Be Well, My Darling (Fruk)

3

1904

After much discussion of what was to come next, we somehow found an agreement, and our proposal for this affair was to be announced within time—grabbing the eyes of even countries across the globe.

Now...there was no going back!

~

Cheers erupted from Paris as we rode toward the Church of France. It was where we would seal the treaty between us. The alliance was a bigger deal than we could have imagined. Nations all over the globe looked at us. Although many wished to witness this historical event, few were allowed to be present.

France and I...

Francis and I...asked the boys if they would come. However, I doubt that. They were busy with their own affairs, and I wouldn't blame them. Although, this whole situation felt weird to me. It was like we were getting married, even though what we did was not close to that. It still felt that way. That...and Alfred was not really talking to me at the moment, which I do not blame him for. As much as it hurts me, I know I need to give him space. I am sure he will appreciate that and come to me when he is ready.

"You hear that, Arthur?"

"The loud cheers? Yes."

We were about five minutes from the church, where we would see the people closely involved. First, the ceremony happened, and then the signing would take place, then there would be a party to celebrate. I hope the boys came still.  I made sure to reserve their seats.

"No, they aren't just cheers...they are sounds of joy," he spoke softly. He placed his hand on mine, and I tensed up. Seriously! He has been so different...and I can't tell if I like it. "Joy? How dramatic..." I spoke. I can't exactly describe his personality change, but it has changed drastically. The only aggression he shows me is annoyance and sarcasm.

"They have immense joy for us...our people are happy for us," he spoke. I was getting nervous about the whole situation. It had been a long time since I felt jitters like these, but they were prevalent.

Francis and I looked at each other again, and the cheers were blocked out as I stared into his eyes. All I could see was magic as I stared into his eyes—beautiful, dark, and reassuring magic.

He grabbed my hand tighter, and I felt myself scooting closer toward him. "I really...want to slap you in front of everyone," I laughed. I had broken the tension between us by making that joke. "Ah, of course, you do," he laughed. He shook his head in a defeated way, and I nodded. Whether we realized it or not, we truly were good friends.

"Do you think we are moving too fast?"

"Moving too fast? I doubt that we have known each other for a long time. Would you prefer to meet my parents instead?" He laughed. His stupid joke made me laugh, but I tried not to make it obvious. "Ah, that might be a little difficult," I laughed.

The carriage carrying us stopped, and we both stood up in unison. "Come! We will swear our loyalty to each other for the whole world to see!"

Why...

Why did this feel like we were getting married?

I haven't had these jitters since we did this in the fourteen hundred's. Nearly six hundred years ago.

Francis was the first to get out, and I followed behind. People from both our countries waved flags for us. Our path had a long red carpet with chains to keep the people from crossing over. There was rice thrown at us, and people could be heard and seen kilometers away. I did not think so many of our people would be happy about this. Maybe it was long overdue.