A Royal Marriage

Page 13

Efren stepped out he looked wonderful in his robes. His mother was trying to rally herself to be together till she handed him over to me. As he got closer I saw that he had his own tears that he was trying not to shed. I smiled as his mother gave me his hand. I tucked it onto my arm and we walked up and knelt before the priestess. We sat through a long speech about the bond of marriage. We gave our vows, both to marry and to rule. We swore to be faithful, caring, and devoted to each other. She said the first prayer for our marriage then a second prayer for the coronation and crowning. I bent my head and let her lay the circlet on me then watched as she laid his on him. He was nervous. He shook just barely.

"Stand and greet your people." we stood and turned. "Their majesties, King Efren and Queen Ramana. Long may they live and reign." a cheer went through the crowd. I looked to my mother to see she was smiling but sitting. She wasn't well. She'd pushed herself. Perhaps Efren could convince her to rest between now and supper. I took my new husbands hand and went down the aisle. I led him outside to where a bonfire and revelries were waiting. We'd celebrate all day. Food would be available all day but sides of beef, lamb, pig, were all being roasted for supper. As the court filed out we stood and got congratulated. The noble ladies each one who carried a title in the court bowed over my hand and gave a brief promise of loyalty till death. When they were finally done I turned to Efren.

"Well, we made it. How do you feel?"

"Exhausted already."

"Well perhaps you could take a breather and do me a favor. See if you can get mother to go up and rest." he nodded quickly.

"Yes. I noticed she is not well." I kissed his cheek.

"Thank you." I was relieved when I saw him escorting her out of the hall toward the stairs. I led the celebration, drinking and talking. When Efren came back, nearly thirty minutes later I took him to the side.

"How is she?"

"Tired enough that I got her to promise not to come down to supper. I said I'd send up some food for her and she's got her window open so she can hear the celebration. This past month has been a lot for her. With it past hopefully she will get some rest and be alright."

"I hope so." I'd just gotten the crown so one less weight was on her. I wanted her to see the daughter I was sure I was having. That reminded me. I turned and grabbed Efren's hand. I pulled him to the dancing and swirled him around making him laugh and forget the worry. We danced several dances then I took him off to get food and drink. I declined the offered wine and drank the clear water instead. The healer said a glass of wine a day should be fine but I should drink more water.

"So, how did you like our wedding?" I asked him.

"It was perfect. I think I'll remember it always. You seem tired, do you want to sit?" he asked me touching my cheek.

"I didn't sleep very well last night without you."

"Me either. You are very necessary to my peace now." he says a little embarrassed.

"Mine as well. My sleep was also hard since I was hoarding the knowledge that I'm with child. I wanted to surprise you with that knowledge today." He stared at me.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. I saw the healer yesterday. It seems you, my husband, are a prolific man and I'm very pleased by that. In another eight months we'll have a little, hopefully, girl to hold. I told mother this morning. She was thrilled. I know it will ease a worry she'd not admit too." he smiled and grabbed me up in his arms twirling me around. I'd never seen him so happy.

"Ramana this is wonderful." he sat me down immediately looking concerned. "But you should be resting. Sitting would be best. I should get you some food. Have you eaten at all today?" I laughed.

"No I haven't. I was far to busy. I don't want to sit, it's our wedding I want to dance and celebrate."

"Why don't you sit while you eat at least. I'll get you a plate." he took me to a soft chair to one side and sat me down before hurrying off for food. Lady Amelia popped up next to me from nowhere.

"Well your majesty, you seem happy in your husband. I wish you both great happiness."

"He's a fine man. A grand treasure."I looked up at her, here's where my husbands reach was going to come in handy. "I hear that you are expecting another child. Congratulations Amelia. You've two girls and a boy now don't' you?"

"I do. Thank you Majesty." she was surprised at my knowledge and pleased I remembered. "I hope you are blessed with many girls and boys of your own."

"Me as well." Efren showed up with a large plate full of food. I laughed.

"Amelia, look how well he's caring for me already. I'll be a portly queen in no time with him as husband." Amelia laughed.

"Let's hope you are blessed with a daughter to run after and keep you trim."

"Definitely." she bowed and wondered away. I ate until not another bite would go in and made him eat the rest. As supper got close I saw him get a guard pile a tray high of meat, fruits and deserts as well as a bottle of wine and send it up to my mother. We danced, ate and celebrated until after dark. Then when I knew that everyone was wondering when I would make off with my husband, I took his hand and didn't bother to hide that I was leaving. He was blushing as we got inside. I just laughed and tugged him up to my room. I untie then toss my robe into a chair. Going to him I discard his outer robe. The inner one was sewn from knee to neck. I grabbed and pulled at the seem popping the stitches. I spread the cover on the bed. It was tradition. In times past the cover would be checked for the blood of deflowering but that practice had been thrown out years before. Probably by a queen like me who was not a virgin on her wedding night. But I still spread it out. I wanted to make love on it. I'd make sure all vestiges of innocence were gone tonight. I kissed him hungrily and moaned into his mouth. He'd gotten bolder in our lovemaking but tonight I could tell that something ruled him. His hands were sure, his body firm as he guided me toward the bed. I followed as he took the initiative and made love to me. I grinned as his mouth kissed and loved each breast before burying his head between my legs and teasing me till I was moaning and begging for him.