a/n: Things are getting pretty dramatic. The story is climaxing and then will come to a close shortly after that. Please, please review. I know it doesn't take a whole lot of time and it seriously means the world to me when I get to hear about your favorite lines or favorite parts. Or maybe helping me see an error. Reading your comments makes me a better writer. It really, really does. So please, please, please just spend a minute writing a quick review and helping me improve my writing for the future. Okay, enough begging. Haha, thanks a lot for reading my stories everyone! Please enjoy this chapter!
Oh, and I don't own Covert Affairs. Boo.
Chapter Nineteen: For Love and For Honor
Prince Jai knelt before the ornate throne that held is father. The hall was empty except for King Henry, Prince Jai, and Reva, who was on her knees behind the Prince. The King surveyed them with a suspicious glance that did little to improve the spirits of the two lovers.
The French Prince cleared his throat to speak, "Father, you have decreed that I should marry Annie, Princess of England, to preserve our nations and unite us in the covenant of matrimony and fraternity."
"Yes, I have declared as such. Do you object to this?"
Jai froze before his father. If he were to object the King's orders, he could easily be accused of treason against the crown, which was punishable by death or exile. The punishment itself depended solely upon what mood his father was in at the time. And Jai's father was known for his sporadic mood swings. To say agree to the King's orders would be to betray Reva and what his heart truly wanted.
"I object the decree, Sire."
Jai felt his heart hit his stomach. He then realized that he was not whom had spoken. The voice had come from none other than Reva herself. The Prince turned around and saw that she had stood up. She gazed evenly at the King. Her eyes were filled with determination.
"And who are you to speak so?" King Henry demanded of Reva, "You are no more than a servant woman of Princess Annie!"
"I agree with her, Father," Jai said in a low voice. He gathered his courage and also stood up to face his father, "I do not wish to marry Princess Annie."
There was a long pause while the King decided what to make of this. His answer came with a hard sigh and a shake of his head, "I'm not happy with you, Jai. You dishonor me and my wishes. As my son, you should respect my orders. I am disappointed in you. However, as the Prince of France and heir to my throne, my particular orders aren't important. Technically, it matters very little whom you marry, just that you produce an heir to carry on the crown."
"So it is not important if the mother is of noble birth?" Jai asked in a hopeful voice.
"I suppose not. It would be...simpler if she was. But there is no law against it currently. And some things aren't worth the fuss, to be quite honest."
"Does that mean we have your blessing?" Jai motioned to Reva, who stepped forward to take his hand.
The King gave a long sigh before he spoke aloud, "I guess so. I am disappointed in you, my son, but to fight this would bring dishonor to our glorious kingdom. It's not worth the problems and publicity. The people of our kingdom simply desire an heir to assure the stability and future of their kingdom. They don't need Princess Annie; they just need a fertile young woman. If Reva is able to produce a suitable male heir, then I see no problem in your marriage. Therefore, you have my blessing, I suppose."
"Thank you, father. You won't regret this decision."
"For your sake, Jai, I hope I do not regret this choice. So I assume Annie has already agreed to break the engagement as well?"
Jai and Reva exchanged wide smiles, "She has, Sire," Reva nodded as she spoke, "And I think she may be having a similar discussion with her own father very soon. She might ask him to visit France and speak with her on this matter, actually."
The King looked bemused at the thought, "Hmm, interesting. Thank you for speaking to me about this matter. And be happy, children."
Jai and Reva turned and walked from the room. Their faces flashed bright smiles and their fingers were intertwined together. As the large hall doors swung shut behind the two young lovers, the King sighed loudly and slumped in his large throne.
"Poor Annie," He said aloud to himself in the vast, empty chamber. His voice echoed across the marble stonework of the room, "She is certainly going to be in for a surprise later today. And her father will not be happy about these new changes."
Annie poked her head around the chamber corner, "All clear!"
She and Auggie sprinted down the final corridor and slammed the chapel doors shut behind them.
Annie had never entered the castle chapel before. It was a large, ornate room with high ceilings. The ceilings were painted with murals of cherubim and seraphim, which soared among the bright, pink clouds. Long pews lined the center aisle and led the way to the altar. A large cross hung on the wall above the pulpit. Off to one side was an organ, to the other a piano. The floor was white and black marble, shined to perfection by an army of diligent servants.
In the first pew, an old man sat with his head in the King James Bible. He looked up when the doors shut and saw the pair standing in the entryway.
"Ah, you must be the English princess I have heard so much about," the elderly man observed in a kind voice and a smile, "I hear you have been quite the troublemaker these past days, miss."
Annie looked down in embarrassment, "I suppose I have, Father," she admitted.
The man chuckled brightly, "Not to worry, my children. What is youth without mischief every now and then?" The question was rhetorical, "Now, what is it that you came to see me about? These days, it seems like people only come to me on Sundays and when someone is on their deathbed."
There was a long pause.
"We want to be married. Immediately, if that's possible," Auggie said in a rush, "Will you do it?"
The old man eyed him suspiciously, "Would you be the guard I've heard so much about?"
Auggie looked flustered, "Yes, I suppose I am..."
The man's face creased into a smile. "Ah, young love. Some things simply cannot be controlled in this world. I was just about to go down to the courtyard; I hear someone important is arriving to the palace today. But, if you insist, I shall preform your marriage ceremony now instead. Please, come forward. It is high time you two got married."
The long caravan of carriages rumbled and clanked into the palace's beautiful courtyard. King Henry of France was already standing in the center of the cobblestone courtyard. He waited impatiently as his English counterpart emerged from his private carriage. The English King was clearly a military man, King Henry realized as soon as he laid eyes on the toweringly tall man. He had a strong build and wide shoulders and he had almost no neck to speak of. His face seemed to be set in a constant sneer, his bright blue eyes daring anyone to speak against him. King Henry decided that Annie looked very little like her father.
"Welcome, friend, to France," King Henry intoned. He stepped forward to greet his new arrival. As he did so, he tried to hide his scowl behind a grin, "I hope you enjoy your time here in my kingdom. I know you must be tired from your long journey. However, before you settle in to your chambers, I have news that may trouble you."
Arthur and Joan sprinted down the hallway and burst through the chapel's large wooden doors. They let the heavy doors slam into the walls with a loudly echoing pound. They stood in the doorway with arms thrown wide and legs apart.
Auggie and Annie drew apart from their kiss to look at the panicked guard and maidservant. The priest peered around the couple to see what the commotion was.
"We have a problem," Arthur gasped as Joan nodded frantically, "A big one. I really, really big one."
Auggie and Annie exchanged confused looks.
"What's the big problem, Arthur?" Annie asked.
Joan and Arthur rushed towards the newly-married couple. They reached out and pulled them towards the door.
"Arthur!" Auggie demanded of his fellow guard, "What is the problem?"
Joan, who pulled Annie by the elbow, replied to his question, "It's Annie's father. He has just arrived from England."