The Travellers Chronicles Book Two: To Change A Kingdom

Chapter Four

Vows taken from (https://www.jerseyshoreweddingofficiant.com/blog/renaissance-faire-theme-wedding-ceremony)

01 July 1537

Sybille had chosen her wedding day as a way to always celebrate one of her favourite Canadian holidays and to keep it alive in her heart. Now, she stood in Trinitaires, the Chapel of Fontainebleau, dressed in a regal gown of gold and green. On her head sat a metal crown, signifying her soon to be status, which had been loaned to her from Queen Eleanor.

King James came over to walk her down the aisle, much to the chagrin of the Duke of Télèsphore. "Are you ready, Cousin?"

Sybille let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding in. "Yes, I am."

She took his arm, and he led her over to her Prince. There the Scottish King placed Sybille's hand in Duke's and stood waiting for his part.

The Cardinal of Notre-Dame, Grimaldi, had refused to participate in the marriage ceremony, so Father Danesi had offered to officiate. He now began the ceremony. "Who brings this woman to be married?"

"I, James the Fifth of Scotland, bring my cousin to be married."

Father Danesi nodded in recognition. "Lords, Ladies, and Fair Children, we are honored and grateful to be present here today to witness the sacred vows of marriage between Mademoiselle Margaret Lalonde and His Grace The Duke of Brittany, who were brought together by love's divine appointment, and we rejoice with them as they take their first step in their new life together as husband and wife." Following the greeting there came a few bible readings after which was the vows. The priest spoke to the couple. "Your Grace, do you come before this gathering to proclaim your love and devotion for Mademoiselle Margaret? Do you take her to be your lawfully wedded wife and in doing so do you promise to respect her and care for her during times of joy and hardship—and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

"I will." Duke answered.

The Father smiled before he turned to Sybille. "Mademoiselle Margaret, do you come before this gathering to proclaim your love and devotion for His Grace The Duke of Brittany? Do you take him to be your lawfully wedded husband and in doing so do you promise to respect him and care for him during times of joy and hardship—and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I do." Sybille answered with a wide smile.

"Your Grace, you have come bearing the sword, which is fitting for this occasion. The sword represents strength and protection which a husband offers to his wife and family. The sword is also a symbol of unyielding intent and the banishment of fear and doubt. It is by removing all fear and doubt that our acts and decisions have their rightful power. Like the steel of the sword, let your commitments to each other be strong and enduring. Your Grace, as you present the sword to your bride repeat to her after me these words:

I offer this sword to your service that our life together may be protected; I will stand by your side even unto death."

Duke presented the sword to Sybille. "I offer this sword to your service that our life together may be protected; I will stand by your side even unto death."

"Now, Mademoiselle Margaret, accept the sword and repeat to His Grace, after me these words:

I accept this gift and commit to you in kind."

Sybille placed her hand on the sword. "I accept this gift and commit to you in kind."

Duke replaced the sword in his sheath before the priest continued. "So be it then, that the two of you and your family shall be protected and your commitment to each other shall be held steadfast." He motioned to the Duchess of Télèsphore. "Aunt of the bride, please pass the cup to your niece."