A/N: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for reviewing/PMing me. This chapter is a bit long, because like I've said, my time is rather limited these days, I'm actually planning a wedding myself lol, never imagined it could be this much work :/ (any advice?). Anyway, R&R please!
Chapter 3: Royal Wedding
Flashback
"Being Queen will definitely have its benefits. Don't believe me? Just ask Oritel", Luna mocked. Marion rolled her eyes.
"I'm sure the King works very hard, just as I will", she chastised.
"Oh, I didn't say he didn't work. Did you know that part of his job is to ensure an heir within the first six months?" she said, informatively. Marion almost spit her coffee back out, coughing until her throat was sore.
"Why…so…fast?" she asked, out of breath. Luna stared at her as if the answer should've been obvious.
"Kingdoms do still go to war, Marion, an heir is absolutely vital"
"Is that how you feel?" Marion asked her best friend and Princess of Solaria. Luna tilted her head to the side, looking off into the distance.
"I want to have children, I know that for certain" she replied after a moment "…and if their father just happens to be the very person I love, how bad can it be?" she shrugged, a tender smile playing on her lips. Marion nodded, grateful for Luna's insight.
"How about the King and Queen?" she pressed. Marion always knew she would have kids someday. But so soon? She was barely 21!
"I assume you're referring to your in-laws? All royals do. But for the record, the people of Domino might care a bit more, someone has to inherit the dragon flame, you know?", she explained. Marion remained silent, considering Luna's words.
"I'll be sure to spoil yours as much as I can" Marion said, after a while.
"Not if your kids are born first. Remember, you have six months" she said, lifting her cup of coffee to her lips once again.
End of flashback
The sun was sending its first rays of light through the bedroom window, waking Marion from her sleep. As soon as she opened her eyes, she knew it had been the most comfortable rest she'd gotten in a long time. Or ever, actually. These silk pillows and the quilts that seemed to be made of goose feathers were ridiculously plush. She sighed contently, shutting her eyes once again and allowing herself to drift back to sleep.
A sudden feel on her thigh made her eyes shoot wide open.
She raised her head off the pillow, alarmed, only to see that Oritel's arm had slid further down her waist, his face in her neck.
The images of last night replayed in her mind, making her face grow hot. Marion observed her new husband, his broad chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of sleep. He looked relaxed now, quite the opposite of his attitude last night. Not toward her, though. Oritel had been a gentleman.
The gentle morning breeze carried in a very familiar scent…fresh lilies… Her mother had spent years growing them in the small garden back at home. It became Marion's favorite flower. But she couldn't imagine them here. Lilies were considered such a simple, ordinary flower compared to the roses in every corner of this palace, in the rarest of colors.
Marion gently moved away from her husband and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, groaning at the soreness in her body. She slipped into the blue silk robe that was left out for her before walking into bathroom, marveled even by the soft feel of the rug beneath her feet. In fact, she could probably sleep on the floor and still get a good night sleep. It was ridiculous.
Marion observed her cheeks in the mirror, they were still tainted bright pink of embarrassment, despite the ice-cold water she'd splashed onto her face.
Not that she had anything to really be embarrassed about, did she? She peeked out at Oritel again, but he was still sound asleep.
Marion briefly considered going back to bed, but with nothing else to do and not an ounce of sleepiness, she finally walked out onto the balcony. Her balcony. The Queen. For some reason, she still couldn't seem to wrap her head around her new reality.
Marion stretched out, rubbing her aching waist. She couldn't remember ever feeling this sore.
Suddenly, her eyes widened in surprise…lilies, dozens of them, everywhere. Marion picked one up off the floor, bringing it up to her nose. What a strange choice for a King's chambers…Oritel didn't seem like the type to enjoy gardening.
The day before…
"You may call me Aurora. I've been appointed as your royal liaison starting today. Now, becoming Queen isn't going to be easy, noble or not", she explained. Marion nodded silently, her anxiety increasing.
"The King has a pretty strict schedule. Breakfast is at 8 every morning, you are expected to look presentable and be on time. Brunch is at 11. Council meetings usually take place before then and audiences with your people in the afternoon. Questions?" the liaison went on and on, as if she were being timed. Marion shook her head in response.
"Very well, this would be your royal chambers", she indicated to the large double doors at the far end of the west wing of the castle, also the largest.
"Mine…you mean-"
"You and the King of course, sovereigns needn't sleep in separate chambers, your majesty. I believe that tradition ended ages ago", she stated, writing something down in the agenda.
"When your husband travels abroad, you will take his place here. Otherwise" she emphasized, "You shall stand by our majesty's side in every event. I must warn you though, there will be many times when your opinion will not be considered and that's perfectly normal. And regarding the dragon's flame", she said, lowering her voice, "Only when you receive it, will we know if you are truly fit"
"Fit for what?" Marion asked, a crease appearing between her reddish brows. No one had mentioned the dragon flame before now. Just another thing to add to her plate.
"Fit enough to be its official keeper of course, the dragon flame doesn't obey just anyone", Aurora stopped and looked around before speaking again,
"It takes powerful magic to keep it under control. Although the King has done a magnificent job in the last years, he cannot do it all. Furthermore, only a fairy can unleash its full potential"
Marion had heard in school once that a spark of the flame was kept in the sword of a young Prince Oritel. And that his sword had been created from the flame itself. But those were simply rumors and Marion never thought much of it. Until now.
"Now your majesty, let's get you dressed. It's show time", she said with a clever smile. Marion did her best to return the gesture but she was sure she looked positively awkward. She wondered if she would ever become as elegant and sophisticated as the Queen of Domino. Or ex-Queen after today, since that title now belonged to her.
"Oh!" Marion gasped, she looked down to see a toddler, a smiling little girl no more than two years old, clung to her dress.
"Daphne, you get back here", an older woman with grayish hair chastized, rushing over to detach her from Marion. The woman smiled warmly at Marion, her blue eyes glistening.
"My deepest appologies, your majesty, my granddaughter is visiting today. She's a fiesty one", she told her. Marion giggled.
"Daphne..." she asked, taking the child's tiny hand, "What a beautiful name", she mused.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
Bennet marched up to the palace, all but flashing the invitation in the guard's face as he passed the gates. He saw Demetri dressed in a tux, standing in the courtyard speaking calmly to another guest.
He clenched his fists, trudging up to the guy he once believed to be his friend.
"What the hell is this?!" he demanded. Demetri smiled apologetically to the guest and put a hand on his shoulder, holding him back. Bennet was livid.
"Will you excuse us, Duke", he said before grabbing Ben's arm and pulling him aside.
"What is your problem? What are doing here?!" Demetri whispered furiously. He looked around nervously at the arriving guests.
"I received an invitation to my girlfriend's wedding! That's hardly a coincidence!" he said, throwing his hands up. Marion couldn't love Oritel, not after spending two years with him! Her father was forcing her to marry, there was no other explanation. His Marion could care less about riches and power. Even the crown of Domino, although highly respected, couldn't captivate Marion's attention enough to make her decide to marry the King. No…this was all about her family's honor.
"Ex", Demetri corrected, "You and my sister broke up weeks ago, may I remind you"
"Is that what she told you?!"
"No Ben, that's what happened, whether you choose to accept it or not"
"Marion is taking this revenge too far, we're not children anymore. You have to stop her" he insisted. Demetri stared at him perplexed.
"Revenge? Is that what you think this is about?" he asked, bewildered. Ben held up the invitation.
"Why else would I have received this? Would you invite an ex to your wedding?" he asked. Demetri rubbed his neck. All the guests on the list were approved by the King…this was Oritel's doing…The wedding was supposed to be mostly for family and only the highest amongst royal society. The rest of Domino would see the transmission. Demetri grinned knowingly.
"You see my point. Marion made sure I received this for a reason. She wants me here", Demetri sighed.
"Ben, it wasn't my sister" he clarified. Ben looked down at the wedding invitation, distraught.
"My parents better not see you here…. And for the record, it was the King…he's the one who wants you here. If you know what's good for you…" he signaled toward the gates before turning his back and leaving a stunned Bennet behind.
As much as Demetri hated to admit it, Ben was right. It was hardly a coincidence. Oritel wanted him here today to watch as they married. Marking his territory perhaps? Sending a message? Whatever the reason was, Demetri thought it was clever…and pure evil.
He was liking his new brother-in-law more and more.
Marion was seated facing a mirror, while the royal stylist applied her makeup and styled her hair. Marion's green eyes stood out against the golden-colored eyeshadow.
"You'll make a stunning queen", the stylist told her. Marion smiled, swallowing down her nerves.
"You're very kind"
"No need to be so formal with me, call me Bruno", he told her, a knowing smile playing on his face, "we'll be seeing each other often. Every social event, royal ball, press conference, you name it"
"But enough about me, how do you feel?" he asked, furrowing his brows as he secured another one of her curls into place. Marion gave him an exasperated look.
"That bad?" he chuckled, "Someone with your face can get away with anything" he continued talking and working, as if trying to calm her nerves. Marion giggled.
"Like tripping over my dress while walking down the aisle?" she asked. Bruno´s head whipped up and he stared at her, empathetically.
"Oh honey…of course not", he replied sternly. Marion bit her bottom lip.
"Now, the King will fall off his throne when he sees you!", he announced with satisfaction. Marion couldn't imagine Oritel falling off his throne over anything, let alone her appearance. Their arranged marriage was based on convenience, not love.
"Actually-"
She was interrupted by a knock at the door, followed by the entrance of the Queen and a servant. Marion stood up immediately and bowed.
"Your majesty",
"Marion" she greeted, inspecting her freshly applied makeup and hair. Regina had an expression of pride as she observed her future daughter-in-law.
"I see everything is going well, you've done a magnificent job as usual", she said to Bruno.
"Always a pleasure, madam"
"Now, I know I don't have to worry about any hesitancy on your part, do I?" she asked. Marion knew where this was headed. The Queen thought she would bolt at any moment. Had this been any other woman in Domino, Regina would have nothing to worry about. Anyone would be elated to be Oritel's wife, even without love.
But this was Marion.
"N-no madam", she bowed, unconsciously biting down on her bottom lip as she did whenever she was nervous.
"Mother", Regina corrected, "From now on, I shall be 'mother'", Marion smiled apologetically.
"Yes, mother"
"Much better. Now, enough of that", Regina chastised "The new Queen must be impeccable", she signaled for Bruno to reapply her lipstick.
At the reception, Marion and Oritel were congratulated by a mass of people she didn't know, while both sets of parents were chatting and getting to know each other. Her mother even shed some tears during the ceremony. It was the most emotional Marion had ever seen her.
Suddenly, Oritel was called upon by a member of his court. Marion still didn't know what those signals between them meant but she would have to learn, for sure.
"Will you please excuse me" he said to her and the other guests. Marion forced a smile, wishing that he wouldn't leave her alone with all these people.
Aside from the 'I do's' she and her husband had barely said two words to each other. All of his attention was drawn to either the guests or a guard or an adviser, even though it was their wedding night. But there was more to it. Oritel seemed upset about something…he certainly seemed friendlier the first time they met. Now, he barely spoke to her.
Perhaps she was just paranoid. There was no reason why he should be mad at her, unless this marriage was against his will and he resented her for it. That could be a reason. Marion bit her bottom lip yet again. Had he been hoping that she would back down? Was he disappointed because he wanted someone else by his side? Maybe he was already interested in someone else and his parents forbade it.
Marion sighed. Whatever the reason was, they were married now. And nothing could be done. With the excuse to find her husband, Marion too left the crowd.
"A toast to the new Queen of Domino", a voice came, and not a very friendly one. Marion's eyes widened. She looked around nervously.
"Ben, what are you doing here?!" she whispered furiously. He grinned casually but Marion knew he wasn't exactly sober. Bennett was usually good at keeping down his liquor, which got her to wonder just how much he'd had to drink.
"I have to hand it you; I didn't think you'd go through with it but ya did" he mused, slurring his words. Marion shook her head in disbelief.
"Ben, you have to go. You of all people should understand that!" she looked past him to see a guard looking straight in their direction. He signaled for another guard and whispered something. Marion knew she had to act fast. This was the only chance she would have before another round of people mauled her.
"Weren't you the one who worried about his image in royal society?" she demanded. Ben shrugged. It seemed as though he'd lost all interest in decorum.
She gripped his arm with force.
"Out", she told him firmly. Ben only stared at her, looking hurt.
"Seriously? This is it? I'm expected to raise a toast to my ex and the man who stole her and then what? Leave? You can try to forget the last two years, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen", he told her, incredulous. Marion sighed.
"Don't try to turn this around on me. You made your choice and I made mine", she said, turning to leave, but Ben grasped her arm unexpectedly. Marion smiled politely at the people around her attempting to hide that there was a problem.
"Love, lord Bennett", Oritel's deep voice came. The blood drained from Ben's face at the sight of him. Love? Sure, she was his wife now but wasn't it too soon?
"Glad you could make it" Oritel offered. Marion furrowed her brows. Oritel mustn't have known who Bennet was if he was put on the guest list. Then again, not many knew of their relationship. At least, no one she knew of here. Ben's parents were invited on occasions to fancy dinner parties but Ben never invited Marion along, claiming that those dinners were exclusive, plus, they tended to end late and he didn't want to interrupt her studies. His explanation seemed reasonable.
That was, until she found out he was cheating on her. Then it all made sense.
Oritel wrapped his arm around her waist possessively and pulled her closer, taking Marion by surprise. Ben narrowed his eyes at his obvious gesture, while Marion seemed oblivious to it all. Oritel was smart, he had to admit. He'd made sure that Ben had a good seat during their ceremony…Game, set, match…
"I trust you're enjoying yourself?" Oritel asked.
"More than words could express, your highness", Marion watched their interaction
Bennett offered a sour smile and raised his glass, probably too drunk to say anything else. Marion just didn't want to be related to his chaotic behavior. Her husband was the King after all, and he could have her head just as easily as he could have Ben's.
Bennett turned to leave without another word.
Oritel gazed at Marion strangely.
"Was he bothering you?" he whispered in her ear. Marion shook her head.
"I'm fine", she replied. But Oritel continued to gaze at her, in silence. It seemed like something was bothering him. Maybe he did know about Ben. And if he did, this didn't look good. Marion needed him to hear it from her before anyone else.
"Oritel, there's something I-"
"Your attention please!" King Leander called, interrupting them.
"Our first dance", he said, ignoring her completely. Oritel held out his hand for her to take, nonetheless. She took it hesitantly, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
The night came to a close and the guests slowly retired to their homes. Many of them had brought gifts which Oritel had sent to their chambers, which she had yet to see.
Oritel led her up to the west wing of the palace, which belonged solely to him. Initially, they were to spend their honeymoon on an Island to the south of Domino, but alas, Oritel couldn't be away from the Kingdom at this time due to business and they agreed that postponing their trip would be best.
Marion gasped when she was suddenly swept off her feet.
"I believe our tradition demands it", her husband said, grinning while she blushed. He was pretty strong, that much she could tell. He seemed to be in a better mood now that they were alone, perhaps he wasn't comfortable around crowds of people? Although that would be strange considering how his job pretty much demanded it.
Oritel pushed open the doors that led to their chambers.
"After you", he offered, setting her back on her feet. Marion granted him a small smile before stepping into his bedchamber. She looked around, marveled, but not enough to ignore the pounding in her ears or her racing heart. This place was bigger than a suite. There was a spacious living area, kind of like her dorm at Alfea only this was far more luxurious. It reminded her of Luna's room. There was a glass table in the center with a wine bottle and two glasses.
"I don't do a lot of decorating", he mused, observing her reaction. Marion suspected that he was trying to ease the tension, and somehow it was working.
"But you may, if you wish. This bedroom belongs to us both"
She nodded, still observing everything, still not facing him.
Marion reached the actual dormitory, staring at the rose petal-covered bed. Oritel stood behind her quietly, giving her the time and space, she needed to take everything in. Marion took a deep breath as the King ran his hands gently down her arms.
"You're worried, I know", his deep voice came, "I won't hurt you", he assured.
Marion turned to face him, nodding in consent. If there was one thing she was sure of it was that Oritel would never harm her in any way. It didn't matter how tense or stressed he might have seemed before. He brushed the back of his hand gently against her cheek before leaning in, placing a kiss there.
She closed her eyes as his lips brushed against hers for the first time. His kiss was slow but passionate, before pressing his forehead against hers.
Marion knew then that he would be as patient as she needed him to be. She placed her hands on both sides of his neck, boldly leaning in to plant another kiss on his lips….
