A/N: Heeey guys. Here's the moment we've all been waiting for! It was supposed to be longer but I decided to split this chapter in two, meaning there will be 30 chapters total with a 31st as an epilogue.

Enjoy!


"This is so exciting! But I cannot believe the whole town will not attend," pouted Felicity. Darcy rolled her eyes with a smile, meeting Caroline's similar gaze.

"Widow Picket is sure to have conniptions," Esther said smugly. "I had only hoped to be there to witness them."

"Now you two, this is Darcy's day. I will not have you complaining. When you get married, then you will have all the say in the celebration details but if Darcy wants a small ceremony then we will all be content," Caroline berated but there was still excitement in her voice. The youngest sisters sighed but they heeded Caroline's words, going back to braiding wildflowers through Darcy's hair. None of this could dampen Darcy's mood, which was soaring above the clouds.

Due to the assembly ball, the night before had been a late one and so, Darcy and Loki agreed that the wedding should take place in the early afternoon. Some preparations were needed for the dinner and ensuring Father Hodgens would be available to perform the last minute nuptial. Yet despite all that could have gone wrong, things were moving along rather perfectly. Darcy did not question their good luck for she felt after all that had happened, she deserved just a little perfection in her life.

Choosing her dress was an amusing affair. Esther and Felicity wanted Darcy to wear her most elaborate dress but Darcy prefered something simpler. Despite the ensuing protests on both sides, Darcy eventually gave into her sisters' reasoning and picked her green dress with the embroidered flower detail. She had not worn it since that fated ball. Neither she nor Loki had much of a chance to enjoy it, so perhaps they could do so today. It was a beautiful dress and would be a shame if it never saw the light of day ever again. Caroline had also somehow convinced Darcy to wear the matching earrings Loki had gifted her.

While Darcy protested that she was overdressed, she had to admit she was a pleasure to behold once all was said and done. Her hair was braided, gathered and pinned just above the back of her neck with the occasional artful loose ringlet. Flowers of red, white, violet and yellow were braided through her hair, matching the embroidered flowers at her sleeves.

As her sisters fluttered about, making a fuss and giggling in delight, excitement took over Darcy as butterflies flew in her stomach at the speed of the women around her. For the first time in a very long time, she felt like the princess she pretended to be when she was a little girl. Her fantasies still paled in comparison to the reality though, because a real prince was waiting for her. Yet, Loki's royal blood didn't matter to Darcy. He would be a prince in her eyes even if he were a lowly farmer.

Lost in her thoughts, biting her bottom lip in an attempt to stop the tears of joy from streaming down her face, Darcy inhaled deep breaths but was relieved to see her father watching from the doorway.

"Darcy, you look beautiful," Mr. Lewis said, a saddened smile touching his lips but the affection glistening in his eyes lessened the mournful tone.

"Thank you, papa," Darcy smiled back. Unable to stay still any longer, she stood up and walked into his open arms. Kissing her gently on the forehead, Mr. Lewis pulled back from the tender hug to look upon Darcy and take in all the details of her ensemble.

"It is a good thing we will meet your groom at the church," chided Mr. Lewis with a grin, crinkles forming at the corners of his eyes. I believe if he were to see you now, he would surely drag you onto a horse and race off."

"That would ruin my dress and this is only my second time wearing it. I'd hate that," Darcy laughed. "Though, I fear I may be a tad overdressed. I do not think Loki brought anything quite as elaborate."

"It is only fair that a bride out dress her groom on the wedding day," shrugged Felicity.

"Indeed," nodded Mr. Lewis. "Your mother was a vision on ours. I admit I feared for a moment that she would realise her error and find another more suitable groom with better taste in fashion."

"Mama thought you were quaint," Darcy said sagely, causing Mr. Lewis to bark out a laugh.

"She did indeed. And I would give the world to have her here today," Mr. Lewis sighed, taking Darcy's hand in both of his. "Darcy, I wish to talk to you alone before we leave. Also, I am sure your sisters shall need some more time to ready themselves."

"We will do our best not to outshine you," said Esther solemnly and Darcy snorted as her father led her out of the room. The chattering voices of her sisters softened the further they went until Mr. Lewis closed his study door behind them and there was silence. At her father's insistence, Darcy sat down on a small chair that had been brought in for Loki's use. Across from her, her father sat in his normal study chair, weariness seeping from his bones as he slowly made himself comfortable. Uncertainty began to settle in Darcy's stomach, mixing with the butterflies to cause a swell of nausea.

"My dearest, I must tell you the truth of the matter," Mr. Lewis said with a tone of regret and worry lining his face. Panic griped Darcy's chest as she fought to clench at her skirts. Once he noticed her reaction, Mr. Lewis' face softened. "No horrible surprises to ruin your day. I promise. I simply wanted to tell you that I had hoped this day would not come."

"What do you mean?" frowned Darcy.

"I had not planned on telling you this but your groom asked me to clarify my actions and I felt you deserved to know. You know that I love you and all your sisters dearly. It is the silly, selfish desire of a parent to wish for their child to never grow and to never leave the warmth of their home. Yet out of all your sisters, you were always the one to venture out the furthest from that warmth."

"Honestly, I think it was just to get away from all the screaming," Darcy teased and her father smiled, knowing just as well as her how loud the house could get at times with so many girls.

"Nonetheless, you were the one who approached me about moving to the capital in hopes of earning more money when we had such a difficult year and prospects seemed to be dire. I had hoped you would simply work in town but I could tell from the look in your eyes that you needed to have an adventure, just like those in the books you read," Mr. Lewis said fondly, tears beginning to glisten in his eyes. "So, I must tell you how much I regret that I insisted you come home or that you search for a husband. It was never my intention to place your worth to me in your ability to secure a husband."

"And your sermons on the importance of finding husbands?" Darcy questioned, letting his words rattle in her brain.

"Remember, they tended to centre on your virtue, which I am glad all of you seemed to have taken to heart. I often assumed you would live a quick horse ride away from me. All my letters insisting you find a husband or return, happened to be my selfishness in wishing you were by my side. I missed you dearly and shall continue to do so once your husband takes you away. But I see how happy he makes you and I would never demand of you the sadness that comes with unrequited love."

"Honestly, papa, I do not think that it could have played out any other way and end in my happiness as is seems to be doing now," admitted Darcy, letting the revelations slide away. It did not matter anymore. She also truly believed if she hadn't needled Loki so much about marriage, they would not be finding themselves so near said position. "And I will miss you and all my sisters as much as I have since I first left. In fact, although it will drive Loki utterly mad, I intend to try and find a way to have you all near. Even if it means you must live with us."

"I believe that will drive the both of you mad," chuckled Mr. Lewis, reaching over to pat Darcy on the knee. "I assure you, we shall all be pleased to visit, though Felicity and Esther more so, as Caroline now intents to stay here with Mr. Boothby. Esther has certainly been bit with your yearning for travel, as you are aware. Perhaps you can find appropriate employment for your wandering sisters. As much as I would hate to loose them, I am sure Caroline and I can get by."

"You go from not wanting any of us to leave to wanting most of us out of the house. I hardly know what to believe," teased Darcy but there was a lump in her throat at the thought of her father being alone. Though, with Caroline here, he would not be -especially as Caroline wished to have many children.

"I simply understand what is best for you and know that it is more important than what I want," Mr. Lewis said sadly, squeezing Darcy's hand when she placed it atop of his. The tears that she had been fighting earlier were beginning to well again. She sniffled to try and keep them at bay. "Now, let us see if your sisters are near ready. I shall have the carriage brought up. You have a wedding and we will not have you late."

"I love you, papa," Darcy said with another sniffle and her father reached out to wipe away at a tear before it could fall down her cheek.

"And I love you. So does your prince. You have a life of happiness ahead of you. That is all your mother and I ever wished for you," smiled Mr. Lewis, tears swelling in his eyes too. Standing up, he leaned over and kissed Darcy warmly on the forehead before helping her up. They walked arm and arm until they reached the stairs. With a final hug, Darcy ran up the stairs as fast as she could in her heavy skirts as Mr. Lewis went to arrange the carriage.


The trip to the church took too long and yet no time at all for Darcy. Her sisters took her hands into theirs so she could not clutch at her skirts as her nerves demanded. Every bump and jerk closer to the town quickened Darcy's heartbeat. When they finally reached the church, Darcy was almost too scared to get out of the carriage. Although she had dreamed of this moment for so long, she'd never allowed herself to really accept it as a true possibility. Despite Darcy's relationship with Jane, all society dictated that she would never be with Loki.

Her mother was a member of the landed gentry but she made the mistake of eloping with a merchant her parents deemed unfit for a son-in-law. She was ostracized and her dowry never paid, yet that did not bother them overmuch. Mr. Lewis made enough a year to care for the both of them. Although they were happy together, Darcy's mother did miss the country, so Mr. Lewis left his merchant's business and bought an estate. They slowly learned how to farm together and made a decent enough living.

But the court didn't care about how happy a couple was unless they were socially fit for each other and Darcy certainly did not have the same social standing as Loki. Somehow, fate didn't care and Darcy was impatient to begin the life that had been so viciously denied until now. That gave Darcy strength. Suddenly, she had to see Loki. The urge to hold him in her arms griped at her chest. Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the carriage, with assistance of her father as her sisters helped maneuver her skirts. Darcy was rather disappointed when she looked up and saw only Fandral standing in front of the closed doors of the church. He did not miss her frown.

"You all look ravishing ladies. Darcy, of course, you are more beautiful than the garden you tend," Fandral said with a dramatic bow. As Darcy neared him with a quick step, he rose to meet her with a charming smile. "Fret not. Loki is talking to Father Hodgens inside."

Much to her chagrin, she had to wait until Fandral stepped aside so that she could open the doors wide open. Her heart was beating in her ears as butterflies danced joyfully in her stomach. At the alter, Loki stood with his back to the entrance and engaging Father Hodgens in a pleasant conversation about the history of the church. When the doors creaked opened, his shoulders tensed and he turned around. At the sight of Darcy, he stood up straighter before relaxing his shoulders as a sigh of awe escaped his lips.

Warmth engulfed Darcy at seeing Loki's soft look of wonder. Loki gulped, taking in the green dress covered in embroidered flowers as well as the flowers entwined through Darcy's hair. Although the cheerful chatter and laughter from her sisters and Fandral filled the air, it all sounded far away to Darcy. Instead, all she could see was the way the sunlight filtered through the windows to light up Loki in a pleasant glow. He had chosen to wear the evergreen frock coat, matching britches and light green waistcoat from the very ball she'd first worn her current dress. A giggle slipped from Darcy and she covered her mouth to try and stifle any louder laughs. Seeing her mirth, Loki grinned, looking away only briefly to try and hide his blushing.

Holding up her skirts a little higher than would normally be deemed appropriate, Darcy let out another giggle and hurried down the aisle as fast as she could. When she reached Loki, she launched herself into his arms and he caught her with a laugh. Their jubilation was contagious as the Father smiled upon them and their witnesses whooped and cheered. Burying her face in Loki's chest, Darcy shivered as his arms wrapped around her to pull her in tight and refused to let go. She couldn't remember feeling any happier than she did in his arms at this moment.

"I must admit, I have never seen a bride run down the aisle towards her intended," chuckled Father Hodgens, "So it will be my most esteemed pleasure to marry you two. Though we need to wait for the rest of the guests to catch up with you."

Reluctantly pulling her face from Loki's chest, Darcy laid her ear against his heart and looked down the aisle where her family and Fandral were now slowly entering. Her sisters skipped down the aisle, Felicity in the lead and holding the bouquet that Darcy had forgotten. Wrapping her arms around Loki's waist, Darcy tried to snuggle even closer to him.

"I fear that I cannot let go long enough for the wedding," Darcy admitted and Loki kissed the top of her head.

"It seems that is true for me too. Though perhaps we must bear this one hardship just until our kiss. Then, I promise you that I will never leave your side."

"Good," said Darcy. "Because I refuse to let you out of it. You are stuck with me, Loki Odinson."

"I cannot imagine a more wonderful fate," Loki said warmly into Darcy's hair. Grinning, Darcy knew that she couldn't either. The awkward clearing of Father Hodgen's throat finally broke apart the couple, though they separated only to see the Father's warm smile. Everyone took their places as they waited for the ceremony to begin. Excited twitters from Darcy's sisters filled the church, along with Fandral's laughter and friendly conversation between her father and Father Hodgens.

With a nudge, Felicity gained Darcy's attention and handed over the bouquet of wildflowers, matching those that had been woven into her hair. Letting out a little breath of contentment, Darcy demurely placed the flowers in front of her as Father Hodgens waited for all attention to focus on him so he could begin.

As Darcy's attention was captured by her soon to be husband, the ceremony seemed to speed past as a blur. There was humour in this because of how long she'd waited for this moment. Darcy was certain she'd remember every single detail. Instead, her eyes never left Loki and he shared the same affliction. Perhaps it was a bad sign for their future but she did not hear all the words Father Hodgens spoke as she was too caught up studying all the details of Loki's face. From the grin he could not hide to the creases around his eyes, Darcy knew deep in her heart that she already felt whatever vows were being spoken, even if she didn't comprehend each individual word. She just wanted to study the face she would see every morning for the rest of her life, knowing she'd never tire of seeing that smile.

Elation ran down Darcy's spine when the rings were finally exchanged. The night before, Darcy had given her ring back to Loki as she couldn't imagine anything more perfect. Having it placed back on her finger and this time, by Loki's hand, caused peace to settle over Darcy. She was certain the same happened with Loki when it was her turn to present the ring she'd procured. With Fandral's help, Darcy had been able to keep the ring a secret from Loki until now. The ring was as plain as hers, with an inscription on the inside to match: My whole heart, all of time.

Loki did not have time to read it, though Darcy murmured the words as the ring slipped onto his finger. Before she knew it, the final gesture left was a kiss. Just as she leaned coyly forwards, Loki's lips crashed on hers and his arms wrapped around her waist to pull her in snugly. It was not a kiss fit for the inside of a church but Darcy should not have expected any other. At the feel of his touch, her entire body tingled and spun as if she were caught in a whirlpool. The bouquet fell from her hands as she reached up to hold Loki's face. At the back of her mind, she thought she could hear cheering from her sisters and amused chuckles from the men but when Loki teased her mouth open, she completely lost herself, letting him tip her back.

The insistent clearing of her father's throat finally broke the couple apart. Somewhat embarrassed, they caught their breaths and looked at the uncomfortable faces of the elder men in the room.

"While I welcome you to the family, I must insist you refrain from those actions while I am around," Mr. Lewis said sternly, focusing his attention onto Loki who wiped the corner of his mouth but did not quite master an abashed look.

"I shall try to remember," conceded Loki, tugging on Darcy's hand as he made his way to the church records so they could sign and continue on with the day. Darcy wasn't entirely sure what else Loki had in mind other than the dinner her father was hosting. She was certain that it would be a completely welcome surprise. The only hope she had was that they would find some time to be alone soon. From the gleam in Loki's eyes, he obviously shared the sentiment.

The wedding party bade their farewells and good wishes to Father Hodgens before hurrying down the aisle. Darcy and Loki led the way, almost running, while her sisters sang and danced behind them. Pushing the large doors open, Darcy laughed as Loki wrapped an arm around her waist and whispered his intents for their first evening together as man and wife. Bright sunlight blinded Darcy for just a moment and she only took four steps outside before catching her bearings.

Unfortunately, all revelry ended at an abrupt halt when Darcy found Queen Frigga standing in front of them with a grim expression.