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It had been an exceedingly happy couple who had broken the news to the rest of the Court that evening, and the celebrations had followed almost instantly. Many toasts were raised to them both and Alethea knew that she had indeed made the right decision in agreeing to be Arthur's wife. Her heart was filled with joy and a smile remained on her lips all evening. However, the Prince was dragged away by his men to one side where there were quite a few cheers and a lot of laughter from them, whilst Alethea was congratulated and taken in by Morgana and the other ladies that were gathered. Allowing herself to be swept up by the young women, Alethea found herself being congratulated and teased from all sides, with one or two of them wishing that they could be in Alethea's shoes. Now, Alethea didn't know if that meant that they wanted to be Arthur's wife, or if they wanted to be the future Queen. Hang on, Alethea would be Queen if Uther died. That was a scary thought, to have a kingdom relying on you, even if it was mainly Arthur's. Equal rights hadn't yet been invented so Alethea would be seen as less superior to her husband, although that could yet change. A few words in the right ears and…
"About time Alethea." Morgana said, interrupting her trail of thought. "What made you change your mind?"
"I, um…" She didn't quite know in truth but wondered how Morgana knew about her refusing Arthur, although she realised then that Arthur would have told Morgana and Uther.
"Arthur told me you had refused him."
"Well, I had a good think, and I realised that I have found my home."
"Here in Camelot?"
"With Arthur. Yes." Alethea nodded. "I have never really been as happy as I am here, and not many people find love like me where I'm from. In fact, this is a once in a lifetime chance and I love Arthur too much to let go of him easily."
"Well, it's a wise choice Alethea, and I am sure that you two will be very happy together."
"Thanks." Alethea smiled before turning around to see the Prince looking over at them. He mouthed 'sorry' to his future wife before he was grabbed by Merlin. Alethea just rolled her eyes and began to wish that they had waited until it was just her, Arthur, Morgana, Gwen, Merlin, Uther and Gaius to tell them. Sighing as she knew that what was done was done, Alethea reckoned that it wouldn't be too long before the whole of Camelot knew of the upcoming marriage of the Prince and his Lady. Indeed, when she escaped onto the balcony, she could hear the noise of celebrations outside in the streets, with many drunken men crying out congratulations when they noticed Alethea watching them. Finding herself getting tired, Alethea was tempted to excuse herself and head to her room but found Arthur coming out onto the balcony.
"Sorry." he apologised, having only just escaped from his men.
"I thought you were supposed to be celebrating with the men like that on your last night of freedom." she stated, smirking at him.
"Well, they wanted to congratulate me. After all, it's not every day now that their Prince announces that they're going to get married."
"I suppose. But are you absolutely certain that you want to have me as your wife?"
"Of course. I cannot manage to live without you Alethea. Besides, someone has to help me rule Camelot when my father is gone. I know that you are that person."
"I suppose."
"Anyway, shall we escape from these celebrations? Otherwise I doubt we'll get the chance to speak to each other."
"Sure." she agreed.
That had been a good few days ago now, if not a week, and it had been the last time that Alethea had seen Arthur properly. Since that evening she had been immersed in the preparations for the wedding with questions being fired at her from every angle as to what exactly she wanted. Between the preparations and her duties, Alethea barely had any time to herself. Even when she did manage to snatch a few spare moments for herself, Alethea was often brushing up on her knowledge on the day to day life of a Lady and the rules of Camelot. More often than not, Alethea would be busy from the moment she woke until the moment she fell asleep. She now truly understood the phrase 'there's no rest for the wicked' and in her worst moments regretted saying yes to Arthur. There just seemed to be no end to the preparations and she thought that at times it was more hassle than it was worth. She knew that it was going to be the biggest and most happiest day of her life but she was getting just a little bit fed up of forever being asked questions.
Arthur was to be her rescuer, her knight in shining armour. It had been another long period of preparations and Alethea was ever so close to telling Ceridwen and the others to get lost when the Prince had arrived and stolen Alethea away from the castle. Apparently he'd managed to get them both freed from duties for an hour but that they could quite easily "lose" track of time. Smiling at her Prince, Alethea took his hand before they both ran out of the castle so as to not waste time. Before long they came to be outside the castle walls and the town boundary with Arthur leading the way. Alethea couldn't help but wonder if they were going to go for a walk in the forest but they came to a halt at the edge of a fenced field. Bemused, Alethea wondered why Arthur had brought her here until she noticed a magnificent white horse grazing at one end. Arthur smiled at her before handing her an apple and vaulting the fence.
"What do I need this for?" she asked him as he ran towards the horse.
"Food for her." He told her, and it was then that Alethea noticed that the horse was saddled. She'd been tricked. Yes she was going to get to spend some time with Arthur, but she was going to be taught how to ride at the same time. She didn't know if this was a good thing or a bad thing but before she could make up her mind, Arthur had brought the horse over. Alethea automatically held out the apple for the creature to eat as Arthur explained that he was going to teach her to ride, and that this was to be her horse.
"I wish you luck in teaching me." she smiled.
"You'll soon get the hang of it."
"Says the one who has probably been in the saddle for as long as he could ride."
"Trust me." It was a rather nervous Alethea who approached the fine beast but she soon calmed down as the horse gently nuzzled her shoulder. "She likes you."
"She is a beautiful horse. Does she have a name?"
"Snowdrop." Arthur replied.
"Very original." Alethea laughed. "So how exactly do I get up?"
"With help." Arthur told her, before helping her to mount. The Prince took hold of the reins and began to lead Snowdrop and Alethea around the paddock before he then attached a length of rope to the bridle and taught Alethea how to change speeds and how to sit properly. Alethea soon grew confident and by the end of the hour, she was happily riding Snowdrop around the paddock without any criticisms from Arthur. Laughing as they rode in the midday sun, Alethea came to a halt just by Arthur's side and went to dismount but found the Prince helping her down.
"Hello future husband."
"Hello future wife." Arthur smiled, his arms around her waist and his lips but an inch from hers. They were in such close proximity to each other and Alethea didn't want him to let go.
"They'll be missing us at Camelot." she stated.
"Then let them." Arthur smirked before kissing her. They remained there for a few moments until one of the servants arrived claiming that Alethea was wanted by Morgana to sort out fabrics for the wedding dress whilst Arthur was required by the King to speak to someone or other. The couple looked at each other and rolled their eyes but knew what they could do.
"Go on ahead. We'll be there shortly."
Watching as the man ran ahead, the Prince and Alethea smiled before going back to Camelot, but instead of going straight to the castle, they had a wander around the marketplace. People wished them joy and happiness as they walked together, arm in arm, and Alethea knew that it wouldn't be long before she was their Princess. Deciding that they could put off their duties no longer, they walked towards the castle entrance and avoided the children who were playing in the streets. However, a young girl of around four or five years old with blonde curls came running straight for Alethea and clutched onto her skirts. Alethea turned and met the innocent gaze of green eyes and immediately knelt down to the girl's level as the girl said 'mum'.
"Hello." Alethea cooed. "I'm not your mum I'm afraid." Alethea told her. "Where is she?"
"I don't know." the little girl answered.
"Shall we see if we can find her? Me and my friend here can help you."
"I…" Before the little girl could answer, her older sister came running towards them.
"My lady, sire, I am sorry. She just went running off."
"It's alright." Alethea smiled before watching as the two girls walked away.
As Alethea and the Prince went their separate ways, Alethea couldn't help but wonder if she would ever have children and if she did, if they would look like Arthur or her. She would like to be a mother, but she didn't know if she would be ready just yet. She knew the risks of childbirth in the past, and she really didn't want to have to suffer for it. She didn't want to die like Arthur's mother had, and if Alethea did have kids then she wanted to see them grow up. Going to find Morgana, Alethea couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have a family with Arthur, but she knew that if she did then she would never want to return home.
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It was the night before the wedding and Morgana and the other ladies had all long since gone when Alethea could not sleep. Her nerves were letting themselves be known to her and she was shaking like a leaf. She could not help but wonder if she was making the right decision by choosing to stay. She knew that her parents would probably tell her to stay with the person she loved, but she didn't know if she would be able to cope knowing that they didn't know where she was and that she would not see them again. However, she knew that she loved Arthur very much and fate had thrown them a line. They had always been destined to meet, and Alethea knew that they were meant to be. The legends that she had read as a child hadn't included her and so she knew that she may yet somehow become erased from history. If that was the price that she had to pay for being happy then so be it. It was a cost she was willing to pay if it meant that she would be with her Prince for the rest of her life. Walking out onto the corridor to stretch her legs, Alethea bumped into Arthur, who, it seemed, also could not sleep.
"It's bad luck for the Groom to see the Bride before the wedding."
"I never was one for luck." They both smiled at each other.
"Can't sleep either?"
"Nervous about tomorrow."
"Wondering if you're making the right decision?" Alethea nodded. "I'm sure you will make your mind up Alethea, and I'll understand no matter what."
"Thanks Arthur." she smiled before they both noticed that someone was coming. Realising that they shouldn't really be seen together that evening, they both went to return to their rooms.
"Until tomorrow."
"Until tomorrow morning." Alethea smiled before returning to her room and sitting by the window to watch the sunrise.
Bathing that morning, Alethea let Ceridwen and two other maids, one with red hair and the other blonde, help her to get ready. The wedding gown had been hanging in Alethea's room for a few days now and Arthur had been forbidden from entering her room because of it. It was bad luck after all. Alethea just smiled as she started to put everything on. It wasn't just a simple dress, but there were many layers to it. It would be worth it in the end, Alethea knew that. The gown was made of the finest fabrics available and was of a soft blue. White wedding dresses weren't the tradition here, she'd been told when she'd suggested it. Blue was meant to symbolise purity and so Alethea was to get married wearing blue. The bodice was decorated with pearls and tiny gemstones whilst her shoes were made of soft leather. The skirt flowed out from her waist and she truly felt like a Princess. By the end of the day she would be one, she realised, and smiled. Her hair was put up into some kind of knot and a veil was attached to the gem studded tiara that she wore. Taking a few deep breaths to calm herself, Alethea looked at herself in the looking glass and felt a tear fall from her eye. If only her mum and dad could see her like this. Biting her lip, she turned around to see Morgana stood in the doorway, wearing a green dress that had been specially made for the occasion.
"Everyone's ready." she told her,
"And Gaius?"
"He's waiting for you downstairs."
"Very well then. No time like the present. Let's go and get married." Alethea said, talking more to herself than anyone else.
Standing by the oak doors, Alethea took one or two deep breaths and smiled at Gaius. As her father wasn't there to give her away and as Gaius was a good friend, Alethea had asked him to do the honours. Giving him the nod once she had fixed her veil, they walked into the Great Hall where everyone had gathered and Alethea saw Arthur stood in front of his father, dressed in brand new clothes. He looked very handsome and Alethea knew immediately that she would go through with this. There would be nothing that could stop them from ever being together. Walking down the aisle, she soon reached Arthur and smiled at him as the King began the proceedings.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Prince Arthur and Lady Alethea…" He began whilst Alethea and Arthur held hands and looked at each other.
"You look beautiful." The Prince whispered to her as Uther said a few words.
"And you look very handsome." she smiled before they were both silent and listened to the words. It soon came to the vows and Alethea smiled as Merlin handed Arthur the rings. Poor Merlin was dressed in the official robes of the servant of Camelot, complete with a rather fetching hat, and she knew that the young warlock would eventually have his revenge on her husband.
"I, Arthur Pendragon, do take thee Lady Alethea to be my wife, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish in sickness and in health until death do us part." Arthur said as he placed the gold band on her finger. Alethea smiled, took a deep breath and then took the other ring.
"I, Lady Alethea, do take thee Arthur Pendragon to be my husband, to have and to hold, to love and to cherish in sickness and in health until death do us part." she said before placing the ring on Arthur's finger.
"Then I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." The King announced and as Arthur lifted up the veil, Alethea smiled at him before they kissed, among the cheers of those gathered.
They were blessed more privately by a priest that afternoon before the celebrations kicked off. The Prince and Princess were given the head seats and not long after they cut the cake, the feast began. So many exotic foods were present and it soon became obvious that no expense had been spared. Minstrels played and there was much talking and celebrating. Husband and wife danced and enjoyed themselves, staying with the celebrations late into the evening before disappearing unnoticed. Having gotten out of the Great Hall, the Prince picked Alethea up off the ground and carried her down the corridors. Today had been the happiest day of her life, and Alethea was sure that it was only the beginning of many more happy days.
"Do you know something?"
"What?"
"I love you, Alethea Pendragon."
"And I love you, Arthur Pendragon." she smiled as he carried her over the threshold to his room. Today had been the best day of her life, and she knew for certain that she had found her home with Arthur, her husband.
