The Legend of The Lightning Girl: A Red Queen Fanfiction

Chapter 9: Vows

A year and a half. Thats how long it took to plan and schedule everything.

Now I approached the Montfort Celebration Center. A building to rival any king's palace. We celebrate more than just the wedding. The Scarlet Guard successfully uprooted the Piedmont royals. Its in the process of becoming the Republic of Piedmont.

The Lakelander Queen, Tiora, sent emissaries to show support. Not that it matters. We all know that as soon as they are back in the Lakelands, war will spark again. The Free World vs the Royal World.

But none of that matters now.

Gisa, Kilorn, and Julian helped Cal and myself plan it all. First, Cal was paraded around Ascendant, taking three hours to get to the Center. Now it is my turn.

Cal's party had the boys; Cal himself, Julian, Kilorn, Bree, Tramy, Dad, Davidson, and Tyton.

My bridal party has myself, Gisa, Farley, Clara, Mom, Evangeline, Ada, Ella, and Cameron.

Cal is wearing his black suit with an orange tie. His groomsmen all have black suits and orange dress shirts.

I am wearing very regal-looking backless wedding gown with jagged, lightning decals. The silk dress hugs me tightly, but not uncomfortably, thanks to being hand-made by Gisa. It has purple lining. My hair was done long and wavy princess curls and feed-in braids. The ends of my hair are dyed purple along with streaks of purple hair. Gisa did my makeup, as usual.

I hold a bouquet of flowers, sitting in an open carriage with my party. I smiled and waved at the spectators, who cheer for me.

"This is practically a holiday. Whole damn city is out en masse for you, Mare." Farley noted.

The horses have to go slow to not run people over.

"I see why it took Cal three hours." Mom said.

"We're almost there." I chided them. I keep scanning the rooftops and windows.

"Let me worry about that." Farley said, looking at me. "If someone aims a weapon at you, I'll let you know. Until then, enjoy yourself. Its your day." I gave a nod and returned to the spectators.

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The carriage stopped in front of the Center. I stepped off, helped by my Dad. My bridal party entered first, except for Clara, who was handed a basket of rose petals. Davidson's adopted son, Braden, was the ringbearer, probably in his seat.

Clara waited in front of me. She was beckoned, and I followed her, arm-in-arm with my dad. The music swelled as I entered. Purple and orange ribbons are strewn across the ceiling and wrapped around the supports.

Cal stood at the alter, under the wedding arch. It was decorated with my favorite flower, irises. I hope the Lakelander princess doesn't misinterpret the purpose of it.

His black suit was perfectly fitted. I looked at my Dad, who was smiling brighter than he has in many years. He released me to Cal.

I handed the bouquet to Gisa and turned to my groom.

"Hello, My Lady." He said.

"Hi, Cal." I responded.

Radis had agreed to marry us.

"We are here today to celebrate the union of Mare Molly Barrow and Tiberias Calore the Seventh. If any object to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace." I looked into the sea of people and made thunder boom in the sky, my eyes sparking. That got a few laughs, including Cal. "If there are no objections, we can continue."

I turned off the sparks and looked back at Cal.

"Ladies first. Mare Barrow, you may give your speech." He queued me. I took a second to gather my voice. We locked eyes.

"Not six years ago, I was covered in mud, dirt, and probably a bit of blood in a Red slum called the Stilts. I had just gotten my little sister into trouble attempting to help a friend. I bumped into you. And I may or may not have tried to take your coin." I started. Some people laughed. My mother, who had never heard this part, put her face in her hand. I smirked. "Which seems like a fitting introduction to who I used to be.

"I had little hope in the world. My only hope was that I could help out enough with stealing to keep my family afloat until I was sent to die in a pointless war. Until the impossible happened, and our fates became intertwined. A lot has happened since that day, Cal, when I quite literally fell into your life.

"But one thing has remained the same. Through it all, you have remained solid. When I began to crumble or falter, you kept me up. When I was drowing, you kept me afloat. And when I was sad, you always tried to cheer me up. You are my rock, Cal. I love and trust you with all my heart, and I swear on everything I hold dear that I will be your wife, loyal to the end. We will have children. We will share a home and a bed. And I will have your name." I finished. Cheers and claps echoed through the building.

"And now, Tiberias Calore, you may speak." Cal locked eyes with me again. The cheers silenced.

"I used to believe that change was too costly. That the status quo was acceptable, because I was afraid to pay the price for what is right. You, Mare, showed me I was wrong. You convinced me that it was worth even more. You risked your life without hesitation more times than I can count, just to help one more person. You took months of torture in exchange for our freedom. You are a hero, through and through. Your name will ring throughout history.

"I count myself lucky to have met you. I count myself lucky to have earned your love. And I count myself lucky that I stand here, in front of you in a wedding dress. If I'm being honest, I have dreamt of this sight. Its rare that reality is better than a dream, and yet here you are.

"Because you are a rarity. One in a million. No, one in a billion. There are other Newbloods. Other electricons. Ofher Guardsmen. But there is only one Mare Barrow." He said.

"Calore." I said simply. He paused.

"What?"

"You said Mare Barrow. That is not my name." I said, a smirk breaking through my face. He smiled bright at that.

"There is only one Mare Calore." He corrected himself.

"Thank you." I said.

"And now that that is concluded, we have one last thing to do before we are done. Tiberias Calore the Seventh, will you have Mare Molly Barrow to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you comfort her, keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

And you, Mare Molly Barrow, will you have Tiberias Calore the Seventh to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you comfort him, keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"Then by the power bestowed upon me by the Free Republic of Montfort, the Nortan States, the Republic of Piedmont, and the Scarlet Guard, I, Leonide Radis, former Premier of Montfort, pronounce you as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

We moved quickly. His arms wrapped around my back, immediately caressing my skin. My hands went to his face and he brought me in to kiss me.

I don't know how long the kiss was. Five seconds, ten seconds, I do not know.

I just know that I loved every moment of it.