are you sure this isn't a dream?" she whispered as she reached up to touch one of the jewels that had arrived that morning.
When she had been woken for the milk bath and treatment of oils that morning by her maids, she had found three boxes waiting, one from Gabrielle's father, on behalf of her grandfather's family, a white gold and diamond bracelet that took her breath away, there had to be over a hundred stones, pear and round cut, the pear ones had to be five carats at least, the rounds at least a carat that comprised the band of the bracelet with a large pear diamond at the centre, from her knowledge of stones she knew it had to be at least fifty carats though she suspected it might even be close to seventy.
From Blaise, how she didn't know he had managed it, she had received a set of earrings, the note included told her they had been their great-grandmother's, small five carat pear diamonds rested in her ears, the points down towards a carat round, under that was the tip of a larger pear diamond, the two large stones each about forty-five carats, she was suddenly very thankful for the fact they had spells that made heavy things feel light, because with the jewellery and her crown alone she had to be carrying around a good thirty pounds on her head and neck…
The last box had been from Lucius, a part of the family vault she had never seen before surprisingly, inside had been a yellow gold necklace of over four-hundred oval and marquise white diamonds in a leaf pattern, at it's centre a 104-carat pear diamond, a brown diamond. She had never seen a diamond that had such a rich golden brown colour to it before, it was that that she rested her fingers against as she stared at herself in the mirror while Gabrielle carefully fixed the headdress to her curls.
Her hair was once more a pile of curls, though this time they all fell down her back, curved against the back of her head was a large silver butterfly, the tips of its higher wings attached to an elaborate scrollwork design of silver that met in a point over her proverbial third eye. Just about the halfway point on the scrolls, next to both of her temples, were dozens of drapes of Austrian crystals, each of various lengths, that were attached to various points along the scrolls to where they met the tips of the higher wings, then the rest were attached to the tips of the lower wings.
"You know, when I marry, remind me to go with simple," Pansy teased as she joined them, Josephine's cape in her hands.
"Unless you marry Draconis, or Aleksey," Josephine shrugged as she rose; her nephew and Aleksey Romanov, the Kniaz of Sibirsky, a prince in his own right were the only unmarried royalty in their world now.
"I doubt I'd be a suitable match for the Prince of Sibirsky," Pansy chuckled, "We all figured you would have ended up married to him before Thomas came into the picture."
Josephine and Eva chuckled, "We've known Aleksey since we were all children; we used to joke that he and Josette would marry when they both finally decided to settle down, for there was really no one out there who would fit both Lucius' and her own requirements."
"Poor Alek now has to find a Princess who will live up to his," Josephine smiled while Eva and Gabrielle lifted her hair so Pansy and Millicent could fit her cape to her shoulders, her hair being laid back down along the back, "Tell me you aren't going to spend all day making sure the butterflies are just right," she teased when she could still feel them moving her curls around, the same butterflies she had in her hair at the Winter Ball once more made their home among her curls.
"Stop complaining, things have to be perfect," Eva countered, "The Goddess knows you poked and prodded me forever before my wedding."
"That was my job, I was your attendant," Josephine shot back.
"Well I don't get to officially be yours but I'm still going to poke and prod you," Eva grinned as she walked around to Josephine's front, embracing her gently, "You're a beautiful bride mi hermana del corazón (sister of my heart), Thomas will be speechless."
"That's the point isn't it?" Millicent chuckled as they moved to place her veil and crown.
The celebration for the coronation the day before had been magnificent, and yet somehow in Lucius' mind, it paled in comparison to how things were today. The path formed by the crowd that led all the way outside where Thomas, and later Josephine, would arrive by carriage, was literally a sea of rose petals: deep blood red, lavender that seemed to shine in the light, the brightest yellow, the deepest orange, pale green, petals the colour of the sky…
Lucius was dressed in his full royal regalia, Excalibur at his side as he waited for first his soon to be brother-in-law, then his sister to arrive. When a cheer rang out from outside, they knew one of the two had arrived, and a few minutes later Thomas appeared in the open doorway and made his way down the aisle as those gathered cheered, Lucius smiled, not quite sure how the man was even able to walk through the sea of flowers, he had come from a side entrance to avoid the pesky things.
By the time Thomas had reached the dais, Lucius had been joined by Draco who held the simple silver scroll-design circlet, identical to Draco's save for the fact Draco's crown as Prince was gold. Thomas kneeled in front of them before Lucius turned and took the circlet from Draco, holding it in the air above his head before slowly lowering it as a quiet cheer filled the room.
Thomas rose and joined the three of them on the dais, Thomas on Lucius' left, Draco on his right. Almost as if it had been planned, the cry from outside echoed, louder than the one that had come before, signifying Josephine had arrived. Lucius smiled at the breath of air Thomas sucked in when Josephine first came into view. At first all they could see of her appearance was the white Victorian gown, a lace veil pinned to her hair much like the Spanish mantilla Eva had worn at her own wedding, her face uncovered, and her crown atop her head.
Smiling, Josephine made her way down the aisle, holding her skirt just enough so the petals didn't become a hazard, that wasn't to say she didn't feel them getting caught by the fabric at the back of her dress and her cape, and her veil…her dress was gorgeous, Elena and Eva had been responsible for it. Victorian in style, it was made of pure silk with an elaborate hand-embroidered corset; the bodice hand beaded embroidered silk. There was a line of diamonds, softened by delicate lace that bordered the neckline, shoulders and back, the dress off the shoulders and her back bare save for the silk ribbons that crisscrossed her back, tied off in a bow at the small of her back. In the centre of the bodice, right between her breasts was an intricate diamond design, the bodice ended in a 'V' waistline in both the front and back, the sleeves were fitted to her elbows before flaring out in cuffs with embroidered lace as the under cuff, adorned with silver and pearl brooches. The skirt was more silk, opening in the centre to show the same silver embroidered and beaded silk as the bodice, Victorian lace ruffle bordering the bottom of the skirt with a hoop skirt and petticoat and crinoline underneath.
On her shoulders was a silk cape, white like her dress, the hood down to rest on her back, it was lined with a shimmering silver fabric and had lace trimming along the bottom, it clasped above her breasts with matching brooches to the ones on her sleeves. Covering her hair was a cathedral length lightweight lace veil with a white rose pattern, diamonds and pearls. She didn't carry a bouquet, the flowers she was moving through in her ballet slippers and the petals those gathered were throwing in the air to fall over her more than enough.
Finally, after hours it seemed, she reached the steps of the dais, Thomas reaching out as she raised her own hand to rest it in his as she moved up the steps until she stopped in front of him as he smiled. Turning he took the ring that rested on the pillow Draco had, then raised her hand to his lips before slipping the diamond ring on the her left ring finger. Tilting her head she met him as he leaned down to kiss her gently, the cheer from those gathered loud enough to be heard outside as it travelled to those gathered on the hillsides.
After a small ceremony in private with the Lady and the Merlin, Lucius and Draco as witnesses, where Josephine gave Thomas his ring, they made their way up to the bridal suite, where a sea of red rose petals covered the floor, candles the only light in the room as he led her past the numerous sheers of fabric hanging from the ceiling.
"My Lady Queen," Thomas smiled as they stopped near the bed, she turning to face him before he captured her lips in his, "You have no idea how hard it was to stay away from you," he laughed joyfully.
"You?" she countered with a smile before tilting her head up to capture his lips. "I thought you were nuts for wanting the wedding so soon, but the thought of another ten months…"
"Impossible," he agreed before kissing her again. "I love you my lady."
"And I you my lord," she smiled as she reached up to caress his cheek, noticing her ring in the candlelight. "Remind me to kill you later," Josephine said as she smiled as she looked at the ring, the main diamond the size of a robin's egg, and two smaller two-carat stones on each side, set in white gold.
"Kill me later," he smiled before capturing her lips and pulling her the last few feet towards the bed, pulling her down to sit on the edge with him. "Spend eternity with me?"
"As long as the Goddess gives us," she promised before reaching up to pick up her crown and set it on a side table, then releasing the pins that held her veil as she removed his circlet. "Make love to me my King."
"Every day my Lady Queen," he whispered before gently pushing her down onto the bed.
Saturday February 14th, 1998
Camelot
Outside The Grand Ballroom
7:52 p.m.
The celebrations had lasted all afternoon as the newlyweds remained ensconced in the wedding chamber, no one expected to see them until just before they were due to arrive at the Wedding Ball, and their predictions were proven true when they finally made their way down the stairs to where the other royalty waited.
Lucius smirked at his sister and friend; the two dressed as they had been at the official ceremony, save that Josette wasn't wearing her veil, her crown resting against the circlet of her headdress. "My Lady Queen, my Lord," he greeted with a smile.
"My Lord King," Josephine smiled, "My Prince," she nodded towards Draco before focusing on the other royalty gathered with them, "My Prince," she smiled at Aleksey Romanov, "My Lady," she continued to Gabrielle who was there, considered royalty as the Queen's closest female relative, "My Lord," she finally focused on Blaise, "Queen Ginevra is unable to attend?"
"She returned to Cair Paravel this morning My Lady Queen," Blaise explained.
"Understandable," Thomas nodded.
"When you return, please ask her to write and let me know when I might call upon her," Josephine asked, Blaise nodded before focusing on the herald as he looked at them.
"You may proceed," Lucius instructed as the six took their places before the doors opened.
"His Royal Highness, the Kniaz of Sibirsky and her Royal Highness, the Princess de Chagny."
"You shouldn't be planning what you're planning my Lady," Thomas whispered in Josephine's ear.
"I'm not thinking anything my Lord," she countered quietly.
"His Majesty, Blaise, High King of Narnia, the Steadfast, Lord of Cair Paravel, Emperor of the Lone Islands."
"When did Blaise become King?" Draco asked curiously as he looked at his father, aunt, and her new husband.
"They must have been married by Aslan last night," Josephine answered.
"It would seem congratulations would be in order," Thomas nodded. Draco nodded as well before moving to enter the room as he was announced.
"Brother mine?" Josephine whispered as she stepped up next to him.
"I'm fine," he answered, "This is far from unexpected after all," he glanced at her before moving towards the doorway.
"His Majesty, High King Lucius!"
"He'll be fine my love," Thomas whispered as he held out his arm for her to take.
"I don't think Lucius will ever truly heal from the betrayal of Narcissa and the loss of his true mate," she countered quietly before they approached the doors.
"Her Majesty, High Queen Josephine Francesca Odette, and his Majesty, King Thomas!" Stepping into the ballroom they smiled as the clapping filled the room, their first presentation as husband and wife, Queen and King.