"Why are sitting outside of this door?" Anou asks sitting next to her brother on the floor. "I am making sure my bride is well. I cannot see her before the wedding, but I needed to know for myself that she is okay."
Anou knocks on the door, "Anou is that you?"
"Yes sister it is."
"And is your brother still out there?" Giannis had been out there for two hours. "He is."
"Please tell him to go to his room. I will see him at the alter tomorrow. We both need rest." Giannis spent the last two months courting her properly and now their wedding day finally was here.
"Sakari says go away." Anou simply stated. "I think I heard her Anou." Giannis stood up from his position on the floor. "I'll see you tomorrow my love. Enjoy your rest."
"Good night Prince Giannis."
"Good night my Queen."
Sakari was nervous out of her mind. Marriage was a commitment, being a queen was a commitment. Here she was, gown and all, preparing to marry a complete gentleman. Her cheeks were flush thinking about the last time he kissed her lips. Their moment in love being only known amongst them. One of the only things they would be able to keep a secret in their new lives.
"Sakari, darling are you ready?" Veronica asks stepping into the bridal suite. "As ready as I'll ever be. Do you know where my mother is?"
"She's teaching Anou something in sign. I wanted to speak to you though" Veronica steps behind Sakari in the mirror. "You are truly a blushing bride."
Smiling at her future mother in law, Sakari was flattered. She felt good on her dress even though it was a bit more snug than she remembered.
"You're glowing too." Quickly looking over to Veronica, Sakari had a weary expression. "I was the same way on my wedding day after that little experiment."
Veronica dapped the stray tears away, "You're gonna mess up your make up if you cry. It's okay, I won't tell anyone. My mother in law was the only one who knew. I think that cottage holds a special magic for making things right."
Sakari could agree. She looked in the mirror one more time realizing that her life would change forever.
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Love by Musiq Soulchild played as Sakari walked down the aisle. During her travels she had encountered many wonders of the musical world, falling in love with this artist amongst others.
Giannis wiped the corner of his eye as his bride held onto her father's arm. She was breathtaking. Sakari smiled as she met his eyes, feeling like the most beautiful woman in the world.
"Hello beautiful." The blush on her cheeks could not be replaced, "hello my king."
"How does it feel to be married?" Thanasis asks.
"Like a dream I never knew I wanted." Giannissigns. The entire family made an effort to learn the language of few words. They were working to blend their families seamlessly, so far it was working.
Francis trained everyone who wanted to know the keys to surviving and winning a battle. Genova taught everyone sign language. Sakari shared her stories of travel and policy. Everyone learned just as much from one another.
Giannis learned the most from Sakari. She was fearless, calculated and loving. What she learned from him made her a better woman, would make her a great wife and ultimately a wonderful mother.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Giannis asks his queen. She smiled up at him as they looked over the balcony as the light show being performed. Sakari was absolutely enjoying herself. And now she would be sharing the good news.
"I am. I wanted to talk to you about what's next." Giannis was excited about what was next. First step, consummating the marriage. His smirk fell as he noticed her body language change.
"What's the matter?"
"Have you thought about our future together?"
Giannis thought about it all the time. "Of course, do you?"
"Yeah, even more now than before." He firmly gripped her hand for reassurance. "Our lives are already changing so fast."
"Which I'm excited for. If you couldn't tell, I've fallen in love with you Sakari."
It relieved her to hear that, because Sakari had fallen in love with him too. "I love you Giannis."
He kisses her again, but this time it wasn't the PG kiss at the alter. This one was filled with passion. "Whatever it is, we'll handle all storms as husband and wife before king and queen."
"Well this story We'll handle as parents." She smiled. "You're with child?"
"Yes. That's part of the reason I haven't allowed you near me for the last week. It wasn't just superstition." She laughed.
"YES!" He cheered, the man jumped up and down, making a complete fool of himself in front of the one who made his heart flutter. "I am now the happiest man alive." He pecks her forehead and lips a few more times.
"Newlyweds, you're being requested for another toast and photos." Anou announced running into the room they were hiding away in. She always seemed to know where they were.
"Are you ready Queen Antetokounmpo?"
"I am."
9 months later....
The siren sounding cries of baby Aanelie filled the nursery as Sakari slept. Giannis was on baby duty at 2 am and his 2 month old daughter was putting him through the ringer.
"Beauty please calm down for papa." He begged as she continued to wail. The nursery was in their wing so no one else could hear what was happening. He soothed the baby while walking around the room. He soon remembered that his mother said skin to skin always helps. Holding his child with one hand, he maneuvered the shirt off his body to lay her down.
"There there, this should help." The young child began to calm down as they sat in the rocking chair. Giannis didn't want to move her so he stayed there for awhile eventually falling asleep.
Sakari tossed and turned, feeling her comfort wasn't in arm's reach. When she adjusted her eyes, the realization that her husband was nowhere to be found, placed a pout on her face. On the baby monitor she could hear his snores and decided to follow the sound into their daughter's room.
Both with their mouths open, she smiles at the pair enjoying their sleep. She carefully picked Aanelie up, placing her into the bassinet before sitting on her husband's lap to cuddle him.
"How long have I been in here?" "Maybe an hour or so." She kisses his cheek. "Ready to go back to bed?"
He nodded, helping them both out of the chair. "Thank you."
