Oh...listen...do you hear them? WEDDING BELLS! Let's not waste any time talking and just get to the bliss...OK?
.
64
Lord and Lady von Desslar
.
.
Meanwhile in the children's quarters, Anne had instructed them all to get dressed for the ceremony, helping them pick out appropriate attire for such an occasion. Helena had just finished brushing her hair and tying it up in a satin ribbon when she got an idea.
"We need to go see if the roses mother planted have bloomed!" she announced to her two younger sisters.
"Why?" Sarah asked, pulling up her stockings before sticking her foot out in a silent plea for her older sister to help her put on her shoes. Helena rolled her eyes as she came over to assist.
"Every bride needs flowers on her wedding day," Helena told them, as if it was a big secret and she was the only one smart enough to know this.
"Oh," Sabrina said, nodding her head in agreement. Helena then moved to the second set of feet as she slipped on Sabrina's footwear and secured them swiftly.
"Now, let's go!" Helena told them, pulling them out the door and heading to the courtyard.
When the three arrived they inspected the small bushes, wishing the blossoms were in full bloom, but they were still very small and somewhat closed. Helena seemed a bit disappointed, having imagined picking a large bouquet for Christine to carry.
"Well, perhaps we could pick her some of these to put in her hair," she suggested, breaking off the rose buds, careful not to poke her fingers on the thorns. When they had a small handful they all headed back to the castle to look for their mother.
.
.
Meg was sitting on the bed meticulously stitching up the hem of the lovely white velvet dress that Lady Cordelia had loaned to Christine. The hem could easily be taken down should the lady in waiting ever need the dress herself later on, but Meg thought it was extremely thoughtful of her to offer it to her friend on her big day. It had long drooping sleeves with pointed cuffs, an embroidered scoop neck and a richly designed golden sash that went around her waist and then hung down in front almost to the floor.
Lady Cordelia had called for a bath to be brought up and Christine was just now stepping out, having had her hair washed and her skin scrubbed to a shade of rosy pink. As she dried off and slipped on her undergarments there came a knock at the door, causing Cordelia to hand her a dressing gown before Meg answered it. When she saw it was the three girls, she smiled and stepped aside, allowing them to enter.
"Mother!" they all said at once, rushing over to give her a group hug. Christine returned it, while laying kisses on each of their heads.
"We brought you some flowers for your hair." Helena informed her, holding the handful of rose buds up for her to see.
"Oh thank you, these will be perfect!" Christine exclaimed as she took them and put them up to her nose and inhaled deeply.
"And I know just the way to fix your hair to showcase such delicate blossoms," Lady Cordelia said, taking the flowers and doing a little snipping on the stems to make them just the right length for weaving in hair. "I have a white pearl comb that will hold your hair perfectly and the flowers will frame it nicely."
"But first," Meg said, biting off the thread she had been sewing with. "You need to slip this on and see if it fits." She held up the dress, which was met with a round of oos and awws from the young girls, who were seeing the dress for the first time. Christine slipped out of the dressing gown and allowed Meg to help her put the dress over her head, relishing the feeling of the fine fabric as it slid down her skin, falling to the floor at the proper length.
"Perfect," Lady Cordelia smiled standing back to view Christine from all angles. "Now we will do your hair and you will be all ready to marry." She then pulled up a chair and instructed her to sit down as she picked up the brush and began to work. After half of the design was done and the roses the girls picked were starting to adorn her hair Helena sheepishly approached Lady Cordelia as she worked, her hands clenched behind her back and here feet shuffling nervously.
"Lady Cordelia," she began softly, her eyes cast to the floor in shame. "I wanted to say I was sorry for the mean trick we almost played on you with the bucket of pig slop."
Cordelia looked away from her work and gave the young girl a kind smile.
"I accept your apology, Helena," she assured her, never missing a beat as she twisted and curled Christine's hair around her fingers. "I admire your loyalty to your mother and I am very glad that she will soon be joined with your father once again. And while it appears that we will never be family, I hope that we can be friends."
"I…I would like that," Helena said, a grin spreading across her face.
"Us too!" Sarah and Sabrina chimed in, not wishing to be left out of anything.
.
.
Meanwhile, up in his room, Erik had poured a large basin of warm water and after stripping off his sweaty clothes he began to bathe himself with a rag and bar of soap. As he let the washrag glide over his large, toned muscles he could imagine the pleasures in store for him from this day forward. He would never let Christine go again, she would be his wife and bear his child and they would raise their family together. He shut his eyes and envisioned her delicate hands performing this task for him as her lovely face smiled at him. Such visions soon caused an undeniable ache to spread over him as he dreamed of the night to come.
A knock at the door broke him from his lustful thoughts and he turned to face the sound of the voice through the large wooden planks.
"Sire," came the voice of Robert. "I was told to inform you that the priest has arrived and is waiting in the main hall with the King."
"Good, I will be down presently," he told him.
"Aye, my lord," Robert answered back, turning to leave.
"Wait," Erik yelled out, looking over at the clothes he had chosen for the occasion and realizing he might need some assistance. He quickly slipped into his breeches and tunic before continuing. "I require your aid a moment, Robert."
The door opened and the young man stepped in, bowing out of respect.
"How can I be of service, my lord?" he asked.
"I need assistance with my armor, I do not intend to go in full accompaniment, just the breast plate and arms, but it is difficult to lace them up unaided," Erik explained.
Robert nodded and stepped over and held up the gleaming armor, polished to perfection and ready for the solemn day. Erik thought about how differently this moment felt, now that he was dressing for Christine and not for Lady Cordelia. Though he harbored no ill will against her, he knew he would have been dreading this day otherwise. His stomach had been in knots and his heart ripped apart at the idea of taking vows with any woman but Christine, but now that he knew it would be her offering him her hand today, he was almost giddy with anticipation. Robert continued to assist him, hooking the metal plates here or tying them in place there as Erik stood still, his arms outstretched to offer him easier access to the fastenings. Yet he could see that young man giving him side glances and odd looks, turning away when noticed until Erik finally questioned him about them.
"Is there something on your mind, Robert?" Erik asked, turning to face the fidgeting man.
"I…I only wished to convey my happiness for you and Christine, sire," he said, bowing his head, not willing to make eye contact. "Meg and I could not be more pleased with how this has turned out. I have had the privilege of watching Christine grow from a little girl into the amazing woman she has become. And while I did my best to see that she was protected during her time at the de Coleville estate, being a mere servant myself, I am afraid my effects were limited." Robert then looked up, staring at Erik full in the face, his eyes now conveying pride and admiration for his current master. "When you came that day and laid claim to her, I admit that I feared for her future, your reputation was a bit…overwhelming, you might say. Yet the idea that she was now a respected knight's wife and taken from the clutches of Philippe did put my mind at ease, knowing she stood a better chance for happiness here at Winterbourne. I am exceedingly pleased to see that I was right."
"No one is more delighted than I that she has found happiness here," Erik told him, placing a hand on the man's shoulder. "You have been a true friend to my bride and I am grateful to you for this, and for the protection you gave her. You and your family will always have a home here at Winterbourne, and my castle will be the better for it."
"Thank you, my lord," Robert said, once more dipping his head as he felt embarrassed by his master's kind words. It was not something he had quite gotten used to yet, having only known the harsh sting of cruelty and reprimand from the de Colevilles.
With Robert's expert assistance, Erik was soon dressed in his very best, with a black cape draped over his shoulders and the back of his armor . His rich ebony and gold tunic hung down just above his knees and his breeches filtered down into his high black boots. He instinctively reached up and touched the mask, wishing with all his heart that he could stand before his wife today with no barriers between them, as a man whole and worthy of such a bride. And yet she had looked upon his face and smiled, kissed and touched it as if he were the most handsome knight in the kingdom. His Christine was truly an angel of mercy, a gentle dove who brought peace to his ravaged heart. He swore he would spend the rest of his life attempting to prove himself worthy of such a love.
With one last inspection to see that his attire was perfect, Erik thanked Robert for his assistance and headed down to greet the priest.
.
.
Lady Cordelia had just finished Christine's hair and handed her a small mirror to inspect herself. Christine was thrilled with the results and she thanked Cordelia over and over again for her generosity and help. She suddenly felt very much like a bride, even more so than the day she first married Sir Erik, and the rush of love and excitement spread through her body. It had been less than a week since the two of them had engaged in marital relations, in the stables no less, but to Christine it felt like years. She couldn't wait to get him alone with her later that night, and began to devise a very special reunion for the both of them. One she hoped he would enjoy as much as she was just thinking about it.
Christine was so lost in thought that she did not hear Anne knock and quietly open the door, not realizing she was there until she spoke.
"Oh my dear, you are the loveliest of brides," she said, bringing her handkerchief up to her face to dab at her weeping eyes. "I can't begin to tell you how happy I am, for I had prayed many times that Sir Erik would find a woman like you to love him…and finally here you are."
"Just as I prayed to find a man as caring and good as he," Christine nodded, standing and embracing the woman quickly.
"Are you just about ready, the hour has arrived and the priest has entered the castle and everyone awaits downstairs. But you take your time, a woman should never be rushed on her wedding day."
"Just a few more minutes I think," she said, looking around at the smiling faces surrounding her. "I…I am suddenly nervous," she chuckled, noticing that her hands were shaking.
"Not getting cold feet are you?" Meg asked, coming over to hug her friend as they both laughed.
"Nay, I have never been more sure of anything in my life," she assured them. And it was true. As she thought of Erik, his broad shoulders, his warm loving hands, his roguish smile and his bright and piercing eyes, she was overcome with a wave of peace and clarity. She loved him, more than she ever thought possible and she knew that would never, ever change. "Now, let's get this wedding started."
"I will go down and tell everyone that you are ready," Cordelia said, smiling down at the twins as she held her hand out to them. "Would you ladies like to join me, that way we can find a perfect spot to watch the wedding from?" Sarah and Sabrina apparently thought this was a grand idea and since Helena had apparently made peace with this woman, where was the harm. Anne left as well, telling them she would be waiting by the stairs to give them the sign to enter. Helena stayed with Meg and Christine, and was soon glad she did when her mother asked her to stand beside Meg during the wedding and stand up for her as well. This made Helena feel very special and extremely grown up, and she held her head quite high for the rest of the day because of it.
.
.
Meanwhile Bernard had done as his master had instructed, and made his way to his small house outside the walls. When he entered he announced quite loudly that everyone was to dress in their best and be ready to depart in less than five minutes. Both boys were quick to obey, rushing into their rooms and returning quickly in fresh tunics and slicking back their hair with water and a brush.
"Where are we going father?" Karl asked, doing his best to comb his hair using only one hand, his other still encased in the sling until it mended.
"To a wedding," Bernard announced, giving the boy a hand.
"Then you can go without me!" Came the voice of his wife from behind him. He turned to see her standing in the doorway, having just changed as he had directed, yet no longer lacing up the back upon hearing where he aimed to take them. "I will not sit there and smile while I watch my friend's life torn to shreds by that man stealing woman! I won't!"
"Wife…" Bernard began, crossing his arms as he stared at her with a mixture of humor and annoyance. "If I say we are going to Sir Erik's wedding…we are going to Sir Erik's wedding. I may not be the Lord of Winterbourne, but I am still the master of my house and you will obey me." He had never had reason to be cross at his wife before and he found it rather amusing to see her standing there quite defiantly. It was oddly arousing.
"I…I…" Ophelia began, seemingly torn between loyalty to her husband and to that of her friend. In the end she lowered her head and nodded submissively. "Aye, my husband…I will go."
Bernard sighed and shook his head, wondering if he should tell her about the change with the brides. But no…it would be much more fun to see her face when the moment arrived. Yes, he would keep it a secret a little longer. Approaching his despondent wife he gently turned her around and helped her finish lacing up her dress, moving her hair aside as he leaned in and kissed her tenderly on the neck, his hands running down her arms seductively. He felt her shiver and he smiled at how much he desired his modest little wife.
His brows suddenly knitted together as he thought of how he would have felt had the King suddenly taken his bride from him and tried to replace her with another. He had felt badly for Sir Erik before, but now he had a whole new appreciation for the hell that man had been put through over the last few days. For the first time in his life he found himself grateful that he was not of noble birth and free to choose whom he wished to love and marry. He was immensely happy that all this had now been sorted out. Bernard then turned Ophelia around and lifted her chin with his finger so that her sad eyes met his.
"If you get to the wedding and you feel that you cannot endure the ceremony, you have my permission to leave. I will not be angry," he told her, once more concealing the smile that played at his lips.
"Nay, husband," she assured him, reaching up to kiss his lips. "I would never shame you in such a manner before the King. I will attend the marriage of our lord and master, to please you. He is your friend and I am your wife."
"And you are a very good wife at that, my love," he told her, leaning in for a slow and gentle kiss. "However I have a feeling you will enjoy this wedding more than you think." And with that he pulled her along, the boys a few steps behind, as they headed towards the castle.
.
.
Erik arrived in the main hall to find the King and priest speaking with one another, both turning as he entered.
"Ah, Sir Erik," the priest said, coming forward and taking his hand in both of his and shaking it heartily. "It is an honor to be of service to you on such a joyous occasion."
"Thank you for coming all this way, I know it is a fair distance to the abbey and back," Erik said, liking the looks of the short and rotund man dressed in robes. "It would appear you made good time."
"I admit that I came a bit early at the urging of sister Agnes. Apparently she wished for me to interview your perspective bride before the wedding to ascertain if she does indeed wish to be joined with you in matrimony?" The priest gave Erik a curious look, cocking his head to one side as he examined his expression. "It would seem that you made some sort of disturbing appearance at the nunnery not too long ago, searching for a runaway bride? Might this be the same girl in question? For if so, sister Agnes wishes me to convey to the girl that she would be granted sanctuary at the abbey should she wish it."
Damn meddling nun, Erik fumed. How dare she paint him out to be some sort of abusive and tyrannical husband. However, he had to admit that the day he had ransacked the abbey looking for Christine, he had been rather annoyed and a bit out of control. Perhaps the insufferable woman was not so far off in her concerns.
"I assure you that my bride is very amiable towards the marriage and is not under any sort of duress," Erik replied, doing his best to keep his anger down.
"I believe you, Sir Erik," the priest chuckled, noticing his ire. "The King has assured me of the girl's wishes and I am quite relieved to hear that this marriage is desired on both sides. I have been the unfortunate witness of many a union where there is no love or respect for their intended and it is a sad thing to see."
"Christine and I may have begun our relationship as strangers, but today I cannot imagine having grater love for a woman than I do for her," he once more assured the priest, eliciting a wide smile from the balding man.
"Excellent, then it will be my pleasure to join you both in holy matrimony," he said, looking around the room. "In the meantime, might you have a spot of ale; the journey has made me quite thirsty."
.
.
Christine was about to exit the room when yet another knock came at the door and when permission was given to enter the happy face of Robert was seen poking in.
"Christine!" he gasped, taking in the sight of his young friend. "You look beautiful." He quickly looked over at Meg and leaned in to kiss her cheek. "Not as beautiful as my Meg did on her wedding day, but a very close second."
Meg accepted the kiss and the compliment with a blush as she playfully slapped his arm.
"You just keep that silver tongue in your head, Robert," she told him. "This is Christine's day and nothing should be taken away from that."
"Oh I believe she will be receiving enough attention from her soon to be husband, if the words he just spoke while I was assisting him to dress hold any merit," Robert laughed. "He is quite anxious to see you walking down those steps, Christine."
"I am anxious to see him as well, yet I fear I might faint and end up falling down the stairs instead," Christine told him, her eyes betraying her nervousness. "I only wish my father was here to walk with me, I could use a steady arm right about now."
"I know I am far from the station of your beloved father, Christine," Robert said, clearing his throat in order to get the words out. "But as a man who loves you like a sister, I offer you my arm if you have need of it on this special day."
"Oh Robert," Christine whispered, her eyes filling with tears, touched by his offer. "I would be honored to have you escort me to my groom."
"Then it is settled," Meg piped in, pushing Robert around to stand next to her friend. "However, if we delay any further I think your husband will become nervous and come looking for you. He does not seem to be the kind of man who likes to be kept waiting."
"Nay, Meg…that he does not," Christine laughed, her friend's jest relieving her of some of her tension, as the four of them headed out the door.
.
.
Once the priest's thirst had been quenched, by three goblets of Erik's finest ale, and a few more pleasantries had been exchanged, more guests soon began to filter into the main hall, including his two sons. Jacob was standing beside him while Charles was keeping an eye out for his friend, Luc, who his father had promised would be arriving soon. Erik looked down at Jacob and saw the look of confusion on his young face.
"What has you so perplexed?" he asked, trying to focus on his son to take his mind off his own anxieties.
"I do not understand why you seem so…troubled." Jacob said, not quite sure why his father was pacing and fidgeting. "I would think you would be happy."
"I am. I am very happy…I am also anxious," he admitted with a slight chuckle. "I just wish for this to be over so things can get back to normal, that's all."
Jacob seemed to understand this explanation, for he too was a bit tired of the drama that had overshadowed the castle as of late.
"Yes, it will be good to have mother happy again," he nodded in agreement. "I did not like it when she cried all the time."
"I did not like that either," Erik assured him, his gut wrenching in pain at the thought of the tears she had shed over the past few days. If he had any say in the matter, and he sincerely hoped he did, she would never shed a tear from this day forward, unless they be tears of joy. Just then his thoughts were interrupted by Anne and Lady Cordelia coming down the stairs, flanked by his twin daughters, all looking quite happy.
"The bride is ready when you are," Cordelia announced, letting go of the girl's hands as they raced over to hug their father. She then went to stand beside the King who had positioned himself near the fireplace as they waited.
Erik was about to say they needed to wait for Bernard, but before he could open his mouth, his trustworthy, if not tardy, steward came walking in. Charles ran over and began to talk with Luc while Karl gave a bow to Sir Erik and then scanned the room, looking disappointed when he did not see whom he sought.
"Please forgive my lateness, my lord," Bernard said, leaving his wife to stand beside Karl and Luc as he took his place next to Erik and Jacob.
"I did just warn you of such, did I not?" Erik asked in a scolding tone. "Yet, on this day, I am quite willing to forgive even the most heinous of sins," he laughed, slapping his steward on the back good naturedly.
Bernard too let loose a chuckle as he turned and gave his wife a quick wink, noticing her look of confusion when she spotted Lady Cordelia standing beside the King, not looking at all like a woman about to take vows. The priest was standing a few feet away from the King, staring down at his book of sermons, going over the wedding vows one last time, for it would not do to become tongue tied in the presence of the King.
"Shall we begin then?" the preacher asked, looking around to see if everyone that needed to be there was present.
"I see no reason to delay," Erik nodded, turning to face Antoinette and Anne, who had positioned themselves at the base of the steps to signal when all was ready. Antoinette then cleared her throat, apparently this being the agreed upon signal, prompting Helena to begin her decent down the stairs and into the main hall. With all the grace of a queen she glided across the room and came to stand on the opposite side of Jacob, her eyes only once straying to where Karl looked on with his mouth slightly open at seeing her so poised and pretty.
Meg was the next to emerge as she smiled and also took her place opposite of Erik's steward. Again Bernard stole a glance at his wife and he could tell that she was now keenly aware that things were not at all like she had anticipated. From the hint of tears in her eyes, he saw that she was almost too afraid to hope, yet watched the stairs now with great anticipation. And she was not disappointed…in fact no one was as the vision of loveliness suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs.
Christine's eyes went immediately to Erik's and she could feel her knees become weak at the sight of her striking husband to be standing there, waiting for her to approach and take his hand in marriage. If it had not been for Robert, standing beside her, she might not have trusted her strength to get her down the steps. But somehow, between the two of them, they managed.
Erik was awestruck. He had seen Christine in many a beautiful gown, yet this one would forever be burned into his mind as his favorite. She looked so pure and so beautiful with her hair pulled back with half of it swept up and entwined with fragrant rosebuds, and yet he knew very well that an untamed spirit lurked beneath that innocent exterior. He had experienced it many times during the past months and he desperately longed to taste it again…and tonight he vowed he would. Soon she would be his to have and to hold once more, his to love and protect. And this time, he would not let anyone or anything stop him from doing just that. Erik had been so lost in his thoughts that he was only brought back to reality by the sudden gasp and broken sob coming from Ophelia off to the right of him. Apparently she too was overcome by the event… though he was not quite sure why. Women were such emotional creatures, he decided. But he did not have time to concern himself with Bernard's wife, he had his own to think about, and think he did.
Once she was down the steps and only a few feet away from him, Robert turned and kissed her on the cheek, saying a few words in her ear that made her smile before he placed her hand within Erik's awaiting one. Once he felt her fingers entwine with his he knew he never wanted to let go. Pulling her to his side, he entwined his arm with hers and placed his other hand on top with a gentle squeeze. Unable to take his eyes off of her, both of them locked in a loving stare, they did not even notice the look of annoyance the preacher gave them for not paying attention. Finally he had to cough slightly to get them to glance in his direction.
"We have come together in the sight of God to join this man and this woman in the bonds of matrimony. This is a holy estate and one not to be taken lightly or without forethought and one that these two people now present consent to be fitly united in. Therefore if any man can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let him speak now or forever hold his peace."
At this point both Erik, Christine, and just about everyone in the room, turned and looked at the King, all holding their breath for fear he might speak. Yet he only smiled and gave a nod of compliance, urging the ceremony to continue. A collective sigh was heard as the preacher continued.
"I require and charge you both, as you will answer at the dreadful day of judgment, when all the secrets of the heart shall be disclosed, that if either of you harbor any doubts or impediments against this union, you speak now as it is right to do so." He stopped there and looked at the two of them, waiting for an answer of yay or nay.
Erik looked at Christine and she in turn looked back at him. Neither one had even a shred of doubt in their minds and with a smile they both nodded their consent and he continued on.
"Please face one another," he instructed, waiting till they did so. "Sir Erik please take the right hand of your intended bride in your right hand, thus pledging to be her strength, her protector and her husband for as long as you draw breath." Erik followed the directions, doing just as he had been instructed, not once taking his eyes off of her.
"Will you, Sir Erik von Desslar, in the presence of God, your King and these witnesses take Lady Christine Daae as your wedded wife?"
"I will," Erik stated with no hesitation in his voice.
"And you, Lady Christine Daae, will you take Sir Erik von Desslar to be your wedded husband?"
"I will," she agreed as well, blinking back her tears as she smiled at him in love.
The preacher then took out a silk cord and reaching forward wound it loosely around their wrists, binding them as one in action and words.
"Forasmuch as Sir Erik and Lady Christine have pledged their troth, each one to the other, and have declared this by renouncing all others keeping only to themselves from this day forward, I hereby pronounce that they are officially man and wife…what God hath joined together let no man put apart."
"Amen," Erik whispered, knowing that was truly his deepest wish. If anyone but Christine heard his silent plea, they did not let on.
"Sir Erik…you may now kiss your bride." The preacher announced, a satisfied smile plastered on his face as he watched the eager groom lean in for his long awaited kiss.
It was not a fierce kiss, yet neither was it a tender one, instead it was filled with love, confessing all their desires but remaining chaste in its makeup. Yet as they broke apart, both were out of breath and there was an unspoken promise that lingered there, letting each other know that this night would not end in frustration like so many had in the past.
They did not have much time to reflect on this however as they were quickly surrounded by those wishing to congratulate them and offer handshakes and hugs. The King was the first speak, taking a goblet from one of the trays now being passed around by some servants, raising it high and saluting the happy couple. Many others cheered in agreement as they too drank to the health and happiness of their lord and mistress.
Erik had just leaned down to claim his wife's lips once more when he felt a tugging on his tunic, and looking down he saw the wide eyed stares of Charles and Luc.
"Papa," his youngest son began, a perplexing look on his face. "With you and mother doing so much kissing…did you just put another baby in her tummy?"
Erik gave an uncontrolled snort of laughter at Charles' inquiry and watched as Christine turned several shades of pink, as just about everyone in the room turned silent and wide eyed at the not so quiet question the boy had posed.
"Bernard," Erik began, doing his best to hide his amusement as he looked up at his startled steward. "It appears that your youngest son has been filling my boy's ears with wild tales of how babies are made. Would you care to field this question while I see to my wife and other guests?" He then turned and left the uncomfortable scene as Bernard stood there with his mouth hanging open, staring at the two curious boys in front of him.
.
.
Oh Bernard you are in so much hot water right now, both from Erik AND Ophelia….you are soooo gunna get it, ha ha.
Well the wedding is over, they are all married AGAIN, and this time it is going to stick…we promise! Even the King wouldn't dare mess this up again.
Hmmmm, now what should happen? What comes after a wedding…what could that be? (gives evil grin…just wait till Monday!)