When the clock ticks... (UsUk Cardverse AU)

Chapter 10 - Day of Vows

It had been just a month since the coronation of Alfred and now was the time for the wedding. Both males were beyond nervous to say the least. Alfred had been pacing his chambers for the longest time and Arthur had struggled to fall asleep the night before. Currently, the wedding hall was full of excited guests, a crowd gathered outside the palace walls to await the appearance of the newly wed royals. Alfred was stood at the front with the bishop, adorning a light grey tailcoat suit and a darker grey tie. He had even tried his best to style his hair to make himself look more handsome than usual, something Matthew had noticed straight away. Speaking of Matthew, he was the ring boy, holding the crimson red cushion in which held the golden wedding rings. Even Arthur's brothers had attended, all sat in the front row with the former King and Queen. Though Alistair was missing of course.

It didn't take long for the doors at the back of the hall to open and Arthur emerged adorning a crystal white suit. It really accentuated his natural beauty. In one hand, he held a bouquet of royal blue and purple flowers and the other held Alistair's hand. He was the eldest of the brothers after all so it was his job to walk Arthur down the aisle.

Listening to the music begin, the two stepped forward, Arthur giving his big brother a soft smile before facing forward again, his eyes immediately falling upon Alfred who looked star struck. He had the moment Arthur entered. The smaller blond male gave him a soft nod of the head subtly before shifting his eyes to look at the attendees and guests, smiling fondly at those that admired him.

Soon enough, he arrived at the front, Alistair letting him go and stepping to the side, beside a few bridesmaids who were simply some children of the servants. Arthur turned to face Alfred, a soft blush appearing on his cheeks and he stifled his shakes, trying to not make it obvious that he was nervous. After all, this was actually happening. Once Arthur had arrived and faced him, Alfred had also seemed to snap out of his trance, flashing his Queen a grin.

Once ready and comfortable, the bishop began his speech of vows, his tone of voice light and cheery. After all, he was proud to be bounding the king and Queen together in marriage. It was a rare and special occurrence and he was definitely grateful to be given this opportunity. Soon enough, the vows drew to the end and the two males exchanged rings. Alfred places the ring on Arthur first, shaking but trying his best to suppress it. He slid the ring onto his finger gently before admiring it for a few seconds and looking up, speaking his vows he was meant to repeat from the bishop. And then, Arthur did the same, though his shaking was a little more obvious. He smiled softly as the ring was on and just like Alfred had done, repeated the vows from the bishop.

"Do you, Alfred F Jones, take, Arthur Kirkland, to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness and in health" the Bishop began the final vows calmly.

Alfred didn't even seem to hesitate as he nodded his head hastily "I do!" He responded, his voice full of conviction and honesty.

"And do you Arthur Kirkland, take Alfred F Jones to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness and in health" The bishop repeated, admiring the two as he did so.

In comparison to Alfred's answer however, Arthur seemed to hesitate at first but it wasn't exactly obvious. "I...I do" he stated, his voice a soft tone than Alfred's but nevertheless, was truthful.

"You may kiss the husband" The bishop then said after a second or so, taking a step back as he closed his book and set it down, giving a bow.

Alfred stepped forward to initiate the action, though he was most definitely nervous. He could tell Arthur was too. This would be their first kiss, in front of everybody...what if they felt nothing at all? What if Arthur regretted getting this far? He couldn't let these thought overwhelm himself any more and simply leaned down to press his lips upon the other's, the kiss being soft and sweet. He didn't want to rush the other after all. Arthur looked a little embarrassed as Alfred had initially leaned over but when his lips met the other's, that embarrassment he felt seemed to ease away. In fact, the kiss was so much better than he had expected it to be. So was this what it was like to kiss your soulmate? Nevertheless, he enjoyed it genuinely, returning it gently before the two pulled away, flashed a happy smile at each other before turning to face the crowd, their hands moving to hold onto each other. Afterwards, Alfred lead the way back down the aisle, guiding Arthur beside him, he definitely seemed a lot happier than before, if that was even possible. In fact, he was so ecstatic about the kiss that the crowds excited cheers and clapping seemed faint to him.

After leaving the hall, he moved to guide Arthur to the balcony and pushed open the doors as they stepped into the view of the people that were waiting outside of the palace. The two admired their kingdom and people as they waved with their free hands, their other hands still clasped together contently.

Today had been so blissful. The ceremony had been so perfect. So much better than Arthur had expected and honestly, in that moment, he didn't see the obligation to be Queen that bad in the end.