Wedded Bliss

A/N: Wonder what this is going to be about then? XD

Two days after Kion and his friends had returned to the Tree of Life, forty hours to be exact, the church was bustling with people who had come to see Kion and Rani married. Kion was waiting at the altar with Makini, who was to preside over the ceremony, and Bunga, his best man. The groom was wearing a military uniform, a red sash and epaulettes. He looked at the guests who had come for the wedding, and he was ecstatic when he saw that his parents, his sister and his brother-in-law had managed to come. He gave them a slight wave, and they waved back. Penguino, who was seated directly behind Kiara, tapped the princess on the shoulder and whispered. "You know, you're as beautiful as a penguin. Maybe I could take you to my ice cream van later on,". Well, if looks could kill, the ice cream seller would have died there and then. "I'm already married," Kiara scowled, showing Penguino her wedding ring. "Sorry," he apologised, slightly embarrassed.

Everyone stopped talking the second they saw Binga throwing flower petals as she walked down the aisle. They knew in that moment that the bride would soon arrive. After a minute, Rani entered, with Nirmala carrying her train. She wore a long, white dress with sparkles on the bodice, as well as white pumps on her feet. Her tiara was on her head, and her veil was covering her hair, which she wore loose. This was the first time anyone apart from Surak and Nirmala had seen her with her hair down. As Rani walked down the aisle towards him, Kion could feel his heart overflowing with love for his wife-to-be. "She's so beautiful," he thought to himself as tears of happiness started to form in his eyes. He wasn't the only one who thought so; as she walked down the aisle, everyone gasped in awe and made comments to each other about her breathtaking appearance. The Queen had always been naturally beautiful, but she appeared the prettiest of all that morning.

Although he wasn't her actual father, Rani had asked Surak to walk her down the aisle and give her away to her new husband at the altar. Ever since her parents' murder, he had been a father to her in all but name; he was the one who had looked after her and Baliyo physically, emotionally and psychologically for most of their childhood. Rani believed that this was the least she could do in return.

As the bride's procession reached the altar, Surak let so of his niece's arm, shook Kion's hand, and he and Nirmala went to take their seats among the rest of the guests. Rani turned to face Kion, her heart fluttering within her ribcage as her true love pulled back her veil so that her face was visible. "You're a handsome bloke," Rani told him in her usual English accent. "Thanks, beautiful," Kion smiled. The couple were feeling so many emotions; pride, excitement, but, most of all, joy. They turned to face Makini as the ceremony began. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. If anyone present believes that these two should not lawfully marry, speak now or forever hold your peace,". Everyone was caught of guard slightly when Baliyo started cheering for the bride and groom. Kion and Rani giggled slightly. Makini then gestured for the rings to be brought forward. In a break from tradition, the couple had written their own vows. Kion took Rani's ring, He slid it onto his bride's finger, with it nestling against her engagement ring, as he held her hand tightly.

"Rani, my darling" Kion started. "Ever since that day when we first met at the mountain pass, I knew deep down in my heart that it was love. However, I never imagined that my feelings for you would develop in such a profound manner. You've healed me in more ways than one, and for that, I'll always be grateful. You're kind, caring and patient, the last one which I could only dream of being. Above all else, however, you're a brilliant Queen. In fact, you don't even need me here; there's nothing you couldn't do. But, all the same, I'm privileged to know that you want me here with you, and I'm even more privileged to marry you and become yours forever. It's you who has thought me what love is and how strong it can be. I now know that we're cut from the same cloth; that we're two halves of the same heart,". Kion stopped for a minute, getting choked up by his feelings for the woman who was about to become his wife. "I vow to love, honour and cherish you all the days of my life. So help me God".

With her eyes glistening with tears of happiness, Rani took Kion's ring, slid it onto his finger and held his hand tightly "Kion, my love," she began. "On so many levels, you've made me a better person and a better Queen. You're fearless, loving, confident and intelligent. However, there is one matter in which you are severely deluded... I need you in my life more than anything else. I could never imagine ruling this kingdom without you or, indeed, living my life without you in it. Amongst the many things I love about you, my soulmate, is that you've always been there for me, first as my comrade, then as my friend and now as my husband,". By now, tears were rolling down Rani's face. "I remember the day when my grandmother died, and I felt as though someone had just punched me in the stomach. But then you gave me that hug and made me feel better. I doubt that I'd have gotten this far without you. You've always had my back, but from now on, instead of walking behind me, you shall stand alongside me; I look forward to sharing my future with you and to ruling the Tree of Life together. I vow to love, honour and cherish you all the days of my life. So help me God,".

Makini cleared her throat. "Having such love in your hearts and having cemented that love by exchanging rings, I now pronounce you man and wife," Makini declared before turning to Kion. "You may now kiss the bride,". Of course, Kion didn't need to be told twice. He gave Rani a passionate kiss on the lips as she happily returned the gesture. Those present stood up and applauded the newlyweds, delighted for them. Bunga and Binga yelled a resounding "Zukazama!", and for once, Rani smiled at what something Bunga said. Beshte, Surak, Nirmala and members of Simba's pride simply shed tears of happiness for the couple. Baliyo, Fuli and Anga gave the couple two thumbs up, (or six thumbs up rather) Janja and Jasiri folded their arms after applauding, and Ono and Azaad were so caught up in the moment that all they could do was gaze admiringly at the bride and groom. After this, everyone knelt for the service. When the service had ended, the bride and groom were called to sign their marriage licence, after which they went to get some lunch before Kion's coronation.

To be continued...

N.B: A/N: Hi, there! Hope you enjoyed that; sorry if it's slightly shorter than my other chapters. So, the next chapter is going to be released in the next day or two because the link between that one and this one is very strong. In fact, I was going to release them simultaneously, but I then realised that it wouldn't make much sense. Therefore, you'll hear from me again either tomorrow or Saturday. Bye, everyone! =)