Chapter 21: Expeditious

The Church was being cleaned. All the decorations were been removed. Some of the guests had moved to the reception area whilst others were leaving. The town's people have been desperately waiting to see the new couple. Especially the new red-haired Princess. They had gathered before the balcony, also waiting to see the royal family.

The flags were still up. The bells had stopped. The security had been secretly increased. Especially around the royal family.

Almost in every town of Clarines was celebrating the marriage of Prince Zen and Princess Shirayuki. Shirayuki had still not gotten used to her new title. She was very uncomfortable.

"My princess wife," Zen said kissing Shirayuki's cheek. Shirayuki blushed a little at the word. It will take long before she gets used to her new titles. Especially this one.

"Your Highnesses." A guard called. Zen and Shirayuki turned immediately. "It's time for you to show up now."

"Thank you for informing." Zen thanked. The guard bowed. "And my princess, you look absolutely gorgeous." He left.

"I couldn't even say thank you," Shirayuki said annoyed.

"Well, I'm glad he didn't stay for long. He was admiring you." Zen sounded pissed.

Shirayuki looked at pissed Zen and smiled. "It's quite uncomfortable that he called me princess."

"You will get used to it. But for now, let's go."

Zen grabbed Shirayuki's hands. And they walked to the balcony. The people started cheering. Some were holding the flag of Clarines. Shirayuki was astonished. She then waved gently, just like how Lady Adela taught her. Zen and Shirayuki waved for a while.

The other royal family joined them later after a while. They stood beside Zen and Shirayuki. The crowd even got livelier.

Quarter minutes past and the other royal family left. Just minutes after Zen and Shirayuki also left.

"We are alone again," Zen said lightly squeezing Shirayuki's arm. Zen slowly leaned in. "And I hope nobody interrupts us this time."

They kissed.

"Zen, stop! I can't breathe if you keep doing that." Shirayuki said between kisses. She was trying to let Zen's strong arms fall from her waist, as her dress's corset was tight. Zen was still teasing.

They finally broke apart. Shirayuki inhaled and exhaled the air.

"Sorry, I didn't want to bother your moment, but Shirayuki is needed," Kiki said, coming out from the shadows.

"Thank you very much for informing. Shirayuki will be with you in the next minutes." Zen said and Kiki left.

"Sincerely, you looked and still look beautifully, gorgeously, alluringly, dazzlingly, gracefully, prettily, cutely, suffocatingly, outshiningly..."

"It's that even a word? Outshiningly?" Shirayuki asked a bit confused.

"I'm not quite sure either." Zen also looked 'confused'. "But well, who cares."

"I have to go and change from my wedding dress. Kiki is also waiting for me."

"I'll see you later at the reception when you're in your beautiful dancing ballgown. I can't wait to see you in it." Zen pecked Shirayuki's forehead.

"Bye." "Bye."

Zen and Shirayuki parted ways. Shirayuki immediately runs with Kiki back to the dressing room to change. While Zen went to the reception hall to receive and welcome the visitors.

The reception hall was one of the castle's biggest halls. It has different types and kinds of dozens of chandeliers. It has large and wide windows, glassy, woody, bulletproof... A large balcony, long stairs. The stairs are mostly used for newlywed brides when they're descending the stairs to have their first dance with their groom. The stairs can also be used by the royal family.

The main event hasn't started yet. It will start immediately after the first dance start, between the Zen and Shirayuki. Libatation is been held at the moment. Everybody is desperately waiting to see the bride's second dress, just like how they desperately waited to see her first dress; her wedding dress.

Shirayuki was a bit rushed. She took her tiara off from her head and gave it to the same guard who had brought it to her. Now she even feels more nervous, because she is going to dance in longer heels. Of course, she's been practicing but now all she's thinking about is how not to do a mistake. And the most nervous part of all, Lady Adela will be watching. Lady Adela will be representing her Baron house.

She tried to fastly wear -it takes 30 minutes to get the dress on- her light different shaded emerald green princess ballgown with cap-sleeves, three-layered: silk crepeline and covered with a light lace. The dress had been tried to be light as possible, as the first dance would include lifting, -but heavy looking. The corset set into the dress made Shirayuki's waist look more thin, which Shirayuki obviously didn't like. The prettiest part Shirayuki loved the most was the different types of light green of crystals set onto the dress.

Her hairstyle was set differently. She now had a flimsy, lightly, very lightly curled with crystals, the same used on her dress but smaller decorated on her hair. Braided in a half up half down, making the rest of her hair lay on her back.

The main reception area was now opened because soon the female partner will show up any moment. Zen was also sweating a bit. This dance is one of the hardest but flexible. He chose the dance because he thought the dance moves was romantic, especially the lifting style. And it would suit Shirayuki more than other dances. Example, his brother, and his sister-in-law's first dance. It wasn't bad at all, in fact, it was praised more than expected, but not Zen's style.

Zen was talking to the nobles. They congratulated him. Mostly about how he is lucky to have such a red-haired high-classed beauty in his life. Zen always flinched at the word 'high-classed'. Zen had been slowly hoping no one mentions the same sentence to Shirayuki. He's willing, to tell the truth, sometimes. But not now.

Zen's eyes met Hiroyuki, Shirayuki's first cousin. He was standing beside a pillar, arms crossed with his deep green eyes staring at Zen. He quickly raised a glass and cheered it into the air, murmuring felicitations on his mouth. Zen didn't quite understand the meaning of it. Hiro just shook his head, smiled and vanished. Zen was still confused. He rotated his eyes to another side seeing Mitsuhide. He walked to him.

"How is the just-few-hours husband doing?" Mitsuhide said handing Zen a drink. Zen tasted the drink. It was a bit minty.

"I think he would be fine if you hadn't given him minty drink," Zen said, vexedly. Mitsuhide chuckled.

"Hey! Don't tell me you've guys have already forgotten about me?" Obi said, appearing from nowhere.

"Of course not. After all, you left me chasing cat-eyed ladies." Mitsuhide sounded a bit irritated. They started arguing. Zen just stood there watching. Suddenly they stopped.

"Zen, no matter what don't turn," Mitsuhide said mouth half widened. Obi looked at the same direction as him. "The beautiful thing up there is going to blind your eyes," Mitsuhide said. Obi had widened eyes. Zen was getting curious. He also turned his head. His friends were right. Maybe shouldn't have turned. He was been allured.

Upon the long stairs was a beautiful young lady with a shiny hair and innocent eyes. Wearing gorgeous shades of green with a very light curled hair. Crystals blinging from her hair and from her dress. The crystals weren't shining just shinning Zen's eyes, but every other man's eyes. The crowd started facing the now-walking-on-stairs maiden. Zen immediately left his friends and approached towards the Lady.

Shirayuki had stood on the stairs for quite a long time. The crowd was slowly turning to face her. She looked at how colorful the room was. Especially the dresses the other women were wearing. She started walking on the stairs as soon as the crowd got noticed. She now descended the stairs. Her eyes search through the audience and immediately saw a widened deep blue eyes. Shirayuki's heartfelt at rest. She now descended faster as Zen also walked faster.

After walking down on the long stairs, Zen and Shirayuki were now facing each other. All the audience were now looking at the centered couple, even the King, Queen and Queen Mother. Shirayuki gave a courtesy to Zen and Zen bowed to Shirayuki.

"Wow! You look...-"

"-Thank you." Shirayuki immediately cut off Zen as she knew Zen's words would last forever and even start creating his own words.

Zen gave a quick smile at his wife's response. "Ready to show these Lords and Ladies, how it's done by the royal family?"

"After you," Shirayuki said smiling.

Zen gently laid his right hand on Shirayuki's waist. Shirayuki gasped a bit. That's when the violin started playing. They started moving little by little.

"Oh my goodness. She's watching." Shirayuki said immediately after seeing her, uneasiness in her voice. Lady Adela was watching closely and carefully.

"Don't worry about her. You will do fine. Now smile." Zen whispered as they got closer.

"Uuu." Was what Zen and Shirayuki got immediately after Zen spined Shirayuki, revealing more of her dress.

After minutes, it was over. They were panting slowly. The violin stopped. Claps were received. Zen and Shirayuki were facing again. She gave a courtesy and he gave a bow. Another music started instantly. This time, it was for the assembly. Shirayuki left the dance floor and walked up on the long stairs again as she needed to change into another dress. Zen also moved from the-now dancing crowd and starred at Shirayuki's back. Shirayuki reached the top. She gently turned her head and smiled shyly at Zen. Zen couldn't help but chuckle at his wife's sudden shyness.

"That was amazing." He heard the people say. He approached them and thanked them.

Shirayuki went back to the dressing room again to change into her final dress. Her hairstyle was changed into another style. She straightened her hair. Her last dress was made of a white silk. It didn't have a corset. It had a raglan sleeve.

Shirayuki walked the stairs again. At the end of the stairs, around the center of the room was standing the King. Her second dance was with the King. Shirayuki gently searched through the crowds, looking for Zen. Which it didn't take long before she did. Zen nodded his head smiling.

"May I have this dance?" His Majesty said his left at his back and his right hand stretched, asking for permission.

"Yes, you may." Shirayuki curtsied. She gently laid her hand into his palm. Shirayuki felt nervous running through her body. The orchestra started playing. She had practiced this dance for the weeks.

Zen was uncomfortable at first and nervous behalf of Shirayuki. As the dance slowly started progressing well, he felt at ease. They were conversing through the waltz. Zen had become curious what exactly they could be talking about.

Another clap was received as the King and the Princess finished waltzing. The King walked away and so did Shirayuki.

Dance requests came up. Even Prince Raj danced with her. Shirayuki danced with the nobles till she felt sore.

Shirayuki saw Zen and Zen signaled her to go to the pavilion; outside the hall. On Shirayuki's way to the pavilion, many nobles congratulated her and complimented her. Shirayuki replied and thanked them.

Shirayuki reached the pavilion. She stood there watching the beautiful night sky and the lights that were brightening both from the castle and the nearest towns.

"So, this is how a royal wedding is like." A familiar voice said. The familiar's shadows were growing taller and taller. Shirayuki started panicking and immediately turned around. She was a bit surprised to see the man standing there.

"Oh, hey dad," Shirayuki said crossing her arms. "You came." Shirayuki looked around for Zen. She saw Zen talking to Itoya and Kazuki. They waved and smiled at her. "And you're not alone." She added. Mikaze turned to see what Shirayuki was talking about.

"Congratulations on your marriage."

"Thank you very much."

Silence.

"You aren't still angry at me, are you?" Mikaze asked putting his hands into his pockets.

"No. Why would I be?"

"Nothing. Just asking."

Another silence.

"See, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to let you down or anything like that." Mikaze apologized.

"Okay." Shirayuki simply said. "After all, you made someone I barely knew more than months escort me than my own father I have known for years. I have nothing wrong against you. You made your choice. I'm glad, you're even here."

"Thank you. Where's Hiroyuki?"

"He's supposed to be around."

"Okay, I will go look for him and thank him. Just in case you don't happen to see me again, congratulations once more. I'm proud of you." Mikaze said lightly hugging Shirayuki.

Shirayuki suddenly started regretting her words. Mikaze left. Maybe she was acting a bit too harsh. She was in deep thoughts of how rude she was. She suddenly felt someone hugging her tightly.

"Oh my goodness. You're looking so beautiful." Kazuki said admiring her.

"Yes, very gorgeous." Itoya agreed.

Kazuki and Itoya were wearing a handsome white tie attire. It suited them very well.

"Thank you." Shirayuki thanked.

Shirayuki, Kazuki, and Itoya started conversing. Not long before Zen coughed and interrupted. Kazuki raised his eyebrows. Almost everybody knew Kazuki didn't like Zen due to his noble status. He only tolerated Zen because of Shirayuki.

"Looks like we've been thrown out. We will take our leave then." Kazuki said irritated.

Kazuki and Itoya left.

"I'm wondering the day they will start liking me," Zen said walking further to Shirayuki.

"Zen, you know why they are like that. I don't think there's nothing to stress about. After all, I saw you talking to them. It seemed you were getting along, to me."

Zen snorted. "Yeah, they were more like lecturing me." "-Anyway, you look beautiful in this dress."

"Thank you."

Zen and Shirayuki were talking about the wedding and everything that went wrong and what went correctly.

"Pardon me your Highnesses."

The couples immediately turned around to see who it was. The lady had a blond hair with copper eyes.

"Hello, Lady Haruko," Zen answered immediately after turning.

She curtsied. "I came here to congratulate you on your matrimony."
"Thank you. It's very kind of you."

Lady Haruko smiled and turned to face Shirayuki, who standing there smiling. She gently bowed her head and left.

"Who is she?" Shirayuki asked instantly after Lady Haruko left.

"Lord Haruka's first daughter," Zen answered turning around. Shirayuki was deeply in shock.

"Lord Haruka has a daughter?" Shirayuki whispered, surprised.

"Why are you whispering?" Zen asked chuckling. "And yes, he has a daughter. And a son."

Shirayuki just looked and felt thunderbolt. She couldn't believe Marquis Haruka had a child not to speak of children.

"Trust me, when you start getting used to everything, you're going to have that face all the time. So, I suggest you start getting used to it. Starting from Lord Haruka's paterfamilias."

"Thank you for the kind advice." Shirayuki giggled.

They took a seat near the pillar. Shirayuki laid her head on Zen's shoulder.

"It's beautiful," Zen whispered.

"What's beautiful?" Shirayuki asked.

"You, us, our wedding, everything," Zen answered. "I'm glad, everything ended with peace and expeditiously."

A/N:

Hey!

I'm terribly sorry for the late update. I've been busy lately.

I wanted this chapter to be short as possible, but that couldn't happen. There were so many details I had planned and I didn't want to divide this. So, many of you can feel this chapter is rushed.

Shirayuki's first cousin now has a name, Hiroyuki meaning a lot of happiness.

This name was suggested by Rainbowunicorn22 on . Thank you very much, Rainbowunicorn22.

Is 'outshiningly' a word? To be honest, I don't even know.

Anyway, I hope you liked Shirayuki's second and third dress. Even though the details were short.

Since most of you have been desperately waiting for Zenyuki moments. I'm going to serve you. Starting from the next chapter.

Hope you enjoyed;)