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A/N: Thanks to Chewie-Fan and Ivy Elizabeth for their reviews.

Hope you all enjoy this chapter, and please let me know what you think.

July 28th 1688, Evening

Jacob was bored. Sure the banquet was nice and the food was good but no one was doing anything. From the corner of his right eye he spied his brother leaning over to whisper something to Aria who looked concerned for a moment before nodding. Slowly the two of them stood and made their way to the center of the room.

He smiled as his brother nodded at the small group of musicians. Finally, something interesting was happening. Even from far away he could tell that his brother was besotted, even if he didn't want to admit it. Though Aria only looked half-thrilled.

"I think your brother is finally using his brain." Looking at his father he bowed his head.

"Took him long enough, it has been what? Nineteen years?" Phil laughed.

"It must run in the family since I don't think I have ever seen you use yours." Jacob pretended to be offended. "Do you believe she and Josh will be happy?"

"I do." He said softly. The dance came to an end. His father merely looked at him for a moment before standing causing the courtiers to turn and stare at him.

"I wish to share a dance with my future daughter-in-law," at this Phil smirked, "if that is alright with my son." Josh and Aria faced him, each bowing.

"Of course father." Phil took Josh's place and the music changed into something a bit calmer than what it had been. Jacob followed his brother retake his seat.

"The two of you look good together." Josh gave him a sideways glance before a full smile took residence on his face.

Phil smiled down at Aria who at the moment actually appeared to be enjoying herself. For the first half of the dance neither of them spoke, both just trying to adjust their thoughts. "After this I think you should allow your Ladies to escort you back to your new apartments." He caught her glance at him.

"New apartments Your Majesty?" Her voice reminded him of something distant.

"Why else do you think you were asked to leave court? I had all your things move into rooms closer to your husbands, actually they are attached. Please do not think me too forward." She shook her head.

"It is a great gift Your Majesty, I thank you." Phil knew she didn't mean it.

"Following tradition Josh is to spend most of the night in prayer, and then stay in the Priests rooms. I cannot tell you why just that it is so."

"Anything I should be aware of?" Phil chuckled.

"As mandated by others once in your position the ceremony will take place at noon, something about the height of your love rivaling that of the sun. You will be at Josh's side the rest of the day, and at sunset the two of you will retire. That is it basically." Aria sighed.

"Why must we go through with this fake wedding?"

"To appease the Wizor Ambassador and by extension his King. What happened back in Nohwelena broke the unwritten rules of the Kings. Don't ask which one for you are not a King and therefore cannot know." He watched her roll her eyes.

She reminded Phil of his late wife the night before their wedding, a time when she still partially hated the idea of it. It hadn't taken him long to transform her opinion. If Josh was truly his son Phil would bet that within four weeks Aria and Josh would care for each other in a deeper manner than either thought they would. Of course, Phil could be wrong, but since that never happened he doubted that he was.

July 29th 1688, Morning

Freddy watched the Prince carefully from his position at the back of the King's private chapel. Though he hadn't needed to Josh had insisted that he have time to pray privately, as if the four hours the night before wasn't enough. Having watched the boy grow up Freddy knew that there was something bothering him.

Footsteps to his right made Freddy glance over. Jacob stood silently at the entrance of the small ornate room. Quietly Freddy bowed his head. The younger Prince was already in the wedding attire. It seemed strange to have the teenager in such formal clothing but a wedding was a wedding nothing anyone could do about that.

"Josh, Dad wants to see you." Turning his head slightly Josh nodded. A few moments later he finished his prayer and followed Jacob out of the room.

If his mother still walked the earth she would be so proud of him. With that thought Freddy made his way to the rooms Aria occupied. Even though they were already married everything they did was done as if they weren't. Entering the lightly colored room he found the 'bride' staring out the window.

"Did you sleep well My Lady?" He noticed her eyes glance at him though her body remained stationary.

"Of course. His majesty told me that you were to give me away to my husband since neither my father nor the Nohwelena ambassador is here." She sounded so sad.

"You miss your father?"

"I have never been apart from him for this long. It feels unnatural." Still she didn't move.

"You should write to him then. I am sure he will be glad to hear from you. A ship is bound to arrive here in a few days you can send a letter when it departs." Freddy moved closer to her.

"I should prepare for today's festivities. I am in no condition to be married."

"I think His Highness would take you just as you are." With a slight smile she moved her body to face him.

"Thank you, even if it is already done your words make me feel better." With a nod her two attendants walked forward and led her to another room to be properly prepared. Freddy knew she would make a lovely bride, if she could be called that.