A/N The Doctor and Rose attend the wedding banquet as the mounting questions fill Rose's mind. Questions to be answered coming after this once a look back at just what the Doctor was up to leading up to all this is shown.

And YES, I am completely and utterly speechless from the number of responses to the previous chapter, and I hope to goodness I didn't overlook sending any replies. Keep this up and I may never stop writing. You guys are just awesome!

Chapter 19

Upon reaching the bottom of the long row of stone steps, The Doctor and Rose approached the carriage Rose had arrived in which stood waiting to carry them on from here. The elated throngs who were gathered within the arena and beyond continued their rousing cheers for the new couple and this new era for Zobulan.

The Doctor's hand had not released hers, and Rose was gripping his as if it was her lifeline in the midst of this whirlwind. They climbed into the carriage and sat, both turning to look at each other, eyes searching and both sets just a little larger than usual. A wild thought flitted through Rose's mind that maybe this was a hallucination causing her to see Zerin's face as the Doctor's. All of the nearly-overwhelming anxiety leading up to this had finally caught up to her and she'd now snapped. Lost it. Gone barking mad. But she knew this beloved, gorgeous face staring back at her. She knew this cool hand that clutched hers as well as she knew her own. He was completely, gloriously, really the Doctor.

Rose's face was a mirror reflecting her emotions, which were a mixture of question, confusion and utter disbelief; and beneath it all was undeniable exuberance. Despite the circumstances leading up to all this, she had just married the Doctor! Not everything here was quite that simple, of course, considering this hadn't exactly been planned by the two of them, and there was still Zobulan's issues to face, of which she was thoroughly confounded as to how all of that was going to play out. But for now, this one resounding fact was taking precedence over all the rest.

Meanwhile all the Doctor could do right now was smile in what he hoped was a reassuring manner, and give her hand another squeeze. There was no way for them to speak to each other yet. Nothing could be heard over the roar of the crowd. Maybe it was just as well. Neither one was really capable of speech just yet as it was, their vows just spoken still echoing in the space between them more loudly than the surrounding noise.

The royal carriage began its processional route, followed by an entourage of royal officials. As they journeyed out of the Great Amphitheater and through the streets, a myriad of unanswered questions flowed through Rose's mind. How was it that she could see the Doctor's true appearance but no one else seemed to realize he was not really the King? Just where was Zerin in all this? Did anyone else know about this? What would happen when others did find out? What about the antidote to be given to the Doctor? Did he know about that? Had he ever been in danger from the poison in the first place? How, on Heaven, Earth and Zobulan, had he even managed this? The questions seemed endless, coming as rapidly as the beating of her heart.

But amid the limitless stream of questions flowing nonstop through her mind, one single thought continued drowning out the rest:

She had just married the Doctor.

That single weighted fact currently consumed the Doctor as well. He had a lot of explaining to do ahead of him, and he just hoped to Rassilon Rose didn't hate him for this. She'd still had to go through with a wedding that had not been of her own planning. Though the look in her eyes showed emotions very far from hatred. Those emotions were possibly just as dangerous none the less. The Doctor wasn't one to always play it safe or avoid risks, but this was perhaps the most perilous position he had ever placed himself in over the course of executing a plan. Depending on how things played out from here, possibly the most perilous position he had ever placed either of them in – not a danger involving the safety of their lives, but the safety of their hearts. They had just plunged head-first into highly dangerous territory, going in the span of one day from friends and traveling companions to that of...

The Doctor swallowed thickly as he looked at his...bride. Highly dangerous, indeed.

The carriage eventually rounded the final turn and approached the main gate of the castle. The portcullis rose, and they entered, circling around to the front and stopping outside the castle's main entrance. The Doctor and Rose stood and stepped down from the carriage, the Doctor exiting first and extending his hand to her. They were then escorted inside.

Once within, they, along with the hosts following in attendance, were ushered through a large stone archway leading into the Grand Hall where the wedding banquet had been prepared. The sound of musicians playing various stringed and fluted instruments filled the air within the stately room. A banquet table draped in scarlet cloth stretched across nearly the entire length of the far end of the room with a massive hung tapestry depicting the golden hills of Zobulan centered behind it. Bright banners of various colors, all bearing the silver Royal Crest, hung high on the gray stone walls, accentuating the regal, festive atmosphere.

Eilam and his wife were the first to come up and officially greet the 'royal couple,' and even though his wife Shaleah was in his confidence and aware of the unpleasant but believed necessary role of persuasion he had played in this, he thought it best to handle the remainder of this delicate conversation alone, and suggested she wait for him at the banquet table. After doing so, he beckoned the King and Queen off to the side to speak in privacy in the corner of the large room.

"Your Highness," he addressed Rose with a bow of respect. "From this day on, your faithfulness to Zobulan will be richly rewarded throughout your life."

The Doctor could remain silent no longer, speaking in a firm voice as he fixed the man with a hard stare. "And tell me this, Eilam. Even then, could this debt to her ever be repaid?"

This was the first time Rose had heard him speak since the ceremony. Though he was using Zerin's inflection, it was the Doctor's voice she could hear.

"The debt is indeed great," Eilam agreed, "but so shall be the reward, as Her Highness now holds the high position of Queen." He looked back to Rose. "And my word to you shall be upheld." Despite his assurance to her, the Elder looked slightly troubled as he continued. "I realize the Doctor chose not to attend the wedding, but I have given the word that he is requested here at the palace right away. Even now, messengers have been assigned to find him. You have my word that he will be given the remedy to the potion–"

"The poison," Rose corrected sharply, the Doctor giving her clasped hand a slight squeeze, a silent gesture of reassurance. "You mean the poison."

"Yes," he conceded. "And the remedy will be given to him the moment he is located. There is no need for concern, however, as there is still another day before it would be needed."

The Doctor spoke up again. "I have spoken with the Doctor myself to ensure this would be done correctly. I am aware of where he is, and I will see to it myself that he receives it. Leave it in my possession and I will attend to this personally."

Eilam bowed. "As you wish, Sire. I retrieved it immediately after the ceremony and have it now."

"Give it to me," the Doctor commanded, maintaining the ruse, and also not wanting this man to think he was in the position of wielding any more power by possessing it.

Eilam removed a small vial from his inner cloak and relinquished it as told.

Rose felt a mighty breath of relief rush from her lungs in seeing the antidote in the Doctor's hand. From his words and demeanor, he obviously somehow knew of the poison. Whether he now still needed the antidote or not, she was at least reassured in the knowledge that he now had it either way.

"And you called yourself a man of peace," the Doctor remarked with contempt.

The Doctor then turned and looked at Rose, and despite everything else, she could see a repressed smile fighting to stay restrained as only the two of them shared this secret of who the man Eilam was speaking to really was. "Trust me, Rose. All will be well."

Rose still didn't have a clue of just what all was really going on here or how all this was possible, but she knew one thing: She trusted the Doctor. She couldn't hide her own smile, though she tried to keep it properly subdued. "I do trust you."

Eilam stretched his arm out towards the long banquet table across the room, overflowing with the choicest of foods. "If I may extend the invitation, Your Majesty, Your Highness. Your feast awaits. Let us allow this to be a time of celebration."

The Doctor released Rose's hand and offered his arm. "My Lady."

Rose felt a stirring in her belly at those two words and the deep tone in which he spoke them. She took his arm, and they walked together to the banquet table and took up their place at the center. Festive music floated through the air, and there was an atmosphere of joy among all those in attendance. Rose was having difficulty focusing on anything around them, however. Her mind was continuing to whirl. She was still trying to understand what had happened here. She had endless questions for the Doctor, but at the present moment surrounded by all these people, with Eilam himself seated on the Doctor's right, there was no way to speak to him about any of this yet, and it was driving her a little insane with speculation. Oh, the questions she had...

They would frequently catch each other's eye, and Rose wished desperately she could read what was within his. It was clear by the weighted glances that there was much he had to tell her, obviously; but she just wondered how far those words, when he was eventually able to speak, would go. The night before he had not been able to even admit he had any feelings for her at all – at least not on a level that went any deeper than that of a traveling companion for whom he would not even return to visit. Obviously this changed things.

Or did it?

This was clearly done to keep her from being forced into marrying Zerin, and the Doctor no doubt had more to this plan than simply that, because even if peace was being maintained at the moment, he obviously could not pose as Zobulan's King forever; which again brought up her question of just where was Zerin?

Yet despite whatever the consequences would be in all this for Zobulan on a political level, the one issue ringing the loudest in her mind was what would this mean for the two of them on a personal level? In spite of the circumstances surrounding it, they were now married. They had willingly pledged themselves to each other through the exchanging of vows. This meant something. Rose wanted nothing more in all of life at the moment than to know just what those vows meant to the Doctor, because she knew exactly what they meant to her. Those words didn't come from her tongue because they were forced. They came from her heart because they were true and had always resided there. Was the same true for him?

Not the typical thing you usually have to question of the man whom you have just married. But then, nothing about their lives was ever typical.

As the banquet progressed, dancing had begun among the revelers. The King and Queen were then called out to share a traditional dance together. Rose took a sip from her goblet and looked questioningly at the Doctor. He nodded in encouragement. It was hard to resist the festive joy in the air despite all else. She had watched the others move about and the steps seemed fairly simple. And though Zerin might be expected to be skilled at this, they could get away with being less than perfect since Rose was not expected to be experienced with the traditional dance of Zobulan.

They stood, and the Doctor and Rose then walked hand-in-hand to the center of the Grand Hall, the guests clearing a path before them and gathering in a circle as the royal couple came to a stop. The fabric of her glimmering silver train was gathered and draped over her left arm for more ease of movement. Musicians playing fluted instruments started a new melodic tune as the Doctor and Rose turned to face each other. Just as she had observed the others in doing, he lifted his right hand, his arm extended towards her and bent at the elbow. Rose did the same, her arm twining around his and clasping his hand.

He smiled tenderly and was finally able to speak just to her, emotion filling his single word. "Hello."

She couldn't help it. Despite everything else, a feeling of almost giddiness came over her. Rose could hardly believe any of this. "Hello," she echoed back with a breathless laugh.

They then began a series of forward and back steps, their pace increasing and falling in sync to the tune of the music as those gathered 'round clapped to the lively tempo. They added a few sidesteps and turns as their confidence grew and they found their rhythm. Rose's gaze fell to their clasped hands, momentarily mesmerized by the twin marriage bangles coiled around their wrists.

The Doctor's voice brought her eyes back to his. "You look lovely, Rose," he said with such depth that all she could do was stare, entranced, into his eyes.

There was so much she wanted to say – so much they needed to talk about. Yet all she managed to get out was a single whispered word. "Doctor."

It was enough for him to understand her thoughts and emotions behind that one word. "I know. And I promise I'll explain things just as soon as I can."

After the dance was finished, they were heralded back to the banquet table for the traditional toast. Rose now remembered being told of this part. Somewhere in her turmoil-filled mind she had managed to hear some of what the Officiator had told her earlier as she had been prepared for the wedding. She was told that at the end of the banquet would come the toast and the shared sip between her and the King from the wedding goblet. And then the kiss. The new husband and wife would share a traditional kiss before parting from their guests. The Doctor had seemed prepared and knew what to do up to this point, so she could only assume he knew this was coming, too.

He did.

As they were toasted with wishes of long life, health and bounty, Rose's mind was fast-forwarding to the approaching, expected kiss. Obviously it wouldn't be appropriate to all-out snog each other senseless, but the thought that she was about to kiss the Doctor, no matter how chaste it might be, still sent her heart racing. She wondered if she would be able to tell then just what the Doctor was feeling. Was he playing a part or did this mean something more to him?

They were then handed the large silver goblet of wine. Rose lifted it to his lips in offering, their eyes locked as he took the sip. He then took the goblet from her hands and did the same for her, eyes never leaving hers as she sipped from the cup of union held within his hand.

The goblet was then lowered, and the Doctor moved in toward her slowly, almost hesitantly. His hand came to rest on her upper arm in the lightest of touches, eyes flicking down to her lips as he moved in closer still. She could feel his breath puff across her lips just seconds before they touched. His lips then pressed to hers and everything and everyone else was lost to her for just this moment. She just had time to register the sensation – the softness and coolness of his lips upon hers which sent a rush of heat to her face and tremor down her spine – before he slowly drew back, and she did the same.

Rose slowly opened her eyes and looked into his, and she saw complexity. He was trying to read her reaction as much as she was trying to decipher his. Rose wasn't alone in her questioning over this. Neither knew just how the other felt about this yet.

Cheers and applause drew their focus back to the assembly of guests, and with continued applause they were ushered from the Grand Hall and on toward the marriage chamber that had been prepared.

The Marriage Chamber.

Rose was losing count of how many times her heart had felt as if it would pound out of her chest today, but the hammering beneath her breast with each step they took through the castle was making her wonder if her heart would finally give out here and now.

Fortunately for the Doctor he had a spare, because his hearts were beating out their own erratic Samba.

-:-:-:-

It was most certainly a little awkward having a group of servants accompany you into the bedroom on your wedding night. But then, this was just one element of awkwardness on a list with quite a few others at the moment. Another significant bit of awkwardness for Rose specifically was not knowing for certain how the man she had just married even felt about her – at least in those terms, the significant terms upon which marriages were usually built. This in turn left her uncertain of how things would now progress from here. It was obvious, of course, how things were expected to progress between them from here, and that just heightened the awkwardness.

Rose could tell the Doctor was feeling it too, which only made her own tension grow. Whereas before he had been making an effort to catch her gaze and give her looks of reassurance, the Doctor had not once looked at her as they made their way to the marriage chamber. To be fair, Rose had not attempted to look directly at him, either. They were still holding each other's hand, though. But even this increased Rose's tension. She was sure the Doctor could feel her palm starting to sweat.

They came to a stop upon reaching the large, ornately carved double wooden doors which led into the room beyond. The doors were opened and the Doctor and Rose stepped into the chamber.

It was about twice as large as the one they had formerly occupied and about three times as opulent. Rich brocade tapestries hung from the walls, and the floor was a polished white stone, similar to marble. The fireplace alone took up nearly half a wall on the right side of the room. Though the days were warm, nights on Zobulan were chilly, and a roaring fire warmed the room and bathed the space in flickering orange light. The rest of the room's lighting was supplied by elegant candelabras adorning the rich wood surfaces of the ornate wardrobes, chests and tables throughout the room.

Then there was the bed.

It was, quite literally, King-sized, and draped in sumptuous crimson fabrics of jacquard velvet. At the head of the bed, the swagged curtained fabric of the headboard stretched nearly to the ceiling. To the left side of the room between two carved stone pillars was a sitting lounge, the rounded room occupying one of the castle's turrets.

The Doctor and Rose had released each other's hand upon entering the room, and they had only briefly glanced at each other when Rose was ushered by four maids through the chamber to an archway leading to a small changing room.

There was a flurry of activity around her as the tiara was removed and her hair unpinned and brushed out in soft waves. They assisted her in removing her shimmering gown, only to be replaced by another. An ivory, capped-sleeve gown of silken material and lace accents was slipped over her head and smoothed in place. The lace-trimmed low-cut neckline and cinched bust was very...accentuating to her form, and the corseted torso of the gown tied behind with crisscrossing laces leading all the way down to her low back. The gown then flowed out gracefully at the hips upon reaching the fluid, single-layer skirt and pooled elegantly behind her in a small train. It was certainly more extravagant than the shorts and vests she usually slept in. But then, this wasn't exactly intended for just sleeping.

Rose blushed hotly at the thought while thinking about the man in the next room. Or at least she thought he was still in the next room. At this point she half expected the Doctor to have already turned tail and ran.

Rose felt herself finally go a little weak in the knees with the reality of it all. Just what had they gotten themselves into this time? Well, that answer was quite obvious.

A marriage, for better or for worse.