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Cythera of Elden
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Cythera of Elden looked into the eyes of her love, Sir Gary of Naxen. He was kneeling beside her as she sat on a fallen log. They often wandered together into the Royal Forest, taking long meandering walks. Cythera felt safe; Gary was good with a sword. He could protect her.
Like the day that a big festival had been held to celebrate the birth of Prince Roald. Gary had brought Cythera to this secluded spot to celebrate on their own. In the midst of their...celebrating, a small wolf had attacked, and Gary had killed it, and then they laughed about it.
But now Gary's brave face was creased with worry.
"Are you sure, my love?" he asked, holding both of her hands in his. Cythera nodded.
"There is most definitely a child in my belly," she said. "Gary, we must marry or bring shame to Naxen and to Elden."
"Yes, my sweet," he mumbled, tracing her lean figure with calloused fingers. He was too shocked to realize that his words didn't sound true. He pulled her close, hugging her tightly. "I love you."
It won't be long, it won't be long, it won't-
Because it can't be long before our dreams come true.
Because you know I don't belong
And further more I shan't belong
To anyone but you.
"I had a wedding in mind," Cythera mumbled into Gary's shoulder. "I would be wearing a beautiful white gown, studded with pearls. You'd be standing at the end of the aisle, and I'd float down towards you. Then the priest would perform the marriage rites."
Gary lifted Cythera's chin with a finger. Her eyes were glistening with unshed tears.
"Why does the baby have to change that?" Gary asked. "We can still have a beautiful wedding. "
Cythera smiled shakily.
"Promise?" Gary grinned and kissed the end of her nose.
"Promise."
In a little while, just a little while
You and I will be 1, 2, 3, 4,
In a little while I will see your smile
On the face of my son to be-
Forever hand in glove
Is the way I have it planned
But I'll only stay in love
If the glove contains your hand.
In a velvet gown, I'll becoming down the aisle
And it's bound to seem as though the waiting's only been a little
In a little while.
"Sweet, when is the baby due?" Gary asked, hand on her stomach. Cythera smiled.
"Early April," she said, grasping his hand.
"April," he repeated, breathing deeply. "That's only six months."
"That's why we have to marry now," Cythera whispered.
My time is at a premium
For soon the world will see me a
Maternal bride-to-be
I know I mustn't worry Gary,
Still I wish you'd hurry Gary
Gary marry me.
Cythera smiled at Gary from across the dance hall. Looking around carefully to see that no one was watching, Cythera pressed her wedding gown to her body, showing off the faint bulge of her baby to her new husband. Gary grin widened, and he excused himself to the friend that he'd been talking with.
Cythera put her white-gloved hand in his and rose from her seat. For the past two weeks Gary had been treating her with the kind of delicacy that is reserved for antique vases. He put his free hand on Cythera's waist, leading her around the dance floor.
Chances were that people would know that their child was not conceived within their marriage, but Cythera didn't care. She would have a beautiful baby of her own, and the wait would be short.
In a little while, just a little while
You and I will be 1, 2, 3, 4,
In a little while I will see your smile
On the face of my son to be-
Forever hand in glove
Is the way I have it planned
But I'll only stay in love
If the glove contains your hand.
In a velvet gown, I'll becoming down the aisle
And it's bound to seem as though the waiting's only been a little
In a little while.
AN: I'm not sure I like the way this turned out. The song is "In a Little While" from the Broadway musical "Once Upon a Mattress." The part where is says "Gary," it's really "Harry."