Camelot
February, 508 AD
"Isn't it a bit too much?" I asked with a grimace when I noticed how prevalent my eyelashes became thanks to the makeup that Gwen just applied. "I don't wanna look like the Black Swan, or whatever," I added in a mumble.
My friend huffed and raised an eyebrow as she stated, "I am the fairy godmother – remember?" My jaw dropped for a moment before a big smile formed on my face. "I know what I am doing."
Momentarily forgetting about the instruction to stay still, I turned my head around to look at Hunith and Elena – the latter of whom sat on my bed while amusedly inspecting my Avengers pillows – as I chirped, "Did y'all hear that?! She's finally embracing the title!"
Gwen grabbed my head and guided it back to where she could easily continue doing my makeup, which caused me to pout.
The Princess chuckled. "Is it a wise title, though? Is not magic illegal?"
"Yeah, but Artie will know it's metaphorical," I responded with a nonchalant shrug, then I frowned. "Or I'll tell 'em it is, 'cause he's not very bright," I added semi-jokingly.
Hunith gaped at me with a disapproving look and I gave her a smirk.
"No, he really is not," Elena stated bluntly which caused me to burst out laughing.
I could see Gwen trying to fight a smile as she gave me a pointed look and demanded, "Stop moving around, Astra."
I let out a puff, but complied and allowed her to keep doing her thing whilst entertaining myself by fiddling with the spare hair-tie I keep on my wrist.
A comfortable silence embraced the room and I discreetly let my eyes travel towards Elena, who'd moved on to examine my Funko Pop collection. Then I glanced up at Gwen for a second before returning my attention to the hair-tie. A big realisation hit me: I've never had female friends to hang out with like this before!
I mean, Marie usually just dragged me around when we went to the mall while she rambled on about her many conquests (we were fifteen, mind you!) and I hung back and listened quietly. Back then, I'd been almost like a pet donkey for Marie to amuse herself with when her other friends were busy. Right now, with Gwen and Elena, it feels different to that. We are equals. And I can feel that they really care for me, just as I certainly care a lot about them.
And Hunith? Well, she's like another aunt to me, at this point. She was so excited when I personally travelled to Ealdor two weeks ago – along with Merlin – and told her to pack so that she could come to the wedding. Obviously, she's not a replacement for my Aunt Kelly, but I'm still elated to have her with me. She's definitely family.
A smile creeped onto my lips as I felt a wave of contentment.
"What are you laughing at now?" Gwen asked with an amused look as she moved on to do my hair.
I snorted and shook my head. "Nothing. Just thinkin'."
"About Arthur?" Elena asked with a wink.
"He wishes," I responded.
After a long debate with Gwen, she relented to allowing me to keep my hair loose for the occasion. She'd suggested a high bun, but I really don't think it would fit me. She insisted that it would, but I don't wanna risk looking like a clown and ruining everything. So I convinced her to simply let my hair do whatever it wants to do. In my time, I might've asked her to accentuate my natural waves – but that's not obviously possible here, considering that there's no electricity for a curling iron, or whatever.
While watching her concentrated look out of the corner of my eye, I wondered if she misses doing this for Morgana. She definitely must've been a way easier client than I am. And her natural beauty had likely allowed Gwen to experiment with many things without risking ending up with something resemblant of ogre!Princess Fiona.
"All done," Gwen stated as she took a couple of steps away from me, giving me space to inspect her job in the mirror.
Despite my initial reservations, I have to admit that I look good. The make up isn't extravagant at all, just enough to bring out the green in my eyes and slightly improve the way my features appear. And my hair looks shiny and vibrant as the dark brown waves fall down my back with confidence.
With that out of the way, I went into my closet and put on the radiant dress that Gwen made for me. It is pale blue in colour with symmetric silver trimmings ornamenting the upper torso, waist, and the lower part of the ample skirt. The sleeves are long and slightly loose, though not entirely 'trumpet' style, and the neckline is a modest 'v' shape that slightly exposes the collarbone. As usual, I kept a base-layer and leggings underneath.
I slipped on my black Converse – which I cleaned thoroughly yesterday, even if they won't be visible under the long skirt – and I went back to my room, biting down on my bottom lip as I eyed my friends for a reaction.
"Oh, sister! You look wonderful!" Elena was the first one to dart to my side and she grabbed one of my hands as she pretty much forced me to twirl around.
My cheeks warmed and I looked down.
"Gwennie did a great job," I mumbled.
"You are the image of a queen if ever I saw one," Hunith claimed with a tender smile.
Her words struck me like a lightning bolt from an angry Thor. My eyes widened while my heart began to violently pound against my chest – like an inmate on crack battling to break out of prison – and my ears began to ring a little.
"Oh, sweet girl, what is wrong? You have gone pale!" the woman exclaimed as she placed a gentle hand on my cheek.
I gulped and drew in a shaky breath. "I'm really doin' this, aren't I?"
"Are you having second thoughts?" she questioned softly.
I let out a puff and moved to sit on my bed, curling up against the headrest. I grabbed my Captain America pillow and cuddled it to my chest. "I-I just..." I cringed at my own stuttering. "What do I know about being a queen? Doesn't Arthur need someone who's better suited for the job? I'm a nobody from Texas!"
My three companions exchanged wary looks.
"I don't wanna doom the whole kingdom just 'cause I fell in love with its king."
Gwen took a seat next to me and she placed a gentle hand on my shoulder as she stated, "Astra, you already are a queen. You have been for a long time." I raised a sceptical eyebrow at her. All I do is make jokes and commit harmless treason. "Today will simply make it official."
"But–"
"No buts, little miss!" Elena cut me off, almost yelling. I recoiled at the unexpected interference. "The throne is yours. Not because you were born into it, or because of a favourable marriage arrangement, but because you have proven yourself worthy of it."
"Arthur would not have passed up on two perfectly well-suited princesses if he did not think you were right for the job," Gwen added.
I couldn't help but chuckle weakly at that. "Didn't we just establish that he's not very bright?"
"Perhaps, but he loves Camelot more than anything – almost anything. He would not be putting half of it in your hands if he did not believe you can manage the responsibility," she responded oh-so-wisely.
I casted Captain America aside and stood up with a shaky sigh, trying to arm myself with courage. "All right. Let's do this, then."
"Well, not yet. The ceremony has not started," Gwen reminded me.
I returned to my seat. "Right."
With the momentary cold feet crisis out of the way, we started talking about other things – namely, recounting the tales of Gawant to Hunith, who seemed only a bit too amused to hear them. I suspect they are purposely trying to keep my mind off what is coming soon, which is nice.
My ego got a huge boost when Elena started praising Dallas's athletic capabilities as she told the woman about our little race before her wedding.
However, the story was cut halfway through by a knock at the door.
I went to open it, but Gwen beat me to it.
"I come bearing gifts," I heard my brother's voice. Then he was let inside the room and he froze when his gaze landed on me. "Astra – you look incredible!" he exclaimed with a big smile.
I felt my cheeks get warm and I looked down while mumbling, "Thanks, Merls."
Merlin darted towards me and he wrapped me in a hug. I leaned against him and rested my head on his chest, feeling very much at peace with him here. Like an emotional support puppy.
He pulled away before too long and dug something out of his pocket. He revealed a beautiful silver necklace from which hung a semi-anatomical heart pendant with a red gemstone inside. It was simple, yet elegant.
"Arthur sends this," my brother said as he let the necklace fall onto my hand. "He says it belonged to his mother."
My eyes could've somersaulted out of their sockets as my jaw dropped. "Really?!" I asked while looking the object over again, more carefully this time.
Merlin nodded. "He says that his father left it for him so that he could give it to his future queen."
A small smile formed on my lips at the memory of my buddy 'Utah' – despite the fact that he was very much a horrible person – and I ran my thumb over the pendant, finding that it was smooth and sturdy.
I quickly wiped a tear that defied my will by rolling down my cheek.
"No! Your make-up!" Gwen cried and she rushed to my side; then she took the necklace from me, gently set it down on the desk, and dragged me towards the vanity – presumably so that she could fix whatever damage had been done.
"Blame Arthur," I told her with a grin.
"Any jacks?" I asked Elena as a smirk formed on my face. I'm only missing one to complete the match!
"Go fish," she responded with a wink, causing me to groan and pull another card from the fishing pond.
And, wouldn't you know it, I got the exact card I needed. I let out a 'whoop' and laid out the four jacks on the table, then I threw up my arms in triumph.
The Princess narrowed her eyes at me. "You are one lucky girl," she grumbled.
"Well, I would say it is a good omen for her wedding day," Hunith commented while sending me a sweet smile.
A bubbling feeling of anticipation settled in my chest and a chill ran down my spine.
"Have you got any sevens?" Elena asked Gwen to her other side. The latter huffed and handed over a pair of sevens while the former cheered in victory before laying down her match.
Once more, we were interrupted by a knock on the door. Then Merlin peeked inside and he frowned when he noticed what we were doing, his eyes darting among the four of us. "Are you gambling again?" he asked after a few moments.
"Nah, just playin'. We're savin' that for later," I responded with a mischievous grin.
My brother rolled his eyes, though there was a glint of amusement in them. "Well, you had better cut it short because the ceremony is starting."
My heart dropped to my stomach and my lungs froze over.
Fork, I'm not ready.
Hunith placed a comforting hand on my arm. "It will be all right, Astra. You are ready for this."
I let out a shaky sigh and nodded before setting down my cards atop the table and leaving my chair. Merlin gave me a reassuring grin before rushing out of the room, and Hunith and Elena each gave me a quick hug before following him, leaving me alone with Gwen.
She stepped over to me and hugged me, too. I allowed her to attempt to comfort me for a few moments as she rubbed gentle circles on my back while I focused on taking deep breaths. "Do you need a few moments?" she asked in a whisper.
I shook my head and separated from her. "Nah, let's just rip off the band-aid."
Side-by-side, we walked out of my room and slowly made our way towards the throne room while I silently tried to keep my breathing even – which was proving to be far from a simple task. I'd have an easier time attempting to keep up with Usain Bolt. I felt like a toothpaste tube being squeezed for the last few drops!
Gwen grabbed my arm and halted just before the turn to the final stretch of corridor. "Are you all right?" she asked gently.
"Yeah. C'mon. I need to get there before my flight instinct kicks in!" I spewed out before continuing to walk at a faster pace than we were going at before. She chuckled and hurried to catch up with me.
Just prior to the grand wooden doors stood Gaius, who sported a long rich-looking red tunic and a grandfatherly smile that appeased my internal rattled bee-hive for half-a-second. I let out a shaky sigh and walked over to him before linking my arm with his.
"Thank you for allowing me this honour, dear Astra," he said in a sweet tone.
"W-who else would I h-have asked?" I responded, stuttering a little (a lot) as the nerves really started to consume me like fire did Mary Winchester in the first episode of 'Supernatural'.
Gwen squeezed my free arm. "I will see you inside. You will be all right," she whispered before slipping into the room.
"Are you ready, dear?" Gaius asked.
My heart froze for a few seconds before I turned to face him, my lungs feeling extremely strained as they battled to pass even the smallest amounts of oxygen.
"N-no. B-but I'm not b-backing out," I paused to gulp. "S-so we might as well g-get it over with."
"Relax, it is only Arthur," he told me softly.
"Yeah, a-and a whole f-forkin' kingdom," I reminded him. And scary private husband-and-wife rituals later tonight, but I'm not gonna say that aloud.
"You can still back out."
"No way, let's do this!" And with that little burst of pretend confidence, I nodded for Louis and Marius to open the doors as my heart taunted me with the threat of becoming independent from my body.
The grand wooden portals separated to reveal a large, expectant crowd inside the lavishly decorated room room. There were lots of almost-blinding red and gold banners representative of Camelot, and I'm not sure who thought of commissioning and hanging a US flag (my bet is Merlin), but it was surprising – in a good way, of course.
I was pierced by a hundred gazes and I swallowed thickly.
Oh, fork! I should've ran!
I held my breath as my widened eyes darted in all directions, scanning over the slightly blurred figures of all the guests as my brain spun with dizziness.
Maybe we should've had a more private ceremony. With just our close friends.
Then my gaze fell on Arthur at the other side of the aisle.
He looked absolutely enchanting in his kingly crown, red cape, and formal black shirt. A big smile graced his lips, and his eyes were pooled with tears. There must've been some sort of magical antidote radiating off his being, because all the oxygen I'd been lacking suddenly re-entered my body, nurturing each one of my cells as my eyes connected with his breath-taking cerulean ones.
I had to resist the urge to break off running and jump into his arms. I allowed a smile to form on my lips as Gaius walked me down the long red carpet that lay atop the wooden tiles.
"Slow down," Gaius whispered when I subconsciously got a little too eager.
"Sorry," I replied in the same manner, not once glancing away from the King. My King.
The whole walk, short as it likely seemed in the spectators' eyes, was dreadful. It almost felt like the finish line kept moving further and further away the closer we seemed to get. As if the world was taunting me with freezing me in the moment forever and never allowing me to reach the love of my life.
Finally, in defiance of any opposing forces, we made it to the altar. And it was like finding an oasis after having wandered the Sahara desert for a whole summer month without any water.
Gaius released me just as Arthur grabbed my hand. An electricity spread through me at his touch and my heart performed a happy dance under a blinding disco ball as he led me to stand in front of Geoffrey of Monmouth – who will officiate the ceremony.
I tried to get Merlin to do it but, shockingly, in medieval Britain one can't just simply go on the internet and get ordained. He's still the best man, though! Along with the other knights of the round table; 'cause there are no limits to how many of those one can have when it comes to the King.
"You look absolutely beautiful, my darling," Arthur whispered as he took my other hand in his free one when we turned to face each other again.
I felt my cheeks get warm. "Thanks. You, too."
"Dearly beloved and honoured guests –" Geoffrey began speaking in a firm, unwavering voice that bounced against the stone walls of the grand room, "we are gathered together here to join our King, Arthur Pendragon, and the Lady-Knight Astraea Aphelion in holy matrimony."
The giddy feeling in my heart intensified and I tightened my grip on Arthur's hands.
I can't believe this is really happening! If this is a dream, please never ever wake me!
He gently rubbed his thumbs over my knuckles.
Geoffrey turned to Arthur, "Do you, Arthur Pendragon, take this woman, Astraea Aphelion, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Arthur replied without hesitation, his eyes not leaving mine as he gave my hands a gentle squeeze.
I could die happy in this very moment – but the amazingness of life is only just beginning and I'm all in for the ride for as long as it shall be!
Geoffrey grinned and turned to me, "Do you, Astraea Aphelion, take this man, Arthur Pendragon, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?"
"Heck yeah!" I exclaimed. My eyes widened at my accidental excessive enthusiasm (is it really excessive, though?) and I quickly corrected myself, "I mean – I do."
I could hear some faint laughter – mostly Merlin's – but I didn't dare to look away from the King. My King!
Merlin stepped up beside Arthur, holding a small ornamented wooden box, and Gwen stepped up beside me, holding a similar item.
"Rings will now be exchanged, which will be symbolic of the love and commitment that Arthur and Astraea have for one another," Geoffrey announced to the public.
I couldn't help the tears that pooled in my eyes as Arthur gently removed the 'place-holder' ring he gave me a bit over a year ago, and he promptly replaced it with 'the real one'. It is a beautiful, yet simple, silver band with curved patterns engraved on it, and atop sits a small blue diamond. I absolutely love it!
A big smile broke on my face as we made eye-contact again.
"Astraea – when I first met you, I thought you were the strangest creature I had ever met," Arthur started speaking, causing a chorus of gasps to echo the room while I chuckled, feeling grateful that he's adding some humour into the situation. "Now I know, without a doubt, that you are, indeed, that," he added with a teasing smile that warmed my heart as I giggled like a schoolgirl. "But you are also incredibly caring, and smart, and loyal, and noble, and brave, and strong... You have always pushed me to be better, even without realising it, and I know that I would not be half the man I am today if I had not met you. You are my biggest inspiration in life, my love." Tears began to freely stream from my eyes, no doubt ruining the make-up that Gwen worked so hard on. I really had to hold back on the urge to jump into his arms as I did my best to keep my face composed, but I was failing miserably as his words caressed my very soul. "And I promise to hold you up when you need strength, and to share in your every joy. To stand beside you no matter what we are facing. And to protect and cherish you for as long as I may live. I love you three-thousand."
"You promised you wouldn't make me cry, you jerk," I whispered as I let myself fall against his chest, unable to keep myself upright any longer. He chuckled as he caught me and he held me firmly against his body, then he placed a tender kiss on the top of my head.
I wish I could stay in his arms for the rest of my days, but we kinda have a show to put on. So I forced my mind to sort itself out and released a shaky breath before pushing back. Arthur reached to wipe away the remaining tears with his thumb and then he gave me a reassuring smile.
Reluctantly, I looked away from him and turned slightly towards Gwen so that I could take the ring – a golden band with a simple mosaic engraved on it. I got it last-minute from the only jeweller in Ealdor because my pathetically dumb brain forgot about that minor detail until Merlin suddenly reminded me of it on our journey to get Hunith. I'd be ridiculously lost without him!
Arthur helped me to slip the ring onto his finger when my trembling hands comically failed to complete the task on their own.
I realised something that caused my eyes to widen and I gulped. I forgot to grab the cheesy speech I wrote down!
"Fork," I mumbled under my breath. I guess I'll have to improvise.
Gwen tapped my shoulder and I turned my head to look at her again.
"You left this on your desk," she whispered as she handed me a paper aeroplane.
I frowned and unfolded it. Sure enough, it was my cheesy speech. I wonder how it got this way...
"Thanks, Gwennie," I said and gave her a small smile before turning back to an amused-looking Arthur.
I grinned sheepishly and scanned the paper, soon realising that the speech was very convoluted, nonsensical, and full of Marvel quotes – probably because I was freaking out while writing it last night. So I quickly folded it into an aeroplane again and flew it to the side, deciding to just wing it. I mean, Steve Rogers never planned any of his speeches and he always did great; so who says I can't do the same?
"A-artie..." I had to pause and mentally smack myself as if that would stop me from trembling so much. Not that it did any good. "L-life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get. For example, I got the whole jackpot and you got the whole crazy." Look, I wouldn't be me if I didn't include references and jokes. Lucky for me, those ones earned some laughs from around the room – even Arthur's as he shook his head. "Seriously though. I mean... five years ago, I never would've thought that I'd be able to find anyone who could tolerate my insane levels of crazy, let alone learn to love and accept them." Yeah, maybe I should've stuck with the script... "But by some crazy twist of fate, I found you. A-and I've been blessed to watch you grow into the man you are today... I've told you this before, but I'm gonna say it again – you're so much more than I could've ever prayed for, and you're honestly the greatest thing that's ever happened to me." I cringed when a bunch of 'awww's filled the room. I'm getting too cheesy! "I promise to always stand beside you, and to always try my best to be the person you deserve, and to not annoy you too much…" He playfully rolled his teary eyes at that. "I love you three-thousand, Artie."
Oh, fork, that was absolute crap! But maybe my King thinks differently, considering that he's freely crying now, too...
And so is Geoffrey, much to my surprise.
The elderly man wiped at his eyes and I shared an amused look with Arthur.
"Need a breather there, Jeff?" I asked teasingly.
"No, my Lady-Knight," he waved me off as his cheeks reddened. "I can do this."
He sniffled and cleared his throat before raising his voice so that it'd reach the whole room again, "King Arthur Pendragon and Lady-Knight Astraea Aphelion, inasmuch as you have pledged yourselves, each to the other, and have declared the same in the presence of this company by the exchange of vows and the giving and receiving of rings, by the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife." My heart could've blasted out of my chest in that moment, fuelled by supernatural levels of joy. "You may now kiss!"
The rest of the world dissipated into nothing as Arthur sneaked an arm around my waist and pulled me flush against his chest, then he placed a warm and gentle hand on the side of my face and leaned down to press his soft lips against mine, effectively sealing our fates for good. No backsies!
I wrapped my arms around his neck and allowed myself to melt into the kiss, savouring the present and the promise of a lifetime together. I'm not sure what heaven is like, but I'm willing to bet my horse that this is so much better.