Only 1 more chapter until the end of War of Dissension. Pictures of crowns in profile.
Chapter 36
3 Months Later
The sea wall gates were lifted to allow a magnificent ship, called the Lois Lane, entered the canal inside to the city of Kandor. The ship was built to commemorate the king's impendeing marriage to Countess Lois Lane. The figurehead's, on the bow of the ship, features were even similar to that of Lois.
The Kandorian people intently watched the ship dock into the harbor on the canal. Some people even watched from friends' homes close to the harbor. Red Shard knights were lined up along the harbor to the road. The king himself was waiting on the harbor with his ward, Viscount Kent.
Kal-El and Christopher both wore blue tunics and trousers. They both had belts around their waists; Kal-El's had a sword and Christopher a blunt dagger. Christopher had a gold chain on his shoulders. Kal-El wore his red sash and circlet. When the ship was tied off and the ramp lowered to the harbor, Kal-El and Christopher flashed each other quick grins.
Genesis knights descended the ramp first and bowed before Kal-El, who put his hands behind his back. "Knights of Genesis, Krypton welcomes you and extends the hand of friendship." He said. The knights then stepped off to the side in formation. Some ladies descended from the ship but they were not Lois. Kal-El's took a deep breath out of anticipation.
And then he saw her standing at the top of the ramp in a beautiful red dress. He grinned and he could have sworn that his heart skipped a beat. Lois smiled from atop the ramp and began to slowly descend. She slowly approached him and curtsied. Kal-El bowed. "My lady, I am here to welcome you to what is now yours."
"Your Majesty is most gracious but I fear you spoil me far too much." Lois said.
"I wish only to please you here." He replied.
"Then I believe that I shall be happy here." She said and they smiled at each other. Kal-El kissed her hand.
"You remember my ward, Viscount Christopher Kent." Kal-El presented her to him.
"Countess." Christopher said and bowed. Lois bowed her head.
"I have another gift for you." Kal-El said and took her hand. He led her to a white mare and Lois gasped. "I have yet to give her a name. I shall leave that up to you." Lois curtsied. She approached the mare and stroked her mane.
"She is magnificent." Lois said.
"Allow me to help you, my lady." Jon-Tel said referring to helping her mount the mare.
"I do not require it but thank you." Lois said and then she mounted the mare all by herself. The people began to muttering amongst themselves. "Shall we, Sire?" Kal-El smiled and helped Christopher mount his colt. Kal-El mounted his stallion.
"I am sure the lady is tired from such a long journey but tomorrow we shall have a feast in honor of our betrothal and the people of Kandor may dine on my expense!" Kal-El announced and the people cheered.
They lightly trotted through the city streets and the people cheered for their future queen. They threw down blue Kryptonian roses onto the ground to commemorate her arrival. Children waved up on their fathers' shoulders. A little girl handed a blue rose to Lois and she smiled. Kal-El and Lois frequently exchanged smiling glances.
They soon rode past the iron gates of the Crystal Palace. Red Shard knights along the road kneeled down to them. They passsed the gatehouse and the knights there kneeled as well. Kal-El dismounted and then helped Christopher down from his colt. He then ran up to her side and helped her down. "You know I did not require any help." She said sweetly.
"Yes, but I could not resist." She chuckled. "May I see you in private?" He whispered and her smile answered his question. They entered the palace and the servants and knights had gathered to greet her. They all bowed as they walked past. They proceeded to the throne room. The Council, nobles, and ambassadors were waiting for them.
The herald slammed down his staff twice. "His Majesty, the King and Countess Lois Lane!" He announced and everyone parted to opposite sides of the room. The throne room doors opened and they entered. They walked down the long red carpet to the two gold thrones at the end of the hall. They stepped up the Dias and stood before their thrones.
They turned to face the room. "We thank you all for coming to meet my future wife and queen, Lois Lane. We are pleased to say that out wedding shall take place after the arrival of the sovereigns of the League of Nations in less than a month." Kal-El said and everyone clapped. "But now, the countess is tired from her journey and wishes to rest." Lois took Kal-El's hand and they left the throne room.
Later, Clark and Lois kissed passionately on a canopy bed in the gardens, where they had a good view of the ocean over the six foot wall. Clark was lying down on the small bed and Lois sat down on the edge. He ran his hands through her hair and she placed her hand on his chest. Red Shard surrounded this part of the gardens so they would not be disturbed.
"We shall be missed if we stay here any longer." Lois said as she caressed his face,
"Then we shall be missed." He said and she smiled. "You are so beautiful." He said softly and pushed her hair back behind her ear. His hand then rested on her left cheek and his thumb caressed her.
"You spoil me so with all the flattering, affection, and gifts. How were you not married to some nobleman's daughter before you met me?" Lois said and he chuckled.
"I would have fallen on my own sword after a month of marriage." Clark replied and Lois chuckled. "A nobleman's daughter would be more of a servant than a wife" He sat up. "But with you, I shall never be alone for you are my soul mate and I shall never love another."
"Good answer." She said and leaned over to peck his lips. "But I shall find a sword to fall on if you act like you are my servant." She said and he grinned.
"Speaking of swords…I do have another gift for you." He said and motioned for a knight to come over.
"You spoil me enough. I need no more ships, clothing, jewelry, horses…I need nothing but you." She said and he grinned. The knight kneeled before them and presented Lois a sheathed sword. She gasped at the craftsmanship of the hilt because it was exactly like his sword, except the hand grip was red velvet. Lois took the sword from the knight. Clark nodded to the knight, who rose, bowed, and walked away.
Lois examined the hilt once more and then removed the beautifully crafted sword from its sheath. She set the sheath down onto the grass and admired the sword. "Forged by my own hand." Clark said and she turned to look at him with amazement. "You are more than a beautiful noblewoman…You are a soldier as well and a soldier needs a sword."
Lois stabbed the sword into the ground and flung her arms around him. He chuckled. She then began applying light kisses to his neck, chin, cheeks, forehead, and lips. "I love you." She said between each kiss. "I love you with my every breath, my every being. I love you and I am yours."
"And I am yours." Clark said and their lips met for a tender kiss. "However…" Lois groaned and he grinned. "…there is something we must do before the wedding."
Kal-El and Lois stood before the High Priest of Rao in the temple. "You came to me for a dispensation? Did you have carnal knowledge of her sister or of the countess before this day?" He asked delicately and uncomfortably.
"The countess…and yes before this day." Kal-El answered and the high priest sighed. He and Lois both looked at the floor so they would not burst out laughing. The Red Shard knew of their affairs and they had even asked him if she was with child when he decided he was going to marry her.
"Very well. You are not the first betrothed match to come to me for such a dispensation." He said and turned his back to them. At that moment, they silently laughed at each other but put back on apologetic faces when they saw him turning. "Kneel." He said and they kneeled down on the first small step.
He put one hand on Kal-El's shoulder and his other on Lois's. "Kal-El and Lois Lane, with the sacred laws of Rao invested in me I pardon you both of your past indiscretions and pray that you have stronger willpower in the coming days ahead." He then drew circles with his thumb on their foreheads symbolizing the sun and stepped back.
"Your Eminence, I require another dispensation." Lois said.
"I take it that your maidenhead was not first claimed by His Majesty." The high priest said and she shook her head. "I take it that you knew of this, Sire." Kal-El nodded. "Was the countess the first woman you gave yourself to, Sire?" Kal-El shook his head and Lois flashed him a surprised look.
"I was not your first?" She asked him quietly.
"No. Did you believe you were the only one?" He asked and she shook her head. "Oh, well…Alicia was the first and then you."
"And Lana?" Lois asked suspicious and he shook his head but she stared him down.
"I swear on Christopher that I never had carnal knowledge of Lana Lang." He said and Lois relaxed somewhat.
"Shall we proceed?" The high priest asked and they nodded. He pardoned them again and drew the circles on their foreheads with his thumbs. "Remember…willpower." He said to them. They nodded and stood. Kal-El took Lois's hand and they walked out of the temple with huge grins on their faces.
About a month later
Kal-El and Lois stood before their thrones in the throne room as the trumpets sounded. "Your Majesty and Countess Lane, I present to you the sovereigns of the League of Nations! King Carter and Queen Shiera and Prince Hector of Egypt!" The herald announced and the three of them entered the throne room.
They walked down the red carpet clad in white and gold and bowed before them. Kal-El and Carter gripped each other's forearms. Lois and Shiera kissed each other's cheeks. Kal-El then kissed Shiera's hand and nodded to Prince Hector. Carter kissed Lois's hand and Lois nodded to Prince Hector. Prince Hector bowed. The three of them then stepped off to the side.
"King Bruce, Queen Selina, and Princess Helena of Gotham!" The herald announced and they walked down the red carpet clad in gray and silver. Selina was now rounder with child but she walked down the carpet gracefully holding her 2-year-old daughter's hand. Bruce and Kal-El gripped forearms while Lois and Selina kissed each other's cheeks. Kal-El kissed Selina's hand and Bruce kissed Lois's hand. Princess Helena curtsied to them and they nodded in returned. They stepped off to the side as well.
"King Oliver, Queen Dinah, Prince Connor of Star City, and the king's ward the Lady Mia Dearden!" The herald announced. They walked down the red carpet clad in emerald green and black. Oliver and Kal-El gripped forearms while Dinah and Lois kissed each other's cheeks. Kal-El kissed Dinah's hand and Oliver kissed Lois's, and then he gave her a quick wink. Prince Connor bowed and Mia Dearden curtsied. They nodded to them. They stepped off to the side.
"King Orin and Queen Mera of Atlantis!" They walked down the red carpet clad in orange and green. The men gripped forearms and the women kissed each other's cheeks. Kal-El kissed Mera's hand and Orin kissed Lois's. Mera was rounder with child as well. They stepped off to the side as well.
"Queen Hippolyta and Princess Diana of Themyscira!" They walked down the red carpet clad in white and gold. Kal-El kissed Hippolyta's hand. Lois and Diana gripped forearms. Hippolyta and Lois gripped forearms as well as Kal-El and Diana. Then they stepped off to the side.
"Your Majesty and Countess Lane, I present to you King Peter and Queen Lana of Genesis!" They walked down the red carpet clad in purple and black. The men gripped forearms and the women kissed each other's cheeks. Kal-El kissed Lana's hand while Peter kissed Lois's. They then stepped off to the side as well.
"My fellow kings, queens, princes, and princesses we welcome you to the city of Kandor for my union with Countess Lane in two days time. We extend to you all the hand of friendship and trust you shall enjoy your stay here at my court." Kal-El said and everyone clapped. "Now, our diligent servants have prepared an extravagant feast and I am starving." They laughed and everyone proceeded to the Great Hall.
Two Days Later
Jon-Tel helped Kal-El dress after he bathed and finished with his barber. He wore his white tunic with gold and crystals embroidery, and white trousers with gold stitching. He took a deep breath as he straightened his tunic yet again. "There is no need for worry, Sire. It is your wedding day. You should be overjoyed." Jon-Tel said.
"I am overjoyed but I cannot help but be nervous." Kal-El replied and took another deep breath. Jon-Tel chuckled. "And I shall laugh when you are nervous on your wedding day." He said. Jon-Tel helped him put on his sword belt and then his red sash.
"I do not believe I shall ever marry." Jon-Tel said. He walked to the armoire and unlocked it. On the first shelf were two gold crowns, one adorned with pearls and crystals while the other was plain gold. On the second shelf were three gold circlets. Jon-Tel had polished the crown and circlets the night before and they still shined.
"Why so morbid of marriage? It is not a curse." Kal-El said.
"Lord Durkin would disagree with you. The entire court knows he married his wife for her father's influence and wealth. The court knows of his numerous mistresses and bastard children and that his wife punishes him for it as well." Jon-Tel said as he picked up the ceremonial crown.
"Lord Durkin married for political reasons and is reaping the consequences of that. He is only of a few that have done such. That does not need happen to you." Kal-El said and sheathed his sword.
"You are marrying for political reasons." Jon-Tel said and Kal-El sighed. He forgot that Jon-Tel was in the dark about him and Lois. He was surprised he did not tell him for he considered Jon-Tel to be one of the few friends he had at court.
"I speak to you truthfully…I love Lois. I have loved her since our last days together at the Fortress. That is why I am truly marrying her. I just made the Council believe it was for political reasons." Kal-El said. He had expected Jon-Tel to drop his crown but instead Jon-Tel put the crown down onto the table and patted him on the shoulder.
"I am truly happy for you. And I shall consider your words of wisdom but I doubt I shall find the woman for me." Jon-Tel said.
"You never know. She may be closer than you think." Kal-El said and they chuckled. Jon-Tel grabbed his red knight's cape and put it on his shoulders. He then put his crown on his brow. Kal-El examined his appearance in the mirror and took another deep breath.
"You are dressed like a king but look like a man that is about to marry the love of his life." Jon-Tel said and Kal-El grinned.
"Will you go to the countess's chambers and see how the women are coming along?" Kal-El said. Jon-Tel bowed and left to go check.
Kara and Martha watched as Lois's new maidservant, Vala Al, helped her dress. Lois wore a white dress with gold and crystal embroidery, and gold laces. Vala put a veil attached to a gold circlet on her brow. Lois turned around to the ladies and they gasped at her. "You look beautiful!" Kara and Martha both exclaimed and crowded around her admiring her appearance.
There was a knock on the door. "Vala, may you please see who that is?" Lois said.
Vala opened the door to see Jon-Tel, who was stunned at her beauty. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out making her chuckle. "Yes? You are the king's manservant, are you not?" She asked.
Jon-Tel closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes…Um…His Majesty wishes to inquire on the countess's progress for her carriage shall arrive shortly." He said.
"Then Her Grace shall be ready shortly. Is that all?" Vala asked and Jon-Tel stuttered. "Vala…my name is Vala." She said and he nodded. They smiled at each other and then she closed the door.
Kal-El exited the Crystal Palace and out into the courtyard. A regiment of 25 Red Shard knights would be escorting him to the Palace of Marriage. Another regiment of 25 knights would be escorting Lois shortly. Their armor was polished and their horses had been groomed.
His carriage was decorated with blue Kryptonian roses on a gold string and was being pulled by two magnificent white stallions. His banners hung from the doors. 2 knights carried his standard and 2 the Kryptonian flag, 2 in the front and 2 in the back. Kal-El and Jon-Tel entered the carriage. The driver shook the reins and rode out of the courtyard.
The people cheered as the carriage past the iron gates. They cheered their congratulations and love for him. He waved and smiled at them from his carriage. Red Shard had been dispersed throughout the entire city and were all along the planned routes for the progress through the city after the ceremony.
They arrived at the Palace of Marriage and he exited the carriage. The people cheered. He waved and smiled at them again before entering the palace. "She said shortly?" He asked Jon-Tel, who nodded. Kal-El took like his 100th deep breath for the day. Most of the guests had already arrived and had found their places to stand.
Lois entered the carriage with Vala while Martha and Kara entered a separate carriage. The drivers shook the reins and they left the palace courtyard.
Kal-El was pacing up and down the hallway at the entrance to the Palace of Marriage. "The countess will be here. There is no need to worry so." Jon-Tel said. Kal-El was about to say something but then he heard the people cheering outside. He peeked out the door and Lois's white carriage had pulled up. Jon-Tel patted him on the back and they took their positions at the door. Martha and Kara entered the palace.
Lois ascended the steps to the palace and saw Kal-El. He walked up to her and marveled at her before he bowed. Lois curtsied and they smiled at each other. He held up his left hand and she put her hand on top of his. Jon-Tel and Vala took their positions behind them. They smiled at each other. Kara motioned to someone and a sweet chorus erupted from the choir accompaniment by an organ. Kal-El winked at Lois and they began walking down the aisle at a nice pace.
Royals, nobles, politicians, and knights bowed as the couple past them. As they approached the altar, Lois saw the two large portraits of their parents over the jewel altar. She was happy to see her mother grinning down at her.
They reached the Jewel of Truth and Honor but did not mount it. They kneeled before it and the High Priest from Genesis stepped forward. "We are all gathered here on this day in the presence of the gods to bond Kal-El, King of Krypton, Protector of Rao, and Supreme Commander of the Royal Army to Countess Lois Lane. If any man knows of any impairment of why these two should not be joined, let him speak now or forever how his tongue." No one spoke.
"Kal Jonathan Clark Seyg-El, will thou have this woman to thy wedded wife? Will thou love her, honor her, and keep her forsaking all others and keep thee only onto her as long ye both shall live?" He asked.
"I will." Kal-El answered.
"Lois Joanne, will thou have this man to thy wedded husband? Will thou love him, honor him, comfort him, and keep him forsaking all others and keep thee only onto him as long as ye both shall live?" He asked.
"I will." Lois answered. Her high priest then stepped back.
The High Priest of Rao stepped up onto a podium in his black and purple robes and in his hand was staff dyed blue with a large crystal on top. He motioned for them to rise and they did. "Stand upon the Jewel of Truth and Honor, Kal-El and Lois Lane. Stand tall swearing your love and allegiance that all may witness." They mounted the large jewel altar and took each other's right hand. "For the vows you speak this day shall bind you as one for all eternity before the eyes of man and before the heart of Rao… Now exchange the hued bracelets, my children." He said.
"In the name of Rao, who kindled the sun, I take you, Lois Lane, as my wife." Kal-El said and put the hue bracelet on her right wrist.
"In the name of Rao, who shaped the moons, I take you, Kal-El, as my husband." Lois said and put the hue bracelet on his right wrist. They grinned at each other before turning back to look at the high priest.
"No other may wear the colors of Kal and Lois made husband and wife this day and for all days hence! May the countenance of Rao ever shine upon you Kal-El and Lois!" The High Priest proclaimed. "You may kiss your bride."
Kal-El and Lois turned to face each other. They both leaned in and their lips met in a tender kiss. As soon as their lips met, the organ and choir sounded accompaniment by applause. They broke apart and grinned at each other. They turned and he took her left hand. They dismounted the jewel and began walking down the aisle grinning.
They exited the Palace of Marriage into the sunlight and to the cheering crowds. Blue roses covered most of the road and some had landed on their carriage. They stood on the steps of the palace and waved to the people. The Red Shard at the entrance made an arch of swords for them to walk through. The footsman opened the carriage door. Lois climbed in first and then Kal-El. They continue to wave to the crowd.
There was a massive feast in the Great Hall of the Crystal Palace. Entertainers and musicians performed marvelously. Kal-El and Lois had not stopped smiling the whole day. They had just finished dancing and they sat back down in the seats at the head table.
Kal-El kissed Lois's left hand. "Are you the most happy?" He asked. Lois smiled and kissed him. Then J'onn J'onzz tapped Kal-El's shoulder. "Ah, J'onn. Good to see you." Kal-El stood and embraced his friend.
"There is a matter that needs your attention." J'onn said softly.
"J'onn, it my wedding day. Can this not wait until the morning?" Kal-El asked and J'onn handed him an opened letter. He recognized the handwriting on the front of the letter. "Have you read this?" J'onn nodded. Kal-El leaned down to whisper something in Lois's ear. Some noticed her face become serious but Kal-El reassured her and then left through another door.
Kal-El walked and found himself in the Hall of Kings standing before his father's statue. Torches filled the room with light and he unfolded the letter.
Clark, Congratulations must be said of your new marriage. I warn you at first it is astonishing, then dreadful, but there is always hope that it shall last. Of course yours is a life bond so it cannot be broken without consequences. You should know that it was my intention to kill you but just moments before my blade pierced your flesh my eyes were opened. I once thought it was our families, our blood, who made us who we are. Then I hope it was our friends. But if you look at history the great women and men of the world have always been defined by their enemies.
And the thing about memories, you cannot forget them. Like always how you were always one step ahead of me, Clark, no matter how carefully I prepared or I strategic I was, you were there to stop me even before I learned the truth of who you are. You were born to be a god among men but you do not even want it. You fought it. You hid from it. I would have taken it and relished and embraced it. You have your destiny and I have finally embraced my own. You and I shall both be great men because of each other. We have a destiny together, Clark. Only on different sides and I expect you to always be there to try and stop me.
Our story has not been written yet, Kal-El. And every villain is only as great as his hero. And that all relies on your life not your death. I have read the book of Rao and it foretold of a chosen savior, the light that shall inspire the world out of darkness. You are the light. Only you hold the power within you. Be done with Clark Kent and become your true self Kal-El. We shall meet again. Lex
Kal-El sighed as he finished the letter and he grew hot from anger. Then he felt a smooth hand on top of his right hand. He turned to see Lois and he sighed out of relief. She took the letter from his hand and lifted it up to a torch. She dropped it down onto the floor and they watched it burn together. He took her hand and caressed her knuckles.
"It does not matter what happens now…as long as we are together." Lois said and he nodded. They grinned at each other and kissed tenderly. They left the hall of Kings hand-in-hand, the fire consuming the end of the letter.
Lois was outside her bedchamber in her white underdress awaiting her husband. Vala helped her put on her red robe. "Milady, His Majesty with His Eminence." Vala whispered when she saw them approaching.
"Wife." Kal-El bowed to her.
"Husband." Lois curtsied. He approached Lois and took her hand. They turned to face the High Priest and kneeled. The High Priest approached them. He handed his staff to Vala and removed a strand of rope from his person.
"Kal-El and Lois, bonded for life on this day, may your union prove fruitful in giving Krypton an heir and to never break this bond as long as you both shall live." The High Priest said as he intertwined their right hands with the rope. He took a step back and Kal-El and Lois rose. They turned to face the bedchamber.
Kal-El nodded to Vala, who opened the bedchamber door and curtsied. He and Lois entered the bedchamber and Vala closed the door behind them. He used his left hand to bolt the door. Lois looked at him. "No interruptions." He whispered and she smiled.
He lifted up his right hand, thus pulling her closer to him. Their lips met in a passionate kiss. He caressed her face with his left hand as they kissed. While they kissed, Lois unwrapped the rope from around her arm. She broke the kiss by taking a step back. She held onto the end of the rope pulling him towards the bed. All the candles had been lit and there was a fire going in the beautiful fireplace.
Lois let go of the rope and turned her back to him while removing her red silk robe. Clark removed his robe as well and wrapped his hands around her waist applying kisses down the back of her neck. He slowly slid her underdress off her shoulders and kissed down her left shoulder. Lois reached back and caressed his left cheek, her breathing increasing.
She moved her hand down his firm chest until she reached his trousers. His laces were tied in a simple knot so with one pull they were undone. Clark pushed her underdress down her arms until it slid off her body on its own. His fingers caressed her skin and her breathing was getting heavy. She quickly turned around and crushed her lips onto his. He wrapped his arms around her.
Lois turned them around so now his back was to the bed. Her hands moved down pushing his trousers down as low as she could without breaking the kiss. Then she pushed him down onto the bed and he was grinning. She removed his trousers but he wore a braie underneath. She pulled off his boots one by one. He tried to grab her but she playfully smacked his hand away. She climbed on top of him and leaned down to kiss him.
His fingers ran down her back slowly and she caressed his cheek as they kissed. He rolled them so he was now on top. He caressed her cheek as they continued to kiss. He broke the kiss to look at her. "I love you." He said softly.
She caressed her face. "As I love you." She said softly. They grinned at one another. He kissed her again and they intertwined their fingers as they made love.