Six months later…
'...That's right folks, the sun is shining, the crowds are gathering in their thousands outside the cathedral and palace, over a hundred million people are expected to watch live on their television sets from more than twenty countries - it's the day we've all been waiting for. Today, Prince Trevelyan will be marrying his fiancé, Anastasia Rose Steele, the nation's sweetheart, and we couldn't be more excited.'
The TV reported blared out as Ana stared at the screen in shock.
"Over a hundred million people!?" she shouted, turning to look at her best friend, nerves evident in her eyes.
She was overwhelmed. She watched as pictures of her and Christian flashed across the screen detailing their romance - one of them holding hands, a few pictures of them laughing with each other, there was even one where his hand was in the back pocket of her jeans copping a feel and another from Paris of them standing on the balcony barely clothed but happy. Ana sighed watching the photos and then broke out into a beaming grin as she saw pictures of the man she loved walking out of the palace this morning. He was dressed simply, clearly not in his suit yet.
"Ana, stop mooning over your husband to be and let's get your dress on," Kate said, rolling her eyes jokingly but Ana was in a trance watching the man she loved with all of her heart and soul - the love of her life, the reason for her very happiness - her Christian walking out of the palace and getting into the Royal car with a smile on his face. God he was handsome.
She couldn't believe that she was lucky enough to marry him today. He was her dream come true, her happily ever after and she couldn't wait to walk down the aisle and say 'I do' to him. To completely belong to him mind, body and soul forever.
"You really have it bad don't you," Kate said going to turn off the television to bring Ana back into the room. She laughed when Ana frowned at her for cutting her viewing time short.
"What?" she shrugged shyly, "I like to watch him." Kate smiled at her friend. She knew that Ana and Christian were meant to be together, they had a love that nobody could ever deny. They were obsessed with each other - she knew that much - and although she sometimes thought what they had was a little too intense, it was obvious that they were soul mates.
"Ana, you'll see him soon but if you don't get into this dress soon you're going to be late and Christian might think you've stood him up!" Kate laughed making Ana smile. As if she'd ever stand Christian up, if anything she was worried she was going to come to early because of her excitement and run down the aisle to be in his arms rather than walk down it but she knew her dad would stop her from doing something like that - her dad and the hundreds of cameras that will be watching and analysing her every move for the whole world to see.
"It's all going to be perfect, just think - all those people will be watching you marry the man you love," Kate continued.
"I don't want that many people to watch us get married," Ana said nervously, "I just want it to be Christian and I," Kate smiled sadly at Ana's words..
"I know Ana, but that's the perk of you marrying a prince," she shrugged sheepishly, "just think though, by the end of the day, you'll be Christian's wife," Kate said knowing it would cheer her friend up and Ana smiled at the thought. That was the reward she couldn't wait to have - she could cope with the camera's, the crowds, the nerves as long as she had Christian by her side.
"Christians wife," Ana said dreamily and Kate rolled her eyes.
"God you two make me sick," she laughed, "right now, let's get you into this very expensive dress."
The dress was simply stunning. It was made of white silk with floral appliqués and it was strapless. The fabric was a snug fit showing off her curves and she felt beautiful when she had it on - she felt worthy of marrying her prince when she was wearing the dress and that was all that mattered. She knew it was the perfect dress as soon as she'd seen the options given to her by the Royal tailor. The tailor gave her tons of designs and fabrics to go over saying she could mix and match to create the perfect dress. Grace, Kate and herself had gone through each design and the materials until they found the perfect combination. Kate had actually cried when the dress came and they saw how beautiful it was. If the world was going to watch her get married - then she'd do it in style. She wanted to wow Christian when she walking down the aisle and make him feel proud to have her on his arm for the rest of his life.
Ana did secretly wished her mother was there for her big day. They hadn't spoke in years - in fact, Ana didn't even have her number anymore but it would have been nice. She knew that Ray had tried to get into contact with her and that Christian would have found her somehow if she'd have asked him but she chose not to.
It was probably for the best - she could imagine her mother turning up and stressing her out about everything and somehow ruining the day. She wouldn't allow anyone to ruin today - it was all about celebrating the love between her and Christian and therefor, her mother was too much of a risk anyway. Even still, as much as Ana loved Kate, she did have a fleeting wish for her mother to be helping her into her dress, telling her she looked beautiful in her dress.
There was a knock on the door and Kate went to answer it while Ana touched up her hair. It had been non stop since she'd woken up at the heavily guarded hotel room. So many stylists had been in and out that Ana's head had started to spin. The last ten minutes had been the first time she'd had a moment alone with Kate all morning. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. She was nervous - very nervous but she was getting married today and she finally, for the first time since she'd met the love of her life, felt like Royalty.
"Annie, secret service keep telling me we need to go, are you nearly ready?" Ray asked walking into the room once Kate opened the door before he stopping in his tracks, his mouth in a thin line and his eyes turning glassy with emotion.
Ana had never seen her father cry, he'd been close a few times but he'd never actually cried in front of her but right now, he looked like he could burst into tears at any moment. She walked over to where he was stood by the door in his tuxedo looking handsome as ever and smiled at him nervously. She knew it was going to be hard today for him to give her away to another man - she was still his little Annie in his eyes - but she could see how proud he was of her and that made her feel like her heart could burst as any moment.
"Hi daddy," Ana smiled happily.
"Ana," he breathed, "you look beautiful sweetheart, I'm speechless."
"Thank you," she said, trying to bite back the tears that were threatening to spill over her cheeks.
"Christian is a lucky man," Ray said, his voice a hoarse whisper as he looked at his beautiful daughter on her wedding day.
"I'm lucky too," Ana smiled thinking about Christian. She wondered what he was doing right now. She knew that he had to get to Westminster Abbey a little earlier and that over a hundred secret service were going with him to monitor the media and all of the cameras as well as the guests.
The 'wedding' had been live on TV for an hour already, just a montage of the guests slowly taking their seats and the huge place starting to fill up, she watched for a little while flicking between that and the news. Christian had been trying to reassure her yesterday morning when she left his bed but she knew he was worried. He just wanted the day to be perfect and for her to be happy. The latter was his main concern but she'd told him time after time that as long as he was waiting for her at the end of the long aisle, she would be more than happy.
"We have to get going in a minute honey, the streets are filled with thousands of people, you wouldn't believe it. The whole hotel is swamped as well but there's enough secret service down there to keep everyone at bay. They said that no one will be getting any pictures of you until you pull up outside the Abbey with Kate and I," Ray said and Ana nodded, looking at her best friend who had a smile of her face.
"I can't believe you're getting married today Ana," Kate grinned.
"I know!"
"To a Prince!" Kate exclaimed and Ana giggled.
It didn't matter how many times Kate had met Christian, she still couldn't get over the fact that he was the future king. She'd asked him probably a thousand questions about the royal family and to his credit, her sweet husband to be had answered every one of them to the best of his ability - even ones he didn't have a clue about such as how much is the Royal crown worth? Ana had slapped her friends arm at that question but Christian had only laughed and told her it was priceless.
Ray chuckled at Kate's excitement and then looked back at his daughter with proud eyes. He couldn't believe how beautiful she looked or how happy she was.
"Are you ready honey?" he asked. Ana nodded with a smile. Yes she was ready to marry the love of her life in front of a million strangers. She was ready to hold his hand and looking into his beautiful eyes full of love for her. She was ready to say I do, kiss him and become a princess.
"I'm ready dad," she said with conviction.
The car ride was long and Ana's nerves built the further they went. The streets were full of people, cheering and waving British flags. The excitement for the wedding was evident. Ana had expected a lot of people, but not nearly this many. The millions of people watching at home didn't bother her as much because she couldn't actually see them. The streets were full and the car couldn't barely move - even with the police horses parting the way and the secret service flagging them on either side. Citizens and the press were desperate to get pictures of Ana and she was that her father and Kate were sat either side of her to make her feel protected.
"That's a lot of people," Kate murmured looking out of the front window of the car seeing the crowds looking in awe at the car going past.
They were surrounded on all sides. Ana gulped, her stomach a bubbling mess of nerves. She saw several signs saying 'Welcome to the family Princess Anastasia' and she couldn't help but smile a little but as the car screeched to a halt to allow police officers to move rebelling people to move out of the way and back behind the barriers, her nerves rose again.
"Are you alright sweetheart?" Ray asked, putting his arm around his daughter after seeing the pensive look on her face.
She'd been incredibly brave so far not allowing the massive media influx to intimidate her but watching it on the television this morning and seeing it in real life were two completely different things. There had been so much anticipation and excitement about the wedding that had been slowly building since the announcement of the couple's engagement. What would Ana's dress look like? Who would design it? What would she have her hair like? There was speculation about who her bridesmaids would be - she'd picked Kate, Ros and Mia.
There were questions about whether the couple would say the traditional vows as the monarchy had done for centuries or whether they'd write their own vows. Even Ray didn't know the answer to this question but one time when he was having a beer with Christian he'd mentioned something about 'telling the world in his own words how much he loved his wife to be' so Ray assumed they had.
Today was going to be incredibly hard for him. It would always be hard for a father to watch his only daughter marry another man but he knew she would be in good hands. Over the last few months Ray had spent more and more time with his future son in law and the more time he spent with him, the more he liked him. It was obvious how much he loved his daughter - in fact, Ray would even go as far as to say that he was borderline obsessed but Ray had always promised himself that he'd only let Ana marry a man who he was sure would look after her and make her happy and Christian would do that.
She was so in love with him she couldn't even see straight; when he walked into a room her eyes lit up and he noticed their constant need for contact and Ray was sure that his future son in law would love and take care of her for the rest of his life. Ray had done his job - he'd cared for Ana and looked after her all of her life and it was going to be hard for another man to take over that job but Christian was the best of men and he'd always be around if she ever needed him.
"I'm fine, dad, just a little nervous. I didn't expect so many people," Ana said.
Ray was surprised himself, he knew there would be crowds but he hadn't anticipated this level of anticipation. You could hear the crowds and shouts of excitement from outside the car and could see flashes of cameras every few seconds of paparazzi dying to get a glimpse of the Royal bride in her dress. Ana wished Christian was here. She adored her dad and her best friend but no one could calm her down and reassure her like him. He'd put his strong arms around her and give her a mind blowing, toe curling kiss that would leave her tingling making her forget about her nerves. Or he'd give her his wicked grin before proceeding to do outrageous things to her body that would make her forget everything but him and the things he could do to her.
She couldn't wait to see him - she'd have to stop herself from running to him as soon as they arrived at the Abbey. It hadn't even been twenty-four hours since she'd last seen him but she missed him like crazy. They'd called each other last night while she was in the hotel and that had assuaged her longing for him for a little while but she still didn't feel right unless she was with him.
She wondered what he was doing right now. He was probably sitting in the front of the Abbey with the rest of the guests waiting for her to arrive. Mia was meeting them at the church with Ros because she only managed to fly in late last night from France and the secret service didn't think it was safe with the media leak about which hotel Ana was staying in for her to come and visit. She was looking forward to seeing her as well. She was almost positive that her eccentric future sister in law had been winding up her brother all morning with her excitement. While Ana was trying her dress on, Mia had been texting her brother hints or just saying 'She looks beautiful, she'd going to knock you off your feet' to which he replied 'she knocks me off my feet every time I see her, but nice try Mia'.
They turned down the long road before the Abbey where Ana was to be married and if she thought the crowds had been big and loud before, they were enormous now. Parted by rowes on either side with railings to keep the people from coming too near the cars as they travelled were thousands more people. Some had sleeping bags with them or fold out chairs showing they'd been there over night to get a good spot to see the bride to be. Some were carrying union Jacks and waving them at the car, others were cheering and shouting things like 'good luck' to her. Kate grabbed Ana's hand in hers and turned to look at her very nervous friend.
"Don't worry, Steele, you look beautiful and today is going to be perfect," she reassured her and Ana nodded.
They travelled further and further down the road until they were right in front of the huge building. Ana had been there for the practice run of the wedding a few days before but with the crowds and the Royal guards outside it seemed so much more real than it had when they did a trial run.
There were secret service on the door and two walked over to the car. The crowd stilled as first Ray and then Ana stepped out of the car - and then there was a frenzy. People were shouting her name and cheering - flashes came from every angle and direction and she could hear every click as pictures of her were snapped. She turned to smile at the crowd like Christian had told her to and waved causing a tremor of delight amongst the observant. There were cameras and news crew with large fluffy microphones everywhere recording live as she started to walk towards the Abbey flagged by guards and holding her father's arm with her best friend at her side.
"It's a pleasure to meet you madam," a short lady dressed all in back with the clerical collar around her neck said with a smile, "I'm reverend Emily Burton, I will be conducting the service today,"
"Nice to meet you," Ana smiled.
"The rest of your party are waiting upstairs, we are due to begin in ten minutes," reverend Emily told her.
"Thank you," Ana said as the reverend bowed her head before walking away. She supposed that she had to get used to people bowed before her but it was still very strange. She only had a few hours left of being an ordinary citizen and then she'd transform into Royalty.
She followed two secret service officers with her dad and Kate following close behind up a back flight of stairs so the cameras wouldn't see her. There were cameras and people everywhere but no one was allowed anywhere other than on the ground floor where the actually wedding was to be held. Ana looked towards the closed door of the main reception area. She could see the very end of the red carpet and gulped knowing that was where she was going to be walking very soon. She wondered if her fiancé was standing at the altar waiting for her yet - she certainly couldn't wait to see him.
The secret service stopped at a door and knocked before being called to enter. They opened the door and allowed Ana, Ray and Kate into the room. Ana was immediately hit by a wave of brunette hair and excitement that she knew to be Mia. She wrapped her arms around her and laughed at her excitement - she was always so hyper.
"Ana!" Mia shouted pulled back, "you look absolutely beautiful," she said in awe, "my brother isn't going to know what hit him, in fact - he might even cry and Christian never cries," Mia said.
Ana smiled shyly. She knew she was probably going to get emotional; she'd made sure that the make up artist this morning made her face make up as waterproof as possible so that she didn't look like a blubbering panda on television but if Christian cried, that would break her. She'd never seen him cry, he'd been upset before of course like when she first met him, but he'd never actually cried. At this point, all she'd have to do was look at him in his suit waiting to marry her and she'd probably burst into happy tears.
"Thank you Mia, how is he?" Ana asked, worried about how her fiancé was handling everything. He'd been here for a couple of hours now making sure everything was perfect but she hadn't seen a glimpse of him yet apart from on the television before having left the hotel before he arrived in the venue. She'd seen a glimpse of the King talking inside the Abbey but she'd yet to catch a glimpse of her grey eyed prince.
"He can't wait to see you. He told me to tell you he loved you with all his heart and that he missed you last night ... oh and that he knows you'll look gorgeous but has someone ready to catch him if he faints at the sight of your beauty," Ana blushed. She was so used to staying in his bed or sleeping with him in hers that she barely slept a wink last night - of course the excitement and nervousness for today also played a factor but she found that she couldn't sleep without him anymore.
It wasn't just sleeping with him - or on him - that she missed though, she also missed the intimacy. They needed each other like they needed air and had so much sex anywhere and everywhere that the number of people who had walked in on them during the act could be counted on two hands. She loved it though - she loved the connection they shared and she loved him and making love was her favourite way to show him.
Part of her excitement was for tonight. As much as she couldn't wait to marry her gorgeous prince, she also couldn't wait to be in bed with him tonight, writhing under his naked body as he showed her in kisses and delicate touches. She'd imagine him calling her his wife and hoped that maybe possessive dark Christian would come out to play tonight since she would finally be completely his in every way.
She shook her head to clear her very inappropriate thoughts and looked around the room to see Lady Grace Grey looking stunning in a blue dress with a match blue feather bow hat and bag. Then there was Ros who was wearing the same pastel pink dress as Mia and Kate. The three of them looked stunning and she couldn't have wished for better bridesmaids or better friends. They'd made everything about the wedding so manageable and she couldn't have done it without them.
"How long do we have?" Ana asked before there was a knock at the door. Ray went to answer it and nodded at the guard who had knocked.
"It's time everyone," he said, walking over to his daughter and offering her his arm. She clutched it tightly trying to gain strength from one of the two men she loved knowing she'd see the other one very soon. Ray and Ana allowed everyone else to go in front of them and Ana received a good luck from everyone, Grace was the last to walk past them. She grabbed Ana's free hand in hers and squeezed it.
"I'm sorry we got off to a bad start but I'm so glad I didn't scare you aware. You're a blessing to this family and I'm pretty sure my son thinks you're an angel," she smiled.
"Thank you, Grace," Ana pulled her in for a hug with her free hand trying not to get watery eyed at her future mother in laws words. Grace went off to join her husband who was now stood at the doorway to the abbey and the three bridesmaids were at the bottom of the stairs. Everyone including the secret service guards and cameras turned to watch as Ana came down the main staircase on her father's arm. There were gasps heard from outside as people turned in live and saw the beautiful bride on the big screen walking down to the double doors.
"You look so gorgeous Annie," Ray whispered and Ana squeezed his arm, her lip already trembling.
"Thank you daddy," she whispered. It meant so much to her that he was walking her down the aisle and she was so grateful to have him in her life. He was an amazing man.
She took a deep breath when they reached the bottom and tried to ignore the flashes and the cameras zooming in on her. She knew that any moment the familiar wedding anthem would be played by the orchestra and the doors would open, a long red carpet leading her to the love of her life. She had practiced this walk once before when they had done the practice run of the wedding ceremony and had been surprised at how long it actually was. Her heart raced faster and breath hitched as she heard the violins begin in synchronisation and her dad rested his hand over hers that was squeezing his arm tightly.
"You're alright Annie, just think - Christian is waiting for you," Ray whispered and Ana couldn't help but smile at that fact. Two Royal guards in full uniform opened the doors and five thousand pairs of eyes turned to look at her. Mouths dropped open, there were one or two gasps held over the music and everyone stood as Ana and Ray followed the bridesmaids into the Abbey.
Ana looked around for a moment but then her eyes spotted Christian and everything else blurred into the background. He was wearing his full Royal uniform and Ana had never seen him look so handsome. She'd always wanted to see him wear it - she'd seen photos of course but they didn't do his justice. She couldn't wait to tear him out of it tonight piece by piece. God, the wedding night couldn't come quick enough. Her tears started flowing before she even reached him as she watched the smile grow on his face and his eyes widen as he took in her beauty. She wanted to run down the aisle and jump into his arms but she just about stopped herself.
Christian looked around as he heard the familiar music. He'd seen his mother come and sat next to his father a few moments before and she'd whispered to him that Ana was here and that she looked beautiful but nothing could have prepared him for the sight of Ana in her wedding dress. He'd always thought she was the most stunning creature on earth whether she was naked as the day she was born or dressed to the nines but today, she was indescribable - she was a thing of his dreams and he felt his knees becoming weak.
What had he done right in a previous life to enable this beautiful woman to fall in love with him? What did he ever do to seem worthy of her? - whatever it was he'd thank God everyday for giving him the chance to have her on his arm. He was the luckiest bastard on the planet and he knew it. Everyone loved Ana, the world was in awe of her; every man wanted her, every woman wanted to be like her but he was the man who got to marry her and have her as his own. He was the man who would get to wake up to her every morning and fall asleep wrapped in her arms every night forever.
They couldn't take their eyes off each other as they got closer. Ana's sea blue eyes filled with tears that started to fell down her cheeks as she looked at the man she adored waiting for her with a soft smile and cloudy eyes. Ana ignored the gasps and the smiles from the audience of strangers as she walked towards her love but one person caught her eye. Her mother. She was sat on the third row wearing a hat with tears in her eyes and a camera in her hands.
"Mum?" Ana gasped, trying not to let her surprise falter her walk. What was she doing here? why hadn't she come and been there for her daughter this morning?
"She arrived this morning, I knew you two didn't get along and haven't spoken in a while but she's still your mother and I thought you might want her here," Ray explained.
"I do, I'm glad she's here, I'm just surprised," Ana whispered back to her father. She smiled at her mother on the way past as saw her mouth the word 'beautiful'. She made a mental note to find her mother after the ceremony and take Christian to meet her. She was grateful that she'd come.
She was feet away from her man now, she could count the amount of steps it would take for her to reach him and the beaming smile on his face caused a similar one to erupt on hers through her tears. They couldn't take their eyes off each other like they were in a trace - blue to gray, heart to heart. When they reached him Ray bowed and reached over to shake Christians hand. He patted him on the shoulder and winked.
"Look after my girl," he said quietly.
"You know I will," Christian replied seriously, squeezing Ray's hand tightly and nodding at him before turning to his gorgeous bride who he loved with everything he was. She was smiling at him, her eyes twinkling with tears and she simply astounded him. He took her hand in his and brought it up to his lips, kissing her knuckles and smirked as he saw her shiver. He wanted to kiss her lips but he knew he'd get to do that sooner or later. The effect he had on her even when they were being watched by millions of people was a huge turn on. He kept hold of her hand, squeezing it as they stood before the priest.
"We are here today..." the priest started but Christian and Ana zoned out of everything except each other. Their eyes were locked telling each other everything they needed to know though their expressions. 'I love you' 'You look so beautiful' 'this is the happiest day of my life'.
There were numerous hymns sung and readings. The King and Lady Grace did one each. Mia did one as well and Ray also did one as well as some of the other professional church speakers. Then it was time for the vows.
"The couple have chosen write their own vows rather than do the traditional ones for this special occasion to express their love for each other. Prince Trevelyan, if you would like to read yours first," the reverend said and Christian smiled, taking both of Ana's hands in each of his. He'd been told he had to keep his vows short and sweet for timing. He'd been angry at that. If he wasn't royalty they could have had a small wedding and he could have said whatever he wanted but everything was doing to the millisecond timing wise. If he could he'd ramble on for hours about how she'd saved him and changed his life but he'd had to cut his speech down. Her eyes had been teary since the start but as soon as he started to speak, she couldn't help them streaming down her face, a happy smile still on her lips as she watched him with so much love.
"Ana, where do I even begin to express what I feel for you," he started, his eyes latched onto hers never wanting to let go. His hands were shaking in hers and she held them firm in her own, "I love you, but even those three words don't describe how I feel for you. I adore you, Ana. You're everything to me and I never thought I'd ever get to be this happy. You've changed my life so much and I can never thank you enough for everything you've done for me. I promise to always try to make you and our family we create together happy. I will support and comfort you for as long as we both shall live and show my love for you every single day until death do us apart. Thank you for loving me always, everything I have and am is yours and I will thank the lord every day that you found me and fell in love with me. I will love you so fiercely Ana..." his lip trembled and his heart pounded in his chest.
She was a blubbering mess by this point and he brought her hands to his lips again to bring him comfort and enable him to finish his vows. The audience was silent as they watched the couple who were so clearly in love, "I will love you so fiercely that you will never go a second without feeling it. I will love you so fiercely and I will never let you go. My love, my Ana, my princess, my more," Ana knew her even her waterproof mascara was probably running now with the amount of tears she was shedding but she didn't care. It took everything in her not to jump into his arms and kiss him so hard she'd never let him go.
"Anastasia, would you like to read your vows now?" the reverend asked. She nodded and giggled at Christian, taking one of her hands from his to wipe under her own so she could see his eyes. They were her weakness and her strength and she needed the strength from him now. She wasn't aware of the world watching as she entwined their fingers again and looked up at him. They were the only people in the room - their hearts beating as one as the love they had for each other surrounded them in a warm blanket.
"Christian, my Prince," she smiled and he grinned back, moving his thumb to wipe a stray tear that was slipping down her cheek. It was so silent that someone would be able to hear a pin drop and the cameras zoomed in to capture the tender moment between the two. "I think I loved you from the second I saw you. I think I fell in love with you on the spot and gave my heart to you then and there, I just didn't know it for a while. You're the man of my dreams, the love of my life and as long as I have you I will always be happy. I will love you forever and show my love to you everyday." She blushed and he caught the double meaning of her words and smirked slightly, "I promise to be love you, honour you and cherish you for as long as we live. You're my everything Christian and I love you. I'm so thankful that we found each other even though I know we were always destined to and I thank god every day that he brought me to you, my love," her voice cracked on the last two words and she nearly broke down when she saw a single tear trickle down his cheek.
Her strong Prince was crying and she moved her hand to his face, stroking along his cheek to remove the trace. There wasn't a dry eye in the Abbey and it was clear to everyone the palpable love the couple had for each other. Rings were placed on shaky hands and then they were clasped together - bound for life.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife," the revered announced with a smile, "you may kiss the bride."
Christian cupped her face and leaned down to give his wife a long, passionate kiss. They ignored the cheers and applause from the audience both inside and outside the Abbey lost in their own happy little bubble. After a very inappropriate amount of time the couple pulled back, two pairs of beaming eyes watching each other. They were married.
"Husband," Ana grinned.
"Wife," Christian wiggled his eyebrows, "God, Ana, you look so beautiful. I'll be doing a lot more than kissing you when we get out of here - you're all mine now, my perfect, adorable, naughty wife." Christian whispered in her ear. She remembered they were still on camera so didn't react but her body certainly did - aching for him to do his dirty command to her right now in front of everyone.
"What do we do now?" Ana whispered as everyone continued to clap. She had no idea what they did after this part - they hadn't practiced what happened after the kiss largely because one kiss wasn't enough for Christian and Ana and they very nearly ended up giving the rehearsal team a very affectionate show.
"Now, my lovely, beautiful wife," Christian smiled, "we smile and wave, get in a car to do some more waving and smiling. Go back to the palace and stand on the balcony to the greet the grand people of the nation. We dance a little, cut some cake and then Anastasia, I will chain you to my bed and we won't be leaving it or wearing any clothes for the rest of our lives," he whispered the last bit and she shivered.
"For the rest of our lives huh? We might need to wear clothes and leave bed at some point you know?" she said, but he only chucked and shook his head beaming from ear to ear. She went to reply but before she could, the King and her father heading over to them.
"That was beautiful you two, truly beautiful," Carrick said shaking Christians hand and then pulling Ana into a hug, "welcome to the family, Ana, although, Grace and I have considered you as much for a while now anyway," he smiled.
"Thank you, Carrick," she grinned. She noticed her dad wiping away tears and threw her arms around his neck. He chucked and hugged her back tightly.
"I'm not crying, Annie, I have something in my eye," her father said, putting on a serious face and she burst into giggles.
"It's ok daddy, I won't tell anyone," she said.
"I'm so proud of you sweetheart, you were brilliant up there" he replied, "you two take care of each other,"
"We will," Ana smiled, pulled out of her father's arms and turning to see Mia and Grace hugging Christian. After hugging all of their family, Christian and Ana intertwined their fingers to walk back up the Abbey aisle as husband and wife as the crowd continued to cheer them. The doors to the Abbey were opened and they were greeted by cheers from the thousands outside of the building as well. The atmosphere was electric.
The couple smiled and waved for the crowd for a few moments before being helped onto a golden carriage led by horses with Royal emblems covering the side. They were joined by Grace and Carrick who sat opposite them and then the doors were closed. Kate, Ray, Mia and all the other guests who had been invited back to the palace were going by car.
"Are you alright, baby?" Christian asked, putting his arm around her as the horses started to move. The need to touch her was all he could think of. He couldn't wait until he could have her all to himself later tonight. He couldn't help but wonder what she was wearing under that stunning white dress - was she wearing a lace set or was it stockings and a garter belt? The thought made his mouth water and made his pants tight. He wanted to brush his hands along her inner thigh and have a feel of what she was wearing to put him on until tonight but they weren't alone.
"Oh, Christian, I'm more than alright, today was perfect," Ana grinned turned to cuddle up against him despite his parents sitting opposite them. "I love you so much, I'm so happy you're my husband,"
"I love you too wifey," Christian grinned a toothy smile and his wife laughed.
"I thought your vows were beautiful," Grace said smiling at the happy couple, "I was surprised that you wrote your own but it was truly moving,"
"The traditional vows didn't do my feelings for my beautiful wife justice," Christian explained while playing with his wife's ring and Ana nodded. She'd been the one to ask if they could write their own vows and Christian had immediately agreed. She wanted something personal in the service that was just about them. Their wedding was being viewed and shared all over the world but she didn't want that to take away from the personal feelings behind why they were getting married. She wasn't just becoming a member of the Royal family as was seen by the public, she was also marrying the man who had taken her heart as his possession and would never give it back to her - not that she wanted him to.
He turned to look at his wife and she was smiling at him with so much love in her eyes that he couldn't help but kiss her. He pulled her to him and pecked her lips softly, not wanting to put on a show in front of his parents but his little wife had other ideas and grabbed his face, deepening the kiss slightly. Carrick coughed as though to remind them that they had company and the pair pulled apart. Ana's cheeks were flushed and Christian laughed, stroking her cheek with his thumb. Being in the carriage had distracted them from the outside world but as they reached the palace, Ana looked out of the window to see a huge crowd. It was as though everyone who was outside the Abbey had followed them down the road. They were shouting and singing the national anthem with huge banners and flags.
"Wow," Ana whispered.
"We'll give them a wave from the balcony," Carrick said, "that's kind of a tradition now." Carrick's parents had done it on their wedding day and then Carrick and Grace did it on theirs. It had now become a Royal obligation. Frankly all Christian wanted to do was pick up his wife and lock her in their bedroom for the rest of the evening. She'd moved in a few months ago - she had been spending virtually all her time there and still paying rent on her flat. Christian didn't pressure her but did hint that maybe she should just move in since she would be after the wedding anyway. Ana was hesitant at first but after talking to Grace and Carrick as well as Kate about it she decided that maybe it was a good idea and had her stuff moved in within a week. Christian was over the moon - he got to see her beautiful face every morning and night and her things were scattered all over his room making it feel so much more homely.
The carriage and the cars following it pulled through the gates where the secret service were stopping anyone from entering. The carriage doors were opened and the foursome were helped out. The crowd grew louder and the flashes of photographers went wild as they waved before heading inside. The shouting of reporters could be heard amongst the chaos and trumpets from the procession of Royal guards.
"Come on baby, let's get this over with so I can have you to myself," Christian whispered to his wife once they were inside. They greeted Kate, Mia, Ray and Ana was surprised to see that her mother had come with them. Ethan had also joined the party by this point and some of the other guests. They all headed up to the top floor lead by Royal guards.
"Nervous baby?" Christian asked as they entered the hallway leading to the balcony. The doors were closed by the view showed just how many people had come to try and get a glimpse of them. The whole mile long road was filled with people and flags.
"A little but this is the start of the rest of our life together," Ana grinning earning a smile and a quick kiss from her husband.
"It sure is, I love you," he smiled as they came to a stop at the doors. The volume of the noise outside raised showing that they could see the couple through the glass.
"I love you too, and you look so handsome in your suit," Ana said leaning into whisper in his ear, "you don't know how many times I've fantasised about you stripping out of this, maybe putting on a bit of a show for me before I put on a show for you," Christian groaned and Ana giggled.
"You're killing me Ana, I can't head out there with a hard on," she continued to giggle as the doors were opened and they headed outside, she squeezed Christians hand as the crowds roared. The people looked like colourful ants below them and when Ana pointed this out to Christian he laughed. Grace, Mia and Carrick were waving one side and Kate, Ray and Ana's mother were waving on the other side. Christian and Ana stood in the middle beaming with happiness. After a few minutes of waving the crowd began to chant 'Kiss, Kiss, Kiss' directed at the couple.
"What should we do?" Ana whispered to her husband, biting her lip.
"I think we should give the people what they want, plus it's been at least ten minutes since I've kissed you - that's far too long in my book." Christian smirked, taking her face in his hands and stroking his fingers along her smooth skin. The second his lips touched hers the roar of the crowd turned into a chaotic sound of cheering, whooping and hollering. Wary of the increase in sound, Christian kept the kiss short and gentle but when he pulled back, he kept his hands on his wife's face.
"I love you," he said seriously, looking into glittering blue orbs. She held the hand that still touched her cheeks in hers and leaned over to kiss his wrist.
"I love you too, so much it hurts," she smiled.
After a few more minutes of waving to placate the crowd, the party headed back into the palace and down to where the ballroom had been set up. The guests were already seated. There were only around fifty people who had been invited to the after party and Ana knew at least ten of them so she felt a little more at ease. The guests stood up and clapped as the happy couple entered the room and Christian was immediately pulled into conversation with the Prime minister. Ana stayed for a moment or two not wanting to leave her husband's side but when she saw her mother sat on her own at a table looking at her, she quickly excused herself and walked over to her.
"Hi mum," she smiled nervously, "thanks for coming," she sat down next to her mother who also looked nervous.
"Ana, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry that we haven't spoken, I'm sorry that I was so distant and rude. I'm sorry that I haven't been there for you when you've needed your mother. Can you ever forgive me?" Carla asked looking close to tears.
"Forget about it mum, I forgive you. I'm just so glad you came," Ana smiled, "it means a lot to me," it really did mean a lot to her. It wouldn't have felt right not to have her mother there on her wedding day.
"I should have been there from the start, I should have been here for you these last few years..." Carla started to ramble but Ana didn't want to get into the ins and outs of what their relationship had been like. Today was the happiest day of her life and she wasn't about to have their conversation now.
"Can we just move on, you're here and that's all that matters," Ana smiled, taking her mother's hand.
"Of course, I can't believe you married a Prince today Ana, Britain's most eligible bachelor." Carla giggled. "You'll have to give me some pointers," Ana laughed.
"Well I don't really have any. He just sort of walked into mine and now I'm stuck with him," Ana teased and started to laugh when she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Stuck with me huh?" Christian said with mock dismay, "and here was me thinking you loved me," Ana stood up and turned around to greet her husband with a kiss and wrapped her arms around his waist to lean against his muscular chest. He smelled like heaven and she couldn't help breathing in his delicious scent. He put his arms around her and held her close.
"Mum, this is my husband Christian. Baby, this is my mother, Carla," Ana said introducing the pair. Carla looking like a school girl with a crush and Ana rolled her eyes. She knew her husband was gorgeous but for goodness sake - if she kept her mouth open for too long it would get stuck like that.
"Gosh you're even more handsome in person," Carla breathed and Ana groaned.
"Mum!" she said incredulously but her husband only laughed.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Christian said leaning over to take her hand. He kissed it and Carla nearly melted to the floor on the spot. Ana looked up at Christian who had a confused expression on his face at her mothers behaviour and giggled.
"Come on you, I want to dance with my husband," Ana said, "I'll come and talk to you again later mum," Ana lead her husband away from her mother by the hand and pulled him onto the empty dance floor. Music was playing in the background and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her close, his hand coming to rest low on her back - lower than was appropriate for company - and his forehead rested against hers.
"Your mum seems... friendly," Christian said and Ana scoffed.
"You can say that again, I thought she was going to pounce on you at one point," Ana said and Christian chuckled.
"Have you enjoyed today baby?" he asked.
"It's been perfect, absolutely perfect. I love you so much and I'm so happy right now," she said, pulling back and stroking his face. "I don't think I will ever stop smiling," her words reflected the beaming smile that hadn't left her face since she'd said 'I do' - in fact, her smile hadn't left her face since she first met him.
"I love you too and I'm pretty sure I'm the happiest man on this earth right now," he smirked, "but do you know what would make me just a little bit happier?"
"What?" she asked, stroking his cheeks and looking into his eyes.
"If I was inside you," he breathed. Ana gulped, his words sending heat through every pore in her body. How did he make her feel like the room was on fire with just a few words.
"Come on baby, I've shared you for too long today and I am desperate to see what you have hiding under this dress," Christian grinned wickedly pulling her off the dancefloor.
They said their goodbyes going around to every guest and thanking them for coming. Ana told her mum she'd see her tomorrow after finding out she'd been given a guest room and told Kate they'd have a catch up. When she reached Ethan she saw that he was looking down.
"Are you ok?" she asked coming up to him and patting his shoulder. Christian was saying goodbye to Carla who was practically throwing herself at him and wasn't paying attention.
"Are you happy Ana - with him I mean?" he asked.
"I couldn't be happier Ethan, I love him, I adore him," Ana answered truthfully. She didn't want to hurt her friend but she also couldn't lie to him. Ethan nodded with disappointment written all over his face.
"Okay, all I want is for you to be happy Ana," he said. Ana pulled him into a hug.
She could feel Christian's eyes burning holes into the back of her head but she need to reassure herself and Ethan that they were still friends despite the fact that he liked her a little more than that. She'd known for a while and Kate had told her numerous times but now Ana was thinking that Ethan might actually be in love with her.
"I got a job but I'm still living with Kate most of the time so I'll see you around won't I?" he asked.
"I don't know where we're going on our honeymoon or for how long but let me know when you're back and the three of us will meet up or have some of Kate's awful cooking," Ana giggled. She knew that her husband wasn't going to be very happy about that but she knew that Ethan was harmless.
She left him and walked back over to said husband who was watching her from across the room. She couldn't read the expression on his face but she could tell he wasn't happy. She went to speak to Grace and Carrick for a moment and then Mia, bidding them all goodnight before reaching her hand out towards the love of her life. He took it but remained silent.
"What's wrong?" she asked quickly as they left the ballroom mindful of the royal guards and secret service.
"You should have seen the look on Ethan's face when you hugged him. He practically came in his pants. I swear to god I am going to be fighting off men for the rest of my life," Christian said, angrily and Ana rolled her eyes. She said nothing until they reached their room and locked the door.
"Christian, Ethan is my friend. He has been for years. Yes, he may like me as more than that but he isn't harmful and he certainly isn't a threat to you. No one will ever be a threat to you. I couldn't be more yours if I tried. You're my husband, you're the only man who is ever going to be allowed to touch me or be inside me for the rest of our lives. You are going to be the father of my children, you are going to be the man I grow old with - no one else. So why are you sulking on our wedding night about Ethan giving me a hug when you should be ravaging me by now," Ana said with mock indignation and Christian smirked.
"You're very right my love," he said walking towards her slowly, "no more talk about anything other than me, you and our wedding night from now on." He grabbed her waist and moved his face towards hers like he was going to kiss her. Ana shut her eyes and waiting for his heavenly lips to touch hers like she craved but the feeling of his soft lips crashing into hers never came. She opened her eyes only to be spun around to face the door. Strong arms came around her and those same lips touched the side of her neck.
"I think I said something about wanting to know what was under this dress," he mumbled against her skin.
"Well why don't you take it off and find out," Ana said cheekily and her husband grinned against her neck before nibbling her ear. His fingers brushed along her ribs and she shivered at the feeling. Skilled hands found the zip at the back of her body and pulled it down slowly, fingers brushing against every newly uncovered inch of skin and she moaned at the feeling - every nerve ending so Intune with his touch.
"Impatient are we Mrs Grey?" her husband hummed and she giggled at the sound of her name.
"I'm Duchess Grey aren't I or Princess? I should really have googled the ins and outs of marrying you," Ana giggled and Christian smirked.
"In our bedroom, you're Mrs Grey, my wife," he grinned parting the back of her dress so that it slid from her body. It was his turn to moan and he felt himself growing harder and harder by the second. She was wearing all white - white bra and lacy thong with a white garter belt and stockings. She looked like an innocent virgin and his mind went to a very dark place as he thought of all the things he wanted to do to his bride.
"Turn around," he choked needing to see what she looked like from the front. She complied and he had to move back a little and inch his hand down to palm himself through his slacks to relieve the throbbing - he needed her so badly. Her eyes widened as he touched himself in front of her. She licked her lips, wandering hands ready to rip off his uniform and take him there and then but he stopped her before she could.
"Wait, I need to take a mental snapshot of how you look right now," he groaned, still rubbing himself, "I think this visual is going to feature in my dreams for many years to come baby,"
"Let me touch you," she whimpered, her eyes still glued to his hand.
"Get over here then," he growled and she flew to him, her hands going into his hair and their lips crashing together. His hands clawed at her behind, gripping the two globes of muscle as his tongue battled with hers. Her hands reached down to unbutton his jacket before sliding it from his shoulders and unknotting his tie. She pulled it free and then started working on his shirt. He pulled back from their kiss and caught her hands before they could undo too many buttons.
"Go and get on the bed baby," he requested but she shook her head.
"I want to undress my husband," she said.
"Ana I need to be inside you in a second or I'm going to explode," she loved how desperate he was for her. She'd worn lingerie for him before of course but never all white and never all of the items together. She battled with his belt as he worked to free the buttons of his shirt and unzipped him letting his trousers fall to the floor before pulling down the band of his boxers. His enormous erection sprang free and he was unbelievably hard. She saw the precum leaking out of the tip of his shaft and couldn't help herself from having a quick taste of her husband. Before he could stop her she had her lips around him, sucking him hard.
"Ana fuck, I'm close and I don't want to come in your mouth," he whimpered, trying to resist the exquisite torture she was performing on him. He squeezed his eyes shut allowed her to suck and lick his painfully hard member until he was right at the edge. He ripped his shirt off sending the remaining buttons pinging across the room and scooped his wife up from the floor quickly depositing her on the bed. He was ravenous - his mouth seemed to be everywhere.
He ripped her bra off throwing it across the room and attacked her breasts, cupping one in one hand and sucking and nibbling the other. He was leaving his mark all over her skin and she loved it. This mixture of pleasure and pain had her toes curling and her already saturated heat became even wetter. He pulling her legs apart roughly until he could kneel between them and get a view of her entire body. From the rise and fall of her chest to the puddle in her knickers calling out for his attention. She was every man's wet dream and she was all his.
He took one stocking covered leg in his hands and kissed up the length of it keeping eye contact with her the entire time.
"These are new Mrs Grey," Christian whispered hoarsely, unhooking one stocking and pulling it slowly down her leg to reveal freshly waxed, sun kissed skin.
"I thought you'd like them," Ana bit her lip.
"Oh baby, I more than like them," he grinned salaciously before pulling the second stocking down with his teeth. She moaned as his eyes fixated on where she was aching for him.
"Would you look at that," he said, moving closer to the thin material concealing her heat from his gaze, "you're so wet. Fuck, seeing how drenched you get for me is such a turn on baby, look at you," he brushed against the wet thong touching her clit lightly and making her back arch, "and so responsive," he groaned hoarsely. He pulled on either side of her thong and slowly pulled it down her legs until she was completely bare before him.
"You're a dream, I must be dreaming," Christian moaned raking his eyes up and down her body over and over again and she giggled at his reaction to her.
"No baby," she grinned moving on of her feet to his shoulder and wrapping the other around his waist so he was tangled in her limbs, "it's not a dream. I'm all yours, until death do us apart."
"My beautiful wife," he whispered, his fingers brushed across her stomach. She smiled and sat up on her hands to look at him.
"My handsome husband," she smiled beckoning him to come to her. He did as she asked, lying on top of her between her parted thighs - chest to chest and nose to nose. The desperation from before had simmered and they gazed into each other's eyes for a moment.
"I love you," he whispered, nudging her nose with his.
"I love you to - oh fuck," she moaned as he pushed into her slowly allowing her to savour the feeling of every ridge and vein imprinting on her walls. The feeling was exquisite. Had it really been less than 36 hours since he was last inside her? It felt like it had been a lifetime. He panted as he pushed on until he was balls deep inside his wife until he was drowning in her.
"Mine," he growled.
"Yes, yours ... forever," she whimpered in response as he started to move slowly within her.
All of her calls for him to move faster and harder were disobey - he just moved deeper until she could feel him in her throat. He wanted to savour this first time being inside his wife on their wedding night and before long her calls for him to go faster were replaced by calls of his name.
Their lips met fiercely - hands touching every piece of skin they could reach and she felt herself coming closer and closer to the edge of what she knew was going to be a mind-blowing orgasm.
It had been building since this morning when she saw him on the television and with one last brush of his thumb against her swollen clit she fell into euphoria, screaming his name into the empty room and clawing at his back. Liquid gushed out of her spilling onto the sheets and onto Christian's torso. It was powerful and she squeezed so hard on his member that he couldn't hold on any longer and came in thick spurts deep inside her before collapsing on her frame. They lay together as their breathing calmed - sweaty bodies intertwined and their eyes closed as reality came down on them in full force. They were finally married and could do this everyday for the rest of their lives.
"I can't believe that's just happened," Ana sighed relaxing under Christian's embrace.
"It's not like it's the first time baby," he said and Ana blushed remembering how Christian sometimes made it his mission to make her so stimulated that as soon as he entered her body she drowned the sheets or his face. "I've wanted to do that all day, I don't know how I survived seeing you in your dress." Christian mumbled against her breasts admiring the artwork his mouth had left on them.
"Me too, in fact," Ana said grabbing his face in her hands and moving his lips to hers, "I kind of want to do it again," he growled and attacked her neck with kisses and so began round two of the rest of their lives. They slept that night cuddled together under the covers as they did every night knowing that everything would be alright as long as they had each other.
A/N - So I did actually write this chapter before the Royal Wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan but I wanted to watch it first to see how they did it and wow it was incredible. We had a street party here in the UK and watched it on the big screen and the whole day was magical - Meghan looked stunning in her dress. If you want to see the dress I chose for Ana it is on my profile. There are obviously some differences between this chapter and the actual Royal Wedding e.g. the vows and the kiss in the ceremony but I hope I did Ana and Christian's Royal wedding justice and I hope you've enjoyed the story, thank you for all of your support all the way through. The epilogue should be up sometime next week!