Sleeping Fairy

Chapter IX

Six months later, Derek stands at the altar, waiting nervously. He's been waiting for a half an hour for the wedding ceremony to start. Finally, the music starts playing, and everyone proceeds down the aisle. After waiting for what seems like an eternity, Rose finally strides down the aisle, confidence in her every step. Derek can do nothing but gape, drinking in Rose in all her beauty. Her tiara, a series of Faylinnian wreaths set with turquoise and passed down from queen to queen, shimmers delicately upon her head, while sapphires sparkle at her throat. Her dress, made of the Faylinnian silk her kingdom is renowned for, has an embroidered sweetheart neckline with snow-white lace sleeves that end in a graceful flare just below her elbow. Her skirt is fitted at the waist and gently flares to the floor. The train slides behind her, reaching all the way down the aisle. The veil, also a family heirloom, covers her face down to her the tip of her chin, and trails far past the skirt's end. A sprig of roses has been pinned to the right side of Rose's veil, perfectly accentuating the bouquet of roses she carries. "My Rose." Derek whispers, staring at her lovingly. When Rose finishes her walk up the aisle, the priest begins. When he is almost done, he asks,

"Do you, Derek Kingsley Frederick Waterfis, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do." Derek replies.

"And do you, Princess Rosalianna Maria Katarina Gisela Odette Adelina Faylinn, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." Rose replies, completely serious.

"Then, by the power vested in me by the Faylinnian royal line, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Derek turns to face Rose, smiling, and sweeps her into his arms. As Derek brings Rose's head closer to his lips, Rose wraps her arms around his shoulders and raises her head to his. When their lips meet, a cry goes up from the pews,

"Long live the Queen‼" Smiling, Rose puts her feet down, takes Derek's hand, and soars up into the tower that is now theirs.

                                                                The end