Okay guys so here's the deal: I'm going to post this chapter, but after that this story will be going on a short hiatus. When I say short, I do mean short. What I plan to do is write the rest of the story, then have scheduled updates so then that way you guy's aren't left hanging. Hope that works for you guys!
Thanks for sticking with me guys!
A few days after the exploding stove incident, Carmilla stood tall and proud in front of a mirror in the west wing of the castle. She was wearing black trousers and a black tunic that was fitted well to her body. LaFontaine made the piece for her, saying that someone who knows about her true identity should be the one to make the garment, so that a seamstress isn't let in on the secret.
Carmilla had only nodded along with what the good doctor had said, but looking at the shirt now, she was impressed. She had her red fur-lined cloak around her shoulders and her black sword clipped into place around her waist. Truthfully she didn't look much different than she did at Laura's birthday party. The only difference between then and now is that she actually cared about how she looked. Today was the day, her wedding day.
Her hair was cut for the occasion, now sitting above her ears and brushed back. She had some trouble keeping stray hairs down, until Perry came into her dressing room and smoothed her hair back with some unknown gooey substance. "Charles, you look absolutely handsome." Carmilla looked at herself in the mirror. Short black hair neatly slicked back and coal rubbed on her face, giving the look of scruff. "Thank you Perry." She said in her customary deeper voice. "Are you nervous?" Perry asked with a knowing smile. Carmilla wasn't ashamed to nod. "I worry that I won't be what the people want in a King." Perry nodded and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I think you will be an excellent King. You protect Laura with your life and we all know you'd do anything she asked of you. Being able to protect what you love and also obey the same thing can be a powerful tool. One that I'm not even sure Laura realizes she has."
Carmilla scrunched up her nose in thought. Laura did have complete control over her and she would do anything for her, but did Laura really not realize that? Perry smiled at her through the mirror and left the room, saying something about helping Laura with the finishing touches on her attire. Carmilla allowed herself another few moments to look at herself in the mirror. The thought crossed her mind that the next time she looks into a mirror she will be married and someone's "husband". The thought would have irked her long ago but this was different. This was Laura. The brightest smile appeared on her face.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door, then LaFontaine poked their head in. "It's time Charles." They said. Carmilla nodded and followed them out of the room, down the stairs, and out of the door to where a carriage awaited her to take her to the chapel. She stepped into it, LaFontaine getting in behind her.
This was it, no turning back now, she thought to herself.
Laura was sitting in her carriage on the way to the chapel about half an hour after Carmilla left, or so Perry had told her. She had been the one to suggest that LaFontaine accompany Carmilla to the chapel, because she knew Carmilla would need the help. She was probably just as nervous, if not more, then Laura was. Laura smiled down at her dress, white and poofy. Today was going perfectly and she prayed to whatever gods were listening that it keep going that way.
The only thing that would have made today a bit better was having her father walk her down the aisle. As silly as that thought was, considering he was not the best father, she still loved him and wished she could share this occasion with him. Nonetheless she sat up straight and smiled out of the window of her carriage, waving to the people who were lining the streets. She was happy that Kirsch was going to be the man to give her away. A few moments later they pulled up to the chapel and Kirsch was at Laura's door opening it, offering the Queen his hand so that she could step down.
He led her up the stairs of the chapel where two men stood on either side of the doors, waiting to open them for her. Once she was a pace or two away they opened the doors, revealing the inside of the chapel. She was grateful to Kirsch for having a steady hand on her back, or she was sure she would be face first into the carpet by now.
At the end of the aisle and up a few stairs stood Carmilla. She was wearing her customary color of black and of course her sword hung at her side, but Laura would not have it any other way. She couldn't help the smile on her face as she and Kirsch slowly made their way to the altar, a soft chorus of music playing in the background. She mouthed 'Hey' to Carmilla would mouthed 'Hey' right back. Kirsch led Laura up the stairs and deposited her in front of Carmilla. He kissed her cheek then made his way to standing behind Laura, with the rest of the Queen's Guard.
Laura took notice to the tears in Carmilla's eyes and the shake in her stature, as the priest placed her crown on her head. He began his speech about love and the kingdom, and as he spoke Carmilla mouthed to Laura 'You look beautiful'. The smaller girl blushed and turned her attention to the priest who had asked her to say her vows.
"Charles you are quite literally my knight in shining armor. You have cared for me at my worst times and have been the reason for my best times. It's no wonder I fell for you as hard as I have. I hope that I can continue falling for the rest of our lives."
"And your vows young man?" The Priest said turning to Carmilla. She nodded and cleared her throat. "Laura." She paused and Laura watched her throat bob as she swallowed out of nervousness. "Normally I'm a regular poet but I seem to be having trouble putting thoughts to words with this beautiful woman in front of me." She said to the crowd, who laughed at her joke. She turned her attention back to Laura and smiled shyly before continuing. "Laura I have done so many terrible things in my time as a knight. So many that I was convinced that I would forever be cursed with a blackened heart. After I met you though, that all changed. I began feeling lighter on my feet and happier day to day. I promise to be there to catch you as you hopefully continue falling. I-" She again paused.
She reached out for Laura's hands and took them in her own, stroking the soft skin with her thumb. "I love you Laura." She spoke softly, an octave higher than what she normally used for Charles. For the first time, Carmilla had spoke the words that Laura so desperately wanted to hear. She knew Carmilla loved her, she had said so to the Royal Council, but not in so many words. The confirmation made Laura's heart soar and it took everything in her to not kiss Carmilla right then. She didn't realize she was crying until the dark haired girl reached up and wiped the tears away.
"Do you Queen Laura Hollis of Silas take Charles Karnstein as your lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do you part?" It was the easiest sentence she ever spoke, "I do."
"And do you Charles Karnstein take Laura Hollis, Queen of Silas, as your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do you part?" Carmilla stood tall and very seriously regarded Laura. She took in every inch of her face that she could then spoke firmly, "I do."
A man stepped forward and handed both Carmilla and Laura rings. They were a simple golden band, both with a diamond cut into the shape of a star in the middle of the band, laying flat. Carmilla slipped Laura's onto her ring finger giving the Queen a smile. Laura followed suit and did the same for Carmilla, letting out a loving giggle when she saw their two hands side by side with matching rings. "It is with great honor that I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." He said turning to Carmilla. "Don't mind if I do." Carmilla said as she wrapped her arm around her wife's waist and pulled her into a searing kiss. The crowd around them erupted into applause but neither girl heard them, too lost in their first kiss as a married couple. When they pulled away Laura leaned her head against Carmilla's and smiled.
"I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Karnstein, rulers of the kingdom of Silas!"
"Ready?" Carmilla spoke in a soft voice, just for Laura's ears. The Queen nodded, smiling larger when Carmilla took her hand and began to lead them back down the aisle and out the doors. The crowd in front of the building were all cheering and clapping, same as the people inside had. Laura blushed and let herself be led by Carmilla to the awaiting carriage that would take them back to the castle for the party that was being thrown in celebration of their marriage. Carmilla went to open the door but was stopped by LaFontaine, who opened it for her. "Remember, you're technically King now." They said when Carmilla gave them a curious look. "Oh." Was all Carmilla spoke before she stepped into the carriage and offered Laura a hand to help her. Laura took Carmilla's outstretched hand and she too climbed in. A few moments later and they were off towards the castle.
"So Mrs. Karnstein, how did you think the ceremony went?" Carmilla asked casually. Laura couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips. "We never agreed that I would take your last name." Laura said with a sly smile. "Uh, I'm pretty sure that's what the priest said Laura, you can't argue with a man of the gods." Laura placed a hand on Carmilla's shoulder and gently pushed her against the back of the seat, then as best she could, straddled her. "Oh is that so?" She asked in a husky voice. Carmilla gulped and nodded, "Yes and you would be wise to not get any closer to me. Unless you want me to consummate the marriage right here in the back of this carriage." Laura brought her hands up to Carmilla's neck and cupped her perfect jawline with her thumbs. "Well considering I no longer have to hide the affections that I have for my wife I do believe that some heavy kissing is in order."
"Heavy?" Carmilla repeated weakly. "Heavy." Laura confirmed before she closed the distance between their lips.
Hey guys! I hope this little chapter is enough for you until next time! FINALLY they are married! :D