A Thousand Years is by Christina Perri and Steve Kazee. I do not own this song. I just love the lyrics.

I was doing better as Sunday came and passed. Monday morning arrived, and I awoke from a fitful sleep. The bedroom was still dark as I stared at the ceiling. I couldn't believe that Mark and I would be married tonight, and I would also become the queen of Aeroso, not to mention becoming the queen of the Vampires. This was a lot to take in, but my mother had told me not to worry before. She said that I didn't need to be stressed with being pregnant and all.

I could hurt the baby that way and the Ancients knew that I didn't want that to happen.

Things will be all right, I hope. I slowly turned over into my side in hopes of not waking Mark and sighed silently. I saw my rose blooming still on the bedside table and it made me smile. It was so beautiful. Would my bouquet be as beautiful as this rose? I wouldn't know until tonight because Harley wanted it to be a surprise. I sighed again softly.

'Uh-oh, wedding jitters?' Jay asked me telepathically.

'Yeah, big time. One, getting married to the king of Aeroso, two is becoming the queen of Aeroso as well as of the Vampires, and number three is about having our child. I have jitters about everything.'

'Wow, that is a list. I feel some of your anxiety. I, too, am to marry a king, the Wolf king and to become the queen of Wolphshire as well as of the Wolves. I am not with child yet, though. I just wish I could help you more, Angel.'

I was touched.

'Jay, I'm touched. But you're doing everything you can do, and I appreciate it all so greatly. Thank you, sis.'

'Just do not start crying, Angel. It is not too becoming of a queen.'

I pursed my lips.

'Okay bossy. Why are you up so early?'

'I cannot sleep but hey, I followed your advice when it came to Glenn.'

'And?' I asked anxiously.

'I did it and the tension between us is gone!'

I smiled.

'That's great! Wait, you didn't have sex, did you?'

She gasped. How could someone gasp within their mind? How did she do it?

'Angel! No, we did not have sex. I just did what he instructed me to do.'

'How did you gasp within your mind?'

'Angel, did you hear me? Do not be going cray-cray on me now.'

I rolled my eyes.

'Cray-cray I am, although I should take that as an insult instead of a compliment. And yes, I heard you, Jay-Jay.'

'Good, Queenie.'

'So was it good?' I asked her telepathically after a moment with a smirk on my face.

'That is none of your business.'

'True it isn't but it does make me all the more curious.'

I sighed silently then sat up and fisted to the window. Mark was still asleep as I looked down at his vast land and the town beyond. Some lights were on as most were off within the various buildings of the town. It looked so serene and I smiled softly. Well at least Aeroso looks like a great place to rule.

'What do you mean?' Jay inquired.

'You're still here? I meant there may not be a lot of crime here as there are on other planes and in other countries.'

'Hmm, let us hope not.'

'Right.'

I sighed again then turned and floated back to the bed. I sat down slowly and yawned silently then froze when Mark stirred behind me. He opened his eyes and looked at her back. He slowly sat up with a yawn and moved closer to me. He softly kissed my shoulder then caressed his chin upon my shoulder.

"What are you doing up so early, love?" He asked sleepily.

"I couldn't sleep, hon." I said and placed a hand upon my stomach.

He frowned then gently hugged me from behind. He placed his chin upon my shoulder as I placed my hands upon his and sighed.

"Everything is okay, love. You've a new life now, with your husband-to-be tonight and with our child growing within you. When you want to resume your writing, we'll have the means of having your works published for all of Aeroso to fall in love with." He said and kissed my neck.

"I promise you, darlin'."

I nodded.

"Thank you, Mark. That really makes me happy."

And I truly was. But I was nervous about tonight. I'd been through enough stress and nervousness in my life that now I am tired of it. I knew that this was something totally different, but I was rather nervous still. Can Mark feel my nervousness? Is he as nervous as I am? If he was, he hid it well.

"Are you nervous about tonight, Mark?" I asked finally and turned my head so that I could see him.

"Of course I am, Angie. It's not a problem of being in front of hundreds of people. I'm more nervous because I wonder if I have what it takes to keep you happy."

I stared at him as my heart melted more for him. He always would make me happy. There was no doubt about it. And here I was nervous about this?

"Mark, you always make me happy. There's no doubt about it. Do I make you happy?"

He looked at me then slowly pulled away. He frowned as I looked over my shoulder at him.

"But what if I hurt you? I couldn't stand it if I hurt you. I don't know if I could make you happy if I did hurt you." He said sadly and laid back down.

I turned and laid down so that my head and hands were upon his bare chest. I folded my hands and rested my chin on them. I looked at him as he looked up at the ceiling. It felt like to me that he wanted to be reassured that he in fact does make me happy. Like my mother, one of the strongest people I know said, "Even the strongest need reassurance sometimes."

"Mark, you've changed my life for the better. Before you, there was no one that I felt more sure of. For nearly three centuries, I was alone. I was never loved by a man and that is why I wrote. I love to write but the need for love fueled me. I never knew of true love until I met you, big guy. You make the happiest woman in the entire world."

He glanced down at me then cracked a small smile.

"I really make you the happiest woman in the entire world?"

I nodded and sat up.

"Are you kidding? You gave me the two greatest gifts anyone could ever want. Unconditional love, for starters and a child within my womb. I'd never lie to you, Mark Calaway." I said with a smile.

He smiled as well and sat up then hugged me. I hugged him back tightly and knew everything would be all right because I believed such. The Ancients were with us…

Space

I ate with Mark, who wanted to feed from me but with me eating for two now, he knew that he couldn't feed from me until the baby was born because our child needed all of the vitamins from the food I ate.

He soon left her asleep in their bed and flitted down to the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator door and retrieved a cold blood pack. Glenn was there, pouring water into a glass for himself. Glenn saw Mark and smiled.

"Hey, congrats to you both. I can't wait to be the godfather."

Mark smirked as he grasped a glass from the cupboard before him and poured the blood into it when Glenn lifted his glass.

"A toast," Glenn declared as Mark lifted the glass of his own and looked at his friend. "A toast to eternal happiness for you both as well as a healthy baby."

Mark nodded.

"Cheers."

They clinked glasses then drank their drinks. Mark grimaced then placed his glass down upon the counter. Then Glenn smiled his way.

"Well, we've to get you ready for tonight, now don't we?"

Mark's eyebrows furrowed.

"It's six in the morning, Glenn."

"All the more time to prepare plus the reception will be held in the ballroom. I took the liberty of hiring a band and your staff already cleaned the room. There will be a painter at the Cathedral then he'll paint a portrait here, after the wedding. Isn't that just great?"

Mark smiled awkwardly.

"Thanks, my friend. I'm sure we'll love it. Angie's quite fragile now so no surprises, Glenn. She cannot exert herself too much."

"No surprises, I promise. It's the least I could do for you both." Glenn said with a smile and a nod.

"Thank you. I just need to do something before we prepare for this evening. Could you go to my old bedroom and gather Angie's as well as my crown?"

Glenn nodded, and Mark flitted away…

Space

Mark appeared within his and Angie's darkened room then looked down at her sleeping form lovingly. He then flitted to the closet and retrieved her beautiful wedding ring. He softly smiled then placed the small black box inside his pants pocket.

He then flitted to Earth, to Paris precisely, where he entered an extravagant jewelry store and bought a beautiful Amethyst and Diamond necklace. The Amethyst was in the shape of a large teardrop and real Diamonds were for the chain that would clasp around her neck. He smiled and knew that Angie would love it…

Space

The sun broke over the horizon when my phone vibrated, awakening me from my peaceful slumber. I groaned and rubbed my eyes then reached for my phone. Once my eyes adjusted to the brightness to my phone's backlight, I opened the message with a small yawn. It was from Mom and Dad, wishing me a happy day and that they loved me, and they would be here soon.

They would be here soon? My eyebrows furrowed as I placed the phone back upon the bedside table and sat up with another yawn. I looked to Mark's side of the bed and frowned. He was absent but in his place was a large velvet box with a note attached to the lid. Curious, I grasped the note and read it.

Dear Angie,

Don't worry about where I am during the day. I am with Glenn, preparing for tonight. Knowing Harley and Jay, they will pamper you. As you should always be pampered.

By the way, I bought you a gift to wear for tonight. I can't wait to see you looking so beautiful as you walk down the aisle.

With undying love,

Your king.

So that's where he is. I thought after a moment. I was glad he was with a friend. I placed the note down beside my leg as I looked over to the velvet box as my heartbeat increased.

Being with a king now meant that I would be receiving many gifts. Expensive gifts, no doubt. This was just the beginning of all of the gift-giving as I still felt like I didn't deserve such lavish things as I grasped the large velvet box, placing it on my lap.

With a gulp and an act of courage, I slowly lifted the lid and gasped as my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. It was a Diamond and Amethyst necklace! Dear Ancients! All I could do for several minutes was just stare down at its sheer beauty.

This must have cost him a fortune and I loved it. Did he know that I would immediately love such a treasured piece of jewelry once I laid my eyes upon it?

I slowly trailed my fingers about the beautiful diamonds when Jay appeared in the room.

"Ah, you are awake! Good morning, Angel!" She said happily.

I gasped and looked up at Jay with wide eyes as she walked to the drapes, pulling them open. She then turned to look at me when a ray of sunlight dazzled the beautiful necklace in my lap.

"Oh my," Jay gasped and appeared at my side of the bed then sat down, her pale blue eyes glued to the necklace.

"It is gorgeous." She said with awe.

I looked at her and nodded.

"It is."

"Mark bought this for you just now?"

I shrugged, baffled as well.

"I guess he did. I don't really know."

She sighed and shook her head in awe. She then stood and smiled down at me.

"Now come on, Angel. We have a long day ahead of us."

I looked up at her, puzzled.

"We?"

She nodded.

"Yes, we as in Mom, Harley, and I. Dad is with Mark and Glenn. We are going to pamper you and prepare you for tonight."

I reached over to the bedside table and grasped my phone, looking down at the time.

"But it's eight in the morning. We've the whole day, Jay." I said, looking back up at her.

"The day goes by fast when you are excited, Angel. Now come on!" She urged.

I shook my head.

"But Jay, I'm pregnant. I need a certain amount of rest."

She frowned, knowing that what I said was true. But she still insisted.

"You are going back to bed now that you are fully awake?"

I sighed and shook my head.

"All right! Just let me get up, okay? I have to shower."

She smiled and nodded.

"Do you need any help with that?"

I looked up at her with wide eyes.

"I'm not an invalid, Jay. Now shoo." I said and removed the covers from my legs.

"All right. Oh, and Mark left you some food in the refrigerator. Mom, Harley, and I will be in the kitchen waiting for you. Okay, Angel?"

"Okay Jay." I said and watched her with a smile.

She smiled then disappeared from the room. I maneuvered my legs over the edge of the bed and stood. I stretched then gathered a pair of underwear and a bra from the dresser as well as a simple gown. I then walked to the bathroom, where I got ready for my shower…

Space

I put my hair up in a traditional ponytail hen sighed. I took one last look at myself in the big mirror within our bedroom then when I was satisfied with the way I looked, I turned and floated down to the kitchen.

I found all three women drinking hot coffee and reading parts of a newspaper at the island. They all sat upon the tall stools, the fourth one vacant beside my mother.

I smiled and walked to the refrigerator, opening it.

"Good morning, everyone." I said happily.

They all looked up from the newspaper in their hands and smiled at me. I looked in the refrigerator and spotted the bowl of stew meant for me. I grasped it and closed the door then put the bowl into the microwave, setting the time. I then floated to the vacant chair beside Mom and sat down. They all smiled at me still.

"Well, good morning. You should still be resting." Mom said and glared at Jay.

She lifted an eyebrow at Mom as the microwave dinged. I got up and retrieved my meal. I opened the silverware drawer and grasped a spoon then sat back down upon the stool, placing the hot bowl of stew and the utensil upon the counter.

"No, it's all right. I was already awake."

"Oh? You were?" Harley asked and lifted her eyebrows.

I nodded and began eating when she shook her head. My eyebrows furrowed as I dig into my meal. Obviously I was very hungry.

I don't have only me to worry about anymore.

"You should be resting, milady." Harley said with concern.

"But I'm up now." I said in between mouthfuls.

Composing myself and dabbing my mouth, I asked, "So what's on the schedule for today before my wedding tonight?"

Everyone smirked as they watched me eat. If I was making a spectacle of myself, I really didn't care at the moment.

"We're all to receive manicures and facials. So that by tonight you will be quite relaxed when tonight comes about. You shouldn't exert yourself, as Mark has instructed and of course we all know, so we're preparing a lovely day for you, milady." Harley smiled.

I smiled in return as I pushed the now empty bowl away from me.

"Then let's get to it…"

Space

The day had really gone by fast. I was sad it had went by so fast because we all had a lovely time. We all received manicures and facials, laughing and talking all the while. It was great girl time, if you asked me.

When we entered the salon, the owner stared wide eyed at us, especially me, then welcomed us with open arms. I was so nervous, and I believed she sensed that. I say that because she made me feel more at ease, swooning when I described my gown.

All in all, it was a delightful time. Not to mention having to be called Your Highness already.

It was almost six at night and the wedding was at eight. Talk about nervousness. One of Mark's staff drove Harley, Mom, Jay, and I to the Cathedral where the townsfolk had all begun to arrive.

We all looked out of the tinted windows of the limousine at them all. I but my lip and looked down.

Mom looked at me and knew that I was nervous. So she rubbed my back softly while she held my gown on her other arm. Harley held the black box my white diamond flats were in as well as the large velvet box that held the necklace Mark had bought for me.

Jay held my long veil and the bouquet of white and red roses. No one let me carry anything as I grew fidgety. I took a couple of deep breaths then nodded. We all disappeared from the limousine then reappeared in the back of the Cathedral, where a room with a vanity and other necessary things I would need for tonight awaited us.

I sighed and sat down before the vanity as Jay cleaned my face then applied light turquoise eyeshadow, blush, and light pink lipstick that proved to be infallible. Mom then did my hair, which took about forty five minutes.

She put my hair in a tight bun, tight enough for me to handle, of course. She then reached into the pocket of her shall and pulled out the turquoise comb I had when I was a child. It beheld sequenced topaz stones about the top of it. The yellow topaz was my birthstone for November.

I gasped when she presented it to me.

"You saved it!" I said happily.

"Of course I saved it." She said with a nod then fit it into my hair, before the bun as Jay and Harley watched on with smiles upon their faces.

I smiled and looked up at Mom in the mirror. Tears filled her eyes.

"My youngest daughter is getting married tonight!" She said happily as those tears ran down her face.

I was about to turn to her when Harley stopped me.

"Uh-uh, no crying on this night. At least not right now."

Mom nodded and wiped her eyes with her handy handkerchief.

"Harley is right."

Jay then grasped my gown and smiled brightly.

"Time for the gown!..."

Space

Mark and Glenn were in another part of the Cathedral as the time slowly neared. Even he felt nervous as he looked at himself in the mirror. He wore the black suit that he had saved for this fateful day.

The suit was all black as he had his emblem of the Novel Ones pinned to his lapel. The shoulders of his suit were decorated in dark purple details. His shirt was white as his tie was a dark purple as well. For his towering stature, he was glad by how kingly he always looked like in a suit.

His crown was the last thing he adorned himself with. His auburn red hair was slicked back into a ponytail and braided. As he gazed at himself in the mirror, green eyes as vivid as emeralds stared back at him. It was just amazing that this was finally happening.

"Do I look all right, Glenn?" Mark asked and turned to face his friend.

"Yes, you look better than all right. You look kingly." Glenn said and nodded.

Mark was nervous, Glenn couldn't miss it, but he understood it.

"Relax, Mark. Everything will be all right tonight." He said and put a hand on his friend's shoulder.

Mark sighed.

"I hope so."

Glenn smiled then hugged his friend.

"Good luck, old friend. Make your father proud."

Mark returned the hug.

"Thank you…"

Space

It was almost eight 'o' clock on the dot. I was in my gown and flats with the veil attached to my bun. It trailed behind me as the gown did. I never knew they made veils so long. I was just so nervous about tonight.

When I changed into my gown, I could already spot a small baby bump! Dear Ancients, children grow faster when you're immortal, don't they?

I was glad the gown still fit.

The necklace Mark bought me was around my neck. It was heavy but gorgeous as it sparkles beautifully in any light. I just didn't want to make it seem like I was flaunting anything but after Archbishop Micah would marry Mark and me, I would be a queen.

I took a shaky breath then released it slowly. I would wear the rings and crown with honor.

Jay, Harley, and Mom hugged me and wished me good luck before disappearing into the noisy Cathedral. They all wore dark purple gowns with little white flowers in their hair. I thought they were really beautiful.

I looked down at the bouquet of white and red roses, baby's breath, and lace in my hands and swallowed nervously. My father, looking handsome in a black suit with a purple rose as a boutonnière on his lapel.

He stood beside me now, outside of the huge mahogany doors just a little ways past the main entrance of the Cathedral. He hugged me now that he could and kissed my cheek softly.

"You look so beautiful. Everything will be all right. I promise, Angelica."

"Dad… I'm just so nervous…" I said and released another shaky breath.

"Calm down, honey. You'll be great." He said, rubbing my back gently.

"I do hope so."

"I know so." He said then stuck out his arm to me.

"Here we go." He said softly as the huge mahogany doors slowly began to open…

Space

The pianist began to play as everyone stood and looked to the back of the Cathedral. Dad and I slowly started down the long aisle. White and red rose petals adorned the marble floor as they did on every pew; little bundles of white and red roses were bunched together on the outside of every pew. They were all so beautiful.

I was so nervous as I took quick glances at everyone but tried to look at no one. That was so hard to do, let me tell you. I saw people of all origins here as well as people as pale as me near the front of the Cathedral and it made me wonder if those who lived here wondered about them.

I couldn't keep my mind in one area!

I tightened my grip on my father's arm as well as the bouquet in my right hand. I was so nervous as we slowly grew closer to the altar. I then lifted my eyes to Mark, who stood so kingly upon the last step as he awaited me with his hands folded behind him.

The day we met

Frozen I held my breath

Right from the start

I knew I had found the home for my heart

Beats fast

The Archbishop stood before the altar in the middle of Mark, Glenn, Harley, and Jay. Jay held out rings on a white pillow as Harley held my crown upon a similar pillow.

Colors and promises

How to be brave?

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall

But watching you stand alone?

All of my doubt suddenly goes away

somehow

I looked at Mark and found the peace I was after all day long. We were to be married and I wouldn't want it any other way.

One step closer

I have died every day waiting for you

Darling don't be afraid I have loved you

For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

Dad and I stopped before the first step where Mark was and he grasped my uplifted hand. My father kissed my cheek then to the first pew beside Mom and Jay.

Time stands still

Beauty in all she is

I will be brave

I will not let anything take away

What's standing in front of me

I blushed as Mark smiled down at me. We then ascended the three steps and stopped before the Archbishop as the music ended. Everyone took their seats, the sounds of the creaking pews sounded in the vast space. Mark and I held hands as the Archbishop cleared his throat softly.

"Dearly beloved, we are here on this beautiful winter evening to witness the anticipated union of Mark William Calaway and Angelica Marie St. John." He said, his deep voice echoing throughout the vast Cathedral.

Every breath

Every hour has come to this

One step closer

I have died every day waiting for you

Mark then turned to me and I him. The Archbishop then continued.

"Mark Calaway, repeat after me."

"I, Mark Calaway, take you Angelica St. John to have and to hold, for better and for worse, for rich and for poor, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish. Until death do you part."

Darling don't be afraid I have loved you

For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

"Angelica St. John, repeat after me."

"I, Angelica St. John, take you Mark Calaway to have and to hold, for better and for worse, for rich and for poor, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish. Until death do you part."

And all along I believed I would find you

Time has brought your heart to me

I have loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

Jay walked up to us and Mark grasped my ring, sliding it onto my finger as he looked down into my eyes.

"I do." He said softly.

I grasped his golden band and slid it onto his finger, looking up into his eyes.

"I do." I said softly.

One step closer

I have died every day waiting for you

Darling don't be afraid I have loved you

For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more

Harley now stood and walked up to us. She grasped the sides of the crown as Jay grasped the pillow. Harley stepped beside me as the Archbishop smiled.

"I now pronounce you man and wife, king and new queen of Aeroso."

Harley placed the crown upon my head as tears filled her eyes as well as Jay's. I then released a shaky breath as Harley and Jay receded to their seats when Mark smiled. I smiled as well as the Archbishop spoke once more.

"You may kiss the bride."

And all along I believed I would find you

Time has brought your heart to me

I have loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more.

Mark pulled me into his arms gently then bent, kissing me deeply. Everyone stood and applauded. I blushed a bright pink as we parted and faced the vast crowd. Mark laughed as I smiled then we slowly walked back up the long aisle…