Chapter 73 [Twenty Minutes Later]
The palace throbbed with excitement on that morning. After years of waiting, Princess Mithian had sought out a partner to her heart's desire. The standoff on the palace steps generated rumors concerning Lancelot and Elaine. The anticipated royal council meeting with some group of sorcerers created buzz.
…and that wasn't counting the crowning of Merlin as Prince and co-heir to Nemeth's throne either….
Quite the event to be sure….
[Mithian's Chamber]
Mithian stood in front of her full length mirror anxiously. She studied her reflection with a careful eye wanting everything to be perfect. Rather than do her hair herself, she'd relented to allowing the most skilled of the palace maids that task. She'd inspected her face's cleanliness as well as her hands. She considered the polish and shine of the heirloom jewels.
Still her dress—the same one she'd worn during the aborted engagement with Arthur years earlier—seemed to serve as a reminder of what had happened….
…and what still might….
She frowned. Could some disaster strike? I know Merlin would never abandon me willingly. But could it happen? She bit her lip recalling how Morgana had shown the ability to pop in and disrupt things on a whim.
Even if she'd been banished, the ex-High Priestess' evil allies or even those as mundane as their critics on the council or other kingdoms could arrange a nasty surprise as well.
"What troubles you, Milady?" Britomart queried expectantly.
Mithian sighed deeply. "I'm nervous, Lady Britomart. I don't doubt Merlin being there for me. I just don't want anything to happen."
"Nothing will happen, Princess," her loyal friend vowed. "Trust in your knights as well as the Knights of Camelot in that regard. Try getting Gawain to the altar." She rolled her eyes. "Talk about a Herculean feat."
"He cares for you," a voice piped in from behind the oak wardrobe in the room's far corner.
"He may care. He cares for his carousing as well." The female knight smiled kindly at Mithian. "Merlin at least has his priorities in order. He loves you and isn't afraid to commit."
"True if he isn't dawdling in the process." Mithian offered a knowing eye roll and snort. "Maybe I could have Merlin, Lancelot and Arthur speak with Gawain."
"If you could, I'd appreciate it," Britomart expressed. "Pardon my entreaty, Milady, I fear I shall be old and a spinster before he will ask." She turned toward the wardrobe with an eyebrow raised. "Lady Elena, are you prepared?"
"I'm almost prepared. And, Princess, I agree with Lady Britomart. Trust in Sir Merlin's love for you. Much as with my feelings for Sir Lancelot, they are true and good. You both inspire us all," Elena assured her Princess. She stepped into view wearing a lavender gown with white ribbons around the skirt's base not to mention the sleeves. She wore her mother's heirloom necklace as well. "I pray that I am worthy of this dress, Milady. Thank you for loaning it to me."
"It is my pleasure. You love splendid, Lady Elena. I am truly blessed to have friends such as yourselves at my wedding." Mithian frowned at the dress. "I wish we could have afforded another dress. This one seems accursed."
"Think not of the dress. If it is accursed, trust in the love of your friends and Merlin to counter it, Milady. Have faith in the goddess' designs. She has brought you together. She will see you married," Britomart noted.
"Aye. I know you are correct. Still I wish it was done already," Mithian lamented.
At that moment, a knock came from the door.
"Yes?" Mithian called. She nodded to Britomart who opened it.
Rodor strode into his daughter's chamber proudly. He still felt the admiration for her astute assessments over Lancelot's and Elena's situation. As with the council opinions, he knew her views did hold weight and increased in value with age. "My greetings to you all."
Britomart bowed to him. "Milord, we await your pleasure."
"Thank you for this day, Father. I await Lady Hunith's ennoblement and Merlin's coronation," Mithian expressed with a curtsey.
"As say I with your favor and grace," Elena concurred with a curtsey of her own.
"You all do good service. I shall reward it accordingly," he assured them all. "I see, Mithian, that you have lent the Lady Elena an excellent choice of gown. Sir Lancelot will be most pleased. Speaking of such, you will be pleased to know that the Lady Marie has an exquisite dress for a girl of her age."
"Thank you for providing so generously for her, Sire. I am happy you think my attire will be pleasing," Elena noted in appreciation.
"I apologize for reusing that dress," he declared while considering Mithian's reflection. "I know how humiliating that ordeal was for you." He rubbed her shoulders. "I would rather die than put you through that again."
She smiled. "I won't have to. Merlin will be there for me. Besides Arthur will be close to the front with Guinevere." She shrugged. "As Lady Britomart just reminded me, Father, I should trust in the love of friends and Merlin to counter any ill effects."
"Indeed." He kissed his daughter's cheek. "And you are a vision, Mithian. Your mother would be so proud."
"That's kind of you to say, Father." Mithian pulled her veil down over her face. She checked her reflection once last time to insure that the dress was right, the jewels were centered and not a detail was out of line. Once satisfied, she stepped away and took her father's hand. "Ready!"
"Then shall we?" He smiled wishing that his beloved late wife could be there to see this day. Alas it would have to be from above. "I gather there is a very anxious man awaiting you, Mithian."
Mithian probed the link before feeling his anxiety echoing from the chamber below. "He's probably pacing knowing him."
"Then shall we?" Rodor took Mithian's hand and led her out into the hallway.
Behind them, Britomart and Elena followed closely behind before shutting the door in their wake.
And so, one party was set for the affair…
[Royal Throne Room—Ten Minutes After That Point]
Most of Nemeth's nobles contented themselves with seats along the back row. While they would've insisted on more dignified seating under most circumstances, they didn't share the masses' opinion of Merlin or Mithian at that point. Rather they considered the Princess to be uncouth and unpolished. Furthermore they had no wish to endure Camelot's servant-ruler experiment in their own right….
…an experiment Rodor was about to promulgate whether they liked it or not….
More over, they'd never anticipated the turnout either….
In previous affairs—coronations or weddings—Nemeth had long been considered a backwater realm. While invitations had gone out to their neighbors, often Camelot and Mercia showed up as a token supportive presence. As it had gone on generation after generation, the process had degenerated into a pro forma practice and little else. After all who wanted to spend days and weeks on the road going to Nemeth?
Needless to say, this affair turned that perception on its ear…and jettisoned it across the Great Sea as well….
Especially given how rapidly the affair came together, whoever would've expected this turnout?
In contrast to earlier affairs, Britain's kings and queens congregated in united support. One could suppose that Arthur's rise in prominence and diplomatic presence figured into it. Still to see Camelot's King and Queen in addition to Queen Annis, Queen Elena, King Reynald, King Lot, King Meleagant (granted under guard but he was there), King Bors the Elder and his son, Prince Bors the Younger united in that place put everyone on notice.
Just behind the rulers, the knights of Camelot and Nemeth stood proudly awaiting their comrade's triumph. Many of the former number and Lady Britomart had risen from common status themselves through their deeds. Sir Gawain and Sir Lancelot's presence exemplified the seeming merger of the two realms. Just behind them, the two brigands who'd assisted them, Tristan and Isolde, sat in regular chain mail no less.
The sorcerers' open presence marked a key (if not unsettling) element. The High Priestess Freya's peaceful presence (rather than Morgana's openly hostile one) marked a return to Avalon's cooperative policies with the outer world. Talesin, the court's resident 'sorcerer supreme' sat with one of Camelot's knights and newly appointed sorcery advisor, Sir Mordred. Malodius lay placidly beside Ywain. The Last and Great Dragon sat in the courtyard and gazed in the window protected by royal order and common good will.
And all for the affair unfolding on that morning?
Again, for these nobles raised under the Great Purge's shadow, Rodor's spectacle astounded them. To mash social strata on all levels numbed their senses to say the least. While they had dealt with magic's unspoken tolerance and 'look the other way' policies, to see it hold the prominence it did among the guests, at court and especially in the Crown Prince and Princess offended some sensibilities.
But as with many other customs and traditions in History, their way, it seemed, was about to fade into obscurity much as Uther's ways had in Camelot.
Fading in light of a new age it seemed….
Merlin stood just beneath and to the left of the three thrones. His butterflies clanged anxiously against the sides of his stomach. He breathed heavily while trying to keep himself composed. The armor, surcoat and robes elicited sweat from his anxious skin. He glanced back at the growing crowd behind himself. He perceived the nobles' hostile glances. He worried that Mithian might have a last minute change of heart.
"It will be all right, Merlin," Gaius assured the younger man.
"I can understand, Gaius, how he feels," Hunith concurred while biting her lip. She trembled slightly. "Everything's about to change for us." She inhaled sharply before turning to her son. "Just remember, Merlin, Mithian and her father will be here. Your friends are here with us today."
"I know, Mother," Merlin confirmed. He rubbed her shoulder feeling better about things as he did so. "I just want everyone to accept us. We care about them. Wish they felt the same."
"Patience in all regards, Merlin," Arthur instructed. "While it is good to be mindful of such matters overall, today your focus should be up there not in the back. Mithian is your focus. The kingdom is your priority." He glanced back at the terse aristocrats in the back and furrowed his brow sarcastically. "They are not worth your time in the greater scheme of things."
"We have faith in you, Merlin," Gwen asserted pleasantly. "Have faith in yourself."
"I can only hope," the warlock retorted less than confidently.
Just then the heralds announced, "ATTENTION, HONORED GUESTS! PRESENTING THEIR HIGHNESSES, KING RODOR AND PRINCESS MITHIAN!"
As per the cue, everyone respectfully turned toward the back of the chamber.
For their parts, Elena and Britomart quickly found their respective escorts and slipped into line accordingly.
Rodor escorted Mithian into the area. For once he allowed a proud and relaxed smile to crease his features as they marched step for step in sync. He relished that his allies and friends stood there in support of them. He exhaled deeply and leaned close to her. "How are you?"
"Trying to breathe," she whispered anxiously from under her veil. Once again the memory of her failed engagement years earlier stirred up her nerves. As with Merlin, she feared he would do what Arthur did…and be with someone else instead.
A heartbeat later, seeing him standing in front and waiting for them….for her actually…reassured her. It injected a shot of vigor into her heart and footsteps.
He was there. He was actually there.
For her.
Despite the veil, her smile beamed in his direction. She quelled her own fretting to shoot him a reassuring vibe through the link.
Thank you, my Princess…my Witch…my Heart…. Merlin declared back to her.
Never thank me for doing my duty to you, my Prince…my Warlock…my Heart….she answered without hesitation. Her heart skipped a beat knowing what it already knew of course. She understood the ties between them. She knew the Universe had more in mind than just some prearranged marriage. She believed in its choice for them both.
They both knew in that moment….They both believed in that moment….
Rodor nodded to the anxious Prince-to-be/Groom supportively. He assisted her up onto the platform and toward her own throne set slightly lower than his own and equal to the one on the other side. Then he looked out on the assembled group expectantly.
In response the audience offered signs of respect. The heads of state nodded gladly. The lesser status guests and his own subjects bowed and curtseyed.
Rodor motioned for his subjects to rise. Then he cleared his throat and started in, "Greetings to you all, Friends and Allies of Nemeth! Welcome once more to our kingdom. Thank you so much for sharing in this most esteemed day in our history. Never before have we received such an outpouring of support and glad tidings from our neighboring realms. For this, I thank you." He bowed to them slightly in respect before pressing on, "Now onto the first matter of business within our family this morning. Lady Hunith of Ealdor, would you come forth?"
Hunith trembled anxiously. This is Merlin's and Mithian's day. He shouldn't do this! I…. She glanced toward her son.
Merlin grinned at her and motioned toward the dais. "The King is waiting, Mother." He bowed again to his future father-in-law.
Mithian coughed somehow restraining a snort. Still she smirked at the moment feeling glad that the veil concealed her face at the moment.
Hunith nodded anxiously. Her heart jackrabbited threatening to burst forth from her chest on its own. She forced herself to walk the steps toward the waiting monarch in a slow and deliberate fashion. Upon reaching him, she curtseyed low before him. "King Rodor, what may I do for you?"
"You have already done much for my court, Milady. It is for me to offer you thanks. Accordingly…" Rodor drew his sword and gently brushed each shoulder lightly with its point. "Accordingly I hereby raise you from the peasant station of your birth to that of a true noble woman and member of my court. I do this in accordance with the laws and customs of Nemeth. Lady Hunith, rise and stand as a true noble of merit."
Hunith rose slowly to her full height. Even so her knees trembled. Her head swam with disbelief over this chain of events. I am noble now? Even if it's in his power, it's so much! Even if she wanted to look to Merlin for support, she kept her eyes riveted on Rodor. "I thank you, Sire. It is such a mighty gift. I am not sure I deserve this honor."
Rodor smiled warmly. "And even now, my friends, this woman remains so humble and virtuous! Lady Hunith, that is why you are deserving. Welcome now officially to the court."
"Thank you again, Sire," Hunith expressed gratefully with another deep curtsey. While she wanted to say more, she wasn't sure of how to react in front of the assembled persons of reknown behind her. Then without any further ado, she returned to her place at Merlin's side.
Finally you are rewarded for being yourself, Mother! Merlin's chest swelled with pride over her mother's great honor. He smiled warmly at her as she stood next to him again.
Ever the corrective mother, Hunith motioned for the warlock to look at the King.
Yes do keep your eyes up here, Merlin. Father expects your attention as do I, Mithian teased through the link.
I wish you didn't need that veil. I want to see your eyes and smile, Merlin replied affectionately.
Only a bit longer. You have business to attend to first. Mithian motioned toward her father in an ever so subtle fashion. Besides we do have tradition. Now don't we?
Merlin sighed and nodded knowingly. I'm a lucky man. He allowed himself a minute to collect his thoughts and to quell his own inner butterflies.
"And now, the other events at hand. As the rulers in this chamber know, our dynastic households require continuity to survive," Rodor surmised while moving on toward the next stage in his choreographed drama. He sucked in a deep breath. "We require an heir to sit on the throne to provide continuity and stability. When Prince Kay perished during the retaking of Camelot, it was a grievous blow to us. We shall miss him dearly. It is fortunate indeed that Princess Mithian strongly stands for us and her subjects in many virtuous ways. Through her, our royal blood will flow forth. It is also a great stroke of fortune that a man has arisen from the shadows to prove his own virtue to our royal eye. Twice he has preserved this kingdom's freedom sundering the chains binding our hopes and dreams. He overcame great injury and prejudice to do so. And not by coincidence, the Princess has chosen him for her intended." He looked straight at Merlin. "Sir Merlin of Ealdor, please step forth."
Hunith quickly rubbed his arm in support despite keeping her eyes straight ahead.
Merlin inhaled deeply. He took an anxious step, then another and another before his feet found their cadence. Slowly he managed to get to his liege before kneeling in respect. "Sire, I just did my duty for you, Nemeth and Princess Mithian." He smiled warmly at his veiled beloved for an instant before riveting his eyes back to the floor.
Mithian blushed under the veil. Her heart skipped a beat at his affirmation of duty to herself and everything she held dear. Somehow she managed to restrain her own giddiness and pride in the process.
Rodor beamed warmly. "I appreciate your love for her and this royal house, Sir Merlin. Do not be troubled by such displays. You realize what the burden is you are about to take on?"
"I do, Sire," Merlin asserted.
"Do you swear to serve Nemeth before your own needs? Will you serve your King and people with justice and fairness?" Rodor queried.
"I will, Sire."
"Do you swear to uphold the laws of Nemeth before all others? Even if it means your death, will you protect our land?" Rodor proposed.
"I will continue to do so, Sire. I can do no less," Merlin promised earnestly.
"I thank you for your troth and pledge, Sir Merlin." Rodor walked with dignity and measured steps toward the smaller throne to his right. There he picked up a round golden crown with a few rubies and garnets encrusted around its circumference. "As you have sworn, so I remind you to keep to your oaths. While we lead, we also serve our subjects. They are entrusted to our care." He returned to the kneeling sorcerer and stood before him. He held the crown over his ebon hair. "As I know you shall…." He lowered the crown onto the waiting head allowing it to rest gently on the dark strands underneath. "Prince Merlin. Please rise a true member of my house."
Merlin gulped. As with Hunith and his feelings from the ennobling ceremony back in Camelot, his chest threatened to seize up from the anxiety. He felt the other eyes watching him both in support and derision.
He heard Arthur's earlier advice echo back to him, "Patience in all regards, Merlin. While it is good to be mindful of such matters overall, today your focus should be up there not in the back. Mithian is your focus. The kingdom is your priority. They are not worth your time in the greater scheme of things."
"Thank you, Sire." Merlin accepted. He slowly stood and nodded in appreciation to his liege.
"You may turn and face the group," Rodor allowed with a friendly smile before motioning to the assembled host.
Merlin nodded. For a heartbeat though, his eyes drifted to Mithian. Without you, all of this wouldn't be possible!
Without you, we wouldn't be here, Merlin, either. She rolled her eyes. Look to the group.
Merlin ground his teeth before slowly turning to face the audience. Somehow he managed to stand straight and true. He didn't feel sure that he deserved the honor but would do his best to maintain Nemethian dignity and prestige in the process.
Arthur didn't hesitate. He clapped loudly and looked around at the others for support. His chest swelled with pride for his friend and brother-in-arms. Well done, Merlin! Well done!
Hunith's eyes glistened with love and respect for her son's new position. She smiled supportively at him.
As if they needed encouragement, the assembled onlookers applauded demonstratively. Their hands clapped in loud unison. Their eyes sparkled with awe and respect. Together, they all had seen the newly minted Prince's worth and value….
…now they'd make sure he knew it even if they had to deliver the impact with a shillelagh to make that point….
Merlin acknowledged the response with a nod of the head and a gracious smile. Then he sucked up his nerves and turned back to Rodor. "While I am not worthy for this stupendous honor, Sire, I will be the best servant to you and Nemeth that I can be."
"And I believe of course that you shall be," Rodor agreed. "Prince Merlin, one more thing you must promise me."
"Whatever I can do, my King," the sorcerer agreed.
"Please stop doubting yourself. You are Prince of the Realm. Look out over this group of friends here to support us today. You and Princess Mithian have forged those friendships and important ties to our realm. It is a well worthy trait to be humble and reserved. However you have earned this privilege. We are now part of this august body. Work with it but cherish it as well, my Son," Rodor advised almost paternally.
"Yes, Sire. I shall," Merlin relented offering a smile and a bow for his King and friends as well.
"Excellent! Now that you are truly on equal footing, I believe you are ready for the crown jewel of our house." Rodor turned and extended his hand toward his daughter.
Mithian somehow maintained her regal bearing. She trembled at the realization that all of her hopes and dreams were about to be realized….
…that her father had just opened the long disputed door and motioned her toward her beloved Sorcerer-Prince….
She smirked sarcastically at the nobles skulking along the chamber's back wall. We are not going to go away, you Old Wretches! Merlin and I love each other! DEAL WITH THAT!
With satisfaction, she accepted the regal hand allowing her father to assist her to the designated spot.
Rodor placed her hands in Merlin's. Then he implored earnestly, "Love and protect each other. Serve the Kingdom and our allies together. Remember our subjects."
"All of them are my greatest honor, King Rodor," Merlin agreed while trying to keep his voice even and stately-sounding.
"I live to serve, Sire," Mithian concurred while gazing through the veil. Merlin, never doubt that we are here for each other.
I won't ever again, my Princess! he vowed over the link.
Just don't wait until the last minute like you did with the stake please? she jabbed him.
He somehow kept a straight face. I won't. I'd never hear the end of it anyway.
What was that?
Oh nothing….
She arched her eyebrow feeling glad for the veil's concealing blind. Despite the mini-lecture she could brew up at that point, she relished his teasing and her chance at retorts. Not every man would accept her outlook or input….
…then again Her Warlock wasn't just any man….
…not to her anyway….
Rodor tacitly nodded accepting their bond. He then stepped back. "To consecrate the union, the High Priestess Freya of Avalon will now step forth if she would?"
Freya strode from the middle of the crowd toward the awaiting couple. As she did so, her heart felt a momentary twinge. You know the goddess holds your love and vow. Mithian will love Merlin as he deserves as he will her. It is your duty to see him happy and to bless them both.
But we are indeed fortunate to be loved by such a worthy friend and ally, Mithian assured her telepathically.
Your devotion to the goddess and Avalon are to be praised, Freya. Thank you for being here, Merlin added.
It is my duty and honor, my Friends. Freya stepped up to her position between the couple. She inhaled deeply allowing the goddess' presence to fill her. "Thank you, King Rodor. Honored Rulers of Other Lands, Citizens of Nemeth and Other Realms, on behalf of the triple goddess and the Hidden Isle, I am here to confirm the bond between two very unique servants to the goddess, Prince Merlin and Princess Mithian of Nemeth. Marriage can serve as a political tool for lands, dynastic claims and titles. Those things, as with the bond itself and the privilege of being with one's true love, comes to us through the goddess in her own time and design." She reached into the pocket of her robe to produce two cloth strips dyed green with red Celtic inlays across them. "Are you both of one mind? Do you wish to proceed?"
Both participants nodded in affirmation.
"Very well. Then hold up your clasped hands," Freya instructed. When the couple had done so, she bound each joined set of hands with a strip and secured it with a slip knot. Afterwards she continued,
"Now you are bound one to the other
With a tie not easy to break.
Take the time of binding
Before the final vows are made
To learn what you need to know -
To grow in wisdom and love.
That your marriage will be strong
That your love will last
In this life and beyond."
Merlin without hesitation nodded to his former love. He squeezed his bride's hands affectionately.
Mithian nodded and returned the gesture. "We are for each other, Priestess Freya."
"Very well then. It is time for you both to exchange your final vows. Prince Merlin, will you proceed?" Freya pointed out.
He nodded earnestly. He looked deeply through the sheer veil into Mithian's eyes. His heart danced with nervous energy. Then he began, "I, Merlin, with the blessing of the triple goddess and the universe, do give myself to you, Mithian. I will love and cherish you above all others. May we walk the road together; our love carrying us on from age to age from lifetime to lifetime. May we be blessed in our love and bless others as well."
Mithian sighed contentedly. He did it. He vowed himself to me. I can do no less now!
"Thank you, Prince Merlin. Princess Mithian, will you proceed?" Freya requested.
Mithian nodded demonstratively. She returned the poignant look from him with one of her own into his dark pools. At that point, she vowed, "I, Mithian, with the blessing of the triple goddess and the universe, do give myself to you, Merlin. I will love and cherish you above all others. May we walk the road together; our love carrying us on from age to age from lifetime to lifetime. May we be blessed in our love and bless others as well." I seal that bond with our love across our link so that everyone in our order may know.
As do I, Merlin concurred.
Freya smiled in affirmation giving both participants a nod before proceeding. "As the bond has been tied and the vows made, now I ask the goddess to bless this union. May she provide you, her servants, with the pleasures of hearth and home, a friendly path on which to stride and welcome allies to aid and assist that way. May she grant you both the compassion to look out for your subjects as your extended familia. May she make you fruitful with healthy children to serve her as well. This I, Freya, her High Priestess and humble servant, do request for you both on this day and forever more."
"As do we," the couple murmured together reverently. Then over the link, they added, We give thanks to you, the triple goddess, for this boon and gift. We serve you eagerly.
And I thank you, my children, the goddess expressed. Please continue, my High Priestess….
Freya nodded reverently. She untied the cloths freeing the couple's still clasped hands. "Then my office is done except to request one more thing from you, Prince Merlin." She motioned toward Mithian. "You may lift the veil and kiss your wife."
Merlin stood numbly; his mind swimming in disbelief.
After all of the fighting and struggle, it was finished? Really?
Mithian's eyes watered behind the veil. She wanted to embrace him tightly allowing for the moment's full emotion to crash over them both. Still she maintained her regality. Merlin?
His nerves crashed about loudly; the butterflies creating static through the link.
Merlin, you heard her. Right? Lift my bloody veil please!
Huh? He jarred himself back to his sense at her reminder. Oh yes! I'm sorry.
I thought we weren't going to keep me waiting? She offered a telepathic snort yet also an affectionate twinkle in her eyes as well.
He sighed deeply while reaching for the sheer veil. He slowly pulled it up allowing her face and then glittering eyes (not to mention an arched eyebrow) for his consideration and pleasure. "Thank you. I love you."
"And I you. Forever," Mithian concurred. She embraced him tightly. Her lips defied tradition and pressed tightly onto his, yearning to seal their bond so to speak. She flooded his sensibilities with her energy as her head swam with joy and pleasure.
Just as enthusiastically, his lips matched her effort with their own. His heart floated to the highest peaks possible. He felt as if he was flying.
Around the couple, a crimson and white streaked aura shone brightly dazzling the audience. For generations thereafter, chroniclers and bards would marvel at the display attributing it to many things. The onlookers would point to the couple's magic….
…in truth it was their love on display….
Rodor nodded and stepped back into view. "I thank you and the goddess, Priestess Freya."
"It is my pleasure to perform my duty, King Rodor. For my goddess and friends, it is my joy," Freya bowed her head and stepped back allowing him the central position once more.
"Then may I congratulate you both." Rodor embraced his daughter affectionately. "My Precious One, may you be happy always."
"I will be, Father. Thank you for helping to make this day possible," she expressed with a tear in her eye.
Rodor smiled and kissed her forehead. Then he stepped over to Merlin. "Now you are my son in fact as well as in my heart, Merlin." He embraced his new son-in-law. "As I said, no more doubts."
Merlin grinned at his wife and let his eyes sparkle. "No more doubts."
"Excellent!" Rodor faced the crowd allowing the Prince and Princess to turn and do the same. "It is done!"
No sooner did he say it then the whole hall exploded with celebratory applause and well wishes. Another thunderous round of clapping threatened to deafen the onlookers. Affectionate whistles and cheers filled the air.
Across the back, the nobles dutifully did the same knowing they'd lost that round but awaiting the council meeting to come…..
Still for that day, as Arthur had advised Merlin earlier, their opinions didn't matter.
For the Warlock, only his Witch mattered. He could finally lose himself in her eyes. He stole another kiss off of her pouting lips eagerly.
"That's more like it," she declared with relish. "May we, Sire?" She motioned toward the onlookers.
"You may." Rodor treasured the moment as the couple stepped toward their friends and allies. He enjoyed watching them accept the hearty congratulations and well wishes.
"It is something special. Is it not?" Freya queried.
"It is indeed." Rodor looked earnestly to her. "As they have said, my kingdom is open to you, Freya of Avalon. I value your friendship and that of your order. Please stay and take refreshment."
"I shall indeed. If you will excuse me, I believe I shall join in the festivities," she concurred with a bow before heading into the frenzy for her own exchange of personal blessings.
It is truly amazing what they have created. May you both see the greatest fruits of our kingdom, Merlin and Mithian. You deserve to be happy. Rodor eyed the now empty seats and the open doors in the back of the room. He knew of the brewing fight to come still he didn't care at that moment.
For now, they had their achievement. The couple had their love and union.
And for everyone, that's all that mattered…