The Early Years

A Wedding and A Coronation

The Year 13006

Gale removes his hands from mine and places them on my cheeks. I also place mine on his cheeks. I feel the warmth of Gale's skin under my fingers and palms.

"From the day I met you, I knew you were the one. When I saw how much light your tiny body brought into this world I knew. I knew the road to your heart would be a journey I would suffer through and eventually gain access to. Everest Avalonion, you take the hate and suffering in this world and make everyone around you better. I can not imagine a day without you. I love you Everest Avalonion with my heart, soul and body,"

My gaze never strays from Gales. I recite my vows as I have done before with Holly, Guin and Ella. Only this time the words fall from my mouth with ease. This is the male I love and nothing will change that. Not ever. Not even when the sun, moon and stars wink out from the sky. 

"Galen Arthurion, you tease. You let me hate you, yet you never mentioned you love me. I wasn't entirely sure why I hated and cared for you at the same time. But over the years I realized that you, my dearest, are my mate. I didn't understand until I read about it in a book, okay that's a lie I read several, but here I am in love with my mate and even better my best friend. You are my heart, without you, I would fall. The spirits blessed me with such a balanced mate and for that I am thankful. I love you Galen Arthurion, with all my heart, soul and body,"

Garreld nods placing his hands on mine and Gale's shoulders. "Everest, do you take Galen Arthurion to be your husband?"

"I do,"

"Galen, do you take Everest Avalonion to be your wife?"

"I do,"

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Garreld removes his hands and walks away. I don't take the time to ask why as Gale pulls me in for a kiss. When we break apart, grinning more than ever, Father is standing above us.

He motions for us to stay kneeling. He takes his hands and places them where Garreld once had his. "Do you swear to govern the peoples of Vanora, according to their ancient laws and customs?"

"I swear to do so," Gale and I speak in unison.

Uncle Carys stands from his seat. His powerful voice echoes through the room. "Do you swear to use your power for Justice and in Mercy?"

"I swear to do so," Gale and I speak in unison.

Uncle Aveyard also stands in the audience. His deep voice clear as the waters of Lake Oxy and louder than the groan of trees. "Do you swear to the utmost highest, to use your power to maintain the ancient laws of the Spirit King?"

"I swear to do so," Gale and I speak in unison.

Uncle Hadriel rises from his seat. His light voice springs brightness to our ears. "Do you swear to the utmost highest to use your power to help maintain order in the seven Kingdoms of Seraphina?"

"I swear to do so," Gale and I speak in unison.

Uncle Ignatius stands, his accent tells he spends many hours among his people. "And do you swear to preserve the ancient laws of the Spirit King?"

"I swear to do so," Gale and I speak in unison.

Father's familiar voice brings Gale and me back to him. "Then repeat after me, All that which I've sworn here, I will perform and keep. So help me, King of the Spirits,"

"All that which I've sworn here, I will perform and keep. So help me, King of the Spirits," Gale and I speak in unison. Father pauses and grins at both Gale and me. "Then arise as Queen and King of Vanora."

As we stand and turn to our people a thunderous wave of clapping echoes through the throne room. Gale grins at me and I can't help but grin back. A new chapter in our lives opens just like that.