Endlessly

A Reason for Celebration

You fight back waves of nausea as your stomach does backflips in reply to the exhilarated roars of your people- just outside of the palace doors, eagerly awaiting the presentation of their newly married Prince and Princess.

You and Aster had, obviously, not gotten married that morning, and had also barely discussed what it was exactly that you were going to say to the Vanirian people.

"I've got it under control." Aster had reassured you multiple times.

I guess we'll see about that. Your stomach does another horrific flip.

"Are you ready?" The prince steps to your side, facing the doors to the balcony that outlook the main courtyard.

"For a miracle? Certainly." Every bit of your intended sarcasm is swallowed up by your nerves.

"Have a little faith." His lips curl up into a warm smile.

"What?"

"In your people- have faith in them. Just because they have different jobs and titles than us does not necessarily mean that their feelings are different from ours."

Your stomach does another flip. It isn't horrific this time, however, it's more like butterflies- more like excitement.

"You're going to be an excellent king, Aster." You finally muster a smile.

"Perhaps. Or perhaps I'll get booed off of the balcony in a few minutes."

You slap his arm. He giggles.

"Ready?" He extends his arm for you to take.

"I am."

The prince nods his head at the guard, who promptly swings open the doors to the balcony so the two of you may step outside.

The people roar, causing your head to spin. You suddenly feel like you're floating above yourself, watching your body moving by nothing but instinct.

"Good morning, people of Vanaheim!" Aster extends his arms toward his people, appearing possibly the most natural you've ever seen him look.

"I have wonderful news to share with you all!" The crowd roars.

Oh gods, here comes some news they're not expecting.

"Over the past month, I have had the privilege of building a wonderful bond and friendship with the woman standing by my side." He stops to give you an affectionate look, causing heat to rise in your cheeks. "And during that time, Lady Gersemi has proven to be far too much of an asset to the realms to simply serve as my wife. Even as our queen. I can say with pure elation that she has far bigger things in her future, and I am honored to be a part of anything she permits me to be involved in."

The crowd goes so silent a pin would be heard if dropped. Someone coughs.

Oh gods.

"Today was meant to be a day of celebration, and while a royal wedding will no longer be the cause for that celebration, I believe the reason we now have to be even greater.

Today, we will celebrate the unification, and protection of our realms. We will celebrate the beginning of some long overdue change, and we will celebrate our people.

Fear not for the future of Vanaheim. With Lady Gersemi's blessing, I have begun the courting process once again, and there is already one prospect that the two of us agree is quite well suited for me." He clears his throat. "While I may not be able to promise that I will share all of the details of that relationship in the public eye, I can and will promise you that I love this realm and its people more than anything. I will be your king, but it is my duty to serve you- my people, and I promise to always keep you safe."