As most people who read these posts are aware, I like to keep them as timely as possible. And with this past Wednesday being my cousin Jessica’s wedding, as well as finding out that my friend Devon got engaged over last weekend, I think this week’s post is going to be about weddings. So here’s Pan and Iselda’s wedding scene from the book.
Pan was waiting at the makeshift altar at the top of the steps in the throne room. His hands were sweating and he couldn’t take his eyes off his feet. He was dressed in the traditional Brarian ceremonial robes: black pants and shirt, a white jacket with gold embroidery along its neck and down along the edges, and a black, floor-length cape with the blood red ‘K’s of the Royal seal. Shade, who was standing beside Pan, put a hand on his shoulder and urged him to look up.
Walking into the room were two women. Marina, who looked absolutely dazzling in her purple dress, was leading a teary eyed goddess into the room. No, not a goddess – it was Iselda! She looked indescribable! There were no words that could even scratch the surface of the beauty she had at that moment.
And suddenly, she was there, standing before him. His breath was caught in his chest; his heart felt like it was about to erupt, beating like it wanted to create a rhythm for all of Braria to hear.
“Pan…” It was barely a whisper, but she covered her mouth as if she’d shouted.
“Will you marry me, Iselda?”
“…Yes!” This time she did shout.
Shade and Marina had climbed to the top of the platform and were now facing the crowd, a crowd that seemed well over the ten or so people Pan had planned on. Between the four of them was a small marble table that held a single goblet made of pure Brarian silver. “The sacred covenants of marriage are not to be entered into lightly,” declared Shade.
“They are an eternally binding agreement between two willing parties. Love must be present in their hearts, yet sacrifices are required to prosper. Panken and Iselda understand the requirements of this world and of the spirits in the next, and they are ready to pay the debts required,” Marina told the gathered masses.
“Iselda, as Panken’s wife, you would be the Queen of Braria. That title brings heavy burdens; none as heavy as the clause to the people stating you will do all in your power to protect and lead them to prosperity. Can you lead and protect us in such ways, giving your life if necessary?”
“I-I can. I will give my all for the betterment of this country and her people. I give my word as Iselda Ness.”
“Good. Now do you forever promise to love Panken; to make him happy and peaceful to the highest degree?” asked Shade.
“Yes, I will please him in every way I can,” she declared with a wink to Pan.
“Give me your hand,” Shade demanded. Iselda gave the hand closest to him. Taking an ornate knife from his belt, Shade sliced her palm open. She let out a gasp and turned to glare at him. He turned her hand over and let the blood flow into the goblet that rested between the four of them. “As proof to your words, the crown demands blood payment.” Iselda simply bowed her head to his explanation.
“Panken, for the past ten years, you have ruled as the Nifehan of Braria. You will have no real changes to your duties, only your title. As king though, you must put your people above yourself or even your queen. Can you live with the terms as set down by the first king?” demanded Marina.
“I’m still dedicated to my country and I will always do what is necessary for my people.”
“Good. Now do you promise to forever make Iselda happy and peaceful to the highest degree?”
“Her happiness will always be the most important thing to me; save that of my people,” Pan declared.
“Give me your hand.” Marina took the knife from Shade. Pan handed her his closer hand, which she sliced the palm of and let the blood drop into the silver goblet.
“Iselda,” Shade said, “by your oath, your love, and now your blood you are forever bound to Panken Kanta.”
“Panken,” said Marina, “by your oath, your love, and now your blood you are forever bound to Iselda Ness.
Now they spoke in unison. “Take the cup with your blood and feed it to your spouse.” The bride and groom did as instructed, drinking their fill. “Now, by our power, and in the presence of these witnesses, we declare you wed! Let the world know: Braria has a new king and queen!” There was an uproar as the ceremony concluded. The crowd roared louder as Iselda flung herself at Pan and kissed him.
When she finally pulled away, there were tears in her eyes but she was smiling the biggest smile Pan had ever seen her wear. That smile alone made his heart skip a beat. “You look…beyond verbal description,” he whispered in her ear over all the noise. She just held herself tighter to him as he led her to the ballroom where tables created an empty space big enough for half the guests to dance in, and musicians playing all kinds of instruments started playing an upbeat piece that told the surprisingly true story of a certain Clowian maiden and the unusual relationship she had with a bear.
This isn’t the full chapter, but is the start of chapter 20. I hope you enjoy, and once again congratulations to Jessica Cuthbert and Corey Lauer and Devon Enright and Sarah Freeman; I wish you guys all the best in your futures together.