Endless

A Wedding

Whispers of excitement travelled through the gathering crowds faster than gunpowder to a barrel, as they made their way to the palace gardens. The whole city was buzzing, and they were dressed in their finest. When they approached the palace, they were guided to a beautifully decorated pathway, leading to the edge of a low cliff. The view was perfect.
It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon, and the sun was at its peak. The water below glistened and moved gently, as if in respect for the occasion. After all, it was the Queen of the Sea's wedding day.

I waited in the palace. So far, everything had gone to plan. The King had been so overjoyed at the return of his heir, that he had not questioned our story. He did not ask for identification, but believed us when we showed him our large treasures. Dorian's french lessons had paid off well, for I spoke fluently in french, convincing him immediately. He, as expected, planned an immediate wedding, eager to assure his heir's royal position in before he could leave again. I was so glad it had all worked out that I didn't have time for nerves.

Even while I stood on the balcony of the palace, in my long white dress, watching the guests arrive, I knew that this was right. I knew I loved Dorian. I knew he loved me. I knew he wanted his revenge. I was prepared to give him it. I stood, on the balcony, and thought about Dorian and I's future. I smiled absent-mindedly.

It was in this moment of great reflection that Dorian found me. "Hello darling." He said and put his arms around my waist.

I jumped a little. I smiled when I saw it was him. "Why hello, your majesty." I grinned.

He scrunched his face in disgust. "Don't call me that."

I laughed. "I was only teasing." And I kissed his cheek. I held his hand as we looked out to the cliff together. "Aren't you going to tell me I look beautiful?" I asked jokingly.

He took a long look at me. "Why should I? You always look beautiful, no matter what you choose to wear." He said seriously. "But of course you look stunning. You're as bright as any jewel I ever came across. As gorgeous as any flower I have ever seen. And-" he added as he lifted up the low skirt of the dress to reveal my hidden dagger, strapped to the shin instead of the thigh, "- as dangerous as a vial of deep red poison."

I blushed. "All right that's enough."

He kissed my hand. "We have to go now." Dorian said with a sigh. "The King was going to send a servant but I told him I would have rather gone myself. He's too relieved to care about the formalities."

"Of course." I said, and looked around me. "I assume this was your room?"

"What gave it away? The sheer smallness of the room?" He laughed bitterly.

"Actually all the books." I pointed at the many study materials lined in the shelves. "History books, french literature, and of course fairytales." I walked over to one of the shelves. "Surprisingly, a lot of piracy records. What did your father think?"

"He thought I was just learning how to catch them, I suppose. However I think it made it clear to me how I was going to leave this place." He looked fondly at the papers containing details of captured pirates and their stories. "And I'm going to do it again."

I smiled at him and took his hand. Together we left the room, walked to the palace gates, and made our way to the carriage.

***

By the cliff's edge the priest stood, as Dorian joined him. I waited at the end of the aisle, where the many, many, seats were laid, as eager guests sat waiting, in order of class. Levi stood beside me. "Are you ready Captain?"