Under The Sea

Chapter Thirty-Eight - Fireworks

Content Warning: Mature Content

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"Thank you for coming," Clara says as Axel approaches her, taking a seat beside her on the balcony.

Clara had insisted she did not require any accommodations, but Samuel insisted she stay in the largest guest room with a direct view out to the sea. Axel knew Clara would never have asked for it, but that she appreciated Samuel's gesture.

"Of course," Axel says, reaching out to take her hand across the table. "How are you doing? How's Bast?"

"I'm good," Clara returns. "Bast is doing better. His wounds have healed, and he says the rebuilding is progressing faster than expected. I sent word to him, and he said he wouldn't miss your special day for anything."

"Thank you," Axel returns, a light blush creeping up his cheeks. "There's something I've been meaning to ask you. Will you... would you consider... I didn't think it would be this hard," Axel sighs. "I would like you to be the one to walk with me down the aisle, if you want to, that is?"

"Of course, I'd be honored," Clara accepts, with a squeeze to Axel's hand. "I have something for you."

"You realize gifts are for the wedding day," Axel mocks. She reaches over to grab small pouch, pursing her lips at him.

"Shut up," Clara chides, retrieving the item within.

"That's... that's father's wedding band," Axel sighs, taking in the small ring in her hand.

"It is," Clara confirms, bringing it down to his palm. "I realize you two had your differences. But I know he would want you to have it because he loved you, Axel, more than you realize."

Axel's eyes glued to the band as she speaks, moving around the table to hug her with tears pulling at his eyelids.

"Thank you."

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When their wedding day arrives, Axel seems as if he is going to explode with emotions. It had been, in his opinion, the longest month of his life. Axel rarely enjoyed being pampered by servants, however, as he now found himself a nervous wreck, he was grateful for their presence.

He caught his reflection in the mirror as they led him out of the room, his clothes pristine and regal to reflect his status. His hair shone in the light as they pulled it back, with his shell crown wrapped between the locks. He closed his eyes to calm himself as they led him down to the shore.

"You look just like her," Elaine sighs as Axel reaches the edge of the sand. "Your mother would be so proud of you, Guppy."

Axel offers her a brief embrace before she departs ahead of them, taking her spot at the front. Axel noticed Clara squeeze his hand as she pulled him forward. They walk down the sand and through the seats as they approach the stage. His eyes lock onto Samuel's, waiting for him on the platform.

He looked just as handsome as always, pampered just as Axel had been, and dawning his royal attire, with his father's sword at his hip. His smile seemed to break past its bounds as he watched Axel make his way down to him. Elaine began the ceremony as he arrived, and everything seemed to fly by as, before he knew it, Samuel's lips were on his.

The celebration that ensued superseded anything that Axel could have imagined as the entire Kingdom appeared to celebrate their union. Samuel had goaded Axel onto the dance floor despite his hesitations about not knowing what to do, but he enjoyed every moment. Samuel's hands wrap around him and lead him as they glided around the room together. When he needed to step away, Samuel took his mother for a dance, as Axel stepped over to grab some refreshments, catching Finn and Paxton tucked away behind a column, his eyes locking on Finn's as her face turns bright red.