*I think this may be one of the longest chapters yet. Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Hope you enjoy! It's not as mushy as the last one, don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing either. Oh well *shrugs* Well, in case you were wondering, this story has three chapters left in it after this one. Then it'll be over, and I can finally post my new story ah! I'm so excited to reveal it! ^.^*
Chapter 21: Mary
Fuu was awake early. She didn't know what to do with herself anymore as she walked around the palace aimlessly, having no destination. She didn't know what she wanted anymore. She wanted to be happy, wanted to feel. The years were taking their toll on her, and she was still young. She could feel her body stretching itself to the limit, feel the wear of time, and it bothered her.
Why should she, a young, smart girl, in her prime, waste her life? But when she tried to look at someone else seriously, his face came into view and she was forced to remember.
"Fuu-chan!" Hikaru called and ran to catch up with her friend. "I've been looking for you everywhere!"
"Gomen Hikaru-san," Fuu said softly, and Hikaru shook her head and put her arm around Fuu's.
Fuu smiled slightly as Hikaru began to drag her back to the palace. "What's going on?"
"I don't know," Hikaru answered. "Presea-chan just told us she wants us all inside."
"Which us?" Fuu asked.
"The three of us," Hikaru answered.
"Mysterious," Fuu pondered, and Hikaru shook her head sadly, so that Fuu wondered how much Hikaru really did know.
Everybody wants something from you
She woke next to her lover who was still sound asleep and sighed contentedly, snuggling closer to him. She was going to fall back into her blissful sleep, but something in the room made her stir and start to stretch. When she opened her eyes and blinked in the sun she screamed and pulled the covers to her naked body. Sitting in a chair by her bed, relaxed, with a smug expression on his face, was Ferio.
Natsumi's screaming caused Murai to stir and sit up as well. When he saw what his lover had been so vocal about he was only able to mutter, "Shit."
"Well, well, well, look what we have here," Ferio said softly, maliciously, as he sat forward in the chair. His hands were leaning on his knees, and his fingertips were drumming over one another. The cruel smirk never left his face.
"Ferio," Natsumi whispered softly and tried to find words, but didn't know what she could say. She was supposed to be marrying him this afternoon! What was she going to do?
"It seems Umi was correct in her assumptions," he laughed a sick, fake laugh, that made Murai wince and turn. He felt something dark and angry in Ferio that scared him.
"Umi," Natsumi hissed, and her eyes narrowed.
"Oh yes, but don't think you'll be able to touch her, not now," Ferio shook his head and smiled, then turned his vicious golden eyes back on the two. "Now it seems, that I am in need of several things."
"I can explain…" Natsumi began, though they all knew she couldn't.
"And indeed you will," Ferio interrupted her and sat back in the chair and put his feet up on the footrest. "Indeed you will. So let's hear it; tell me where you met, how you met, how long you've known one another. Certainly you didn't meet him only yesterday, so tell me. I want to know everything."
Everybody wants a piece of Mary
So Natsumi went through everything, and Murai just watched as she answered the Prince's questions, all the while that sick smile grew on Ferio's face. Murai feared for himself and his lover; that wasn't the way the Prince of Cephiro should look.
"It seems then, that we have a lot to blame on your father Natsumi," he said quietly when she finished, and she nodded, ashamed.
They were quiet for a long while until Ferio started again, "Now I want you to do something for me."
Lush valley all dressed in green
Just ripe for the picking
"What's going on Presea-san?" Fuu asked, finding herself in Presea's room. Umi showed up a few moments later, yawning.
"Why did you wake me up so early?" she whined, and Presea laughed softly and turned her eyes from Fuu.
"You have to start getting ready," she said softly, and Hikaru and Umi turned their heads away, as Fuu nodded, trying to accept it.
"Fuu-chan," Hikaru put her hand on Fuu's shoulder, and Fuu smiled weakly at her.
"Hai?" Fuu's stare was blank; it was as if she was looking right through Hikaru. This made them all shudder.
"Ar…are you going to be-be okay?" Hikaru stumbled.
"Why yes," Fuu answered, sounding puzzled. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Umi threw her head around violently, wincing. 'Come on Ferio, you've got to be able to do something,' she thought to herself. 'Whatever it is you better do it fast.'
God I want to get you out of here
"There are two ways we can go about this," Ferio began, and Natsumi winced. "We can either go on with the wedding and pretend this never happened," her eyes brightened, but when he added, "or we can call off the wedding all together," she knew it wouldn't be that easy.
You can ride in a pink Mustang
"As Magic Knights, you're expected to be very noticeable in the ceremonies," Presea said softly, and Fuu's eyes widened in horror.
"No!" she screamed. "I won't do it! I won't go!"
They just stared at her, surprised at her volatile outburst.
When I think of what we've done to you
"Fuu, you've got to be strong," Presea said softly and put her hands on the girl's shoulders. "I know that's a lot to ask, but for this one day you have to be strong. The Nobles must not know of what happened between you and Ferio. But if you keep those memories alive in your heart you'll have a love that never dies."
"No," Fuu whispered, shuddering, as tears began to cascade down her face. "He does love me! He does! He doesn't just want me for my power as a Magic Knight!"
"Of course he loves you Fuu," Umi came toward her friend, but Fuu wasn't there.
"Maybe he does just want the power, the protection," she fell to the floor, her eyes still blank. "If that's so what will I do? What if he loves Natsumi? It's all a dream, everything…"
"Fuu!" Umi screamed and shook her.
Her inane mumbling was so low now that no one heard what she said.
Mary can you hear me?
"Fuu-chan," by this time Hikaru was sobbing, and Presea was panicking. Umi closed her eyes and asked for forgiveness as she reached out and smacked Fuu as hard as she could across the face. Fuu's eyes regained their normal composure, and she looked dazed.
"Nani?" she looked around, and everyone sighed heavily as Umi hugged her and apologized.
Growing up isn't always fun
"Ferio, you can't cancel the wedding. There will be a war!" Natsumi screamed. "I'm sorry about Murai, you can't Ferio, you just can't."
Murai glowered and turned his head.
Ferio laughed softly, "All this time I just thought you were another pretty Noble playing daddy's little girl in the court, when you are actually a person in love," he shook his head and grew more solemn. "See Natsumi, I know something about love."
She began to cry, "Ferio I'm sorry that I didn't obey you, please don't wage war on my father. I love him because he is my father, but I love the soldiers as well. They were my friends, my mentors growing up. I don't want to see them hurt. The Magic Knights would kill them all Ferio! Please don't," she was groveling, and it made Murai sick.
"I will not live a lie Natsumi, no more. I was able to handle it when I thought that the woman I loved would be content, but I know she won't be."
"Gomen nasai Ferio, I can be happy, I can try, at least…"
"I'll be back in a few minutes after I talk to Clef, be dressed and ready to present yourselves to the mercy of the Magic Knights of Cephiro," he stood and walked out of the room, his cape swooshing behind him.
They tore your dress and stole your ribbons
Natsumi stood and Willed herself a dress of pure white with gold and silver trim that wound its way around the flourishes and heavy sleeves of the dress. She dressed quickly and turned back to Murai who already was in his uniform. She raised her head and smiled weakly at him, smoothing her hand over the symbol of her father's army. "You loved it," she said softly and kissed the symbol, then looked back into his eyes when he pulled her chin up to meet them.
"I loved you more."
She met his lips, and tears began to fall down her cheeks, "He's merciful, that's why he's giving us to the Magic Knights. Umi will want to see me dead, and I'm afraid the other two won't object. Murai I'm scared," she buried her head in his chest, and he wrapped his strong arms around her.
"I am too, but I know that I will fight for you with every last breath."
"And I for you…"
They see you cry
They lick their lips
Ascot burst into Presea's room at full-out run. They stared at him with terror-stricken eyes as he delivered Clef's urgent message, panting as he did.
"Ferio demands your presence; he's gone mad!" Ascot shouted, and Fuu's eyes widened, as Umi tried to calm him and get him to explain.
"What happened Ascot?" Umi asked slowly, and he took her shoulders and shook his head.
"Ferio is going to call off the wedding, the Nobles are all arriving to see the marriage. They're wondering what the commotion is, and Ferio just smiles wickedly and tells them they'll be getting real entertainment."
"He's doing what?" Fuu screamed and shook her head. "No Ascot he can't!"
"Fuu-chan," Hikaru put a hand on her shoulder, but she pushed her away.
"He can't! There will be war! Why would he do that?" she demanded.
"Fuu stop!" Umi shouted, trying to regain the peace. "Where are they?" she turned back to Ascot.
"In the throne room, quickly, armor is necessary. If there is war maybe we can intimidate them with you three," he answered swiftly, and all three nodded and summoned armor, and noticed it had evolved to its final stage. There was something heavy in the palace.
They took off at a sprint toward the throne room, never looking back.
Well butterflies don't belong in nets
They flew into the throne room and stopped at a halt just inside the door. Ferio was sitting on his throne; Clef was standing beside him, shaking his head and talking in a hushed voice. A group of Nobles were surrounding them, one demanding man, and a few other men of stature.
When the doors flung open with a crash, everyone turned and looked at the girls that stood in the doorway. Umi was in the lead, and her eyes were questioning when Clef met them. He quickly turned his eyes and shook his head again, looking down at Ferio. Her brows creased, and she tried to understand.
"Ferio, what is the meaning of this?" Fuu demanded, and her voice was commanding and powerful. She seemed to have stepped up now that she was in the presence of the enemy, because that's obviously who they were.
"Yes, what is the meaning of this Ferio?" the man in the center of the Nobles stepped forward, passion in his voice. The Knights could easily understand why people would follow someone with his presence. He was as tall as Clef, with dark brown hair and eyes. He had a long slender nose that was dainty, and his fingers were long and nimble as they aided his speech. His hands were milky and smooth; he had never physically worked in his entire life.
"You'll see," his eyes glinted maliciously, and they all guessed that he had gone mad. His eyes lingered on Fuu, who turned away and wouldn't meet his eyes.
Mary can you hear me?
Mary you're bleeding
"Just remember that whatever you have to do to survive in there, I'll always love you," Murai said softly and kissed her gently one more time before they took hands and walked toward the throne room.
Mary don't be afraid
"Magic Knights," Clef opened a hand to them, and they took positions around the Prince. Fuu was on his left, Hikaru on his right, and Umi stood next to Clef behind him.
The three lifted their chins and waited for whatever was going to happen. They braced themselves and watched the doors intently.
We're just waking up
"Where is my daughter Ferio?" the man demanded, and everything fell in place for the three.
"I believe she's on her way. She wouldn't want to miss this for the world," he answered calmly, and Fuu could sense something strange in the air.
"Ferio, what's going on?" she whispered in his ear, and he smiled at her breath on his neck.
He shook his head and wouldn't answer her.
"Ferio if you endanger them…" she started, and he turned and looked deep into her emerald eyes.
"Fuu I don't care about anyone but you right now, I'm only worried about us," he said so low that only the other Knights and Clef was able to catch it.
"You're crazy," she stood straight, and he turned his head.
"Maybe your beauty has driven me to insanity," he mumbled, and she couldn't help but let her heart jump.
And I hear help is on the way
Natsumi began to tremble when they approached the doors that were looming and closed. "I can't do it," she whispered and bent over, as if she was going to be sick. Murai held her hands and kept her from passing out completely.
"You have to Natsumi, you have to, for the safety of Cephiro," he kissed the top of her head and helped her to stand. She nodded slowly and pulled up her chin, trying to be strong, and he gave her a quick hug before straightening himself and heading toward the looming doors. "I love you, Princess or exile."
She laughed and tried not to cry at the word, because where would they go?
Mary can you hear me?
Mary, like Jimmy said,
Mary don't be afraid
"Clef I don't understand," Umi whispered under her breath.
"Nor do I," he answered softly.
The room was eerily silent, as if everyone was waiting for the entertainment to arrive. It was the silence that was in a theatre before the play began, just when the lights dimmed. It was the same strange silence that engulfed the crowd when they realized the play was a twisted tragedy. No one moved; no one spoke, the world seemed silent. There was no way to imagine that there was movement outside of the palace, for the fate of Cephiro lie in.
Fuu closed her eyes and heard her name on the wind, carried by a thousand voices. It was the plea from the people of Cephiro. It was the plea for peace and happiness, and she tried to stop the noise, but they were crying. There were children in the night that were crying as soldiers burned their village. There were women screaming and men that fought with rakes against soldiers with swords. The world was ablaze, and she was the one who had caused it, because she dared to love someone who was not hers, but Cephiro's.
"Cause even the wind
Even the wind cries your name"
The room exploded when those in the room took a sharp intake of breath as the beautiful future Princess cloaked in white and silver entered with the soldier by her side. Both stood tall and proud, much more confident in looks than feelings. They walked straight to their Prince, and Natsumi curtseyed low to the ground, staying there as was custom when entering a plea. Murai bowed and didn't stand again until Ferio instructed it. Natsumi stood as well, and tried not to look into her father's enraged eyes.
Everybody wants you sweetheart
"Murai," the word escaped the throats of the Nobles that were in the room, and Natsumi closed her eyes heavily when she heard her father's booming voice above the others who had broken out in a whirlwind of conversation.
"What is the meaning of this?" he bellowed.
"Father," Natsumi curtseyed low to the ground and stood again, looking her father in the eyes.
"You had better have a good explanation for this," the warning in his voice made Murai's hands clench.
"Oh she does," Ferio began to answer for her. "I've heard it. Her explanation seems to be pinned to her power-hungry father."
Her father's eyes flared in anger and turned from Ferio toward his daughter, full-force.
Everybody got a dream of glory
In three steps he had reached his daughter, and his blow hit hard. She fell to the floor, clutching her face. He raised his hand once more, but Murai's stopped it. He held him back easily; he had not been pampered his whole life.
"I would advise you let me go boy," his voice was malicious as Murai loosened his grip, and he ripped away. He stopped and stared down at his daughter who was weeping on the ground. "I gave you the opportunity for you to have everything. And what did you do? You turned around and threw it away on a soldier! How many others have there been Natsumi? You whore," he turned his head away from her, and her sobs increased, as Murai bent down and tried to look at her injury, but she only pushed him away. He stared at her in worry, but didn't advance again.
Las Vegas got a pinup girl
"You cared nothing for my happiness father!" she screamed and stood again, staring into his enraged brown eyes, her own light eyes deadly. "You cared only for wealth and power! You sold your only daughter to a man who didn't even know me! And for what? Have you accomplished anything with me sitting in here playing Princess? I was trying to save your soldiers! You care nothing for anyone but yourself! I'm ashamed to call you father!"
They got her armed as they buy and sell her
Until this the Magic Knights had been shocked silent, but when Natsumi's father raised his hand once more they all drew their swords and stepped forward. When they realized what they had done they were almost as shocked as everyone else in the room, but they stood their ground despite. They had to, she was a citizen of Cephiro, and they vowed to protect the people.
Murai's eyes widened when he saw them trying to protect her, and he realized that maybe he had been wrong about them.
Rivers of milk running dry
"Both of you calm yourselves," Ferio ordered harshly, "or I'll have the Knights end all this."
Fuu spun her head and glared at him. Was he exerting power over them?
She let it go…for now.
"But you see," Ferio began again when everyone had calmed down a bit, "this has to be resolved, and I see two ways of doing that."
Umi closed her eyes and tried to think of the different ways this could end; none of them were good in her eyes. The malice Ferio was displaying was too much.
'Celes give me strength,' she thought to herself.
'Rayearth give me strength,' Hikaru was thinking at the same moment.
'Windam give me strength,' Fuu ended the triangle, and the three girls were engulfed in a blur of blue, red and green light. Everyone in the room stepped back as their hair whipped about them and surrounded their bodies.
Umi heard the waves and Hikaru heard the crackling of the fire; Fuu heard the wind whipping past her ears and then it was over, and their armor had gone back to its original state.
The Nobles in the room were shuddering with the power, but the three girls were oblivious to it all.
'The trouble has passed,' Umi thought to herself, and she realized that Fuu and Hikaru could hear her thoughts.
'It has,' Hikaru answered, and she smiled contentedly.
'Not for all,' Fuu added meekly, and they looked at the girl who had tears in her eyes; tears that would never fall.
Can't you hear the dolphins crying?
"As I was saying," Ferio began again once the shock had passed for everyone. "Two ways this can be ended. We can let the wedding continue and have the country live a lie about the happiness of its rulers, or we can call the wedding off and let bygones be bygones."
Natsumi's father was deadly silent, "It's better for the country and my daughter to live a lie than for you to rule," his voice was a soft hiss.
"He'll rule either way!" Umi screamed and stepped forward. She would end this…for Fuu.
"Umi-san, let it go," Fuu instructed softly. "It's not worth it."
"It is worth it! I won't let it go!" Umi shouted back and stepped to Natsumi's father; her fingers wound tightly around her sword. "I like you even less than I like your daughter, and I see the selfishness in your black heart. You would rather see your whole army die to save your own skin. You would see your daughter die for your life to be spared, at least she cares enough about her people, if not those of us who come from a distant realm. I would suggest, sir, that you rethink your last words."
He stood straighter and glowered at Umi, challenging her, "I'm not afraid of you; you are no better than a barmaid, only you're dressed better. I will not back down to you."
In the next instant he found himself on the ground, the Master Mage was staring at him from above. "But dare you say that to me? Are you unafraid of me?"
He stayed silent as he pulled himself from the ground, glowering fiercely.
Clef put a hand on Umi's shoulder and asked if she was okay. She nodded and never took her eyes from the Noble who glared at her. He turned back to the other Nobles in the room, "These Knights will be the death of us all! They've even corrupted the mind of the Master Mage!"
"The only one that's been corrupted is you father!" Natsumi screamed, and he spun on his heels to look at her.
What do we do when our babies scream?
"Shut up Natsumi!"
Fill their mouths with some acid rain
"Enough!" Ferio's powerful voiced echoed around the hall, and everyone was hushed. "This can all be ended very easily. Sir, I do believe, if only for your self-love, you seriously consider removing your troops. If not I'll have to ask the Water Knight to take action against you, because I know she'd like to."
Everyone was dead silent as he stood there, pondering, "Of course, Your Highness," he said softly after a moment.
"As for you," Ferio turned his eyes on Natsumi, and she shuddered under his gaze. "Finding you in another man's bed was quite a surprise to me, a most convenient one to say the least. For your punishment you will see the Wind Knight, because she is the one who was affected most deeply."
Fuu's eyes widened as she turned to Ferio who smiled softly at her. Did this mean they could finally be together?
Mary, can you hear me?
Natsumi looked at Fuu with wide, terrified eyes, "Wind Knight," she curtseyed and stayed low to the ground. "What will you have for me?"
"Uh…" Fuu stammered. "I don't really think that's what I should…I mean…Ferio, shouldn't you handle this?"
"My punishment would only benefit me; yours would benefit you which is greatly more important to me," and there it was. Ferio had finally made a formal statement of his love for her, and everyone gasped.
Natsumi's eyes narrowed and swung to Ferio as everything he had said and done began to make sense. Ferio smirked and nodded as Fuu just drank everything in.
"Lady Natsumi," Fuu said softly, and everyone looked to hear her judgment, "I came here with no knowledge of you, and obviously you had none of me. My hate for you was strong because in my absence you had stolen the man I loved, seemingly for your personal gain."
Natsumi lowered her head and waited for the Wind Knight's vengeance.
Mary you're bleeding
"But," Fuu smiled warmly, "upon seeing you here and hearing your story, I believe my first judgments were horribly misplaced. You were only doing your duty to protect the country you loved, as Ferio and I were. You only fell into love's snare, as Ferio and I did," she grinned and blushed when Ferio grinned mischievously back. "Only, you were caught."
Mary don't be afraid
"Therefore, I only ask you to be happy with the one you love, and extend an invitation for you to stay here for as long as you wish. To stay permanently if you wish."
We're just waking up
"That's absurd! I'll have my army here so fast your Magic Knights won't even be able to draw their swords," Natsumi's father stepped forward. In an instant, the three Knights had drawn their swords and were surrounding him.
"Lantis, escort him to a room, see that he stays there," Ferio ordered, and Lantis bowed and stepped beside Hikaru.
Natsumi's father drew his sword and struck out at Hikaru, but his sword met Lantis' first. He spun away and met the blade of the Water Knight, who was more skilled with a sword than anyone in Cephiro. She seemingly danced around him as she made mocking, playful stabs and slashes, which he would start to parry, but they were so light she would, quick as lightning, be on his other side. Her blade moved so fast that no one ever even saw it until she made one graceful move, and his sword flew from his hands.
He was panting heavily when he looked into the murky blue depths that were the Water Knight's eyes. She wasn't even breathing heavily, and he saw the true strength of the Magic Knights. "I suggest that you make this easier on everyone or I will not hesitate to run you through," she whispered vehemently.
He bowed, trembling, "As you wish."
When Lantis led him out, Fuu called on Murai, "You're the new General of the Nobles' Army. Being so, I'll have to keep you close, since the Prince needs the people of power within his grasps," she winked as he nodded, dumbstruck.
"O-of course," he stammered, and Natsumi hit him slightly and made a gesture with her eyes, which made him bow and thank Fuu properly.
"It was the least I could do, after all, your coming did save my life."
And I hear help is on the way
"Clef, you can handle everything from here," Ferio gave control to Clef, who bowed and nodded.
Ferio walked from his throne and approached the Wind Knight who was shaking in anticipation. He took her in his arms in one quick movement and kissed her passionately. She had been waiting for this kiss, and she fell into his arms, melting like butter in his warmth. She laughed when he pulled away, and a few tears streamed down her cheeks. He swiped them away and kissed her quickly. She put her head on his shoulder and fumbled as she kissed his neck. He stroked her long golden hair, and a few tears ran down his cheeks as well.
"Fuu-chan," he kissed the top of her head and let go of her hands. He bent down on one knee in front of her, and she stared with wide, surprised eyes. "Will you marry me?"
Hikaru's jaw dropped, and Umi grinned and smacked Hikaru, who clamped her teeth together, but the surprise stayed in her eyes.
Fuu was completely silent. 'This isn't happening,' the rational part of her mind was telling her. 'Yes it is!' her heart was screaming.
"Fuu-chan?" Ferio's words were hoarse, barely a whisper.
Mary, can you hear me?
'Say something!' her heart screamed. "I…" she fumbled.
"Don't say no," he whispered softly, and she shook her head.
"I would never say no! Of course I'll marry you Ferio."
He sighed heavily and slipped a ring onto her finger, standing again and kissing her deeply. She smiled when he pulled away once more.
"I thought you'd never ask," she said softly.
"I thought you'd never answer," he joked and had to wipe to tears away from her cheeks again.
Mary, like Jimmy said
"Well, we have everything for a wedding ready…" Presea hinted, and Fuu and Ferio turned to look at her. "It would be such a waste…"
Ferio looked at Fuu, who stared, shocked, and then nodded numbly.
"Great!" Umi and Hikaru squealed excitedly.
Fuu began to tremble, she couldn't believe this, everything was happening so quickly.
"Fuu-chan, you don't have to, if you don't want to…" Ferio started.
She put a finger to his lips and shook her head, "It's perfect, everything I've ever dreamt of."
He grinned and kissed her finger gently. She laughed and pulled away from him. "I should go get ready…"
He nodded and wouldn't let go of her until he could no longer hold on. "Ashiteru Fuu-chan."
"Ashiteru Ferio," she giggled and walked off with Umi, Hikaru, Presea and Caldina, talking excitedly.
Mary, don't be afraid
The aisle was white silk as she slowly walked through the blooming gardens, full of huge flowers of all colors. The fountain was pouring over, and Ferio was standing nervously by it, Clef and Lantis beside him. A local preacher was standing in front of Ferio as Umi and Hikaru walked in.
Umi's dress was blue and fell to her knees, her hair was up, and a few curls spiraled down her cheeks. Hikaru's dress was similar only red, and her hair was crimped as it fell down her shoulders. Both girls looked stunning, but when Fuu walked in, Ferio was convinced she stole the show. Her face was alight with delight, and her dress was long and white, but body fitting. It fell to her knees and had a small transparent train. It was silken to touch, but for the top where there were a few embroidered roses. Her hair was down, but a small circlet of white flowers was over her head, with a short, transparent veil that fell behind her back.
Everyone stood as she walked down the aisle, and she smiled and tried not to feel sick. Every worry was gone though when she looked down at Ferio who was stunned still with her beauty. She smiled at him, and his heart melted as it did when he saw her for the first time.
'Cause even the Wind
"And in the name of the Mother of Cephiro will you swear to protect one another as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Fuu responded softly.
"With all my heart," Ferio chorused.
"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you Prince and Princess of Cephiro, man and wife," he finished. "You may kiss your bride."
Ferio reached in and kissed Fuu lightly, then more passionately as everyone clapped. They pulled away, and took hands as people threw flowers and cheered for their new Prince and Princess.
Even the Wind cries your name…
