Bum bum bum bum! The organ started to play the traditional song. Rosie took a deep breath and clutched her father's arm. She took a deep breath, and the doors opened. They started to walk down the aisle.
And there was Matt at the other end, looking excited and nervous at the same time. His face was mirroring her expressions exactly. Rosie wanted to laugh and faint at the same time. She half wished that Matt hadn't woken her.
Somehow, she got down the aisle in what seemed to be both an eternity and no time at all. She turned to face Matt.
Her father took her hands from his arm and placed them in Matt's. He looked at Matt.
"Be good to her," he said softly, looking Matt in the eye.
"I will treat her like a queen," Matt answered seriously.
Rosie's father looked at Matt sternly for a moment, then nodded almost imperceptibly. He went to sit down, leaving Rosie with Matt.
"Dearly beloved," the priest began. Rosie started slightly. She hadn't noticed the priest, she had been so focused on Matt.
"We are gathered here today to witness the joining of these two people and, consequently, their countries," the priest droned on.
He kept talking about love and pride for their two countries, and respect for each other. Rosie wasn't paying much attention, and it passed in a blur.
"Do you, Princess Aurora, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the priest finally asked.
"I do," she responded strongly.
"And do you, Prince Philip, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?" the priest continued.
"I do," Matt answered.
"Then, by the power invested in my by the Holy Church of God, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Matt took Rosie in his arms and dipped her low. He kissed her once, sweetly.
"I love you," he murmured softly.
"I love you too," Rosie responded.
He kissed her again, harder this time, as everyone applauded. Matt pulled Rosie up until she was standing, his arm around her waist.
"Let the celebration begin!" Matt bellowed, and everyone cheered again.
He scooped her up and carried her back up the aisle towards the castle courtyard, where a celebration commenced.
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Rosie and Matt entered the courtyard, Rosie in Matt's arms. The guests followed.
In the courtyard, there were flowers decorating every surface. When Rosie looked closer, she could see that they were roses. They were all blooming beautifully, with no imperfections. Definitely magic. Probably Flora.
The sun was just setting, and servants were bustling about, lighting gas lamps. The lamplight gave an orange glow to the courtyard. It was beautiful and stunningly romantic.
"Do you like it?" Matt asked suavely. "It's all for us."
"Us?" Rosie repeated quietly. "There's an us?"
"Well, we are married," Matt pointed out.
Rosie rolled her eyes. "Obviously."
"So there must be an us," Matt continued.
