Lady Gwendolyn descended the staircase, bedecked in gems and silks with her maidservant a few steps behind in. Before her was the court, spread out in brilliant colors and sparkling jewels, a long pathway to the thrones lay before her. In front of the thrones were the King and Queen, looking resplendent in purple and crimson, beside them, leaning around the throne to talk to someone, was a man whom she guessed must be her new husband as he was the only other person on the dais. She traveled through the room as his back remained turned to her, feeling nauseous and sick that her husband wasn't even looking at her so intent was he in his conversation. The impulse to run back to her and Al's clearing was at its strongest, and she felt sure that if so many eyes were not upon her she would run for it.
Stepping up to stand before the King and Queen, her husband-to-be still turned away and speaking in whispers to what she now saw was the King's Seneschal behind the throne, she curtsied.
"Lady Gwendolyn, you grace us with your presence," the King smiled benignly at her, handsome and kindly expression as he grabbed the arm of his son and pulled him around, "May I introduce your husband-to-be, Prince Alexander; Alexander your future wife the Lady Gwendolyn."
The man turned and she looked into very familiar and warm brown eyes and thought she would faint, sound rushed in her ears and it seemed as though the whole world was melting away as they gazed at each other, completely shocked.
"Now, I wish to see you share a dance so that you may get to know each other," somehow the King's voice managed to break through the spell as he shoved his son towards her, who nimbly caught her about the waist and pulled her the floor where they posed for the first step as the musicians started to play.
"Al…?" her voice was soft, unsure, and she felt as though she was in some kind of dream which was sure to turn into a horrible nightmare because nothing could possibly be this wonderful.
"My Gwennie…" his eyes were devouring her, his arm strong about her waist as they danced, "So you are my Lady after all…"
"Oh Al!" she could feel tears sparking in her eyes as joy and relief flooded her body.
"Shh," he said, smiling with all the happiness of the world, "No crying… we must try and get to know each other."
That made her laugh, "Yes, we must."
Up on the dais the Queen leaned over to the King, "You see? I told you that once he saw her they'd be fine."
"It's NOT the dress." the King grumbled.
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Never before had a bride and bridegroom looked so joyous as they kissed, the watching crowd cheering wildly as their Prince was married to a Lady of their own Kingdom! There were celebrations in the streets as the banquet and festivities went on in the castle. Mimes, jugglers, tamed animals, acrobats, musicians… there was nothing lacking in the spectacular feast that the royal family had laid out for this momentous occasion. Both the Prince and his new Princess bore it up nobly, no one else in the room even guessing how eager they were to depart from their feast to consummate the marriage.
To Gwendolyn's surprise (and some distress) her father broke down crying, tears of happiness for his daughter and sorrow for losing her. Looking embarrassed, her brother patted him on the back and threw a helpless look to his sister who shrugged and turned away so her father could recover himself without humiliation. She was very grateful that her older brother had been able to come back from the outskirts of their lands where he had been settling disputes in time for her wedding, even more so since her father was now left in very good hands.
Finally it was time for the happy bridegroom and bride to depart, and they were swept up to their separate changing rooms where they were prepared for the night.
"Now you mustn't be afraid, my Lady," her maid chattered at her as her heart fluttered with excitement, "Men can be brutal beasts I'm told, but you must just smile and bear it and try to flatter him on his prowess… I'm sure that once he's gotten a heir upon you he'll leave you alone and you'll have some rest from him… try not to think about the pain just remember that it will soon be over with…" on and on Brandy lectured, trying to comfort her mistress for the upcoming event, while Gwendolyn's eyes blazed happiness and she ignored every word that Brandy said.
Dressed in a light satin gown, she was tucked into bed and her maid gave her one last kiss on the forehead, whispering, "Now remember, you don't have to stay in his bed if you don't want to, once he breaks your maiden head and puts his spunk inside of you, you can leave as soon as he falls asleep. I'll wait up in the other chamber."
Gwendolyn smiled gently, and kissed her maid's cheek, "Thank you Brandy, but that won't be necessary, I think I'll be staying the night here."
"Well, I'll wait up for awhile anyway, in case you change your mind." said the loyal blonde firmly, nodding her head at her mistress' braveness as she left the room. No one could fault her mistress for lack of courage, that was sure.
Nervously Gwendolyn tugged at her satin gown, suddenly unsure of herself… what if he was unpleased with her after all this time? What if it did hurt to much? What if something went terribly and horribly wrong… it didn't seem like this much happiness could possibly be real… Thoughts flew through her head, making her more and more nervous, anxiety burning a hole in her stomach. When the door suddenly opened and Al appeared, clad only in a brocade robe, she almost gasped with relief at the interruption to her thoughts.
"My Lady," was all he murmured as he flew across the room after closing the door, shedding his robe as he crossed to the bed… and then he was on her, lips devouring her own, fingers tracing burning paths of arousal up her body.
