Icy Highness | Yuzuru Hanyu

81.

Truth be told, as soon as Yuzuru arrived, everything fell into place.

It didn't matter that there were problems with some of the planning, she could just take care of it and jump into his arms right after.

Everything was just easier when he was around.

Athena had been hinting at the possibility of moving to Canada while he still skated, but it was something that she was keeping to herself until they were finally married.

It didn't matter that her home base wasn't the palace as long as she kept dealing with her responsibilities as a royal.

When the day of the wedding finally came, there were very few things that could disturb her good mood.

Her mother did try, she wouldn't be able to resist one last blow. It was just that Athena was such in high spirits that all of those hurtful words didn't count for anything.

And in the end?

In the end and despite all the cameras around them, she smiled widely when she finally met his eyes on that altar. Thousands, maybe even millions of people watched the whole thing on TV, and yet, it just seemed like, in that cathedral, they were alone in their happiness.

Her father walked her down the aisle and smiled at Yuzuru when he gave her away with a hug on the Japanese.

"It's not often that a king gives and today I'm giving you my daughter, part of me. I know you don't take this lightly, but be sure to respect and care for her like you have been doing until now." she heard her father tell Yuzu.

"I will, sir."

He looked so regal in his custom-made suit that she wasn't quite sure if she was marrying the right man. This wasn't the guy that always wore tracksuits everywhere, this was her prince charming.

Yuzuru looked at her with so much love and devotion that she wanted to cry.

But not here.

In that cathedral, Athena knew she had to appear as the strongest princess, the one that fought for this day to happen even against all odds.

Traditional Catholic vows made it so they didn't exchange many words between them that weren't predetermined. Even still, the princess had asked for a few alterations that in her eyes didn't follow with the ideals that she always defended.

So no, she didn't promise to obey her husband and if she ever said those words, he would have to say them right back at her. They were a team and she wasn't there to serve him.

They exchanged rings with happy smiles on their faces. Looking at one another as if there wasn't anyone else in the room.

When she finally heard the words that concluded the ceremony and allowed her to kiss her man, Athena's eyes shined with happiness.

They were married.

Despite all the struggles and fights, she was now married to the man of her dreams.

"Happy?" he asked as flower petals fell over them.

"With you? Always."

Smiling at one another, they finally acknowledged the huge amount of guests in front of them.

Yuzuru's family was right beside Athena's parents and the King seemed ecstatic, even if the Queen had a frown on her face.

Just a few more minutes of this and they could head to the private reception that only had a few heads of state and their families as guests.

Outside of the cathedral, quite a few people were waiting to catch a glance at the newly married couple.

They made sure to wave while heading to the car that was taking them back to the palace.

They were finally alone after the whole morning smiling at the cameras.

It didn't surprise Athena that Yuzuru knew exactly what she needed after all of that. As soon as they were out of everyone's sight, he pulled her close and into his embrace.

"My beautiful wife...how are you feeling?"

"Happy and overwhelmed. You?"

"Just the same. I wasn't expecting so many people."

"I was, but it is always different seeing it in person. I saw my brother's wedding so I knew what to expect, kinda... I'm not a crown princess, but I married a non-royal public figure so everyone is equally interested."

Yuzuru chuckled and kissed her lips.

"you can rest your social battery now."

"I wish... We have to greet the guests and fulfill every duty..."

"shhh, one thing at a time, princess. We will be fine... Enjoy the good things."

"Well, you look really good today. I think I can enjoy that."

"You look like a goddess but that is already usual. It's no coincidence that you are named after one."

"You get more corny every day."

"And you always pretend you don't love it and fail every time."

Athena cuddled further into him as an answer and he smiled widely. Despite everything, they couldn't be happier of sharing this moment.

Even as they once again left the car and changed clothes to the reception ones, even as they greeted every single guest with polite words and smiles, this was their day.

Sure, they spent most of it trying to please everyone, but with the knowledge that they were together in this, everything just seemed easier.

The Japanese emperor, despite his age, chose to come and give his congratulations in person, asking Athena to take good care of one of his country's treasures.

It was both funny and endearing how everyone told them to be happy. This wasn't common at all in a royal wedding since they were usually marriages of convenience.

Athena was hopefully the first of many in her family to go against the expected, to marry out of love instead of politics.

This was a time for a change that she gladly headed.

Happiness is always more important than politics.

And as she looked into the eyes of her husband she knew that all the struggles were worth it.

The end message?

When there is love, compassion, and teamwork, everything is doable, no matter how many people conspire against you, your strength is always enough to succeed.

The End