It was midday by the time Sirius arrived back at the Royal Capital Castle, with the King at his side and the victorious army at their backs.
He knew that by virtue of winning, it would mean that this castle would no longer be his home. Semprapuria needed leadership. He had to see to the repairs to the castle. So in a fortnight or so, he'd have to pack up and set up house in his ancestral home, with his wife at his side.
His wife.
He couldn't have kept the smile off his face if he'd tried as the castle came into view. He knew she'd be right in front, with the Queen, awaiting their arrival.
The gold of her hair was visible from quite a distance, and once he'd spotted her there was no holding back. He brought his horse to a gallop, leaving all semblance of propriety behind him in the dust. He'd just won back a substantial portion of the Kingdom, any onlookers would have to forgive his eagerness. He was young and newly married! Surely even the snootiest noblemen could make concessions for that.
As soon as he brought his horse to a halt, he leaped out of the saddle, and took Princess Marlene into his arms, lifting her feet above the ground as he embraced her, and spinning her round in the excitement of it all. He knew that everyone was looking at them, but he couldn't bring himself to care.
"Your Grace" Marlene smiled, her lips only inches away from his own. Before he could think of a reply he'd melted into her welcoming kiss.
"I suppose you can call me that now, yes." Sirius pulled back a fraction of an inch. "But I'd much prefer it if you'd call me 'husband'"
"I quite agree, husband." She ran her tongue along his lip and smirked as he pulled her closer. "I'd also like to do so in private. I believe we've created something of a spectacle."
"To hell with them! I just won us a Duchy!" Sirius' chest soared as Marlene laughed at him. "How do you feel about being the Duchess of Semprapuria?" He ran his lips along her chin and up to her ear.
"I feel amiable to the position. The new duke is the most handsome gentleman at court, you know." Marlene smirked up at him and Sirius couldn't help but kiss her again.
"I love you." He pulled back and laughed. "Have I said that? I love you and I'm fairly certain, if not for you, I would have buckled under the weight of that… particular challenge."
"Well then, the kingdom is quite fortunate that I return your love in kind." Marlene huffed a bit as she caught sight of the people around them. "Please, please can we rid ourselves of this audience, husband?"
"One more thing, before we find privacy." He pulled the golden fabric from his inner pocket. "I have your favor, my Princess."
"I'll have it back then." Marlene brought the fabric to her chest and pushed closer to him as she tucked it down the front of her gown. "Until the next time you must part from me."
Sirius' eyes darkened and he chuckled at her play to rush them back to their rooms. "God willing, that will be far in our future."
He pulled her into another kiss that was probably not suited for an audience of thousands, but he couldn't be fussed about it.
"Sirius…" Marlene practically whined.
"Marly…" He smirked against her and held her tight as he felt her begin to sink before him.
He took a step back and took her hand in his.
Then he projected his voice to address the crowd. "Friends, we return victorious! You've read the stories, I'm sure of it. The knight goes off to war and defeats the dragon, then weds the Princess. I'm afraid we got this a bit out of order, but" he shrugged, "no one lives a fairy tale…"
He scooped Marlene up into his arms and laughed at the small shriek that escaped her. Then he spun and headed towards the castle doors without another word. James and Remus laughing behind him.