It had taken over six months for this day to get here. Today was the day that King Derek Reid was going to marry the love of his life, Spencer. The kingdom was abuzz with excitement and joy at the joining of the two men. There were already celebrations taking place down in the city square and every tavern was booked solid with visitors from across the country. Out on the river there were barges decked out in colorful streamers and the road to the castle was lined with gilt carriages. The townsfolk milled about outside of the palace wearing their finest outfits in hopes of being invited inside to join the celebration. All in all, it was the biggest day in the kingdom since the prince had been born.
Of course, the road to this day had been a bumpy one. The country had been in utter shock when the news came out that King William had been killed by his own wife. There were conflicting riots in the streets where some were demanding that Diana be held accountable for her actions while others insisted on her innocence due to her mental status. It took Derek standing up in front of the council and defending his mother's innocence to tip the scales in the queen's favor.
After Diana was deemed guiltless the council had to shift their focus onto planning Derek's coronation. It took over a month to organize the details and arrange the ceremony. The castle needed all new tapestries and silks, each woven in Derek's signature dark green color. They had to outfit the prince in a new royal wardrobe, complete with a sable lined forest green cape and a golden scepter with an emerald the size of a fist in the center. The young man was outfitted like a king and presented himself as such during his induction ceremony. The people of the country couldn't have been more pleased with his ascension to the throne. Especially since it meant that they tyrannical rule of King William was finally over.
Once he was officially established at the supreme ruler of the country, Derek had set to abolishing slavery. The task was much more difficult than he had anticipated. As the king he could issue any decree that he deemed necessary, but that didn't mean the people were going to like it. He was met with much resistance from the courtiers whose houses were exclusively ran by enslaved servants. The wealthy citizens came in front of the council and argued their points for weeks on end. They charged that the only reason King Derek was outlawing slavery was because of his best friend. The courtiers tried to prove how one-sighted and biased the king was on the issue. In the end, the young monarch brought in multiple slaves from various locations around the kingdom and had them testify to their harsh working environments and cruel treatments. The stunt solidified the council's decision to support the king's cause and slavery was lawfully eradicated from the country.
The ruling was life changing for most of the inhabitants of the kingdom. Slaves everywhere threw off their collars and fled their confines. They were now allowed to live their lives on their own terms and seek out legitimate employment. Of course, their transition into everyday citizens could have been a debacle, but Derek had put in place a safety net that provided them each with a bit of money and some land. The courtiers were also encouraged to offer their former slaves employment for prices comparable to household servants.
The day after the slaves were freed was the day that Derek announced his engagement to Spencer. He had his pages spread the news of a royal announcement throughout the town and told them to have the people gather in the palace courtyard. At noontime, when over two hundred citizens had congregated for the news, the new king and his fiancée stepped out onto a raised dais and made their commitment to one another known.
The news was received with mixed reviews. Some people were shocked at the fact that the king was marrying another man and others were upset that their ruler was in love with someone so far beneath his stature. In contrast, many were delighted at the prospect of King Derek marrying his true love and supported the boys wholeheartedly. In the end thought, the people's opinion on this subject didn't matter. The former prince was not going to let anything get in the way of him wedding the man of his dreams.
Spencer fretted over his appearance in the mirror. Today was the big day and he wanted to look nothing less than perfect. He had been outfitted in clothing finer than anything he had ever owned in his whole life. The king's tailor had fashioned him a fitted pair of deep purple breaches that were lined with silver thread. He was adorned in a matching doublet which had large sleeves that were slashed to reveal silver cloth hidden underneath. His shoes were made out of a soft supple leather that had silvery accents to match the outfit. Across his shoulders was draped a long purple cloak trimmed in ermine that would trail two feet behind him as he walked. His hands were decorated with extravagant platinum rings, each one prominently displaying a different precious gem.
The former slave was in awe of his appearance as he gazed at his reflection in the looking glass. He turned back and forth trying to see the outfit from all angles to get a good feel of what he looked like in the finery.
"Stop fussing with your clothes. You look fine," a gruff voiced called from behind him.
Spencer turned and looked at his friend, Lord Rossi, and smiled, "Thanks. I can't help it though. I've never worn something so…so luxurious before."
"Well, it suits you. It fits perfectly and the king is going to be speechless when he sees you," Rossi said as he walked up to the mirror and stood next to the youth. "But that's not the only reason you're uncomfortable in those clothes, is it?"
A shade of pink flushed the boy's cheeks as he looked away from the mirror and down at the ground, "No."
The older man placed his hands on each of Spencer's biceps and turned the young man to face him, "Tell me."
The former slave licked his lips and said, "I…ah…it's just that…I don't understand why Derek told them to design the doublet this way." The fingers of his right hand came up and grasped the neckline of the shirt.
Rossi analyzed the spot that the boy was fiddling with and said, "He didn't do that to embarrass you. You know that right?"
Spencer shrugged and let his hand drop away from the material. Derek had the suit designed so that there was no fabric shielding the boy's neck putting his silver collar on display. What was even worse was the pink scar tissue that could be seen lining the top and bottom edges of the collar. The former slave had no idea why his lover would want to display something so grotesque for the whole kingdom to see. "I know…but I just don't understand why he wants others to see it."
Rossi, who was privy to the information that the boy sought, cryptically said, "I'm sure he has his reasons."
The only response he got was a small scoff of disdain from the boy before he turned back to the mirror again.
"Look, Spencer, today is supposed to be the happiest day of your life. Don't let something as trivial as looks get in the way of that," the older man advised. "Come on now, it's time for us to head out. We don't want to be late for your big moment."
The young man smoothed out the voluminous fabric once more before he left his image behind in the mirror. Lord Rossi was right, he couldn't let something like appearances hamper the day he had been waiting for all his life.
The two men proceeded to walk out of the bedchamber and into the dim hallway. They followed the stretch of stone throughout its winding ways until it dumped them out into the courtyard. Spencer looked up from his position in the enclosure and saw the spires of the castle peaking up above the tree line in the distance. His trek into the city was about to begin and a gilded carriage with four white palfreys was waiting to escort him to the service. For the boy and his friend had spent the night at Lady Jennifer's family estate because the kingdom's customs dictated that the soon to be wedded couple not see each other before the ceremony.
The youth turned to his friend and said, "Shall we?"
The wizened man shook his head from side to side and said, "No, my boy. You have to take this ride on your own."
The boy's honey browns widened in surprise, "Why?"
"It's customary for you to ride alone. That way when you disembark the carriage you will be the focal point of the people," the man explained as he laid his hand on the young man's back and gently pushed him toward the coach.
Spencer nodded his understanding and stepped up to the carriage. A pageboy sprung forth out of nowhere and opened the door, which allowed a few wooden steps to tumble out of the opening. The boy grabbed the side of the rig and hoisted himself into the lavish interior.
The former slave didn't even hear the door close behind him as he took in his surroundings. There were two bench seats upholstered in white silk and covered with fluffy pillows. The walls of the carriage were lined in a deep green velvet with golden thread woven into intricate patterns. The windows were devoid of glass, which allowed the air to flow through the cabin if the occupant inside gathered the matching green curtains.
With a sudden lurch the carriage started on its way to town and Spencer sat back to enjoy the ride. However, his peace did not last long because as soon as they breached the city walls the coach was inundated with well-wishers. The people of the country thronged the gilded cart and shouted out Spencer and Derek's name. The boy had no other choice but to lean out the window and wave his hand to acknowledge their joy. His action was well received as the townsfolk started to throw flowers and gifts at the king's fiancée. There wasn't a moment of rest all the way up to castle as the streets were jam-packed with celebratory citizens.
Once the carriage came to a halt the door was opened once more by an obedient servant. The youth thanked his helper as he was assisted in his decent from the coach. He was greeted with more cheers from the audience and a royal purple carpet covering the stairs leading up to the chapel. Behind him Lord Rossi exited his own carriage and rushed over to Spencer's side, "Are you ready?"
"Yes," the boy said simply, taking his first step forth.
The trumpets sounded throughout the air the second his foot hit the runner. Their tune traveled far and wide announcing to one and all that the ceremony had commenced. Soon more instruments joined the melody and they started to harmoniously play the wedding march. Spencer was in awe of the fanfare as he walked up the stone steps that lead to his lover.
When he reached the top of the stairway a hush fell over the crowd and the music ceased. The massive oak doors started to open from the inside to reveal a packed house. Each and every pew was stuffed to capacity with courtiers and nobles. The interior of the building was draped in bunting and flowers. The chandeliers were lit up with long stemmed candles whose light glittered against the gold and silver accessories that were perched throughout the room.
Spencer wasn't engrossed in taking in the scenery though, he only had eyes for the other man standing at the end of the aisle. There, at the front of the church, stood the man of his dreams, Derek Reid. The king was decked out in a green suede doublet that matched Spencer's in design. He had a golden crown perched upon his head that had emeralds, amethysts, rubies, and sapphires embedded in the metal. The dazzling jewels sparkled brightly as the noble head underneath them turned to face his fiancée.
The former slave let out a small gasp in surprise at what he saw adorning Derek's neck. There, for all the world to see, was a golden collar embedded with emeralds. Tiny tears of amazement gathered in Spencer's eyes as he took in the meaning behind the accessory. His best friend was declaring to the kingdom that his husband was his equal.
A luminous smile spread across the boy's face as he locked his gaze with his man's auburn orbs. Derek nodded his head with a matching smile decorating his visage. The youth stepped forth into the chapel and kept his eyes trained on his beloved as he finished his journey to the altar.
As he stepped up beside the king, Rossi, who had been walking behind him, took his place off to the side as Spencer's best man. Opposite of him on the dais was Sir Hotchner, who was serving as Derek's man of honor. Diana Reid sat high upon her throne on the side of the chapel behind Derek, while in the front pew sat Lady Jennifer, Lady Penelope, and Lord Kevin. Spencer was surprised and delighted to notice that their childhood friends Lady Emily and Lord Clyde were in attendance too. A feeling of warmth and acceptance flooded through the young man at the realization of how many people support his marriage to Derek.
The king, smiling broadly, firmly grabbed his lover's hands and held them in his own. The former slave barely registered the silence that descended upon the chapel as Archbishop Cruz stepped forth to begin the ceremony.
Whatever words were being spoken by the priest were lost on Spencer as he allowed himself to become spellbound by Derek's eyes. He instinctively responded to the typical questions asked by the priest throughout the ceremony and didn't break his gaze from the king until it was time for the vows.
The archbishop squared his shoulders toward the audience and announced, "It is now time for the wedding vows. These two men before you have opted to create their own promises and they will share them with us now. Your Highness?"
Derek nodded his head to Archbishop Cruz's prompt. He didn't break his gaze into those honeyed brown eyes as he spoke the words that came pouring out of his heart, "All my life other have used the words loving, loyal, just, compassionate, courageous, and selfless to describe my character. But they were wrong. Recently, I learned that I am not all of those things they said. I realized that all of my life I never knew the true meaning of those words until I saw you fighting for us. You, Spencer, are the living definition of all those words. Everyone in this room is a better person just because you are here. I am a better person when you are around. And I am the luckiest man alive because I get to love and cherish you for the rest of our lives. I promise, here in front of everyone, that I will work for the rest of my life to be worthy of your love. I cannot wait to get started on that promise because I know that while fulfilling it we will get to laugh together, cry together, walk together, and build a life together."
Spencer had to bring his joined hand up to his eyes to wipe away the mist that had formed before he began his speech, "Derek, my life has not been an easy one but having you near me gave me a reason to keep plugging along. There have been so many times that I thought the darkness would push me over the edge of hopelessness but then you appeared to guide me. You were and are the only light that I need to help me through the shadows. Forget about the sunshine; it doesn't hold a candle to you." The awkward boy smiled brightly as he took another breath and continued, "I want to tell you how truly blessed I am to have you in my life. You were never embarrassed to be my friend. You stood up for me, you protected me, and you nurtured me. You make me happier than I ever thought possible and I will live the rest of my life making sure you feel the same way."
Derek's lips were beaming with pride and joy upon the completion of Spencer's words. The two men didn't break their stare until Archbishop Cruz called out to the audience, "If there is anyone who objects to their marriage, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."
All in attendance held their breath, hoping that no one would ruin this perfect moment for their monarch and the one that he had loved for all time. Not one voice was heard.
"Now, by the power invested in me, I now pronounced you married! King Derek and Spencer Reid, you may now kiss!" Cruz's voice boomed throughout the chapel as the room erupted in applause and cheers.
The two men were oblivious to it all as they allowed their lips to crash together for the first time in front of a crowd. When they came back up for air the first thing said was a simultaneous, "I love you!" Then they turned toward the crowd and raised their clasped hands high in the air in triumph.
"How long is the reception supposed to last?" Spencer asked his husband as they walked down the aisle as one entity.
"Probably the whole night," Derek said as he smiled and waved. "Why?"
"I just…I'm kinda anxious to…um, you know," Spencer said shyly, a blush rising to his cheeks.
"Haha! You're anxious? You were the one that insisted that we wait until we were married to have fun again," Derek laughed, amused at the turn of events.
Spencer smiled, "I know, and now we are married."
The king stopped his mate at the doors to the chapel and turned the lithe body toward him, "Well then, we will just have to cut the party short."
The newly announced co-king smiled mischievously and entwined his arms behind his lover's neck. "With pleasure," the boy murmured as he pulled his partner towards him and planted another passionate kiss on the other man's soft lips.
They then walked off into the noonday sun with their arms wrapped around one another, prominently displaying to one and all how true love conquers all.
I just wanted to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who has been reading this story. I feel so blessed to have so many people enjoying my work. Thank you for staying with me for the year that it took to write this story. Thank you for giving my AU a chance. Thank you for reviewing and giving me encouragement throughout the year. You all are the reason I kept going with this one. When I started this story last year it was only supposed to be at most 11 chapters and it wasn't going to be slash. It's amazing how things changed over the course of 12 months. I am truly sad to see this story come to an end, but fret not readers. I promise to revisit the Kingdom of Quantico in the future. Yes, I do have another storyline concocted and it will pick up from here. Of course, I do think it's time that I took a break from the AU for a bit, so don't expect the story in the near future. I have a new story coming up within the next week that will take place right after season 9 ended.
THANK YOU all once again and take care!