Chap 21
Ianto nervously pulled at his tunic. He had denied his family access since the night he and Jack had bonded, preferring to spend the two days preparing his vows and hiding the fact that a bond had already been initiated.
The deep burgundy tunic with a light gold thread was an ornate version of the shirt his sister had gifted him for her own bonding ceremony and it made him feel like she was watching over him as he fulfilled her promise of peace for the people.
Jack had sent a gift earlier in the day, a small pendant of blown glass shaped like a dew drop with a small droplet of water encased in it. Ianto was so touched that Jack had gifted such a personal symbol of his blood calling. He was also pleased that he had sent a gift of his own, a wristlet of fine gold that seemed to glow with fire in a certain light.
He and Jack had spent time choosing the rings. The ring Jack chose was the cool silver of his people where as Ianto wanted the warm gold of his. Finally they had agreed to two thin bands that would fit together once worn to form one two-tone band. Ianto would wear the gold first then the silver, Jack the silver first then the gold to show the exchange.
The fire bowl would be held between them by Ianto and Jack would carefully pour the water into the bowl so the fire would extinguish to form a steam signifying the joining of two elemental bloods.
It was going to be a long and arduous day with little respite from the pomp and ceremony of the expected rituals of office. The only highlight was Jack. Gods, always Jack.
.
.
.
Jack looked at his attire in the full length mirror and grinned at the reflection. Ianto was his. Gods, this time tomorrow they would be in the bed he could see behind him in the mirror, sated and spent after a night of fully bonded passion.
Jack had insisted on the rooms being upgraded as he never wanted to spend time apart from Ianto after this day. Now that he had tasted him, fully experienced this man he knew there would never be enough time or enough words for what he felt.
To have thought he knew love. Sofia had been a good woman and a good wife but Jack now knew he had only seen his duty. This was his everything. Even now, knowing Ianto was only one wing over caused physical pain that he knew only his touch would heal. The soft smiles and feather light touches a warm balm to his frost bitten heart that was thawing more each day.
Jack took a moment and closed his eyes as he sent his thanks to the Gods for a true love bond then with shiver of excitement he left his chambers for the long day ahead.
Jack tripped along the carpeted hallway and into the great hall. Festooned with the blue and silver of his family colours he was satisfied to see the red and gold trimmings where they would be seated for their feast on the raised stage. The chairs they had sat in for the negotiations were now firmly placed in the centre of the stage with the great table lining the front. No more walking for food for his bond-mate.
He pondered having a smaller table made so he and Ianto could always dine together at social events from their matching bond-chairs. Perhaps a thin one to sit between the chairs so they could touch as they selected food from a shared plate. He wondered if Ianto would find it too cheesy and grinned softly at the thought of Ianto snorting at him for him for what Ianto called "your soft ways".
Her Majesty Queen Rose watched her son as he fussed over the centrepiece of green grapes and white roses. He raised a finger and a servant scuttled over. She could not hear the exchange but soon two glass goblets appeared along with a carafe of water. Two red roses were carefully slid into the centrepiece.
Finally satisfied, Jack walked over to his parents who waited patiently beneath the bonding arch and the good King gave a return smile to his son's eager grin.
A hush grew and Jack turned to watch the door as the first of the Jones clan entered.
It was time. The wind died as the elements waited. A mighty head rose from the paws it has rested upon and turned to stare in the direction of the keep.