Chapter TWENTY-SEVEN: Death, Love, and the Crown-DEVIN

...

Alicia waited for her father to fall asleep, but he refused to rest. He looked up at her and whispered something. She nodded in surprise, got up, and gave Devin a look that told him to stay as she walked outside. She returned a few minutes later with a small chest and the maid behind her. The king took the chest and opened it for them to see. Five diamonds and eight rubies sparkled brightly from within.

"...Queen Alisandra left you both a wedding gift. Particularly, for you Devin, being a commoner and such. Not that I mind anymore. Thais is all yours, son, and money should never be an issue."

"Daddy, I always thought Mama was kidding about these! She had said it was a reward for whoever wanted to marry me!" Alicia said a little annoyed that it was not a joke, but gestured for Devin to take them.

"...Thank you, sir," Devin said unable to say more from gratitude.

"Maid, have you done as I asked the other night ago?" the king suddenly turned to the lone woman in the doorway. Beads of sweat began to stream down his forehead.

"Daddy, we should all let you rest..." Alicia insisted, interrupting the maid, not wanting her father to deal with royal business while being so sick.

"Yes, your majesty. The appointed consort and chancellor will meet the young man whenever it is convenient for you," the maid quickly mentioned.

"Why not now?...Time is a commodity I do not have-Devin, I have appointed a consort and chancellor for the time being until you adjust to your duties...They will advise you since I will not be able to... But Alicia will also help you as well...Trust them as much as I trust you both."

"We will, Your Majesty," Devin answered starting to feel the pressures of being a king.

A middle-aged man whose hair was turning grey walked in with another man not much older than Devin. The older one had dark eyes and wore royal seals on his blue and red caped attire. The younger man, who wore a faded blue-strapped blouse with rolled up pants, somewhat reminded Devin about Jack; but was sure he wasn't him, and so remained silent. The older man then began to speak to the king.

"Your Majesty, are you feeling well?...Is he the future king?" the older man pointed at Devin.

"Yes, Consort. I hope that you will show Devin the ways of the Pendragon royal family as best as I would have...I trust that you will be performing the wedding and coronation."

"Yes, of course, Your Highness, as soon as possible."

"Devin, Alicia, leave for the time being?...I must hold a meeting... with the Consort and... his Chancellor..." the king gasped with broken speech.

"Father, quit implying that you will not be around...You will be here!" Alicia flustered. Devin grabbed a hold of her, sensing that the king did not want her there for whatever might happen. The men walked up to King Alexander's bed with several scrolls in hand as Devin and Alicia began to leave.

"Take care of her, lad," the king mumbled weakly. Devin nodded as he led a sobbing Alicia into the corridor.

No much later, the Consort and Chancellor walked out and gave downcast glances. Both shook their heads and bid their condolences to Alicia who cried quietly in Devin's arms.

"Our Great King went with no unfinished business," the Chancellor said to them. He then walked away to inform the rest of Thais.

"Now...I understand this is a difficult time for you, my queen, but we need to set up a wedding date," the Consort urgently insisted.

"Can't it wait?! The Queen needs time to think!" Devin spat out.

"No, it cannot. At most, a week to mourn the king's death, if not sooner-Please, your highness, you understand," the Consort said gently and turned to Alicia for a decision.

"Yes. A week is fine," Alicia answered not really wanting to wait anymore to marry Devin. Devin looked at her with sympathetic eyes to let her know he agreed. "My dear love, we can prepare for all three occasion: the burial, wedding, and coronation," she assured him.

"Then it's settled. I will prepare for all the coming events," the Consort agreed."Oh, and the late king informed me that the groom may remain in the castle. The maid will show you to your chambers when she can. And I almost forgot, young man, I will be back to ensure that you do not see the bride before the wedding day. It's tradition, you know," the consort finished, delighted about the wedding news, and then left.

Devin walked Alicia to her room so she could finally change out of her night clothing. Devin also was given new noble clothes to wear.

With a lot of preparing ahead of them, Devin and Alicia remained close from then on to discuss all three arrangements.

...

The burial took place the following day to separate the timing between the sad and joyous events. All of Thais grieved the king's sudden passing with the queen and king-to-be.

At the same time, everyone looked forward to the long awaited wedding and coronation.

...

Devin hurried to get ready the morning of his wedding day. He had not seen Alicia at all the day before and was anxious to be with her again. He stopped suddenly as he looked down at his royal garments that had been laid out. The long red velvet vest shined lightly with the thin gold plate that covered the center. He carefully put them on, suddenly, shuddering a little, but he quickly ignored the uncomfortable feeling.

The maid came in and told him that everyone was waiting.

Devin rushed down the stairway towards the castle's front entrance. The castle was in a flurry of activity, he realized; busier than he had ever seen it. But he was soon ushered out to the exit by fellow guardsmen, one of whom was Tailor who brushed passed him.

"Hey, Devin! I have your wedding present for Alicia..." Tailor practically yelled over the loud chatting going on around them. Devin nodded, however, the two did not have time to chat at all.

Devin was lead to a small carriage out front that took him to the cathedral in the south-western part of Thais.

He walked inside for the first time, since it had always closed except for rare occasions. The cathedral was breathtaking. Pastel stained glass windows that touched the ceiling adorned much of the high walls. The floor was a dimly colored bronze marble and the altar a grey marble with two very tall candle holders at each end. Crowds of well wishers and guests from other kingdoms were among those invited. They courteously stood up when they saw Devin walk towards the altar where Queen Alicia waited. They stood a few feet apart as the Consort walked over.

Alicia silently lipped the words: "I love you, my king."

Devin gazed at her in awe and in disbelief. She had never looked more incredible and lovelier than ever. Her wedding gown had pure white lace and intricately woven pearls that illuminated her skin with a soft glow. Already being queen, she wore a golden crown over her carefully styled hair.

"Whoever would have thought we would end up here together?" Devin was able to utter softly. Any hesitation he had before soon faded. He was sure now that he was meant to be with Alicia.

"Let us begin!" the Consort began to settle down the audience. "Today we gather to see these two mortals come together under the sun as one...Devin Perry of Elden, will you take Alicia Pendragon to be your wife and Queen?

"...Aye!"

"And Queen Alicia Pendragon, will you take Devin Perry to be your husband and King?"

"Aye!"

"...Then I pronounce you joined under the family Pendragon!" the Consort finished with a warm cheer coming from the audience. "-Wait people! We are not finished yet. We have the coronation for King!" The Consort opened a small box where a crown with gemmed points rested. He carried it over to Devin.

"Do you swear to protect the citizens and Kingdom of Thais?"

"I do," Devin answered confidently. The Consort placed the crown over Devin's head.

"Then...I pronounce you King of Thais!" the Consort exalted aloud. "Nobles and citizens! I bestow upon you the King and Queen of Thais!"

The Consort looked at both of them and whispered, "Now go have some children..." then he winked slyly.

The end of the ceremony was met with louder cheers and applauding outside. The newlyweds were then whisked away back to the castle.

A small reception had been set up with all the nobles and rulers of the Isles. The newly wedded couple chitchatted with all the rulers and became acquainted with them. Devin also looked around for his sister, Lidia, who he had invited, but had not heard from lately. Several guests continued going up to them to congratulate them.

Eventually, Tailor made his way towards them. He had a bag with him.

"Devin, Alicia, congratulations! I thought I would never get to talk with you two today!-Devin, I have your wedding gift. Remember that you wanted me to fix up the old winged sandals? Well, I have them for you," Tailor said ecstatically. "But knowing how much you two like to venture out to sword...I made them into winged boots, for you, as a favor."

"Oh Tailor! They are wonderful! We shall all go practice some time-Thank you, my dear husband, for the gift!" Alicia said as she kicked off her delicate wedding slippers to put the boots on. She then kissed Devin with immense fervor and frenzy.

Tailor rolled his eyes as he walked away, since the reception was to end soon anyways.

Alicia whispered softly to Devin that she wanted to be alone.

Once everyone left, Devin quickly picked up Alicia and carried her to their new chambers.

End of Part 3