The press of people steadily increases as the wagon creeps closer to the bustling city center. Kurt's only been to the castle once in the last two years, but the streets definitely feel more crowded this time. The invitation to witness the naming ceremony of Prince Cooper and Princess Quinn's new daughter had gone out to most of the kingdom and it looks as if many had decided to journey to the castle with the hopes of glimpsing the royal family.
Cooper and Quinn sent a special invitation to Adayn, asking for Madame Carmen's assistance in ensuring that no disgruntled fairy's spells would spoil the celebration. His adopted sisters have talked about nothing since in the weeks leading up to the event. Though not about the development of the protective spells, oh no, their solitary focus has been regarding their clothing selection. The flurry of dresses and bonnets would usually draw Kurt in to state his opinions as he prides himself on his exquisite taste in fashion but his anxiety in seeing Blaine again increases with each passing day.
It's been two years since they met and two years that they've been apart. The two years have been incredibly challenging for the both of them. The catalyst for their meeting had been Kurt searching for meaning and direction in his life and boy, had he found it as he devoted his last years of training to the study of breaking enchantments and complex spells. With Madame Carmen's recommendation, he had spent several months in intense study with elite fairies in Limae on the coast. It paid off. The sleeping spells had been the easiest to remove once he came home and the soldiers and various members of royalty returned to their homes with only a vague sense of emptiness and passing time where there should have been dreams.
Finally, two months ago, he had had sudden inspiration where everything clicked and he had cracked the enchantment on the frogs, freeing them from their amphibian prisons. Sue had been malicious and indisterning in who she trapped in enchantments and many of the transformed were villagers that had been caught up in her wrath. Kurt had cried telling Blaine about their disorientation as they tried to remember how to be human and how he wished that he could fix that too. Blaine had been warm and understanding, but Kurt longed to be telling him in person, with Blaine's arms securely around him.
They had been together briefly the summer following the rescue, as Blaine led his soldiers, along with Kurt and Madame Carmen, back to the remote castle. Madame and Kurt worked on stabilization spells to transport the stupefied fairy safely back to Dalton. Meanwhile Blaine and his crew moved collections of objects they had left behind, once assured to be absent of any magical traps. While it had been wonderful to see Blaine again, their work had kept them busy enough that they barely saw each other outside of their shared bed, where they collapsed in exhaustion every night.
Later that fall, Kurt had travelled to Dalton with Carmen for a longer visit, as Kurt's work to safely break the sleeping spell had also discovered another spell that could subdue Sue's magical powers for the trial. Blaine had balked at that, concerned that the same spell could be then used on Kurt or the other fairies, and he had insisted that the Royal Council draft binding laws about the legal use of the spell. His kindness and commanding presence left Kurt rather starry eyed for days after that. In the end, it was rather anticlimactic. The golden ley lines surrounding Sue disappeared with a loud pop and Sue gradually returned to consciousness, as the vestiges of sleep faded away. She strained against the bonds that held her, spitting that they would pay for this outrage, before she was taken to the prison cell to await her trial.
That trip, he had formally met Blaine's parents, the Queen and King Consort. It was an event that had Kurt's knees shaking, although his stately bow betrayed none of his nervousness. Queen Andrea had been gracious and kind in her greeting of her son's paramour and Consort Devon had instantly taken to Kurt, talking loudly about being commoners in a household of royals. Blaine had rolled his eyes whispering to Kurt "don't listen to him; he was a duke before his marriage to my mother" which didn't assuage Kurt of his feelings of inadequacy.
During his time at the castle, Kurt had established a magic mirror connection between Dalton and Adayn, and they've been in frequent communication since then, but it's been a year since he was with Blaine in person and every day Kurt feels the distance more. Blaine has been busy - while Cooper has taken on most of the responsibilities of being the Crown Prince, he also appreciates Blaine's expertise and calm negotiation skills and the brothers have been doing much of the daily work of running a kingdom together. Blaine always seems happy to see Kurt on the mirror but Kurt's become more and more aware of how ill fitting their relationship is. It's challenging not to fret about the uncertainties of their relationship. Blaine's parents must be putting the pressure on Blaine to find a suitable marriage. A fling with a nobody—and a fairy at that!—is one thing but Kurt has no nobility or title, no connections to merge. He's anxious with every mirror call that this will be the time that Blaine regretfully informs him that it's over but it never comes, and each time it takes a little longer before he fully relaxes into the call.
When the invitation comes to Carmen to attend the naming, he knows that this is it. He'll spend one beautiful week with Blaine and then, at the end of it, he'll let Blaine go. It'll hurt — his heart seizes at the mere thought of it — and Blaine will pretend that he doesn't understand but secretly, he will be relieved that he hadn't had to break Kurt's heart. Blaine will get his happily ever after with the right prince and Kurt will… Kurt will find employment as a fairy in some village far away from Dalton so he'll never have to hear about Blaine again.
Burt offers to drive the carriage with Kurt to the city center for the naming and Kurt is relieved to have his Da with him to distract himself from his thoughts and impending doom. Kurt spells the carriage so it is large enough to transport Carole who is giddy at the thought of visiting the kingdom's central city, along Madame Carmen, Rachel, Mercedes, Santana, and Brittany. She and Santana had been married the year before and barely left each other's side.
Burt doesn't say much to his son the first days of their travel, listening instead to the constant excited chatter from the women in the carriage but, as they approach the castle gates with Kurt's stomach feels like it's going to twist into knots, Burt speaks up.
"Alright, kid, you're looking like you're approaching the guillotine, instead of reuniting with the man you love. What gives?"
Kurt takes a deep breath and confesses, "I think Blaine and I are ending our relationship."
"Blaine tell you this?"
"No, of course not. Don't you see, Da? It's never going to work between he and I. It never was and we were fools to think differently. We're worlds apart! He's a prince and I'm- I'm not."
"Don't sell yourself short, Kurt. You are every bit worthy of any prince or king."
"You may be biased." He mutters. Of course his da would think so, but that didn't change reality.
"That may be so, but I got good reason. You have always been destined for greater things than our little hamlet. I couldn't be prouder of the man you've become."
"Thanks, Da." He's touched by his father's declaration. There had been some rough years when it had become evident that Kurt was a fairy and his father's complete acceptance had been all that he had wanted. He has gotten it in spades over the years but, in hearing it again, some of his anxiety and fear melts away.
Burt claps his son's shoulder. "You need to talk to him, Kurt, and tell him what you're feeling. It's not fair to him to make one-sided decisions without knowing how he feels."
Kurt nods. "You're right. You're right."
"Of course I am. You shouldn't be doubting your old man, kid."
Blaine is waiting on the steps as the carriage pulls up in front of the castle and Kurt tumbles out of the vehicle into his arms. It feels so right, his arms tight around Blaine's lithe waist and Blaine's chin tucked over his shoulder, that he never wants to let go. But the girls' clamor separates them too soon and Madame Carmen sets them all on unloading the carriage and setting up the first of the defense wards. Kurt looks apologetically at Blaine, who shrugs in understanding and kisses the back of Kurt's hand before allowing them to their work.
So much for getting to talk to him.
The Naming Ceremony comes together without a hitch. The weather cooperates with golden skies of late summer and the baby gurgles and coos at just the right moments making the adoring audience aww in delight. Her Uncle Blaine agrees formally to be her godfather and guide, and her parents encircle her and proclaim blessings and wishes for a loved life. They then display the newly named Princess Aurora to the cheers of the crowd.
Kurt stands to the side with the other fairies, prominently on display as guests of honor, and watches the proceedings. That was Quinn's idea; she hopes that their involvement will help ease the distrust of fairies now that Sue has been fairly judged and sentenced for her crimes against the crown. Beth, now nearly four years old, had run up to him and refused to leave his side, telling him all about her toys and learning to read, so Kurt's rests her on his hip during the ceremony. Quinn told him last night as they caught up that Beth has been feeling the pain of no longer being an only child, so Kurt's happy to give her some extra attention. Particularly since it seems to draw her uncle's gaze to them frequently. He misses a chunk of the naming ceremony due to the distraction of Blaine's intense look. The way that Blaine fumbles and blushes on his way to the dias when the officiant calls his name for the second time with Wesbrook nudging him forward, conveys that Kurt isn't the only one affected.
The thundering applause that greets the newest Princess starts to die out and the crowd rustles and hums, gathering belongings to leave. Kurt jostles Elizabeth and turns to talk to Rachel.
A trumpet pierces the air in announcement. Startled, the murmur of the crowd dies off as all turn back towards the podium.
Rachel and Mercedes are grinning at him and he swears that Rachel is crying. Even Santana has a soft look on her face, instead of her usual smirk. Mercedes reaches out to take Elizabeth from him and sets her down. Rachel straightens his cravat. "Wha-"
"Kurt Hummel!" Queen Andrea's voice booms across the dais and Kurt stares dumbly back at the royal family, all standing. "Will you please step forward?"
"Go, honey," Mercedes urges. Elizabeth tugs on his hand and Kurt allows her to lead him across the terrace. He bows deeply at the Queen and on rising, notices his father and stepmother on the step next to Blaine. He stares dumbly at them - when had they arrived?
"Kurt Hummel," the Queen announces for all to hear, "for service to the crown, we give to you and your family the lands of Neyork for as long as you and your progeny live. For your role in bringing Sue to justice, we award you the title of Duke of Neyork with all of its responsibilities. For your bravery, we knight you as Sir Kurt Hummel, May you ever serve the Crown."
He kneels and Queen Andrea touches his shoulder with her sword. "Sir Hummel, Duke of Neyork, rise."
The crowd explodes in loud applause again and Kurt turns and bows to them, overwhelmed by this gesture.
The Queen addresses him again as it quiets. "We invite you to join the royal council as Court Fairy, to organize a school for the education and training of fairies across the country with the assistance of the fairies of Adayn, and to serve to protect and defend the borders of Dalton and its people from the improper use of magic. Do you accept?"
"My Queen," he answers, as formally as he has been taught, "as a fairy, I take an oath to never use my magic to cause harm to another person, to use magic with integrity for the benefit of all, and to avoid all selfish practices. My oaths are higher than any crown. If I join your council will I be able to uphold my oaths?"
She studies him intently, then nods once. "You will."
"Then I accept and pledge myself to the service of the Kingdom of Dalton." He bows again.
"Prince Blaine, step forward," she commands again and Blaine steps over to Kurt's side and bows to his mother. "In recognition of your service to the Kingdom, we grant you permission to make your own marital allegiances as you see fit. And we," She pauses with a twinkle, "and this time, I speak on behalf of your father and I as your parents, give you our blessings."
Blaine gapes at her. "Mother! You mean it?"
"Oh, Blaine, do you think I wasn't aware of your plans?" She holds out her hand and Blaine kisses it. "Well, go on. What are you waiting for?"
Kurt is thoroughly confused by this point, as he stands there awkwardly next to Blaine. Blaine reaches out and grabs Kurt's hands, gaze focused intently on Kurt's and suddenly, all of the missing pieces fit together.
"Kurt. Two years ago, I walked into a valley, lost and alone, and I found you." He squeezes Kurt's hands and the world fades away to just this beautiful man. "In that moment, something inside said 'oh, there you are' and from that moment on, my heart has been yours. Even when the journey was difficult, my heart knew something that my body and mind didn't know yet. It knew that we were meant to love each other, fearlessly and forever.
"You saved me, Kurt. You not only rescued me from my own foolishness, you made me a whole person with your endless love and compassion and goodness. I owe you everything and all I want to do, all I've ever wanted, is to spend my life loving you.
"So." He takes a deep breath and Kurt is blinded by his radiant smile. "Kurt Hummel. My amazing friend and my one true love, will you marry me?"
Kurt's breathless and overwhelmed, emotions swirling with this declaration of love. "Yes." He says simply, and Blaine surges up to capture his lips in a kiss. Thunderous applause greets their kiss, and Kurt breaks away a little bashfully at the forced remembrance of the audience. "I love you," he breathes, just for Blaine to hear.
Blaine leans in closer. "Marry me, Kurt. Today. I don't want to spend one more day without you by my side."
He pulls back a little to study his love. "But how?"
"The Court Registrar," Blaine nods towards the red headed woman who had overseen Aurora's naming. "She can wed us, if you'd like. But we don't have to do this today. We can wait until you're ready. Prepare a big wedding."
Kurt silences him with another kiss. "You brought all those I love here today," he gestures to his family standing beside them and his foster siblings in the background. "I don't need anything more."
"Truly?"
"Marry me, Blaine. Become my husband and I yours."
Blaine's answering smile is dazzling and Kurt wants to marry him every day to make Blaine beam like that. "I'd like nothing more. Registrar!" He calls out, "will you join Sir Kurt and I together in matrimony today?"
"Blaine! What are you doing? We gave our permission for a courtship and engagement!" The Queen sounds scandalized and, for the first time, like a scolding mother rather than a reigning monarch. "This isn't proper!"
"Mother," Blaine pleads, although that smile doesn't dim, "my love for Kurt will not change with an extra day or a thousand years. Let us wed today."
Her husband leans over and whispers something in her ear. "And does Kurt want this rushed?" She asks.
Kurt links his fingers through Blaine's. "Blaine's the love of my life." He answers simply.
Cooper chimes in, "Think of the saved costs, Mother!"
Andrea shoots daggers at him, but appears placated. "Alright, alright. Registrar Emma may marry you today."
"Your majesty is correct though," Emma informs them, regret in her voice. "The banners have not been read as is custom."
Blaine deflates. "But—"
"However," she continues smoothly, "if you petition those present for their assent, that should suffice?"
Blaine turns them both to the crowd and an expectant hush descends over the masses. "My people of Dalton, I ask for your blessing to make Sir Kurt my Prince Consort and I his husband. What say you?"
A deafening cheer answers them and Kurt can't help but beam at the evidence of the love that these people have for his beloved.
"Thank you, good people!" Blaine waves a hand towards them before turning to face Kurt's family. Kurt's heart yearns for the presence of his carefree brother to make this moment perfect—there will always be a part of him that will grieve Finn's absence. Blaine bows as he can with his hand still tightly enveloped in Kurt's. "Burt and Carole Hummel. May I have your blessing to join your family with bonds of loyalty and love to your son?"
Burt studies him for a moment. "You have it, son." At Blaine's handshake, he pulls Blaine and Kurt in for a hug and his stepmother kisses them both.
They lastly turn towards the throne and it's Kurt this time who speaks up. It's a formality, but he's still nervous nonetheless. "Your Majesties, may I have your blessing to join your family with bonds of loyalty and love to your son?"
"If they don't say yes, I will." The crowd laughs at the loud interruption.
"Cooper! Hold your tongue, I swear!" The Queen rebukes, and Devon speaks calmly over both of them, clearly used to their antics. "Yes, we grant you our blessing."
"If it pleases the Registrar," Kurt answers, "I hear no objection."
"I record no objections to the union." Emma announces primly. "Have you a rope for the hand-fasting?"
"I have one." Rachel produces a thin, red rope, from her satchel and hands it to Kurt as his foster sisters cluster around them. She engulfs Kurt into a hug and then Blaine. "I'm so happy for you."
"You knew about this." Kurt accuses without heat.
"Like Blaine could ever keep a secret from us," Santana scoffs and Blaine grins in acknowledgement. Kurt's eyes sting at how easily his friends have accepted Blaine as one of their own.
Mercedes kisses Kurt and pats his cheek, understanding his sudden rush of emotion as she always does. "Go marry your man."
Surrounded by love, Kurt's last lingering doubts evaporate. He squeezes Blaine's hand, hoping to convey all of the love and conviction he feels towards this man.
"Take your beloved by the hand and tie the cord around." Emma instructs and Kurt clasps both of Blaine's hands in his, Blaine never looking away. His eyes are soft, full of love and happiness, and Kurt loses himself in their depths. Blaine's surety is intoxicating. With a huff, Santana grabs their hands, wrapping the rope around their wrists and hands in an intricate knot, and then, with unexpected sweetness, kisses Kurt on the cheek. His eyes sting anew.
The Registrar continues. "Do you both, of their own free will, bind your lives together in matrimony?" Kurt looks down at their hands, the bright red cord in an intricate knot and then back into Blaine's intoxicating eyes. "Yes," he breathes and feels Blaine's echoed utterance in the depths of his being.
"This cord symbolizes your lives. Once separate, you are now bound together as one, entwined and unbreakable. Where you have lived separately, now you move into the future together. May you be a light to each other. May you lessen life's shadows and sorrows with kindness and generosity. May your life together be a blessing for you, for your kingdom, and for all those lives you will touch. With this cord, I bind this union." She smiles down on them and then gestures with a flustered giggle, "This means that you may kiss each other. Again. If you want."
Kurt needs no further prompting as he leans forward to seal his lips to Blaine's.
The party that the Royal Family hosts that night is unlike any seen in the kingdom and the celebration spills out into the streets. Kurt attempts to greet and hug the many well-wishers who line up with congratulations, his hand tight in Blaine's. It isn't until the early morning hours, when Blaine finally pulls him into his arms and lets the soft orchestral music sway them back and forth.
"This was my favorite lullaby when I was a child," Blaine murmurs in his ear and he softly starts singing, pulling Kurt closer, "that gleam in your eyes is so familiar a gleam. And I know it's true that visions are seldom all they seem."
"But if I know you," Kurt joins in, blending his voice with Blaine's, "I know what you'll do."
"You'll love me at once" Blaine sings in response and they finish together, "the way you did once upon a dream."
Kurt kisses his husband again and waltzes them across the room to start their happily ever after.
The End
A/N: Thanks so much for reading my fic! I hope you enjoyed it! I love your comments.