𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴

The Plan

I turned to Lena: she knew what I was feeling and I could trust her. I had been thinking about it all day and it needed to be done.

"Lena." I said, entering the sitting room where Mother was socializing with friends.

"Ah, here is the Princess. Soon to be married, I hear?" Christie said.

"Oh! Yes, sorry, I didn't see you, Christie, how are you?" I said. I was hoping to get Lena peacefully and quickly.

I didn't listen to her answer and Lena bought me back from boredom as she took my arm and led me out.

"What?" She whispered.

"Not here." I said in her ear.

***

We hadn't ridden like this for years. Lena was sitting in front of me on Storm as we trotted away from the castle. We were both wearing dresses but neither of us cared.

We stopped and dismounted, landing in a wildflower meadow.

"Have you got a plan?" Lena asked straight away.

"Yes. And it needs to be done soon. Either today or tomorrow soon, I mean."

"What? What ever have you planned?"

"Wymond and I will marry."

"And what will you say Mother and Father? Oh, you should know, I married a man in secret."

"I don't have to say anything to them. The wedding with Ferox will be a charade. I will talk to the priest and and he has to let us marry."

"Does he?"

"In the name of God, I am sure a priest will do anything!"

"Aren't you supposed to be religious? Oh, you know what, it doesn't matter, where is Wymond now?"

"He will be here soon."

"Here? Now?"

"Yes, I caught him this morning as they were coming back from a hunt."

***

Wymond could see the sisters. Hilda was explaining everything to Lena. What has she want planned?

Wymond didn't wait long before Hilda told him everything.

"This is insane, but it might work." He said. "Have you spoken to Father Nickolas?"

"No, not yet. I can't really wander into town easily on my own."

"I will do it and I will find you tonight - I will come to your window."

Hilda explained where her window was in the castle and the plans were set.

***

"Father." Wymond said. "I ask for your help, in the name of God."

"And my help you will receive." Father Nickolas replied.

"Thank you."

Wymond explained the situation with Hilda.

A few moments of defining silence passed.

"I will do what I can." He said and thought a while longer. "I can marry you and Princess Hilda. Once you are married, she cannot marry another man. Therefore, the marriage between Ferox and the Princess will not be official, rather, a mockery."

"Father, I thank you for what you are doing. I am pleased you understand."

That night, Wymond snuck through the trees and to Hildas window. He could see her pale face through the glass for a moment before it disappeared.

He stood for a while before the door swung open and Hilda ran to him.

"What did he say?" She breathed.

"We can marry." As Wymond said that, it was like it confirmed it to be true and he smiled at last.

She cupped his face in her hands and gave him a lingering kiss which sent impulses running through him.

***

"Harlow, would you be able to take me church?" I said after breakfast.

"Of course ma'am. Only you?"

"Yes, just me and if at all possible, don't tell anyone else."

***

Wymond arrived at the church. He was wearing what Hilda love best: his hunting gear, equipped with everything he needs.

Not long after, his wife to be arrived.

"Wymond." She said, her voice echoing around the church, a smile on her face, before turning and saying, "Father Nickolas, thank you."

"Please, step forth." He said, gesturing to the lectern.

Hilda and Wymond moved forward. Wymond reached out and took Hildas hands and looked into her beautiful eyes.

"Princess Hilda," Father Nickolas said, "please, repeat after me: I, Hilda, take thee, Wymond, to be my wedded husband."

She said exactly that.

"To have and to hold from this day forward."

And she repeated the rest of the vow, finishing with 'and thereto I pledge thee my faith."

"Wymond, please, repeat after me." Father Nickolas said and the whole vow was spoken again.

Father Nickolas then turned back to Hilda: "Princess Hilda Anworth, do you take Wymond Holt as your lawful wedded husband?"

She looked directly into his eyes as she spoke softly, "I do."

"And Wymond Holt, do you take Hilda as your lawful wedded wife?"

"I do." He said, not taking his eyes off her.

"I therefore pronounce you man and wife." He finished.

Wymond leaned his face to Hilda's and she raised her mouth to meet his. They kissed, making it last for as long as they could.