Suddenly Enthroned

by C R Riley

  Right as I was finishing up with my hair and makeup, there was a soft knock on the main door. Helena is in the apartment with me, quarters I guess is the right word, but this in my opinion is an apartment. She is getting it ready for her and Isabel. They are going to spend the next few days here to give Antonio and me some time alone. Said it was easier to move them than him since it was only for a few days anyways. I was heading back to Homero on Tuesday so I could get back and complete the work on the home the three of us would share one day.

  I nearly cry when my mother’s face appears in the mirror I am gazing into. Spinning in my chair so I can really look at her, I knock over my glass of water and spill it down the front of me. Good thing I am still dressed in my robe.

  “Oh Larkin, you will forever be the clumsy girl who worries when there is nothing to worry about.” She tells me as she grabs a towel and begins cleaning up the mess. “Breathe my sweet little bird. Breathe and understand that your father and I support you one hundred percent. This is your home now, so there is no reason to put it off any longer. Claim that man as yours and show them all that my Larkin Moon was born to free him so he too could fly with you.”

  “I love you mother.” I throw my arms around her. “You must be exhausted from your trip. I’m sorry.”

  “Your father and I were able to sleep on the lovely plane your soon to be husband sent us. Now come let us get you dressed. There is a very impatient man out there waiting on you. His mother told me she has never seen him so unnerved before. Both his brothers are having their fun with it though, and I if I don’t get you out of here soon, I’m certain he will barge in to see what the holdup is.” She unzips the garment bag and gasps.

  I step in behind her and stare at the lacey white simple dress I selected. It looks like a vintage dress in my opinion, but it isn’t. The A-line skirt is beautifully decorated with French tulle—that’s what the seamstress told me at least. Lace overlays the deep sweetheart neckline, held up by a star-shaped pattern with narrow straps in the open back. It even has a tulle train that can be detached, although it is not very long, so I don’t understand the reasoning on that. The dress could not be more perfect, and I know my mother is thinking the same thing I am.

  “Larkin.” She covers her mouth. “It is exactly like I imagined.”

  “It’s not my design mother, but I thought the same when I saw it. It’s almost exactly like the one I used to sketch as a little girl.” I reach out and touch it. “A sign I believe.”

  “Most definitely a sign my sweet girl. God sometimes has a very unique way of letting us know he planned this out long before we were even capable of putting it all together. And just because it is a path that follows his plan, does not mean it will be an easy one. Often time God’s path can be rather rocky, but stay the course and keep your eyes on him and it will be manageable. Trials and tribulation are a part of life that we cannot avoid. Picking the right person to walk through them with you is what is key to surviving them. You my dear girl have done a very good job doing just that.” My mother certainly has a way with words.

  That doesn’t mean I am still not freaking out right now. It only means that I am freaking out a little less than before. And as soon as we have the dress on and everything seems to be in place, she calls my father to come and escort us both to where the others are waiting.

  So here I am, standing just outside the main doors, trying to remember to breathe. My father is by my side doing his best to keep me calm, making all the guards keeping watch snicker at his stupid jokes.

  “Did you know why the King of Hearts married the Queen of Hearts? They were perfectly suited for each other.” He chuckles. “Okay let me offer you some words of wisdom. I have after all been married to your mother for almost thirty-four years. It wasn’t always easy. We had our ups and downs along the way. Got in a good fight or two where she wanted to use her skills as a surgeon and open me up a few times I’m sure. So let me offer you a few words of encouragement, that will hopefully help you in this journey you are about to embark upon.

  “A successful marriage requires falling in love many times and always with the same person. You may not always feel loved or even have that feeling of being in love, and the best way to rectify that is to do something about it. Don’t expect Antonio to be the one to perceive the signs, see them with your own eyes and then do something about it. Be the one who does what needs to be done to rekindle the flame that may have dwindle down to a few hot coals. You make the effort, and I guarantee you that man of yours will quickly follow. We cannot expect even our spouses to read our minds; even after thirty-four years that woman I married is still a very intriguing mystery to me.

  “Share a good bowl of popcorn every so often. Lots of things can happen during that time. Conversation typically takes place; even simple conversation is important. Hands often bump when you reach in the bowl at the same time. Forcing you to touch the other person. And one cannot share a bowl of popcorn unless they are seated next to the other person. So, it brings you together, close enough to feel that person’s physical existence. Not to mention we all know how popcorn is a very sneaky invention that often falls into places us men find very fascinating.”

  “Daddy.” I squeak out. “I cannot believe you.”

  “Yes, you can. I do believe you used to chastise me when I would throw popcorn at your mother, so she could catch it in her mouth. You always said I was aiming lower just so I could watch her retrieve it. You were not wrong about that Larkin, and the older I get, my aim has only gotten so much worse.”

  Gino chuckles as he opens the main door. “Man, after my own heart. I do believe I like your father Larkin.”

  “Everyone likes my father Gino. He is a very free-spirited man and often over shares.” I roll my eyes.

  “But tell me Larkin. Are you more relaxed now than you were before?” My father adjusts my hand resting in his arm. “Shall we, my beloved daughter, get this show on the road?”

  I am so much more relaxed than I was before. My father’s playful spirit has once again taken my mind off of the fact that I am about to become a married woman. Not just a married woman but also a Queen. I still do not feel like I deserve such a title. I fear that it will all return when the doors open completely. The moment I see the long march we have to travel to make it to the front, my breathing starts to falter again.

  That is until I spot my man, dressed in that same suit he wore the night I was first invited to a Palace celebration. He looks as stunning as he did then, with one noticeable exception. The moment our eyes lock, I suddenly become aware that he is equally as nervous about this as I am. Or he was, now he just seems anxious to get this ceremony over with so that he can finally put all his past uncertainties behind him and live the life he has always dreamed of.

  Don’t ask me too much about the ceremony, because it would be a lie if I tried to tell you much about it. Most of it is one big blur that I was trapped inside, while staring at the man whose eyes had put me in a trance.

  I remember repeating our vows, traditional ones. Exchanging rings. Taking communion as a way of promising to keep God in this marriage. Repeating some words, I didn’t quite understand—Antonio translated for me, something about how I would not only be faithful to my husband, but also faithful to the throne. Making a sacred vow to reign over Hermosa Islas and obey the King, not only as the ruler of this country but also over the house we would establish together. Promising to forsake all other loyalties that would interfere with my duties as the King’s spouse as I take my rightful place by his side.

  Afterwards Antonio took a sash from one of his brother’s and drapes it across my left shoulder as he speaks a verse that I assume makes it official. He repeats it in English so that I know what he was saying, it basically states that as King he presents me with his colors, proving that I am now Queen and together we will rule over his land.

  Then he turns to present me to those in attendance. Everyone delivers a respectful bow. At that time Prince E
steban walks over to one of the thrones and picks up a very heavy looking crown resting on a pillow. Antonio takes it carefully off the pillow and smiles fondly at me as he places the priceless jeweled crown on top of my head, securing it way easier than I imagine I would have. Prince Esteban then places an even larger, more masculine crown atop of King Antonio’s.

  Once that is done, Antonio blinks a few times and turns to the Vicar and nods. The man emits a bunch of wordy words and then declares us King and Queen before he gives Antonio permission to kiss his Queen. Which he does and I believe I swoon right there in front of our families.

  We do a procession of sorts, I guess. Unlike any I have ever seen done before. Antonio takes my hand and walks me up the last few steps of the platform to the two gold covered thrones designated as the King and Queen’s. He stands in front of them and waits for me to understand what we are about to do.

  “You want me to sit in that?” I glance behind me feeling unworthy.

  “Yes, Queen Larkin Moon Reyes, I want you to take your place by my side and sit in the throne that is rightfully now yours. Shall we mi lunaita, affirm our united reign. Tis usually tradition that the Queen sit first, but I want to make a statement that proclaims you as my equal in all things. Tomorrow evening when we do this again, when I introduce you to my kingdom, it will be a sign that I have publicly declared you as my equal in all things, and I do so willingly therefore, expecting all others to treat you as they would me. Let us make a statement and be the best King and Queen duo to ever rule Hermosa Islas.” He leans over and kisses me and then we sit down together, at the same time, as he holds our joined hands high for all to see.

  And the reality of what just happened washes over me. Holy freaking Captain Underpants. I am now a Queen, a genuine Queen that others will look to for guidance. Suddenly I burst into a nervous laugh that I am sure has to seem a little crazy.

  Chapter 32

  Antonio

  I wait for her to stop laughing as I hold our hands high. She means no disrespect I know this. My family knows this as well. So, we all patiently wait for her to calm before continuing.

  Through the last bits of laugher Larkin tries to apologize. “I’m sorry. That was so not very appropriate.”

  My elbow is now resting on the arm of my throne, so I tilt towards her and bring her hand to my lips. “I do believe it was the most genuine reaction ever to transpire in this room. Reality can sometimes hit us hard, making laughter the only suitable way to deal with it. Never apologize my dear wife for letting your emotions free. A Queen never apologizes unless her King orders her to. I will never order you to do anything.”

  “Are you my King now?” She lets out a very sweet sigh and smiles sincerely.

  “I am. I am your King. I am your equal. I am your husband. I am your lover. I am your most trusted confidant. I am whatever you need me to be from this point forward.” I kiss her hand again. “And you are my everything.”

  A throat clears so I glance up to find my brother Esteban standing at the top step. When I nod once he kneels, letting only his knee graze the step and then proceeds. “Congratulations Your Majesty. I vow to be of serves to both of you whenever called upon. It is my honor to be the first to welcome our Queen to the fold.”

  Larkin giggles as she offers her hand to Esteban. “Prince Esteban, thank you. Must we keep this so formal?”

  Esteban being the spokesperson for the family tells her the honest truth. “Yes. Here in this sacred room formality shall always prevail Your Majesty. However, if it is your wish outside of these four walls, I shall address you in whatever manner you request.”

  Lorenzo is next; he bows in the same manner as my other brother. “Your Majesty sure does know how to shake things up a bit. Nice to see Larkin … pardon I misspoke. Nice to see Queen Larkin has successfully removed the stick Father shoved up that royal butt of yours. My Queen, you are looking divine this evening. I do believe tomorrow night you will make a few women have to choke on their words. It will be a show I would pay money to attend.”

  Princess Gabriela and Princess Isabel walk up together. Both speak briefly to me before making a comment about Larkin’s dress, expressing how lovely it looks on her. They are both equally as thrilled to have another woman in the family, one who will hopefully remain on their side.

  My mother follows them, so I rise to receive her and Larkin follows. After she has kissed both our cheeks, she motions for us to sit back down. “My Majesty, you have done what no other Sovereign before you ever have. You have found love in its truest of form. I charge you to cherish your chosen Queen always. I charge you to be faithful to her in all things. Be the example my son, to the next heir the two of you will one day create. Never back down when those who wish to witness you fall come for you. They will come; therefore, you must unite and hold strong.

  “Queen Larkin, I am beyond overjoyed to welcome you. You have given my son the one thing I never could. You have given him the power of love. I charge you to love him like no one else ever could. Be the safe refuge he can turn to when he needs to rest and unburden his soul. Provide him with the strength needed to be a good and wise leader. Stand by his side as his equal and never forget that he chose you over all the others.”

  Larkin stands again and wraps my mother in her arms. “I promise I will Your Royal Highness. I promise you that I will.”

  Last Larkin’s parents stand and begin to do the same as the others, however I stop them. “No need to bow before us. I am not your King and she is most definitely not your Queen.”

  “Probably best because I am certain to mess it up anyways.” Her father extends a hand and then yanks me hard against him. “Fine man you are Antonio, fine man indeed. Love Larkin with all your heart, mind and soul. Cherish each day as if it could be your last. And always buy her a dress that has a zipper in the back, because a dress that zips up in the back will bring a husband and wife together. First it will be to assist her so you can take her out and show her off. Later it will be so you can lend a hand to slip her out of it, at that time you should take full advantage of the situation, maybe even allow her to help you slip out of your clothing as well.”

  I cannot help but chortle at this man’s sense of humor. “I will keep that in mind Sam. I can tell you are a smart man, since you have held on to your beautiful wife for so many years. Eleanor you are truly a treasure and almost steal the show with your beauty.”

  Eleanor pats my cheek before she leans in to kiss it. “A charmer to the core this one. Take care of my darling daughter. Protect her when she needs it. Sore high together away from all the pressures this life is sure to bring. You do that and you and I will always get along, but hurt her and keep in mind that I am very skilled with a scalpel.”

  “Point well-made and understood. I promise to never give you a reason to prove that to me.” I kiss both her cheeks and watch as she and Larkin have a mother/daughter moment.

  As soon as they are done and join the others at the main door, I take Larkin’s hand and tuck it in the crook of my arm. Then I lead her down the aisle and out the main doors. We walk through the portrait gallery and down the long corridor.

  She is very quiet the entire walk and I have to wonder what she is thinking right now. As we turn the corner that leads to my quarters I decide to speak.

  “So, it’s been a long evening,” I start there.

  “It has.” Her eyes glance up at me. “Dinner at a very fancy French restaurant.”

  “A lovely evening at the opera,” I smile.

  “A most interesting introduction into the life of a socialist. I’d say we could eliminate that part, but then I’m not sure if we did, we would have ended it like this.” Larkin leans her head against my arm. “So out of curiosity how many first dates do you imagine end like this?”

  I pause outside my door and stand there so I can take her all in. I want to remember this moment for the rest of my life. “I’m guessing, not many. And to be fair, ours wasn’t really a first date. It was however th
e first time I had the pleasure of taking you out and showing you off properly. I believe I said I wanted to take you to dinner, and a show, then end it by taking you home and giving you a proper goodbye.”

  I lean in and kiss her lips softly, knowing that if I am not careful things could get out of hand quickly. Kissing her is always a risk, because it always makes me desire more. More before tonight was not a possibility, but now she is my wife, so more is anything she will allow me to have.

  Larkin pulls away and backs up against the wall next to the door. “So, know that we’ve done the proper goodbye kiss, are you going to show me the not so proper one?”

  Sliding the key into the lock, I wait until I hear the click and shove it open. Stalking her like the tiger she has awaken inside of me, I dip down and scoop her into my arms. The yelp that echoes down the dark long corridor hasn’t ever sounded so lovely.

  “Not exactly.” I warn her as I carry her across the threshold and kick the door closed. “I was thinking of showing you the proper way a husband shows his wife how much he loves her.”

  A shiver travels down her body and I catch sight of the heat building in her eyes. “Are you nervous about this?”

  She shakes her head as she stares at my lips. “Not really.”

  “Will you let me love you tonight Larkin?” I start walking towards the master suite. “Mark you as mine.”

  “Yes. Please.” She whispers and then attacks my lips with a kiss that has me halting my progress so I don’t run into a wall or drop her.

  I shuffle my feet again, knowing that if I don’t get moving soon, I will be taking her here in the hallway. After the link Isaac provided me, I realize wall sex might be a possibility, keep me from going so deep that first time. Although I’m not sure wall sex is the way I want to take her this first time.

  As soon as we are inside the room, I set her feet on the ground but don’t stop kissing her right away. Instead I wrap my arms around her and tug her snug against my body, and then shuffle her backwards until I feel her bump into one of the tall bedposts.