To Dance with a Prince

Untitled Part 36

King Robert stepped into the groom's room and looked at his son, his eyes filled with unmistakable pride. He stopped for a moment and a wistful expression crossed his features as he thought about how his wife would have reacted to this moment. He approached Oliver and smiled, "Are you ready son?"

Oliver smiled at his father and felt a rush of love and admiration. They had become so much closer since the night the King had been shot and Oliver was grateful for every single day he had to spend with his father. They had talked, emotions left unresolved coming to the forefront and Oliver was readier than ever to take the throne when his father decided to step down. Oliver had always resented his duty, but he understood his father so much more now and he was at peace with it.

"I have been ready since I met her father."

King Robert laughed as he thought of the beautiful blonde spitfire that was about to marry his son. She had swept into his son's life and changed everything for the better. He would forever be grateful to her.

They hugged, and Tommy glanced at his watch. "We need to head to the alter."

Oliver pulled back and smiled at his father. "See you after the ceremony." King Robert smiled at Tommy and then walked out to take his place.

Royal weddings are such a formal affair, and hundreds of people had lined the streets to the church, each one hoping to catch just a glimpse of the future King and soon to be future Queen. Everyone stood as Oliver and Tommy were received by the Dean of Windsor at the west door and led to the Bray Chantry Chapel. As they walked to the dais, hundreds of faces looking in their direction each one dressed in their finest, Oliver smooth his hand down his chest in a nervous gesture. Dignitaries from several countries arrived and others were already scattered through the pews and Oliver nodded to those he knew with acknowledgement. He let out a breath, his nerves on overdrive as they waited. He found he missed Felicity. He had not been allowed to see her since yesterday morning and the night without her by his side had been one of the longest in this life.

Oliver looked toward the door as Felicity's mother Donna was received and she was led to her seat in the Quire. She smiled at him, her face beaming with pride.

Everyone stood again as the Choir and Clergy moved in procession down the aisle and then it was time for the bride. A fanfare sounded as everyone stood to their feet and the Archbishop started down the aisle. Oliver's eyes were riveted as the processional started and when Felicity stepped into the doorway his breath left his lungs. Felicity stood before him in a beautiful lace dress fit for any Princess. She looked stunning and Oliver could not take his eyes off her. Her veil hung down over her face obscuring her features and the train trailed for several feet behind her, two young boys holding the ends.

Oliver watched as they slowly approached and Slade stood and walked to Felicity's side. He whispered something to her and Oliver saw her smile before taking his arm.

Oliver kept his eyes solely on her, on the beautiful woman that was soon to be his wife and when Slade approached with her on his arm Oliver stepped forward, his breath hitching as he took her hand and acknowledging his friend, led her up the stairs.

***

Felicity stood at the huge wooden doors, the Archbishop in front of her, the boys handling her long train behind her. She placed a hand to her stomach as she felt her nerves flip flop in her stomach. Seeing all the people that had lined the streets that morning calling out her name had been overwhelming. She wanted nothing more than to marry Oliver, but she was ready for the ceremony to be over.

She lifted her chin as she heard the music change and soon the huge doors were slowly swinging open. Felicity could not see Oliver, so she held her head high and followed the Archbishop slowly, her steps measured. She smiled at her friends as she passed, Sara and Nyssa grinning from ear to ear and each blew her a kiss. Felicity turned her head and smiled as she passed Thea and King Robert and then there was Slade. Slade smiled and stood holding out his arm to her. She looked up at him and smiled softly as she took his arm and he leaned down and whispered in her ear, "Still time to run away with me."