The next day...
Arthur's POV...
He groaned as the corset tightened, and the crinoline snapped shut. He hadn't slept since yesterday, save for a few naps. He was given some coffee, but even with that, he felt like he was about to pass out. He hadn't seen Alfred since last night, the two being forced their separate ways to prepare for the wedding. He was currently in the dressing room with Chancy, Julia, Mary and Anabelle, Isabelle was busy getting the reception room in order. Arthur looked down at his dress which was hung up on a rack, smiling at his choice.
"You're going to look beautiful, Arthur." Chancy said, and the girls nodded their heads. "I can't wait for the finished look." Arthur nodded.
"I fear they might pluck my eyebrows." He kidded, the others laughing. "That's not a bad thing, I guess." He was sat down on a big chair as the makeup artist walked in. The hair stylist walked in right after him. "Oh boy." He said as he saw the huge carry-ons they had.
The make up artist was an older woman with jet black hair, blue eyes and thin lips. "Do you have a specific look in mind, or do you want me to do what I feel is best?" She asked, propping up a mirror in front of them. The hair stylist was busy talking to the bridesmaids, asking them what kind of hair they wanted. Arthur bit his lip. "Can you make it go with the theme of the wedding? It's outdoors in the royal gardens. I don't want anything too out there like the color green, but I do want this nature like finish." The make up artist nodded, getting to work.
"I'll turn you into a pretty pixie." Arthur quirked a brow, the makeup artist finally noticing it. "Oh... my. We're going to have to do something about those. We won't shave too much off, the big eyebrows suit you." She informed. Arthur only nodded.
~~~Wounded Knight~~~
1 hour later...
Arthur took a small grape into his mouth, ravenous. Soon his hair stylist will begin with his hair, currently preoccupied with Isabelle's kinkier hair. Arthur tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach as he ate. He looked at himself in the mirror, pursing his pink glossy lips. He looked like himself, at least. He hummed as he took another bite, Chancy walking over to him. They sat beside each other in silence, the pair enjoying each other's company. Eventually they were interrupted by the stylist, who finally tamed Isabelle's hair and was ready to begin on Arthur's hair.
"Do you have any particular style in mind? I see you've grown your hair hair out for this." He initiated small talk, Arthur going along.
"Yea, I guess. I don't really care, you can decide what's best." He informed, the stylist grinning.
"Well, then I guess you won't mind if I cut here," She showed Arthur through the mirror. "Made a part here," She flipped some hair. "And finally... layer your hair here." Arthur tried to imagine it, but he couldn't.
"I can't see it, but if you can, go for it." He agreed, the stylist nodding.
"Say goodbye to your ends."
~~~Wounded knight~~~
40 minutes later...
Arthur couldn't stop smiling, touching his hair. He loved it, and he was sure Alfred would too. His friends were beginning to put on their dresses, Arthur following suit. Of course Arthur needed about five people to help put it on, though, each being careful not to damage the lace. He groaned as the corset was tightened. "I'm sorry, your majesty." A maid whispered to him. "It's only for tonight." The brit nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. He stepped into his heels, taking a few faux steps to see how comfortable they were. They weren't.
"Are there any other shoes I can wear? I mean, no one will be able to see it." He asked. The seamstress shook her head. "These are the matching shoes, and when you're walking, people will be able to notice." She informed, and Arthur huffed in defeat, nodding.
"It's only for a night." He told himself.
"Precisely" The seamstress said, lacing the dress. "You look marvelous." She held out the train. "Daphne, get the veil." She ordered, one of the other seamstresses rushing to the other side of the room. When he returned she handed her the the veil, Arthur biting his lip in suspense. "We'll put it on after we put on the jewelry. For now, Flora, prepare the flower girls and boys." The seamstress named Flora nodded, leaving the room. "Tiffany, get me the necklace and the rings." Arthur watched at they shuffled about the room, gathering everything. He panted lightly, the dress very heavy.
1 hour later...
Alfred stood at the man made altar in the royal gardens, the air smelling of sweet flowers and honey. There seemed to be an endless row of seats, filled by royals from all over the world. He made eye contact with his mother, who sat in the front row next to the harold, John. Davie patted his shoulder.
"Stop shaking." He ordered, and Alfred turned to him in confusion. "Yeah, you're shaking." Alfred looked down at his hand, which was indeed shaking slightly.
"I'm nervous." He muttered. "Davie, what if he doesn't come? It's been 10 minutes." He pursed his lips. "Do you think something happened?" Davie shook his head.
"You know people and their makeup. They're probably walking over now-" He was cut off by the sound of trumpets blaring, the prince releasing an audible sound of rejoice.
"Thank god." He said a little too loudly, his groomsmen laughing slightly. Though the garden was outside, there was this arch made of flowers that functioned as the entrance. The gazebo was decorated with flowers and functioned as the altar. From the entrance the first of the bridesmaids entered, the prince needing a moment to realize it was Mary. Her dark brown hair was tied in neat up-do decorated with jewels. Her dress was a pale gold, the sleeves made of lace of the same color. The dress looked as if it were made of silk, and in the sunlight she shimmered. Alfred couldn't see her shoes because the dress was full-length, however, it didn't have a train. As she walked down the path to the altar, Julia emerged from the entrance dressed in a similar fashion, the only difference being that her hair was in neat beach curls hanging near her hips, not in an updo. Then Anabelle appeared too, the only notable difference being her small golden hat atop of her brown updo. Isabelle walked out soon after, her hair in a curly high puff, decorated with gold strands instead of jewels.
Then the palace wards came out dressed in pearly white outfits. The palace wards were under the care of the king until they were 8 years old, where they would become an apprentice of a skilled worker somewhere in the capital city. For now, however, the children were about 4 years old, and in their hands were small baskets of white and gold flower petals, flower petals that they were throwing around as they bounced around in circles, not really having any sense of trajectory. Alfred tried shooting one of them, Julius, a stern look, but because they were all so self absorbed in playing in front of a crowd of strangers, it was only until Chancy emerged with a bouquet in his hand did they continue their journey down the cobbled path. Chancy's dress was similar to the other girls, however, the skirt was much wider by perhaps 2 feet, and his waist was cinched in a blinged out corset. His long blond hair braided into a side pony, his icy blue eyes discreetly watching the children who threw flowers around him. Unlike the others, the king noticed, Chancy's dress had a train made of lace, and his dress was sleeved in a cream lace, so his slightly muscular arms were very visible. Once Chancy was positioned in his designated spot in closest to center of the altar, Arnold emerged from the entrance. However, he stopped in front of the opening, bowing as he stuck his hand out. Slowly, a small gloved hand took his large hand gently, Alfred bracing himself.
It was as if the world had stopped spinning. It was Arthur he was looking at... he was sure of it, but... The king's breath was caught in his throat. Arnold wore a silky navy blue tunic with a black velvet jacket over it. His grey eyes were shining. However, Arthur... The crowd was making noises of awe. Alfred didn't know where to start. His dress was an ivory color, with an almost endless amount of golden lace drapes on the skirt, which was opened almost 6 feet in diameter. It took Alfred a moment to notice the 2 yard train of golden lace fabric following him. On his top half his plain ivory corset was visible through the sheer ivory fabric of his bodice, which covered all of his arms to the wrist. On top of this bodice, however, was more golden lace which wisped around in a floral design. His eye makeup was gold, and his pink lips had a shimmer of gold dust on it. His eyebrows were plucked slightly, only to get rid of the rectangular shape in favor of an arch. His shaggy hair was now silk pressed and layered. The front of his hair was pinned up so his forehead was visible, but the rest of his hair hung just above his shoulders, framing his face. Atop of his head was golden lace veil that stretched all the back to the train. Arthur's bouquet of flowers were rather large, the prince unfamiliar with what kind they were.
The closer he got to the altar, the more Alfred's eyes watered. Was he going to cry? He felt something warm touch his hand, the king looking down to see Julius holding his hand, bouncing around. He squeezed the other's hand, comforted by the small gesture. The palace priest was poised, turning his little book to the right page. Arnold helped the brit up the few steps of the gazebo, Arthur's left hand being grabbed by Julius. Arthur smiled warmly at the child as he stood in front of his mate. Alfred finally let his tears fall, scrambling to wipe it away. Arthur gazed at him warmly, the pair grabbing each other's available hand. The music stopped playing, and the crowd settled down, the priest clearing his throat.
"Into this union Prince Arthur Pendragon III of England and King Alfred Fitzgerald Jones of the United States now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace." The pastor waited for any objections, Alfred making brief eye contact with his mother. She looked at him with dull eyes that held no intent. The pastor turned to the young couple. "I charge you both, here in the presence of God and the witness of this company, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be married lawfully and in accordance with God's Word, do now confess it." The pair eagerly shook their heads, the old pastor nodding happily. The pastor turned to Arthur and spoke. "Arthur Pendragon III will you have this man to be your husband; to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?" Alfred watched as Arthur's eyes watered.
"I will."
The pastor turned to Alfred. "And will you have this man to be your husband; to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?" Alfred nodded.
"I will."
The pastor turned to the crowd. "Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?"
"We Will!" the crowd cheered.
The pastor cleared his throat. "Who gives this omega to marry this man?" He asked, Arnold standing up.
"He gives himself, with the blessings of his father, his true father, and his true mother." His voice was heavy as he wiped a few tears, Arthur smiling at him with wet eyes.
"Now." The pastor said, stepping back. "You may exchange your vows." Alfred's heart almost dropped. Vows!? He didn't prepare any fucking vows?! Arthur cleared his throat.
"I suppose this is the part when I gush my feeling out." The crowd laughed, but Arthur's eyes were red with tears. "I'm not going to stand here and lie, and say that the last 6 months were amazing and that our relationship was nothing but smooth sailing. From the moment I met you, the first thing I thought was that you were a pain in the rear-" the crowd interrupted him with laughter. "Ahem... I was right, throughout our relationship you have proved time and time again that you can be a real pain, and at times insufferable. It seemed just as the waves had settled, another storm came through and swept us under." He took a deep breath. "But, even when times were tough, and our lives were in danger, and a mass of obstacles seemed to place itself in our way... you've always pulled through for me, indefinitely. Even when you had no idea what to expect, you went in headstrong not even batting an eye. You protect me, make me feel safe and loved and I want you to know that I'm grateful for everything you've ever done for me. In the name of God, I, Arthur Pendragon III, take you, Alfred Fitzgerald Jones, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
Alfred let the emotions wash over him, blushing at the mini-confession. He had no choice but to speak from the heart. "Uh... before I met you, I was this brooding figure that everyone feared. This cold and calculating man who didn't care for anyone's well being, who thought that I could do anything if I had my sword and shield. It's thanks to you that I... realize my place in the grand scheme of things. You taught me the value of individual life, and you taught me the worth of forging new relationships, and looking on the bright side of things. For a long time I and everyone else who knew me personally thought I would die alone because no one was able to catch my attention. From the moment I met you, I knew you were unique. I agree, the last 6 months were a very hectic time, and I often felt you were sent by God to punish me." The crowd laughed. "But looking back, I wouldn't have changed a single thing because we might not be here today, standing in front of each other, at an altar, about to get married. And though I try to say it everyday, I'll say here for the record. I love you dearly, so, in the name of God, I, Alfred Fitzgerald Jones, take you, Arthur Pendragon III, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."
Julius pulled away from them in order to get the rings, seeing that his original position was ring bearer. He waddled over with a satin pillow, Alfred picking up the specially crafted ring that took 3 days to finish. "Bless, O Lord, these rings as a symbol of the vows by which this alpha and this omega have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord."
"Amen" the crowd murmured.
Alfred picked up the other's left hand and removed the dainty glove. He slipped the ring onto his ring finger. The 22K rose gold band fit perfectly on his dainty finger, the pear shaped green emerald glistening in the natural sunlight. Arthur gasped, it being the first time he has seen it. "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Alfred said softly, Arthur nodding eagerly. He gingerly picked up a rose gold wedding band engraved with an arrangement of jewels. He slid that onto Alfred's left ring finger.
"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The pastor smiled, nodding, Julius simply dropping the pillow on the ground and grabbing the couple's hand again.
"Now that Arthur Pendragon III and Alfred Fitzgerald Jones have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and... husband, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder." The young couple went down to their knees, bowing before the pastor. "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen."
"Amen"
"God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen." He blessed the kneeling couple. "Arthur Pendragon and Alfred Fitzgerald Jones, having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as husband and husband." He turned to Alfred."You may kiss the bride." The young couple practically launched at each other, looking into each other's eyes as they kissed slowly. The music once again began to play, people cheering as the couple kissed each other sweetly. They pulled away reluctantly, Julius running off with the other wards, throwing flower petals into the air.
Arthur rested his head on Arnold's chest as they slow dance in the reception room. It was the great hall, but now the tables were set up near the walls. People watched silently as Arthur shared the first dance of the night with his 'father', the music soft and hypnotising. "You look beautiful, by the way." Arnold muttered, and Arthur laughed.
"You've said that 5 times." He was twirled gently.
"Yes, but I mean it." He muttered. "You look exactly like your mother did, on her wedding day." Arthur looked up at him with doll eyes. "Of course the dress wasn't as lavish, but she was about your age when she got married to Uther. Igraine was a wonderful woman." They danced, Arthur's eyes tearing up.
"Did she get to dance with her father?" He asked softly.
"Yes, and she danced with every guest individually. Of course there were only 20 guests." He added. "She was the life of the party, so much love to give. It was that moment when I understood Uther's choice to not go back to the throne. He had everything he needed." Arthur wiped at his tears.
"What was my father like?" He asked suddenly, Arnold smiling warmly.
"That would take all night to explain. Maybe some other time?" Arthur bit his lip as he nodded.
"Thank you." He said suddenly, Arnold quirking a brow. "For being here, with me." He mumbled. "I would be alone, otherwise." Arnold nodded, kissing his forehead gently.
"The pleasure is all mine." Suddenly the music shifted to another beat, cuing for the brits to get off stage in favor of the American royal family. Alfred was wearing the same thing he was wearing yesterday, instead that the tunic was green, the cape was green, and the armor was completely white. he had his shield at the ceremony, but it was no longer on his person, Arthur assuming he set it down somewhere. The music began to play a steady melody, the mother and son duo slow dancing. The mother was wearing a bright blue dress, and her hair was pinned up into a high ponytail. Arthur could imagine the intensity in their eyes as Alfred twirled her. He sighed. He really did wish they could all get along. Eventually the song stopped, Arthur taking it as his signal to approach his mate. The queen made brief eye contact with the brit in passing, but otherwise didn't say a word. Once he had gotten close enough, Alfred gripped his waist.
"Shall we?" he asked, already leading in the waltz.
"I believe we already have." The two danced for what felt like forever, twirling and laughing as travelled all over the dance floor. Eventually the music changed, and people began spilling onto the dance floor. "Well, I think this is when we part ways." Alfred bowed. Arthur groaned, not wanting to leave his side. Just then the Russian King, or prince, the brit not really sure what his title really was, Ivan approached, a thin smile on his lips. Arthur bowed to him politely. "Hello Ivan, I hope you are enjoying yourself!" He initiated small talk in Russian, the ash blond nodding his hand.
"I'd enjoy it even more if we danced." He said smoothly. His outfit was a fitted purple tunic with a lavender jacket. It was very simplistic, however, the way he carried himself was very regal. Arthur nodded, reaching over to take the Russian's hand when he heard someone clear their voice. He turned to face Alfred, who had pursed lips and annoyed eyes. The brit chuckled nervously.
"I'm sure you two know each other." He said awkwardly, Alfred nodded.
"A little too well." Just then a small omega with auburn hair skipped over to them. Feliciano grabbed Alfred by the wrists.
"Now I will show you how Italians dance!" Before the king could protest, Feli had already dragged him away from the center of the dance floor. Arthur turned his attention back to Ivan, who was awkwardly looking around. The brit cleared his throat, linking his arm with Ivan's.
"Excuse my husband's behavior." Arthur apologized. "He just wants me all to himself." Ivan nodded as he placed his hands on his waist, beginning to lead. Arthur frowned slightly at the height difference; even with heels he was dwarfed by the 6"4' giant. The Russian did look rather smashing tonight, the brit had to admit. His choice of lavender really brought out his eyes. "You and Alfred know each other, a presume." He tilted his head as Ivan spun him.
"We've had a few drinks here and there." He shrugged. "He doesn't fancy me all too well." Arthur smiled sadly.
"It seems so, but why?" Arthur pursed his lips. Ivan sighed.
"No one likes Russians." He said almost sadly. "Because it is so big, they think my country is power hungry." He explained, Arthur narrowing his eyes at him.
"Is it just that?" He asked, skeptical. "Maybe you're just intimidating?" he said suddenly, catching what he had said moments after, pulling away and bowing in apology. "I'm so sorry, that came out so rude!" He was bright red, the Russian laughing.
"I take no offense, I've heard much worse." He chuckled as he took Arthur by the hips again. The brit shifted on his feet, the placement of the other's hand making him uncomfortable. Arthur repositioned them higher.
"Well, I still crossed the line." He continued to apologize as they danced.
"It's okay if it's true." Ivan assured. "Gilbert tells me this all the time. The man never knows what he wants. First he says smile more, but when I do he calls me creepy. When he tells me to leave our room more often, and I do, he gets scared when he sees me in the hallways."
"That's because you're always lurking in the shadowy places!" Arthur turned to Gilbert dancing with his younger brother Ludwig. They were making their way to the Russo-british pair. "I mean." He said loudly. "Who hides behind plants? Who does it making such an angry face?" Ludwig swung him away, the albino hurdling towards his fiance. Arthur detached himself from his dance partner in time for the Russian to catch Gilbert, the pair slowly falling into a dance. Ludwig approached the brit and offered out a hand, which he politely accepted. To be frank, the German made little attempt at communicating with Arthur yesterday morning, the brit figuring he hated him. However, the brit wasn't shocked he wanted to dance, the other probably having an ulterior motive.
The two danced slowly, the German glaring away other people who wanted to dance with Arthur. The brit bit his lip. "Your mate is a sweetheart." he said, trying to make small talk. Ludwig shrugged.
"I love him, but" He started, and the bride pursed his lips. "He only thinks about pasta, and whenever he gets scared, he cries." He explained, the brit nodding a bit uncomfortable. "But I agree, he has a very open heart." He smiled curtly, the brit smiling back.
"That kind of reminds me of Alfred, save for the crying part. He'll go on and on about his armor, and aliens, and burgers. And whenever he gets scared, he gets angry. I swear, he is just a child at heart." Ludwig's eyes opened widely, as if he had just had an epiphany.
"I heard that you are expecting a child. Congratulations!" He smiled widely. "Children are always fun to have around." Arthur thanked him, still a little angry that Alfred broke his promise. There was a sudden tug on his skirt, Ludwig looking down with a frown, only to smile when he realized it was just a child. More specifically, Julius. The toddler was wearing a matching outfit with the king, whereas the other wards wore very expensive silk tunic with flower crowns. Julius's pale blonde curls were no longer in the neat condition the stylist left it in, instead, there was cake frosting in it. Arthur excused himself from king Ludwig, the blond insisting he follow. "You might need help."
"Okay." The Queen held Julius's hand as he walked through the crowd, making his way to the tables. He took a random seat and sat Julius down beside him, frown when he saw the toddler's wet eyes. Arthur wiped at them. "What happened sweetie?" he asked gently, Julius sniffling. After a little prodding, the child relayed how he tripped on someone's dress and fell in his cake, all the other children laughing at him. The brit sighed. "At least your clothes aren't dirty." He muttered, the child standing up. The brit was going to ask where he was going, but the child was suddenly upon him, trying to crawl onto his lap. Arthur tried to scoop him up, but with him sitting on the chair, the crinoline made it impossible for the child to sit on him without damaging the contraption. Julius looked as if he were about to cry out, still trying desperately to reach the other's lap. The Queen stood up, ignoring the sad whine of the toddler, and picked him up. "Let's clean you up." He suggested, the child nodding.
All the while the German was watching the whole exchange, analyzing the situation. Arthur turned to see him staring, something almost malicious behind his eyes. The Queen excused himself once more, but this time, the German didn't demand to come, instead, when they walked far enough away, he began to follow.
