by M. K. Eidem
As they reached where the family sat, Danton extended his hand and Jotham shook it.
"Take care of her," Danton said quietly.
"With my life," Jotham vowed. Nodding, Danton turned and took his seat.
Jotham then turned to Barek who had extended his hand. Jotham took it, but instead of releasing it, he pulled Barek in close for a hug.
"I'm happy for you, Dad," Barek murmured.
"Thank you, Son." With that, they separated, and as Barek sat down next to Danton, Jotham walked to the front of the Temple and took his place beside the Guide.
Kort's voice came across her earpiece informing all the guards the Queen was moving. A few moments later, the music changed, and everyone turned for the entrance of their future Queen.
Stephanie couldn't believe how magnificent her mother looked. She was the epitome of serene beauty and grace as she glided down the aisle. She heard the murmurs of appreciation over her mother's gown along with some gasps at the gold beading. Jotham's expression as Jacinda moved toward him left no one in doubt of his love for her. It was there for everyone to see. Once she was at his side, he took both of her hands in his and lifted them to his lips, then keeping one securely in his, turned and led her up the steps to the Guide.
Addressing the congregation, the Guide began. “Family. Friends. We gather here this day to witness the Union of this man to this woman." He turned his attention to Jotham. "Do you, King Jotham Kado Tibullus, accept this woman, Jacinda Anne Crocetti-Michelakakis, as your wife and Queen? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect her until you meet the ancestors?"
“I do," Jotham promised in a deep firm voice that easily carried throughout the Temple.
The Guide's gaze shifted to Jacinda. "Do you, Jacinda Anne Crocetti-Michelakakis, accept this man, King Jotham Kado Tibullus, as your husband and King? Do you promise to love, honor and support him until you meet the ancestors?”
"I do," Jacinda replied smiling into Jotham's eyes, and while her voice was softer, the love and conviction in it could be heard in the farthest reaches of the building.
The Guide covered their joined hands with his own. "Then by the power vested in me by the ancestors, I pronounce this Union sealed." As Jotham and Jacinda turned, he continued. "Ladies and gentleman, I present to you King Jotham and his Queen, Jacinda."
As the couple made their way down the aisle, the congregation rose, music played, and outside the Temple, bells rang signifying to those outside that the Union was sealed.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
The next few hours were filled with the taking of Royal visuals starting with the ones at the Temple where the couple stepped out onto the balcony to wave to the mass of people gathered there and to share their first public kiss as King and Queen. The rest of the family then joined them and waved to the crowd for several minutes.
After that, everyone returned to the Palace where official visuals were taken in several locations, some containing just Jotham and Jacinda while others had the entire family in them, including Nick in his Captain's uniform.
Finally, it was time for Jotham and Jacinda to begin attending the various banquets. They gave hugs, kisses, handshakes, and goodbyes to every member of the family as early the next morning Jotham and Jacinda would be leaving to spend some time alone in the Baku region.
It meant Stephanie was able to return to her duties as Commander and coordinate the movement of all her guards. It also gave her time to deal with any problems that might occur with the other few Royals who'd chosen to remain in Pechora in their Consul.
The hour grew late as Stephanie monitored all the comms. Nothing major had occurred other than a few overzealous well-wishers who'd tried to hug the Royal couple. They'd quickly been controlled with no harm done.
A light knock on her open office door had her looking up to find Barek standing there holding two glasses and a bottle of wine.
"Barek, what are you doing up so late?" she asked gesturing for him to take a seat on the couch along one wall as she came out from behind her desk.
"I couldn't sleep and thought you might like to have a nightcap with me." Setting the glasses down, he reached into a pocket and pulled out the bottle opener. With a skill Stephanie envied, he opened the bottle and poured two glasses.
"I'm still on duty," she told him even as she reached for a glass of the dark, red liquid.
"Which one glass won't interfere with," he said relaxing back into the couch. "So any problems come up I need to know about?"
Stephanie understood his question. Jotham had put Barek in charge while he and Jacinda were gone.
"No, just a few over eager citizens; easily handled."
"Good. Dad and Jacinda deserve some peace after everything that's happened over the last few moon cycles."
"Agreed," she said tapping her glass against his. "Here's to peace."
"Peace," Barek agreed.
They sat there for several minutes just enjoying their wine and thinking back over the day when her comm rang. With a sigh, she set her glass down and returned to her desk. Seeing the code, she frowned then opened it.
"High Admiral, what can I do for you? Your family is alright, aren't they?"
"Cassandra and the children are fine," he reassured her, impressed that her first thought was for his family.
"Then what can I do for you?"
"I've been trying to comm Jotham, but he isn't answering."
"He and Mom are intentionally not carrying their comms. Is this an emergency?"
"Not necessarily for the House of Protection, but I know he would want to be informed."
"You may inform me of it then, High Admiral," Barek said moving around Stephanie's desk so he could be seen. "My father has entrusted me with handling the business of the House of Protection while he and Jacinda are gone."
"Barek, I didn't know you were there."
Stephanie wondered at the change in the High Admiral's demeanor. Whereas before he had been concerned but open, now knowing Barek was there he'd stiffened, and that made no sense as she knew they had a close relationship.
"Now you do. So what is so important that you think my father would like to be interrupted on his Union night?"
After a long moment, the High Admiral announced. "Amina Michelakakis has disappeared."
From the Author
First, I want to thank you for reading my story. I know it's been a long time coming. I love the Challenge series because it's filled with strong women who are willing to fight for what they want despite the costs or 'challenges.'
Music has always played an essential part in this series, even if it was only in the background because in real life I do believe it influences us. An inspirational song can lift us up and can change our attitude if just for a moment.
That's why for the first time, I'm going to list the songs and the artists singing them that have been referenced in this story.
Cyndy's song to Peter is Whitney Houston's “A Song For You.”
Jotham's request for Jacinda is “All By Myself” by Celine Dion.
Jacinda's song for Jotham is “Rise Up” by Andra Day.
Cyndy's final song with the children choir is “Let's Talk About Love” by Celine Dion.
I'd love to hear from you. You can reach me at [email protected] or on Facebook at facebook.com/mkeidem
Additional Books
Cassandra's Challenge: The Challenge Series, Book 1
Victoria's Challenge: The Challenge Series, Book 2
Jacinda's Challenge: The Challenge Series, Book 3
Grim: Tornians Book 1
A Grim Holiday: Tornians Book 2
Wray: Tornians Book 3
Ynyr: Tornians Book 4
Oryon: Tornians Book 5
A Grim Pet: Tornians Book 6
Nikhil: Kaliszians Book 1
Treyvon: Kaliszians Book 2
Kirall's Kiss: Kiss Series Book 1
Autumn's Kiss: Kiss Series Book 2
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M K Eidem, Stephanie's Challenge
