A/N: I own nothing but my car. The italics for the vows are meant to be Kryptonian, alas it is a made up language that I don't know. This is it folks! It was a ride! I might make an epilogue to tie loose ends if you want. Let me know.
The countdown began. It is seven Kryptonian days until their wedding. Lena has spent enough time being fussed over, sized by seamstresses, cursed at for her fidgety behavior by those same individuals. To say Lena was nervous was a huge understatement. And on top of that, Lena had an audience with the Queen. As if it weren't enough that this wedding had to be absolutely perfect. A union between worlds, species, time and space had its standards. Lena worked around the clock to learn the Kryptonian vows. The Princess spoke more freely to Lena in her own language, and Lena learned that the blonde royal was far more outspoken. Her English, while impressive, tends to get lost in translation. She learned that the Kryptonian was incredibly confident in her abilities and not as reserved as she lets on. Lena supposed that the Princess was simply uncomfortable speaking English, so she spoke less.
After the events that happened seven days prior with the puzzle globe, Lena and Kara both grew closer. It was obvious to everyone at the estate and neither hid their blossoming relationship. The poor cook ended up getting a show when the door to the pantry opened. Her face was beat red, and Lena couldn't stop laughing. Kara had to physically hold her up as they rushed back to their chambers to finish what the blonde started.
Lena knew it would happen sooner rather than later. She received the message disk around midday, requesting her appearance in her private chambers before dinner. The human briefly speculated her death would surely ensue, but the Princess insists it is nothing nefarious. Lena doesn't miss the look of panic, regardless of how fleeting it may have been. Thus this is where she finds herself now. Outside the Queen's personal bed chambers. She extended her hand to place her index finger to the equivalent of a doorbell before she could really think about it. Perhaps it's best she doesn't overthink this.
The door de-materialized before her and stood in her fine regality was the Queen ushering her in.
"Lena Luthor." She greeted, returning to the couch. Lena stood by the now (unfortunately) sealed doorway. The Queen cocked her head to the side. "I will not harm you, Lena. Please have a seat."
Hesitantly, the raven-haired woman crossed the threshold, sitting as far from the Queen as possible. The Queen Mother leaned towards the coffee table to grab her glass. It had amber liquid inside.
"I would offer you some, but this will surely kill you. I am afraid this is not good for Terran consumption." Lena snapped her eyes to the Queen, observing her take a generous swig before placing the glass back on the table. She eyed the Kelex unit for a second before returning her attention to the Queen.
"I have a gift. It is customary for the Mother of the bride to give the suitor, you in this case, a gift. Think of it as a welcome to the House of El. Kelex, bring me the box for Lena Luthor please?" The robot flitted out of sight. An uncomfortable (probably just for Lena) silence permeated the air around them.
"You and my daughter have grown close. I suppose you are embracing your role here." Lena was startled by her declaration, a blush dusted her neck and cheeks. It was obvious with her pale skin. No use in hiding it.
"I suppose." She replied politely. "Your Majesty, I wish to ask you a request." Lena paused when Kelex returned with a box, rectangular in nature. The Queen thanked the unit and turned her full attention to Lena.
"I wish to study here, on Krypton. I don't want freedom, I seek knowledge." She finished with sudden uncertainty filling her voice.
"I see. You have fallen in love with my daughter, as she has with you. I knew it would be a good match. You are someone I knew would challenge her, surprise her, love her for who she is. I knew before you came to us. I knew when your temper would flare, I knew your spirit would break her shell. When she came to me, demanding your freedom, I knew you had already softened her shell. She is rather impenetrable to advances. Lena, I know she is beautiful. She has had many prospects offering their hand, but she turned them all down. Knowing full well that my daughter seems frigid and cold, I knew your equally frigid and cold demeanor would make her warm up. You wish to remain and work for us, to earn your place."
The Queen paused, taking another draw of her liquor before continuing.
"I grant your request. Though you do not need to earn your place, you are free to join the Science Guild, if you can pass their test. You will be a princess, which is why I had this gift commissioned for you." The Queen placed the box in Lena's hand, closing her fingers around it. During her monologue, Lena couldn't utter a single word. The Queen set all of it up. The indentured servitude, the forced marriage, everything. Mother knows best, Lena surmised. Granted it was all done out of manipulation, Lena was grateful. The one person she would have the pleasure of living her life out with was lightyears away. Had her bastard, shit for nothing brother not attacked Kal-El, none of this could have happened. In a fucked up kind of way, she should thank Lex. Rest in Pieces.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. You have already given me the greatest gift. I don't know how you can top it." Lena opened the metal box. It was a bracelet. Three finely woven metals twisted into a braid. All different in colors, the small band ended on both ends with a narrow metal plate. She turned it towards the light, as it seemed to reflect some sort of glyphs back at her at certain angles.
"Kara has a similar one I had made when she was born. You will be unable to read it unless hers is near. The glyphs will become more apparent. She wears hers everyday. I waited for this. To see her married, with someone who cares for her people, her culture. I am happy to know you, Lena Luthor. Make no mistake, I wished you no ill will ever. Now we have a wedding to plan."
xxSGxxSGxxSGxx
It was time. Lena was definitely nervous. Korj-Van had given her the final greenlight. She now knew the vows for the ceremony, but it did not make it any easier. Lena already felt like vomiting. Lena studied her reflection. The formal robes she wore were navy blue, with no crest above her left breast. The sleeves were a lace material and they shimmered beautifully under Rao's light. She had to wear a white shaw of some translucent material. Not quite lace, but not a solid fabric. It almost felt like silk. She watched as a guard came in through the mirror. He all but avoided her whenever possible.
"Princess Lena, we are ready for you now." Lena knew she would never get used to her title. It was unnerving to be referred to as Princess. For the longest time, Kara was The Princess. And to Lena, she will always be Her Princess. She turned from the mirror to Gin-Ze.
"Thank you, Gin-Ze. Can you retrieve Korj-Van?" He stood straighter, bowing at the waist before disappearing around the corner. They stood in Argo City's Temple of Rao, one of the oldest standing buildings erected in the megacity. It didn't have automated doors, and hardly any technology. Only lighting. The architecture of this ancient temple was far more interesting to Lena than the buildings of Argo City. She studied the walls and marveled at how it survived many wars.
"You summoned me, Princess?" Lena rolled her eyes at the man before turning to him.
"I am not Princess yet, Korj. Let's hope the actual Princess doesn't run from the altar." She teased. He made a clicking noise with his tongue. His normally shaggy sandy blonde hair was slicked back in an orderly fashion. He had a sash crossing his body over his beige robes. The blue was similar to her robes. Korj-Van became a close confidant and thus a great friend to Lena. Since she has no male relatives living anymore, he was to walk her. A duty he took very seriously.
"Ah, I doubt she will. She is smitten with you. By the way, the shaw is to cover your eyes. You can see through it." Lena's eyes widened comically. She did an updo. How was she to wear the shawl over her head? Korj smirked before letting out an undignified snort.
"I only jest, Princess Lena. You are wearing it correctly. Is this your marriage bracelet?" Korj-Van asked, ignoring the scowl from the raven-haired woman. He pointed to the metal box with the House Glyph etched into the top. Lena grunted in confirmation. She couldn't help the smile that graced her ruby painted lips. Korj gathered the box, slipping into his robes before turning to the new Princess.
"Are you ready?" He asked. Lena could feel her body shutter.
"Am I?" She asked in return. Korj rolled his green eyes at her.
"Yes."
"Are you certain?"
"Are you doubting my abilities to teach you?"
"Yes."
"Oh for Rao's sake, come Lena." He held his arm out, ready to carry her to the altar if need be. He felt her cool hand slip into the crook of his elbow. Korj could feel her tremble. Sighing, he placed a hand on hers. Jade met emerald.
"It will be okay, Lena Luthor. You can do this. She loves you, Lena." Slowly, they made their way to the massive entrance to the Great Hall of Rao.
"Did I ever tell you, before Kal-El, my family was disgraced? Mother was human. Father chose her over everyone. I am half human. Thanks to Kal, it became normal. To fall in love with a human." He whispered to her. Lena turned to him, surprised by the intimate detail of his life.
"I didn't." she replied softly.
"Do not worry. She loves you. She may not have chosen you then, but she chooses you now." He poked his head past the curtain blocking Kara's sight from seeing Lena.
"Now we walk. Let us go, Lena." Before she could protest, Korj grabbed her hand, placing it more firmly on his arm and striding into the hall with her. Lena walked in time with him, afraid if she let go, she would faint. Or trip. She wasn't sure which was worse. Lena raised her eyes to Kara. She kneeled in the channel of water at the altar with her back to her. Her hair was half up in an elaborate braid and she wore a white dress, with a blue shaw. The opposite of Lena. When Lena reached the altar, the priestess turned.
"Kneel before Rao." Korj-Van released his grip, lowering Lena to the water. It signified purifying yourself before Rao. Candles basked the entire room in a soft glow. He gripped her shoulder before his presence faded from behind her. Lena bowed her head.
"Recite the vow, Lena Luthor." Lena raised her eyes before standing with Kara. She was breathtaking with the curls framing her face, subtle makeup barely marred her face. She smiled encouragingly and Lena could feel her heart skip a beat.
"As the witness, Rao watches, blessing us with His light. What He gives, He gives fully. What I am given, I give to you, fully. I am one with you, one with Rao. Until death do we unite under Rao's light." Kara's smile widened. She crossed her left hand to grab Lena's as Lena did with her and repeated the vow.
"Who has the bracelets?" Kal and Korj stood retrieving the bracelets from their robes. As Kara placed the bracelet on Lena she rubbed her thumb over Lena's palm.
"This bracelet signified eternity. Eternity on Krypton, Eternity under Rao's light." Lena said when it was her turn.
"By the power invested in me by the Queen, you are joined by marriage. Now presenting, Princess Lena Zor-El." Kara leaned forward, placing her forehead on Lena's. It was the same as a chaste kiss on Earth. Cheer erupted in the hall and Lena looked down at their bracelets. The glyphs began to light up and were readable now.
Eternity blessed by Rao
Kara chuckled as people tossed the whistling flower petals at them.
"Mother made sure to make this perfect."
That she did.
…Kaoshuh
Thanks for joining me. This is the end for now.
Kaoshuh- (approx.) to be continued.