All visitors were carefully searched to ensure they weren’t bringing anything harmful into the ceremony. Security, both the guest screening and the presence of vigilant officers, was more comprehensive than anyone had ever seen it.
The ceremony would incorporate wedding rituals from Destauria, Celmarea, and Arra, and its officiant would be Sawery, the Audician Minister of Culture. The intent was to promote Jaimin and Elaina’s vision of regional unity. Each guest, regardless of their national origin, would see elements familiar and foreign to them. The ceremony would also need to meet the legal and religious requirements of all three nations of which Elaina was royalty. Reconciling all these traditions had been a challenge, and Nastasha had overseen the efforts.
Aside from choosing their colors, Elaina and Jaimin had been left out of much of the planning on purpose. By some logic resulting from the melding of the traditions, they were not allowed to participate in the wedding rehearsals. Everything that took place in the ceremonies would be a total surprise to them.
Guests left their gifts at the gatehouse and trickled into the courtyard as they were cleared. Dozens of prominent Destaurians had made the journey, as had many Audician ministers. Prince Eirskin of Audicia did not attend, but he sent down a caravan full of lavish gifts for the new couple.
Although most of the townspeople would have to wait until later in the afternoon to see the royal couple presented in the square, there were a few dozen commoners on the morning’s guest list—even some who were unaware of why they were being granted the privilege. The invited townspeople included the farmer Lairen, the jeweler Talidale and his family, the lovely old lady Binthia who had taught Elaina how to cook, and the dressmaker Masha Ferrell.
Jaimin and Elaina were sequestered in opposite wings of the castle, but each snuck a peek, when they could, to see who was arriving. Both noticed that many guests were dressed in grey, indicating that they had lost a loved one. Do you see so many in grey, my love? Elaina thought.
Our story’s only a small part of what’s happened, Jaimin thought. Our people are strong.
“Daydreaming again?” Nastasha asked Jaimin, startling him. Nastasha was to be his sponsor, counselor and stage manager during the ceremony. Today, she wore a seven-layer flounced cream dress with silver and diamond adornments. Her long golden hair had been twisted into six braids, interwoven with indigo ribbon. Where she normally tied her bandeau, she had on a delicate circlet of white gold studded with sapphires.
“No, I’m conversing with Elaina,” he told her.
“Well, pardon the interruption, but go and put this on.” She handed him his robe for the first part of the ceremony. “And don’t mess up your hair.”
It was a thick, white hooded robe, no doubt borrowed from the Celmarean tradition. “What am I supposed to wear under it?”
“Nothing,” she said. “And don’t cheat on that rule because it will be enforced.”
Jaimin went along with this, just as he’d already put up with the strange breakfast and the ritual immersion bath. He ducked into a side room, took off his clothes, and donned the comfortable white garment.
Elaina was being fitted with a similar robe at the same time. “Not even shoes?” she asked Alessa, who was her sponsor.
“They’re not allowed,” she said. “Fortunately, it’s warming up out there.”
“Am I going to have to wear this all day?” Elaina asked.
“I’m not allowed to tell you,” Alessa said, also blocking off her thoughts so Elaina couldn’t pry. She slid her hand beneath Elaina’s hair to straighten the collar on her robe. Earlier that morning, the servants had done up Elaina’s hair like Nastasha typically wore it, with net-like braids on each side, converging in a large braid down the back.
Outside, the music began. The orchestra and choir had not been impacted by the mass poisoning that had decimated the Arran court, because they lived and practiced at the music college well away from the castle. As such, they were at full strength and full voice. They performed several pieces as the guests found their seats and the wedding party took their places. The choir even sang a ballad in Celmarean—the first time they had attempted that language.
And it was the Celmarean language that officially opened the ceremony. Young Adara began, in a powerful voice: “Adesimei tekala liodara ni peka karathora iri setala.” Minister Sawery gave a hand cue, and the audience rose. Adara added: “Adesimani sana Eleina, Panei Tselemarina na Resium Desetarena, na san Pani Iamin Tselemarin na Arin.” Her sister Vanessa stepped up beside her on the platform and announced with her toothless lisp: “Adeffimani Adena io Panei Aleffa Ffelemarina na Naffetaffa Ionna Panufferea Arina.” In her place in the processional line-up, behind the colonnade, Nikoleta grinned, proud of her pupils for learning their lines on such short notice. The girls had announced the bride and groom and called them and their sponsors to take their places on the platform.
From opposite sides of the courtyard, Elaina and Jaimin appeared, arms interlocked with those of their respective sponsors, and walked slowly up ramps onto the platform, to the strains of a well-known Destaurian wedding march. The couple couldn’t take their eyes off each other, despite there being plenty else to look at. Once they reached the center of the platform, they sat down next to each other in two elaborately carved wooden chairs. Nastasha and Alessa would stand beside or behind them throughout this phase of the ceremony. Elaina instinctively reached for Jaimin’s hand, but Alessa stopped her just in time. The couple were not yet permitted to touch.
The first part of the ceremony was the processional. Special guests would make their way down the carpet, ascend the stage, place flowers or gifts at the feet of the couple, bow, and then be seated in the reserved rows in the front of the crowd. All Jaimin and Elaina were told about this phase of the proceedings was to “stay seated.”
“Honored guests,” said Minister Sawery, “please welcome Her Majesty Alethea, Queen of Arra and Princess of Celmarea.” From the shadows of the gatehouse, Alethea made her way up the processional carpet alone. She placed a huge white bouquet before Jaimin and Elaina, and then bowed, turned, and went to sit in her reserved place.
Next the minister announced: “Her Royal Highness Etaria—Tori—Princess of Arra and Celmarea; Her Majesty Eleonora, Queen Regent of Destauria and Princess of Celmarea; and Her Royal Highness Ia, Princess of Destauria and Celmarea.” Tori stepped onto the carpet, followed by Eleonora, who held Ia. This was the first time most of those present had seen Elaina and Eleonora at the same time. And hearts melted over little Ia in her lavender satin blanket.
“His Royal Highness Makias, Prince of Celmarea.” Hearing there was a “prince” of Celmarea was also a source of surprise for many. Jaimin had been introduced as prince of Celmarea as well, but not in a language most understood. Makias looked dashing in his dark blue dress robes.
The royals sat down in the front row after bestowing their gifts upon the bride and groom. They were followed by the members of the royal courts of Arra, Destauria and Audicia, and the Celmarean survivors, who presented Jaimin and Elaina with gifts, and then took their seats. Kotaret sat proudly next to his girlfriend Sylvia, who was holding her new adopted baby sister Ella. Thalia and Erika were minding the toddlers Jeremy and Jasephet with the help of Carrine. Charlise, Joelle, Edmond, Patrick, Julia, Sherran and Dylan were grateful this would be a happy ceremony, and did not mind that it came so soon after the funerals for their loved ones.
And most of the Celmareans were in attendance: Myrna and her two children; Makias’ sister-in-law Triona and her three children; Cora and Zolin; Sima and Ariana and their daughter and grandchildren; and Nikoleta, with her parents Tasia and Alvar, and her grandmother Inessa. Only a few older Celmareans who had not joined in the war were absent.
Next in the procession were the generals and admirals of the three armies and navies, dressed in their full military regalia.
Royal guards Marco and Arin would not have normally have been honored in the procession, but an
exception was made because of their contributions in the war.
And then came a surprise guest: a certain mustached man. He wasn’t made to walk the carpet; instead he ascended the platform from the side.
It was Saunder!
Jaimin stood to embrace his former bodyguard. “You were dead,” Jaimin said. “They all said…”
“It’ll take more than a few bolts to bring me down for good, Jay,” Saunder said. “The Destaurians didn’t take many prisoners, but, darn it, they took me. Kept me tied up while you all fought it out.”
“Did they mistreat you?”
“Enough banter,” Saunder snapped. “You got a fine lady to wed.” He found his seat.
One final honored pair approached. Only a few knew their story, which was probably a good thing. Jewel and Mudcrab processed up the carpet, arm in arm. Since he had arrived at the castle a few days earlier, Mudcrab had undergone some intensive rituals with Priestess Ariana, and a few blood transfusions, to cleanse him of his mental programming. He was making excellent progress, and he no longer needed to be detained. Jewel wore a lavender dress, and her date was all in black.
The guests were allowed to sit, and Alethea, Nastasha and Alessa all gave brief, heartwarming speeches.
Jaimin and Elaina then were asked to stand facing each other, holding hands. From nowhere, a stream of water, long like a snake, spun around them, circling around them near their feet. Slowly, the leading edge of it spiraled upward, drawing itself into many vine-like branches, surrounding the couple like a sparkling cage. The water drew together into a single point directly above them.
Minister Sawery had both Jaimin and Elaina recite their love oath aloud. Jaimin and Elaina repeated each stanza after him:
I bind thee true
Into the world beyond death
One mind, one soul
One body, one breath
I bind thee true
Before all gathered here
One mind, one soul
No doubt, no fear
I bind thee true
With joy, hope and bliss
One mind, one soul
In an eternal kiss
We bind ourselves
To our sisters and brothers
One mind, one soul
In the service of others
The minister proclaimed: “Before the witnesses gathered here, as registered on the official roll, and according to the laws of the Principality of Celmarea, the Kingdom of Destauria, and the Kingdom of Arra, and in the all-embracing presence of the divine spirit, I declare Elaina and Jaimin to be eternally bound as wife and husband.”
Elaina and Jaimin were still in their cage of glistening water, holding hands, lost in each other’s gaze.
Next, Alethea ascended the platform, and she recited over Elaina and Jaimin a long blessing in Celmarean, declaring the couple eternally bound according to the laws of the island people.
As soon as the queen had finished, Elaina, unprompted, stepped in against Jaimin, slid her hands behind his head, and kissed him. It was a breathless moment for Elaina, Jaimin, and the rest of the crowd. Anyone watching was sure they saw a faint white glow surrounding Elaina and Jaimin as they kissed. It faded quickly.
As the water cage unpeeled from the top and turned to vapor, the newlyweds released their embrace and went back to holding hands once again.
“Please rise,” Sawery told the crowd, and they rose.
Alethea prompted Elaina and Jaimin to face the crowd, and she slid a simple golden crown into Elaina’s hair, and rested her hands on Elaina’s shoulders. The queen proclaimed: “In the presence of the royal court of Arra, I hereby present Elaina, daughter of Princess Andienna of Celmarea, child of His Majesty Radovan, King of Destauria, as Princess of Arra. Let it be recorded that on the twenty-second day of the third month of autumn, in the year one-thousand-twenty-four, Princess Elaina received her…third royal crown.”
Eleonora, still holding Ia, then stood in her place and recited loudly: “As Queen Regent of Destauria I validate this marriage and bestow upon Jaimin of Arra the sacred title of Prince of Destauria, according to our laws, rites and traditions.”
“Let us acclaim those newly joined,” Sawery shouted, and there was a long, loud, cheer, and fervent applause from the standing crowd.
Before the cheer had even died down, Nastasha told Elaina and Jaimin: “Come this way,” and she showed them to the west stairs of the platform.
“Where are we going?” Elaina asked.
“Just follow me,” Nastasha replied.
Nastasha led Jaimin and Elaina up into the west wing, to the royal master bedroom, which had been refurnished with Elaina’s favorite pieces from the attic.
“All right, kids,” Nastasha said. Elaina walked around, admiring the new décor. Elaborate snacks had been set out for the newlyweds on a long table by the bud-shaped windows.
“What are we expected to do next?” Jaimin asked
“Whatever you like. You’re officially married now,” she said, quietly. “I shall be back for you in precisely three hours. Your clothes for the next part of the ceremony are set out near the window.” She left in a hurry, closing the door behind her.
Elaina rejoined Jaimin near the center of the room. Their eyes shining with joy, they became lost in each other’s gaze. “We can do whatever we like?” Elaina asked.
“At last,” Jaimin said, “there are no limits.” He saw excitement burning in Elaina’s eyes, brighter than it ever had. They both knew that this was not a time to discuss the ceremony, or wonder what the afternoon had in store. As their faces drew closer, Elaina said, “If you come any closer than that, Jem, I’ll lose control. You know how impulsive I am.”
“Go ahead and lose control,” Jaimin said, resting his forehead on hers, and his hands on her shoulders. He then placed his hands lightly on her reddening cheeks. “I’ll take care of you.”
“I know,” Elaina said, smiling and shedding a few tears of joy. “I love you, Jaimin.”
He kissed her lips, moving his hands back into her hair and pulling her head softly into his kiss.
They were each dressed only in robes, so it didn’t take long for those to come off.
In the comfort of their new shared bed, Jaimin and Elaina let themselves experience each other like they had wanted to for so long. The more they enjoyed each other, the more it seemed that they were sliding into another, timeless world together. Each of them—but together—explored the sounds, smells, taste and feel of the other’s body.
As they locked bodies and souls, they both felt everything, there was no taking turns. They were making love to each other and themselves, and every moment pulsed with pleasure.
They still felt Areu, the spiritual force that helps to keep Celmareans pure, but this time it was drawing them closer, not pushing them apart.
The physical bliss grew hotter and hotter, until finally they let themselves be drawn through the one-way gate to reach the peak of ecstasy.
There, as one, they exploded with pleasure.
They held on tightly to the pleasure, and it went on and on, and just when it seemed like it was about to fade, they chased it down and tackled it, squeezing every last drop of it out with all of their muscles. Doing this wore them out. It expended them. It started to paralyze them. And so they let it go.
After leaving the newlyweds in their suite, Nastasha had headed to her quarters. As Jaimin’s sponsor, she would have the next three hours free as well, while others attended to the wedding guests. Her head and her emotions felt numb as she slowly strode down the castle’s cool, torch-lit corridors. As she walked, she mulled over Makias’ inspiring message: the world can be changed by my thoughts if I just let go of fear.
Once in her bedroom, she removed her shoes, got up onto her bed using a stepping-stool, and carefully sat down in a cross-legged position, which took some doing in her elaborate multi-layered dress.
There were a lot of things about her world that Nastasha wanted to change, b
ut letting go of fear sounded like a reward in itself, not just a means to an end.
What was she most afraid of? What did she need to let go of?
Certainly she was afraid of losing those things that made her happy. But wasn’t this everyone’s biggest fear? And despite all she had been through, there were plenty of objects, people and experiences that could still make Nastasha happy. But what else?
There was the fear of the awkward future with (and without) Jaimin. She would be so close to him knowing he was living the life with Elaina that he was meant to live with her. Not that Nastasha disliked Elaina—in fact, she loved Elaina—but wouldn’t those moments be so difficult? She closed her eyes in meditation and tried to imagine giving up the fear of an uncomfortable future by Jaimin’s side.
Somehow, she sensed that Jaimin and Elaina were in the early stages of making love at that very moment. She reached out with her mind and tried to feel what Jaimin was feeling, and then to feel what Elaina was feeling.
And she began to repeat to herself: I’m not afraid of this.
I’m not afraid of this.
I’m not afraid of this.
As she continued her mantra, she began to notice a happiness in her core, and she knew the happiness originated from Jaimin. It had his flavor. It had his scent.
I’m not afraid of this.
The jumble of joy she felt was definitely Jaimin’s.
And somehow his soul knew she was watching. Thank you, she heard him say.
At this, she felt tears wriggle out from beneath her closed eyes and roll down her cheeks. She held on to his happiness and encouraged it to grow within Jaimin, and within herself.
Soon, she felt her sense of self lifting its hold on her. As she looked at things from the perspective of the universe, she began to feel truly happy for Jaimin.
I want to feel this forever, she said to herself, clinging on to her acceptance of Jaimin’s bond with Elaina, for she knew this feeling—this selfless view of someone else’s joy—was one of the keys to staving off fear and living a truly happy life.
The Fallen Mender Page 30
