Chapter12: Complications in Wedding Plans
"There is no way I am covering the tables in floral pink table cloths it's just tacky!" Alexeika snapped dragging a ringed hand across her eyes and attempting not to throttle the persistent woman before her. The portly woman had been attempting, unsuccessfully, to have her chose between numerous floral designed spreads for the tables of the wedding feast for over 20 minutes.
The woman looked shocked at this outburst and Alexeika felt bad, she was tired but she had not meant to offend the kindly woman. "Look, I think something not involving flowers would suffice. This soft pink," Alexeika pointed down to an earlier fabric, "With red and white highlights for the colour scheme. It's simple yet effective and won't detract from the white roses and china."
The woman smiled, seemingly placated. "A wonderful idea Princess, I believe that is all we have to organize today; flowers are agreed as with plates, music, seating, location, colours and food."
Alexeika gave a dramatic sigh before grinning at the motherly figure that still stood before her, notes in hand. "You do well to put up with me so much Martha; I fear I have much to learn."
"Oh I think not Princess," Martha replied sitting down beside Alexeika, who looked positively bemused, "I was acting as pedantic as those tittering courtiers; a royal princess must know when to be decisive and stop the smiling and nodding, you cover that ground easily." Martha patted her hand as she rose, "There is not a soul I would think more perfect for the prince and the position you shall hold." And with that the plump woman left the room along with the gaudy fabrics.
Alexeika rubbed her hand across her tired face once more before rising in search of her friends, whom she presumed were still being prodded by the cranky seamstress. She felt sorry for Thia as her wedding was less than a week away. Whilst most of the organization was actually completed, as was hers (she gave a small half jig at the thought), Thia was being continually fussed over with preparations to make her look perfect on the day.
As she arrived to the corridor containing the seamstress' quarters she spotted four familiar figures talking by the closed door. The two protectors were the first to notice her arrival and bowed their heads dutifully as she reached them before engaging her own into their conversation. The dark haired prince continued conversing with his sandy haired companion.
"Did you realize they have been in there for over two hours...how can two dresses take that long to fit?" He shot at the equally puzzled Thum, "Surely we will not be forced in there that long."
Alex smiled from behind his back at Thum, "Oh they are being fitted for more than two dresses." Alexeika grinned as her startled prince turned to face her, "They need a wedding dress for the bride, a bridesmaid's dress for Sandrina and both need one for the feast and something else for Thia. I'm sure you do not require so much, love."
"Good afternoon My Lady, what bring you here? Should you not be fussing over what colour table cloths should be used at our nuptial feast?" Faldain smirked slipping his arm around her waist and receiving a light punch for his comments.
"Do not remind me of such horrors I have just escaped such discussion!" Alex cried, smiling softly as he placed a kiss on her cheek, to Thum's amusement.
"You have gone soft my friend." Thum commented wistfully, shaking his head in despair.
"I am soft? I am not the one composing romantic poetry on a daily basis and subjecting those around me to renditions in order to perfect them for my lady." Faldain replied with a snort, causing Thum's pale skin to flush red.
"Aw that's so sweet!" Alexeika crooned, "Why did I choose such a banal prince when I could have had some one like Thum!" Slipping out of her betroved's grasp, she ignored the good natured pout on his face, "I shall see how long Thia and Sandrina shall be."
Inside Sandrina was standing impatiently on a block as the seamstress was hemming the bottom of a deep blue skirt. The same blue had been used on the dress' lacings and some embroidery around the pale blue neckline and the tops of the same coloured, off-the-shoulder sleeves. Sitting calmly by one wall was Thia, head cocked as she surveyed the girl before her. Behind Thia a two beautiful dresses, one lacy white, the other, a soft velvet brown; hung on hooks along a rack
Sandrina waved jovially as Alexeika entered and shuffled over to a chair beside Thia. "All done?" the pair asked in unison before laughing.
"Martha seems convinced we have planned it to the utmost detail." Alexeika commented, "Did you get everything from here?"
"Yes I got everything I'll need." Thia replied with a slight blush before continuing with poise, "I'm not sure how I was goaded into purchasing such items, it's not as though they shall remain on long after they are visible!" Such was the rarity of Thia making a crude joke Alexeika almost fell from her chair in shock before laughing like a maniac.
Her laughter had only subsided minutes before when the seamstress announced that Sandrina was done. The trio hastily retreated by the waiting men and away from the dreadfulness within, which Alexeika would face in the morn.
The morning of Thia's wedding day bright and warm, the traditional birds were chirping, bees buzzing, all celebrating the summer's day. Whilst the day itself was seemingly perfect and cheerful, for those involved in the wedding, which was just about the entire palace, it was mayhem.
Alexeika, Sandrina and Pheresa, who were attending Thiaterika, had arrived in the bride-to-be's chamber's early to help her prepare, emotionally, mentally and physically. Lanyl's mother was acting as a matron and had Alexeika and Sandrina go fetch some food from the kitchens for breakfast.
Down in the kitchen's hundreds of servants were dashing frantically around; flour flew up in the air at random moments, large pots were bubbling away over each hearth and knives flashed across bench-tops, slicing things from cold hams to apples and carrots. Fear slightly for their lives as a large man flew past them with a basket of freshly baked bread rolls they sought the head cook, who had clearly anticipated such an occasion and presented them with a hamper of treats, before returning to the princess' chambers.
After several hours worth of pampering, dressing and numerous wisecracks from Alex's corner Thia was dolled up and ready to face, to her mind, her impending doom. Thia's nervousness was given away as she stumbled, yes stumbled, when mounting the fine carriage that awaited the two girls, Lanyl's mother and small sister, Isabella.
Alexeika had to admit she was jealous of the small girl who, unlike the bridesmaids, had not been forced into pink frilly dresses, but into a small dress of buttercup yellow that matched the ribbons on her daisy filled basket. Thia of course looked stunning, Alexeika was seriously worried Lanyl's jaw would drop ungentlemanly upon her arrival, not that Thia believed this, as half the ride to the cathedral was spent assuring Thia that her dress was on straight and her hair did look fine. Alexeika prayed she wouldn't be this bad on her wedding, yet she suspected she would be ten times worse.
Once they arrived a jittery Thia stood impatiently outside the door while Isabella, still looking like a living doll, began down the aisle to numerous coos from elderly matrons. As they reached their cue she and Sandrina shared a look hoping that Thia wouldn't freeze on impact.
The girl's fears seemed unfounded. Once inside Thia caught sight of her husband-to-be and calmed suddenly, returning to her usual graceful composure. The fair haired lord looked splendid in the rich blue tunic of his house and was grinning like a cat. One the lord's other side stood the king looking regal indeed with his golden crown and burgundy robes of his house.
She knew the Mandrian prince and Pheresa were on the right side along with Lanyl's father and younger brother. On her side she knew Faldain stood as best man, as far from Gavril as ceremony and proper seating would allow. She smiled at the thought, her grin lengthening as they reached the end of the seating and she took her place beside him.
The ceremony followed the pagan traditional hand-fasting; ribbons were wrapped around the couples joined hand with blessings as they each vowed love, devotion, loyalty and protection to each other. The two looked happy beyond belief, practically radiating joy; in fact several of the nearby wooden benches had rooted and sprung flowers thanks to Thia's magic. Alexeika, and from what she could see of Sandrina and Pheresa, did what any young woman would do at such a touching a romantic moment; she burst quietly into tears.
After Faldain had placed the first of the seven binding ribbons around his sister and Lanyl's entwined hands he slipped back to her side until she and Sandrina tied the third blessing friendship and honour between the couple. When she returned he slipped an arm around her waist and smiled softly down at her through moist eyes.
After the couple sipped from the chalice held out to them and sealed the ceremony with a kiss the group moved back outside to celebrate; ignoring the empty seats on the left side, assuming Gavril had gone of to primp for the next occasion. Thia and Lanyl were the first to reach the open air they smiled happily until Thia was suddenly tugged to the right and out of sight of the group exiting.
Picking up skirts and pace the group quickly emerged onto probably the most unlikely scene ever. Lanyl stood hands helpless by his side as Thia was being held, knife to her throat. The thin dagger was excessively ornamental and humming slightly in the silver braceleted hand; it seemed Prince Gavril had become somewhat unhinged in his father's return to Mandria.
Faldain and Tobeszijian moved forward until Gavril called out, "Another step and I'll slit her throat." the concerned group froze over before he hissed. "Pheresa, come. We are going to take a little trip to a warmer climate."
Looking decidedly meek and apologetic Pheresa moved, trembling to the prince's left side. Then the bizarre encounter took another turn; swift as a flash the princess pulled out the second dagger hanging at the Prince's waist and buried it to the hilt into his chest; pulling the weaponed arm away from Thia's exposed neck.
Lanyl immediately pulled his wife into his arms, petting her hair consolingly. The Mandrian prince slumped to the floor, besides Thia's slain protector, in a pool of crimson red that stood out starkly from his pale blue doublet. The rest were staring at Pheresa in dumb shock.
Pheresa shot Alexeika a trembling smile before continuing in her soft voice, "I knew watching the two of you train might come in handy one day." Alexeika grinned in response and put an arm around the shivering girl.
"Let us return to the palace I think we have had enough excitement for one day." Tobeszijian ordered, taking control of the situation. "You there; clean up this mess and return the bodies to the palace chapel; we will arrange the burials tomorrow. I will write to Verence between now and the feast, Pheresa I need you and the ambassador to ratify the documents when I am finished."
Lanyl's family, Thia and Sandrina returned into the carriage the girls had arrived in, leaving Alex to ride with her betroved, father and the king. Faldain put an arm across her shoulders and ignoring propriety she leaned into his chest with a sigh. Her love's face looked worried; "Verence will not be happy."
The death of the Mandrian Prince and Thia's protector put a downer on the immediate celebrations to say the least. Tobeszijian retired quickly to his study, Pheresa along with him, the Mandrian ambassador and their protectors not far behind. The dagger held by the prince had been securely locked up, apparently cursed, and the general company could do aught but hope Verence would listen to reason.
When the feast arrived however everyone sought to forget the day's events and truly celebrate for the happy couple; who had only left each others sight for a quick change of clothes. The hall of glass had been deck out in its finery again, the newlyweds sitting by Thia's father at the head of the table.
Dinner was stately, as required; the cooks' frantic workings yielded delicious pieces of culinary art. Alexeika and her father had been honoured a place by Faldain, due to their impending nuptials. Several jealous glares were sent Alexeika's way causing her to squirm by the third and final course.
"Alexeika, do not fret over those ladies; they will know doubt be fawning over you in twenty-three days." Faldain commented, placing some strawberries on her plate by the miniature apple-shaped, apple pie. Alexeika made a face at the concept before consuming some of her favourite dessert.
The rest of the night passed quickly. Her father claimed her for the first dance, grinning impishly at Faldain's output look as he stood beside Lanyl; both apparently upstaged by the fathers. At the song conclusion Alexeika found herself snatched up by no less than the king himself and had to giggle at the contrast between the mischievous glint in his eyes and the sour looks on the prince and Lanyl's faces, as her father claimed Thia. Her fiancée claimed her by the third dance and spent the rest of the dances holding her a little closer than required.
Early in the morning, exactly twenty-three days later, Alexeika awoke to find two figures slipping into her room; along with several robust looking maids. Startled Alexeika glanced between the two grinning faces before realization dawned.
Today was the day.
She was getting married.
Those two thoughts were all that passed through her head before she was unceremoniously pulled up and over to a portable tub of water and forced to scrub up and don her undergarments.
"Thia; what if it rains!" Alexeika panicked at the thought glancing ominously at the single cloud visible in the bright blue sky, as though it would create a sudden downpour on their very heads.
Princess happily-married Thia had the nerve to laugh outright at her predicament before helping Sandrina brush the dark unruly curls. The prinecess however tactfully set up a stream of chatter to distract Alexeika as they wove jasmine strands through the loose flowing curls and took breakfast.
The peaceful calm ignorance shattered as the dress was brought out by the maid. It was beautiful of course; long lacy flared sleeves, embroidered bodice and flowing skirt, all in a soft white, yet it struck home the significance of the occasion.
Alexeika's mind went into panic as they began to lace up the dress; what if it doesn't fit right? What if Dain doesn't like it? What if I fall over? Does my hair look nice? What if it's gone fuzzy? What if he changes his mind? What if Papa changes his mind? What if the king changes his mind? What if we get attacked? What if it rains!!!
"Breathe Alex," Thia called stroking her now laced back, "Everything will be fine. Relax." Alexeika opened her mouth to blurt out her worries just as Thia placed her mother's necklace around her throat, "Ah now nothing is going to happen. Everyone agrees to it. You look beautiful. Your hair is fine, I did it myself. My brother will probably stand gaping at you in shock. No catastrophe is going to occur. My brother loves you more than life, he will not run away; AND IT WILL NOT RAIN."
Sandrina burst into laughter and the flabbergasted look on Alexeika's face before patting her on the shoulder, "You're worse than Thia was, I swear!"
"Shut up you." Alexeika shot back teasingly before her worrisome thoughts returned and she began pacing. "Thia I am doing the right thing, marrying Dain; I mean I love him, more than anything, but what if everyone doesn't approve? Or I make a bad Princess? Oh dear goddess I'm going to be a queen...I can't do this. Thia! Should I really be doing this? Ah! What if he hates my body and we never ever have sex beyond our wedding night because he finds me so hideously ugly!" Needless to say she had reached a point of hysteria, "And then we would have no children and I couldn't produce an heir and everyone will hate me and it will damage the line of succession and-"
Sandrina stepped up, grabbed her shoulders and gave her a shake. "Alexeika! You are doing the right thing, you are a perfect Princess and Queen-to-be and Faldain thinks you are the sexiest being that has ever walked the Earth, so I am certain you will be having a brilliant sex-life while I wait around for Thum to gain enough courage to propose! Now The carriage is here and you are getting in it, are driving up to the world tree and marrying the man of your dreams; and that is final."
The two managed to quickly maneuver the now shocked, and slightly trembling, Alexeika into the carriage with little further delay. "Was I this bad during my wedding?" Thia asked, glancing at the blank faced Alexeika.
"No." Sandrina replied shaking her head, "And if I am please hit me over the head and place me directly before the altar."
The wedding had been planned in meticulous detail; it was traditional for future monarch to be crowned beneath the tree of life, symbolizing the pact between elds and humans in the ruling of Nether. For the ease of celebration the wedding was going to be traditionally pagan; a hand-binding beneath the tree, surrounded by family and court. Then she would be crowned as the new princess of the realm and the celebratory feast would take place outside under a specially erected marquee.
As the group arrived by the well-wishers the circle opened to allow them to join the ceremony in the centre. Those who would offer ribbons to the binding stood at points of the circle in the very centre Tobeszijian, Ilymir and Dain stood before his grandfather, Kaxiniz, who was conducting the ceremony.
Looking into her beloved's eyes Alexeika felt herself immediately calm; she was spent to spend he life by this man's side. She got a sudden vision of them sitting in the sun with four small figures running around their feet, but I disappeared as she blinked and stepped up by the four men.
"Ilymir Volvn, your daughter is to be married today to Prince Faldain of Solder's house; do you consent to this binding?" Kaxiniz asked formally.
"I do." Ilymir replied passing his daughter's hand into the eld's.
"And you King Tobeszijian, do you accept the Princess Alexeika from the house of Volvn to your own?"
"I do." Tobezijian replied, taking Alexeika's right hand from the eld's grasp and placing it into his son's left.
"May you be blessed by Thod and Riva," Kaxiniz intoned, wrapping a violet purple ribbon around the lovers' wrists.
"May you be blessed with whole love and desire for your lives," Tobeszijian intoned, wrapping a red ribbon around.
"May you gain strong children to bring you pride, "Ilymir replied, eyes moist as he tied the orange ribbon.
"May you be blessed with friendship and honour between each other," Sandrina and Thum offered, tying the third yellow ribbon.
"May you be blessed with material prosperity and good health," Thia offered, tying the green ribbon around their wrists.
"May you find peace and harmony within each others arms," Potanderzin intoned, wrapping the pale blue ribbon around.
"May you bring joy into each others lives for all time," Kaxiniz finished tying the indigo ribbon around their wrists. "With these bands you will be bound thus to each other for all time, do either of you object?" the duo shock their heads as the bands were placed on their fingers. "Share the chalice of your marriage, sealing the blessings upon you," Kaxiniz intoned holding the water filled chalice up for them to sip.
Once they had taken a sip Faldain pulled her into his arms and proceeded to kiss her senseless as the bounds were cut and the watchers cheered and whistled good-naturedly. As they pulled apart Tobeszijian and Kaxiniz approached again holding an ornate silver circlet.
"Alexeika, our consent has been given to you to marry my son thus naming you princess of our realm. Do you swear to honour and protect my son and the realm to the best of your abilities, forsaking all other ties of friendship in your duty to them?" Tobeszijian asked solemnly as Faldain stepped further back.
"I swear by Thod and Riva I shall do so." Alexeika replied, kneeling before her king and his eldish counterpart.
"Then I name you princess of the realm, queen apparent to my son's kingship." Tobeszijian intoned placing the circlet upon her head and signaling her to rise. The, in a strange display of emotion, kissed both her cheeks, "My blessings upon you two," the king whispered before raising his voice, "Now let us celebrate."
As it was it didn't rain and the outdoor venue for the feast was a great success, with no floral tablecloths in sight! Alexeika's father stole her for the first dance however Tobeszijian had to smile ruefully as his son anticipated his move and gathered her into his arms to dance the rest of the night.
As promised none of Alexeika's fears came to pass yet their future as King and Queen of Nether is a different story, to be told another time.
AN: Well I have another chapter for you all, hope you enjoy. Yes people the final chapter, this has been a fun story to write but all good things must end and I think Alex and Dain need a break from the trauma...I re-read my last one and am most embarrassed but apparently you enjoyed it so I won't make changes. thanks for the reviews they make me feel special and I shall endeavor to entertain you further... though I'd seriously like to see someone else write a fan-fiction for these novels, just so I don't feel alone!
I will post the out-takes from other characters' views soon-ish; hopefully so they are all done before my exams if not definitely before I go to university...that sounds so weird! bye!