𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 «« Matthew Gray Gubler.

4.6

Where True Love Conquers II.

31st of May, 2013. - The Wedding of Coraline and Matthew.

St. Paul's Cathedral.

They prayers, the hymns and sermons were all a blur to the couple as they sat side by side, brushing up against each other with every little movement.

"I cannot wait to get you out of that dress." Matthew whispered discreetly.

"You couldn't wait until we were married in god's eyes to tell me that?" Coraline joked.

The Dean began once more. "O almighty Lord, and everlasting God, vouchsafe, we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern both our hearts and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the works of thy commandments; that through thy most mighty protection, both here and ever, we may be preserved in body and soul; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. The blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always."

The fanfare played before the congregation, including the nearly married couple, stood for the national anthem.

"God save our gracious Queen. 
Long live our noble Queen. 
God save The Queen. 
Send her victorious, happy and glorious,
long to reign over us:
God save The Queen."

Martin's daughter, Dorothy, a little bridesmaid, returned the princess' bouquet with a shy smile. Coraline winked at the girl before standing, following the Dean and the Archbishop to the Memorial Chapel of St. Paul's.

She sucked in a deep breath, gripping Matthew's hand as they approached a smaller altar with their witnesses, their immediate families.

The actor flashed the blonde a loving smile, letting go of her hand to sign the papers without a second thought. With one signature, he'd signed his life over to the institution, and with no hesitation.

The bride stepped forward, looking down at the documents. She signed the official wedding papers, relieved, before reaching the second and last document. The ones that would make her a duchess.

This was it, her solo act, her princess charm slowly fading away with every stroke of the pen against paper.

"Congratulations, Duke and Duchess of Windsor. You are now officially wedded."

The pair looked at each other after saying their thanks, allowing their witnesses to sign their own papers. "This is real." He grinned. "You're real." He didn't touch her, he couldn't, he had to wait. Matthew knew the great privilege he had, not many had the pleasure of loving a woman like Coraline, in fact, there was no woman remotely close to her.

"We're married." She giggled, as if they were in a dream.

Both sets of parents and step parents approached the newlyweds, gushing over the beautiful ceremony. "I really thought Cora was going to cry." William whined, handing a £10 note to the prince.

"Have you met her?" Kate teased.

"It was a pretty easy bet." Laura agreed, collecting her money from the duke.

The couple couldn't be annoyed even if they tried. "You bet on us?"

"Months ago."

Charles engulfed his daughter in another hug, a tighter one. "I'll miss you." He murmured for only her to hear.

"I'm not going away, dad. I'll be here."

It doesn't feel like it he wanted to say, but he resisted. "The family can return to their seats now," The Archbishop spoke as the Dean led the parents and certain siblings out. "The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Prince Harry of Wales and Mr. Gray Gubler shall stay for the procession."

They waited a few minutes until their cue. Smiles bright as the married couple reentered the Cathedral, Gray and Harry followed behind soon to be joined by bridesmaids and pageboys as they made the long walk down the aisle. Coraline's silent interaction with family members and friends didn't go unnoticed by the cameras as she soaked in the feeling of Matthew's arm interlocked with hers.

They passed the dome, flowing through the naive and finally emerged from the building to face the people of Britain as a married woman, a duchess. With one hand occupied with the bouquet and the other holding Matthew's, she relied on her smile to greet them as the duke waved to the crowds enthusiastically.

He climbed into the carriage, taking his wife's hand and helping her on, gently placing the bunched up veil in her lap. The carriage was open, unlike the one Coraline had travelled here in. She inhaled a bout of fresh air, the cool May weather sending a positive shiver down her spine. "You're looking dapper." She addressed his wedding attire.

"Why, thank you." The chants and clicking of cameras were loud, as expected. "There are so many people."

She watched him, the way his eyes lit up as he waved to the crowd, occasionally blowing a kiss when necessary, the pure amazement on his features. He looked at her, growing sheepish under her lovesick gaze.

They arrived at Buckingham, thanking those who congratulated them before meeting Elizabeth and Philip, they curtsied and bowed to the Queen.

"Ma'am-"

Matthew was interrupted by Philip. "Matthew, you are part of the family now, we're granny and grandpapa." He smiled at his in-laws, nodding. "It was a truly beautiful ceremony." 

Elizabeth agreed. "Yes, and you both look wonderful."

Everyone had engaged in small talk, Coraline and Marilyn specifically bonding over the beading of her dress.

Their private time was nearly up as they made their way to the balcony that had yet to be unlocked. The doors swung open, bride and groom making their grand entrance. The swarm of people was truly a wonder. The ex-actor couldn't help but smile at the support, the full scale of what he was going to be involved in.

"Let's give them a show." He smirked to his lover who nodded. Pulling her in swiftly by the waist, Matthew's lips collided with Coraline's, her back arching ever so slightly as she cradled his face in her hands, slight stubble scratching at her palms. 

The cheers grew louder at the passionate kiss, everyone was a sucker for romance.

They parted, Matthew lightly punching the air as if he had won a race. He had won, he'd gotten everything he ever wanted.

Coraline.