King and Queen

Chapter 2: Wedding March

As the day of our wedding came closer, Maxon and I both grew increasingly nervous. I don't know if it was the fact that we would soon become king and queen, or that our wedding was being broadcasted to everyone in Illeá. Either way, we both tried to push down the nerves and be cool and collected in front of everyone.
Today was the day of my final dress fitting, and as per traditional custom, Maxon wasn't allowed to come with me, even though he really wanted to. It's almost as if he can't bear to be away from me for more than a few seconds.
"Are you sure I can't come with you?" Maxon asked me.
"Yes, I'm sure. What fun would it be on our wedding day if you saw my dress now? The fitting shouldn't be more than an hour, then you'll have me all to yourself, your majesty," I said to tease him.
"Woman, I swear you will be the death of me," Maxon said and laughed as he pulled me into a tight embrace. He then kissed me. Quite passionately, I might add.
"Maxon, get a hold of yourself, we're in public, someone will see us," I laughed and pulled myself away even though every inch of me was screaming to abandon the dress fitting and stay in his warm embrace for the rest of the day.
"Oh, to hell with them, I should be allowed to kiss my Queen," he said, pulling me in again just long enough to kiss my cheek.
"You will be able to, in an hour. I have to go, if I'm late I'll never hear the end of it from Sylvia," I said as I turned away and walked towards the door of the Women's Room.
As I walked inside, I was brought into a bone crushing hug from Celeste, my maid of honor.
"Oh, hi Celeste. Can't breathe," I said, gasping as I tried to catch my breath.
"Sorry, I'm just really excited to see you," she said and blushed.
"It's okay. Your dress looks stunning!" I said to her.
"Thanks! Yours does too, wait until you see it!" Celeste said. She then grabbed my hand and led me over to where Sylvia was waiting for us.
"You ready?" She asked me.
I nodded and watched as she unzipped the bag and pulled out my dress. It was floor length white gown that fit close and flared out at my hips. The train of the dress was made of silk and lace. It was all white with a royal blue sash that fit just above where the dress flared out, and there were dark blue buttons that ran down the length of the back of the dress.
"It's beautiful..." I breathed.
"Do you want to try it on? That way we can see if there need to be any adjustments made," Sylvia said. When I nodded my head she helped me slip the dress over my head before doing up the buttons in the back.
"America... you look gorgeous," Celeste said to me.
"Thank you," I said, I was lost for words at how perfect my dress was.
"How does it fit?" Sylvia asked me.
"Perfectly," I said. I then turned so I could see the back of the dress in the mirror. I loved it.
"Good. I know you probably won't want to, but you have to take the dress off now," Sylvia said.
I nodded my head and followed Sylvia's instructions for taking it off. When she was done, I left the room and went to the library to surprise Maxon.
Once I found his honey blonde head bent over a book and a stack of papers, I snuck up behind him and kissed him on the cheek.
"Hey, you're done early," he said, returning my kiss with one of his own.
"Yep. My dress was beautiful. I can't wait for you to see it," I said to him.
"Oh really? I can't wait to see it either," Maxon said before grabbing my hand and leading me to our room.
The next week flew by, and before I knew it, our wedding day was here. Maxon and I had been separated to get ready. In the Women's Room, I carefully pulled my dress over my head so Sylvia could do up the buttons and fix my hair.
"America, you look so beautiful," May said to me as she was fixing a bobby pin in her hair.
"Thanks, you do too," I said. I then took a deep breath as I straightened my already perfect dress and hair.
"Nervous?" Mom asked me.
"A little bit," I said, sliding on the blue heels I picked out to match my dress.
"Alright, it's time!" Sylvia said. I then stepped outside and took my place beside my dad as we waited for our cue.
"Don't let me fall, dad," I said quietly.
"I won't, honey, I promise. You look beautiful," he said to me.
I smiled at him and then heard the familiar wedding march begin to play.
"You ready?" Dad asked.
"Yeah," I said. When it was our time to go, he walked slowly beside me. As we rounded the corner, I saw Maxon. I swear I saw his eyes pop out of his head when he saw me. He quickly regained his cool and smiled at us.
As I got to the end of the aisle, Maxon held his hand out to me and I took it, glad for the comfort and familiarity.
"You look absolutely stunning, my dear," he whispered to me.
I blushed and turned to listen to the priest.
"People of Illeá, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Prince Maxon Schreave and Lady America Singer. Please be seated," he said, projecting his voice enough for the cameras to pick up. He then turned to us and smiled.
"Prince Maxon, you may say your vows," the priest said.
Maxon turned to me and smiled before beginning. "America, you know me better than anyone else in this world and somehow you still manage to love me. You are my best friend and one true love. There is still a part of me today that cannot believe that I'm the one who gets to marry you. I love you so much, America Singer, and there's no one else I'd rather have to become my wife and Queen," he said.
I was at a complete loss for words, I didn't know how my vows could top that. Here goes nothing.
The priest then turned to me and said, "Lady America, you may say your vows."
"Today, I promise you this: I will laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in your times of sorrow. I will share in your dreams and support you as you strive to achieve your goals. I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement. Together, let us build a home filled with learning, laughter and light, shared freely with all who may live there. Let us be partners, friends and lovers, today and all of the days that follow. I love you, Maxon Schreave, and there isn't anyone else I'd rather live the rest of my life with," I said, trying, and failing, to hold back the tears.
The priest looked at both of us and said, "By the power vested in me today, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss your bride," at that, Maxon kissed me.
When we parted, the priest said, "Ladies and Gentlemen of Illeá, may I present to you, Prince Maxon and Princess America Schreave!" At that point, everyone in the audience began cheering and clapping as Maxon and I walked back down the aisle as Husband and Wife.