Chapter I: The Big Day!
DG ran down the hall and burst through the door to the main dress maker, "I'm here!"
"Deeg!" Azkadellia looked over her own shoulder at her younger sister. DG grinned sheepishly and jumped onto the second dress pedestal, "What took you so long? I was beginning to worry."
"No worries needed, Az," DG smiled, "Cain woke me up like he was supposed to but then left right afterward. I fell back to sleep, but I'm here now. Let's get me suited up for this thing."
Azkadellia rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the dress marker that was making the last of the adjustments for the walk down the aisle. DG admired her sister's dress. It was white, it was a tradition much like that of the other side, and was a lace up in the back. Her stomach still protruded a little from under all the lace and frills, the corset wasn't as tight as it would be on DG's dress. At least Azkadellia got to breath. The gown was sleeveless and was encrusted with jewels all over the bodice. At the waist the gown fluttered out and almost camouflaged the baby belly that had started to show. Then she wore low slippers to keep herself comfortable. Her princess tiara was placed on top of her hair which was a series of curls and waves for the occasion.
"You getting nervous, Az?" DG asked as the dressmakers shed her of her clothing and pushed her into her dress. She struggled for breath for a few moments when the assistant tightened the corset around her midsection.
"Why would I be nervous?" Azkadellia smiled fondly and stepped down carefully from the pedestal to look up at her sister, "I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."
"I bet," DG smiled and then let her eyes bulge with another tug to her corset, "Do you think you could lay off of it for a little while? I think it's tight enough."
The assistant smiled sheepishly at the younger princess and moved on to check over the rest of the dress and the way it fit. It was a lighter color green and seemed like a much more subdued version of Azkadellia's dress. Strapless and the bodice embedded with emeralds instead of diamonds. The skirt started at the waist, but it was a much slimmer skirt than Azkadellia's.
"Okay your highness, you're done with the dress. I suggest you get over to do your hair and face done quickly," the dress maker shooed her off the pedestal.
DG walked briskly with Azkadellia to the next room over. Her hair was done up much like Azkadellia's, but her face was made up with very light and natural shades. Azkadellia didn't want to be flashy for her big day. She wanted to be herself.
At the end of getting their faces done, both Ahamo and Lavender walked into the room and looked over both of their daughters. Azkadellia beamed up at her parents and Lavender encompassed her oldest in a tight hug.
"Oh, my precious 'Dellia," Lavender cooed and stepped back to look over her, "You have become such a beautiful woman. Ambrose is a lucky man indeed."
"A very lucky man," Ahamo repeated in agreement, tears already glazing his eyes. He hugged her tight to him and then took a deep breath, "I knew this day would come, but I feel like it's come too soon."
"Oh daddy," Azkadellia sighed and hugged him back.
"Excuse me, your majesties," Kelly popped her head into the room and bowed her head, "The alter is ready and the room is full. We are all ready when the bride is."
"I believe that they will need me at the alter," Lavender smiled and kissed Azkadellia on the cheek, "I will see you out there, my dear."
"Yes, mother," Azkadellia nodded and Lavender walked out of the room.
"Are you ready to go as well, spitfire?" Ahamo looked at DG.
"Ready and raring to go," DG smiled and handed Azkadellia her bouquet and held tightly to Glitch's ring beneath her own bouquet ready to hand it over to Azkadellia during the ceremony.
She looped her arm with her sister's on the way down the long hall to the double doors with Ahamo right behind them. Both girls peeked out on the crowd that had gathered and a few dignitaries sprinkled within.
"I don't envy you right now, my sister," DG laughed to herself softly and looked at the crowd closely, "That's quite a crowd you have there."
"Yours will be bigger," Azkadellia smiled as DG huffed and leaned away from the door, "Remember, you will be the future queen, not I."
"Don't remind me," DG rolled her eyes.
The hall was decorated in every corner and pedestal in green and silver. Flowers bloomed in every vase with the two colors. The hall was modestly decorated for a wedding, but it must have been Azkadellia's choice. The last thing she wanted was to bring any more unwanted attention to her.
DG's eyes then looked at the front of the room where a small, silver alter stood. Her mother was behind it with a man that she would have assumed was like a priest on this side. Her father later explained that he was more of an announcer and would have actually very little to say after the beginning. Glitch stood to one side, apparently nervous and Cain at his side with a smirk on his face. Cain would lean over every few moments and would whisper something in Glitch's ear or pat him on the back. Apparently the Wedded Brother would stand with the groom instead of walking with the rest of the wedding party down the aisle.
"Cain does clean up very nicely, doesn't he?" Azkadellia asked.
"You have no idea," DG smiled with specific memories.
Ahamo linked Azkadellia's arm with his, "Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be," Azkadellia smiled and put a hand over her stomach.
DG put a hand over hers with a reassuring smile, "Let's get you down to your future husband."
DG took her place in front of them as the doors opened and the aisle was a head of her. She was the first down the aisle and settled on the opposite side from Glitch and Cain, flashing a smile to Cain who was staring very intently at the dress and how it did wonders for her breast line.
'So he did notice…'
DG giggled lightly and turned to the aisle where Azkadellia and their father now walked slowly. There was a specific tune that must have been the O.Z.'s version of the wedding march since everyone knew to stand for the bride. DG could see her sister take deep breaths with every other step. She was as nervous as Glitch was and DG expected him to sweat bullets any moment now.
As they reached the alter Ahamo kissed Azkadellia on each cheek and hugged her tightly, "I'm proud of you, Azkadellia. Always will be."
"I know daddy," she whispered back to him, "Thank you."
"Who gives this man this woman?" the man at the alter asked.
"I and the Queen of this land, the father and mother of this woman, do," Ahamo said loudly. Glitch turned to him and offered his hand to Azkadellia. Ahamo gently placed her hand in his and smiled warmly at Glitch before he turned and stood next to Lavender behind the alter.
"All may be seated," the man told the attendants and the hall echoed as the guests sat down.
In the front row DG could make out Kelly and Jeb who had just come back from reconstructing the Southern borders. She also could see the slight glint of a ring on Kelly's left hand which meant that she and the young woman would have a talk later. Raw sat next to them well groomed and washed for the occasion. Tutor sat at the very end with misty eyes. It was the first time DG saw that man shed a tear. She quickly turned back to the ceremony and stood tall next to Azkadellia.
"We are here in this glorious palace, for a glorious occasion," the man began and looked between the two of them, "To place two lives into one cup and watch the wonders of a future take hold. The bonding of two hearts in such a way they will never be broken and they will never lose one another. This the day of Princess Azkadellia and Advisor to the throne Ambrose union… be blessed by the unnamed God.
"I will open the floor to the two to say their blessings and their vows," the man stepped back and Glitch took a deep breath while he looked upon Azkadellia.
"I have no idea how I became so lucky," he began and Azkadellia smiled to keep tears from coming, "I love you and have loved you since the days before I even knew who you were. I love your spirit, your true spirit. And I love the true you that was always there. I will never leave your side and you need not ask me why. I cannot. Not in my heart and not in my soul. I will never leave you, Azkadee. And I will never stop loving you."
Azkadellia smiled wider and had to take a deep breath to compose herself before she began hers, "I have waited fifteen annuals in a prison without bars, without gates and most of all without love. I have had to wonder what it felt like as I had forgotten. But once you came stumbling back with my sister in tow, I felt again. And to know that I have found my heart again in you is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you, my heart. Always will."
Lavender Eyes stepped forward and smiled at the two ahead of her, "Does the wedded brother have the ring?"
Cain stepped forward, handed Glitch the ring and then stood back into his place.
"Ambrose, repeat after me," Lavender instructed as Glitch looked into Azkadellia's eyes, "With this endless ring, I give you my endless love…"
"With this endless ring, I give you my endless love…"
"And you will have my heart, my loyalty and my soul joined with yours forever more."
DG looked at Cain and saw that his eyes were focused on her through the whole vow. She stared straight back at him and absentmindedly felt the band of her engagement ring.
"And you will have my heart, my loyalty and my soul joined with yours forever more," Glitch let out a breath he pushed the ring onto her finger.
"Does the wedded sister have the ring?" Lavender looked at DG. DG tore her own eyes from Cain's and copied his movements. She handed Azkadellia the ring and then stepped back to her place.
"Again, repeat what I say," Lavender spoke softly, "With this endless ring, I give you endless love…"
"With this endless ring, I give you endless love…"
DG looked at Cain once more and smiled to still see his eyes on her. She silently found herself saying the words in her own head and picturing the two of them saying them instead of her sister.
"And you will have my heart, my loyalty and my soul joined with yours forever more."
"And you will have my heart, my loyalty and my soul joined with yours forever more," Azkadellia slid the larger ring onto Glitch's finger and they interlaced their hands with one another.
"Is there any of those present who wish to speak against this union?" Lavender looked over the crowd which stood silent at her question. DG smiled to herself. She would have killed anyone who would have spoken against Azkadellia and Glitch. Lavender Eyes nodded and continued.
"By the power bestowed upon the house of Gale…" Lavender Eyes put her hand over their interlaced ones and a light began to glow between hers, "I give not only my blessing but solidifying the union of this man and woman. In all eyes, ears and hearts they are now recognized as man and wife."
She stood back and the light still surrounded their hands, "Ambrose, you may kiss Azkadellia, your wife."
She didn't have to tell him twice as he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. DG smiled and let out a whoop of celebration, which in turn earned a few laughs and chuckles before the hall erupted in applause. The light faded slowly and Glitch and Azkadellia led the way down the aisle, DG and Cain falling behind them.
The ceremony seemed to be the big, fancy to do for all the dignitaries and high people on the O.Z. totem pole since the reception was smaller and more intimate. The family, the Cains, Kelly, Raw and Tutor were all there of course, but there were a few royal guards who were instrumental at stopping the witch the second time around who stayed and talked with the royal family. Most of the other guests had retired and rode back to their lands until DG's coronation day which wasn't that far off.
Azkadellia smiled and laughed as she danced with Jeb, Cain and Raw. Glitch had made sure to steal her for many of the dances that followed. She couldn't keep the tears back when Ahamo had stolen her for the father-daughter dance and DG could barely do the same. She was happy to see Azkadellia smile so much in one day.
Cain came behind DG and wrapped his arms around her waist, "How are you doing, Wedded Sister?"
"I'm doing just fine," she smiled and leaned back into him, "It's good to see her so happy. It's been a while since I've seen her smile so much. He's the right one for her."
"And vice-versa," Cain nodded and put his chin on top of her head, "Where are they heading after this?"
"The Ice Palace," DG involuntarily shivered, "It's a home away from home for her and a place to get away from all the business here."
"What about your coronation?"
"They'll be back before then," DG nodded, "They want to keep it short and come back to get things set up for the baby and Az said she wanted to help me with a few things with my coronation and wedding."
"Hmm," he hummed and watched Glitch take Azkadellia's hand from Ahamo to dance with his new wife once again. They kept their eyes glued to one another and swayed to the gentle music.
DG smiled and felt Cain begin to sway both of them as well. She shifted her eyes to look up with him when she thought she saw someone through the windows. She stood a bit more rigid and passed her eyes over the window again to find no one there.
"DG?" Cain asked feeling the change in her posture.
"I thought I saw something," DG looked at the glass and saw a few reflections of the guests. She shook it off with a shake of her head, "It must have been a reflection."
"Are you sure? I can-"
"DG need dance," Raw came up to her and grabbed her from Cain's arms and out to the dance floor. She laughed as the beat of a new song sped up and Raw began dancing with it.
Cain smiled at Raw and then turned to the window. He too saw reflections of guests and of the family, but he also knew that DG wasn't the only one who saw something off. He saw a figure too and he could have sworn that it was on the other side of the glass. Then again, DG could have been right about it being a reflection.
"Mister Cain," Kelly put a hand on his arm and got him out of his thinking, "Always so serious?"
"Not always," he grinned at the young lady, "Where did my boy go?"
"I think I may have tired him out of the dance floor," she nodded to where Jeb was standing with a few of the guards and Tutor, "Would you mind accompanying me for a go around?"
"I would be honored," he nodded and they began to dance next to Azkadellia and Glitch. For the moment the figure in the glass forgotten as a reflection.
A day after Azkadellia and Glitch left for the Ice Palace DG was sitting in the drawing room with her mother going over the information for her coronation. She sat straight backed and looked over the colors that were laid out in front of her. Emily was sitting in the corner organizing some of the already picked materials and colors which may or may not make it into the actual coronation ceremony.
"Do we really have to go through all of this?" DG asked and sneered at the fancy things they 'must have' for the occasion, "I mean, Az's wedding wasn't this elaborate."
"It didn't look as elaborate," Lavender corrected her, "There is a difference and it was your sister's choice to have it that way."
DG huffed, "Can't you just wave a hand and say that I'm next in line and be done with it?"
"If it was that easy, there wouldn't be an occasion, my angel."
"Even better!" DG smiled and threw her arms up.
"You're not getting out of it, now which shades do you like better?" Lavender pushed a piece of paper with material at her. She sighed and pointed at a darker shade of gold. DG looked at the guard outside of the door and then back at her mother.
"Where's Cain? I thought he usually didn't have lessons today," she asked, interrupting Lavender who was explaining the importance of the throne.
"With your father," she sighed in understanding that DG wasn't paying attention once again, "As your intended he must be announced at the coronation. Otherwise courtiers and suitors would begin asking for their right to court you for your hand in marriage right after the ceremony. He must learn of the process and your father knows every step."
"Great…" DG rolled her eyes.
"Don't roll your eyes, DG," Emily scolded from her side of the room, "And listen to your mother- or mothers in this case. Just think, the sooner this is done, the sooner you could get out of here. This is the only thing you have to do today."
DG nodded and tried to focus on her mother's instructions.
Cain, Hank and Ahamo sat in the king-consort's study also discussing the upcoming event. Ahamo sat on the corner of his desk and fed information to Cain as Hank just absorbed all of it.
"And then it's done," Ahamo sighed and ran a quick hand through his hair, "You got it, Cain?"
Cain sat with his mouth a little ajar and overwhelmed by the information, "It seems a bit much, to tell you the truth."
"It's just the beginning," Hank patted the poor guy on the back as Ahamo laughed.
"He's right," Ahamo nodded in agreement, "Just wait until you get into the politics around here… without your six-shooter."
"Great…" Cain could already feel his headache coming on.