* * *
Within a nal, Edward and his escort arrived at the Capital and were led to the Great Cathedral. There Princess Virago dressed in her red flare wedding gown, waited before a priest. Flutes played a flowing melody as the Fletchings entered.
“I have never seen a wedding so hurried,” Ardor commented as fiery yellow robes were given to each of them.
“Do you think any of the other Kingdoms are waiting for a courtship to bloom before their marriages?” Han asked.
Ardor shook his head.
Pluck watched the prince as his face paled and heard with her keen ears his breathing and heart beat increase.
Edward looked ahead, saw the priest and the veiled woman, and questioned, “Is that her?” He swallowed hard, but it didn’t faze his dry mouth. “I could use some wine.” The more he thought about his wedding, the sicker he got. What did she look like? Why was she wearing a veil? Was she hideous? Did she look like Pluck? He repeated, “I could use some wine.”
“Not now, my lord,” Han said as the group moved forward in a wedding march in sync with the flute music. “There shall be plenty of time for wine later.”
Edward rubbed his hands. “I cannot see her,” he whispered and asked, “What does the princess look like?”
“Quiet,” Han commanded. “Now is not the time.”
“I feel ill,” Edward said as he stopped and held his stomach.
A few people seated in the pews murmured.
Han nodded to Ardor and each grabbed the prince’s arm as Han said, “The ceremony shall be over soon, my lord.”
They moved forward, and Edward’s knees weakened the closer they walked to the priest.
Princess Virago glanced at Lady Flaxen and Virago whispered, “He is handsome, but he is so pale looking. Are you sure he shall have many presents?”
“Yes, my lady,” Flaxen replied as she looked over the prince and giggled. “I believe he is nervous.”
“That or intoxicated,” Virago commented. “That would be my lot to marry a lush.”
“Maybe he is intoxicated by your beauty.”
Virago glared at her, not that Lady Flaxen could see for the veil.
“Oh...” Flaxen uttered as she bit her lip. “Your wedding shroud. He cannot see you.” She shrugged and said, “I know I am not the brightest. Please forgive this dimwitted servant.”
Lord Caliber sat in the front pew next to King Elan and Princess Jasmine, Virago’s younger sister. Lord Caliber glanced at the prince's men as he sensed a supernatural force, then he leaned to the King, and whispered, “Last chance to change your mind. You could choose Commery over Fletching and return Morgog to its Golden Age.”
“No, my mind is made up,” Elan answered.
Lord Caliber said, “As you wish, my lord.”
“I cannot breathe,” Edward said as he gripped Han’s robe. “We must stop.”
Ardor gave Han a worried look.
“A little longer, my lord,” Han spoke as he hurried their pace.
Pluck thought Edward looked as if he’d spew his breakfast. She had her doubts he’d make it through the wedding.
The group stopped in front of the priest, and those assembled, quieted. Han and Ardor walked the prince forward, released, stepped back, and prayed he would stand. The priest motioned for the princess to move beside the prince, and reluctantly she did. The priest cleared his throat, the flute players ceased their playing, and the priest opened his book.
“We gather here to witness a joining,” the priest started and continued, “One that the Creator has ordained.” He looked to the prince and asked him, “Do you take Virago to be your wife?”
Edward swayed, putting his hand to his mouth, looking a little green. The priest took a step back. Han poked the prince’s back with his finger, and Edward straightened, answering, “Yes.”
The priest shook his head, looked to the princess, and asked her, “Do you take Edward to be your husband?”
She glanced at the pale man, pouted, and then whined, “Yes.” Virago turned and cried on Flaxen’s shoulder, “Why? Why?”
Her father stood, but Lord Caliber convinced the King to take his seat.
“There... There...” Flaxen spoke as she stroked the princess’ hair. “It shall be over soon.”
The priest rubbed his temple, irritated by the high pitch shrill and then he said, “Then in the sight of the Creator, you are now husband and wife.” He slammed his book shut and said, “You may now kiss her.”
Pluck gasped inwardly. No! The princess couldn't have her kiss. Pluck feared moving as she felt herself pale. She hadn’t thought kissing would be involved in this ceremony and after all this time, this blubbering woman was going to receive her redemption.
Edward hesitated, stunned and still ill.
“Lift her shroud,” Han instructed.
Edward did and smiled, seeing Virago wasn’t a hag like he envisioned. His green coloring faded as he looked over her milky skin, blue eyes, long ebony hair, and a face of an angel. The priest cleared his throat and motioned for the prince to proceed. Edward leaned to her then still afflicted by nerves, kissed her on the cheek.
Pluck sighed. There was still a chance for her.
Virago and Edward stared at one another, neither sure what to say and as quickly as they were married, the couple along with their escort were ushered out of the Cathedral. Virago to her carriage, and Edward to his horse. Both traveled to the port, and the princess boarded the Dark Monarch and the prince the Breakneck and soon with the Sea Sprite and Waterswift, the four vessels sailed toward the Isle of Kismet.
Beauty of the Beast #1 The Mystic Rose- Part A- The Flower, The Sword, And The Kiss Page 20
