Jim half-turned towards the court behind him and looked. The guards who still stood "gauntlet"-style dividing the crowd took a few more steps back as other foot soldiers entered in two columns and began to split to take similar positions from the front to back. The last swordsman took his position and there was a clear "pathway" from the archway to the floor in front of the throne.
Then, another sounding of trumpets blared and as the last note perished, a group of seven ladies came around the corner. They slowed their pace and took measured steps forward. Behind them came six brightly-dressed very young girls spreading flower petals from hand baskets. The ladies-of-the-court walked to the left and stood in a line before the left side of the thrones. The flower girls continued their slow advance until the passed the guards. Once achieved, they pattered over to form another line before the seven ladies; all that is except one who stepped over to Jim, removed a small wooden box from a bag on her hip and held it up to him. "Oh, Thank-you," Jim answered with a heart-warming smile. "You're welcome," answered the little girl before pattering back to join her friends.
Just then, the trumpeters sounded again except that it was a lasting, more melodious music that echoed throughout the room. Then, at the archway, four more soldiers appeared and stood blocking the archway for about ten seconds before stepping aside. There behind them now stood three women: the one on the left was young and very blonde with a baby blue & white trimmed dress; the other on the right was older and richly-dressed in red, purple and gold-trimmed cape & gown with a Queen's crown upon her head.
But what captivated everyone was the middle, shorter girl in a pure white silk gown with a matching veil laced with flowers adorning her blood-red wavy, long-tressed hair.
Suddenly, Jim understood it all: His greatest dream and love was coming true before his eyes!!!
As other musicians in the balcony began to play a grand, elevating marching piece, Bethany began to take measured steps with her sister, Princess Aurora and her mother, Queen Leah keeping two paces behind her holding on to her dress's train. The music soared higher in note and volume as every boy, man, girl and woman watched with equally soaring spirits and anticipating eyes. But Princess Bethany only had eyes for her love: the young warrior named Jim Hawkins whose tender blue-eyes welcomed her in with barely repressed tears of utmost joy.
Finally, the trio attained the throne floor where Jim held out his left hand. Bethany, still holding his gaze with her excited yet slightly nervous one, smoothly extended hers to meet it. With a gentle yet strong grip, Jim led her forward a few steps as Aurora and Leah took their places to the right of their husbands. Then, a minister in a simple brown cloak and tunic came and stood between the couple and the rulers with a Bible in hand.
"Who gives this bride to be wed?" he asked in a clear, resonating voice. King Stefan and Queen Leah stepped forward. "We do," answered Leah. The Minister acknowledged them smiling and then turned to face the court. "And who gives affirmation for this groom's character?" Jim was taken aback; he hadn't known that he'd need someone to speak on his behalf. But then, "We do, Sir," exclaimed Silver's voice loud enough for every courtier to turn and see the giant cyborg hurrying to the front with Leland, Delbert, B.E.N., and little Adam. The fivesome stood together in a line behind Jim with hands clasped in front of them. Jim returned their smiles before turning back to the nodding minister.
"Hear Ye, Hear Ye, all ye men and women under the banner of our most excellent Majesties, King Stefan and King Hubert," the balding, bearded man began once more spoke in his bell-like voice. "This day is of Lord for in His Word He says", the wise and God-loving brown-cloaked minister continued in a proclamation that spoke of God's Marvelous plan called marriage made for a man and a woman to share and enjoy in His Love. To Jim and Beth, it was as if the Father had come once again in flesh and was giving them a benediction of purpose and fulfillment.
Then, the middle-aged man asked the duo to step forward before he cleared his throat and held his Bible open. "James Pleaides Hawkins, do you solemnly vow here before God and man to take this woman as your lawful wedded wife, to possess and protect, to honor and encourage, to save and restore, to cherish and to praise 'til the Lord returns or til death taketh apart?"
"Yeah, I doâon my heart and my life," Jim spoke with his blue eyes shining like a solar fire.
"Princess Bethany, do you solemnly vow here before God and man to take this man as your lawful wedded husband, to possess and protect, to honor and encourage, to save and restore, to cherish and to praise 'til the Lord returns or til death taketh apart?"
"Oh Yes," Beth gushed joyfully, "I do, I do, I do!" She blushed profusely as her eyes shimmered upon her love.
The officiator nodded smiling and addressed Jim. "Do you have the ring, young man?" Jim stood with a blank expression until he remembered the box he'd been given. "Oh yeah," he answered and pulled the wooden square from his pants pocket. He opened the lid and discovered
"Morph?!?", Jim exclaimed as the pink shapeshifter spurted out and began to nuzzle and lick his cheeks. Jim sputtered and smiled until he came back to the present scenario. "Morph, where's the ring?" Jim asked. Morph just smiled, dove back into the box and came out with a sapphire-studded silver band. "Thanks Morph." Bethany spoke with a little grin. "Repeat these words please", asked the minister of Jim as he held out a small unrolled scroll for Jim to read.
"Bethany, I give you this ring as a token and symbol of my strong and growing love for you, and of my desire to be your gracious and generous husband. I vow here and now before God and Man to hold to this vow until the Lord's return or until death take us." With that said, Morph zoomed down to her left hand as she lifted it and, using his tiny, pudgy arms, slid the ring perfectly onto her second finger.
Beth then produced a small velvet bag from her waist, opened it and brought out a golden, vine-detailed ring. "James," she began and repeated the same lines as she took his bigger left and somewhat twisted the piece of jewelry onto his finger.
"Bring forth the gifts, please." The minister called aloud. A young page and maiden came forward with a sheathed sword and bundle of cloth. "For insomuch as these two have taken vows of faithfulness and tenderness unto one another, so also shall they give and not hold back from their abundance to supply another's lack." With that, the page held out the blade for Jim to take and the maiden likewise for Bethany. "Gird each other now," the minister said to them both. First, Jim stepped in front of Beth and belted the sword at her side; then Bethany loosed the bundled cape and covered Jim's body with it, tying ot around his neck. "So likewise has God elected the man to give his strength and protection unto the woman and likewise for the woman to give the man her comfort and provision."
The minister then prayed a long prayer as three candles were brought in and lit carefully. With the final amen, the bald, brown-robed, tall man led Jim and Beth onto the throne floor. And as the musicians played a soft, stirring and heart-filling melody, the bride and groom took the two smaller candles and lit the larger one. With that done, the minister bid them kneel so he could lay his hands on their heads and say one more prayer.
As the song ended, he opened his eyes and lowered his hands as the couple now arose and turned back to the court. "As James and Bethany have stood here toady in righteous and noble faith and devotion from the heart unto one another, and as their sires and maters have given consent, and as the Lord Wills and CommandsâI pronounce you man and wife in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."
With that, Jim enveloped his new wife around her waist and lifted her up spinning around and around. The entire court clapped and cheered loud enough to drown out Beth's laughter of joy. Finally, Jim brought her down, gazed into her uplifted eyes and lowered his face to hers. And with that, nothing could stop Sarah's, Leland's and Silver's eyes from brimming over with tears of happiness for their son and godson. Even Delbert and Amelia were not untouched by the joy and passion here.
Author's Note: Yes You were right Janna Hawkins!!!! Beth IS JIMS REWARD—and Vica Versa!!!! I do sincerely hope that the ceremony was not too long or tedious for you all to read. Please let your thoughts be known; I appreciate ALL your input and reviews. Thanks a million—only about two more chapters to go, hang tight!!!!