51Epilogue
Winter in Rhamnus had passed, giving way to spring and a multitude of pure white flowers that decorated the landscape like freshly fallen snow. Through the gardens surrounding the palace, their perfume scented the air as though in celebration of the auspicious day to come.
"I'm nervous..." Sam said, standing at his window with his hand to his belly. The declaration was one of surprise at his own emotions.
Behind him, Aurelius made a face as he looked up at him over the king's crown waiting on its velvet cushion for Sam to wear for the ceremony.
"How are you nervous?" He asked incredulously. "You're already married. This is just a formality."
"Yes, but Oceane's ceremony hardly felt official!" Sam turned back to face his new brothers. "This is actually real now!"
"It was real before." Nero said calmly, crossing his arms where he sat leaning against the wall.
Sam grumbled, walking towards his wedding attire, waiting for him on his bed. It had been set out by his maids. Usually, Sam was perfectly capable dressing himself, accepting Pheobus' help if necessary. Today, however, his brothers were in charge of preparing him.
The coat was fiery red, orange, and yellow with shimmering gold accents that reminded Sam of a plume of dragon fire over a pair of charcoal gray trousers. Which was, he knew, the intention. Larissa had made the outfit for him, and her expert hand had crafted a masterpiece complete with a long golden cape that somehow managed to perfectly accent the royal crown without being ostentatious.
The wedding cloth, the preparation, welcoming so many foreign royals into the kingdom at the same time, was really driving home how enormous this celebration was.
The king of Rhamnus had finally chosen a bride, and, for the first time, foreigners were being welcomed into the kingdom. It seemed every one of his citizens was converging on the capital to celebrate. To the point that even this massive city was nearly overrun.
Kaz separated himself from the side of the room where he had been focusing on Sam's chess board - trying to figure out how he had lost against Sam last night in the game that still remained in place - to come clap him on the back.
"Don't be so nervous. Nothing is going to change."
"Are you serious?" Sam gave him a look. "Everything is going to change. Nat's going to officially be my queen now!"
"She was your queen before." Nero reminded him.
"Yes, but..." Sam trailed off, unsure of how to express what he was feeling.
When he had brought Nat home, it didn't surprise him any longer that few recognized her. He was tempted to completely overlook the egg stealing incident, but he couldn't, in good conscious, not explain what had happened.
As he had expected, Nat was determined to have acted under duress and neither she nor Poseidonium was held at fault. They were even treated with a measure of gratitude for saving the water dragon from being put in fire.
However, at hearing that Sam had been married to her in an exchange of children between Oceane and the lava god, they had been unsure of what to do. At her own request, Nat had not been given any power or even fully acknowledged as the new queen. It had been her idea to have a second, proper ceremony, stating that things felt more real and secure with such pomp attached to them. Afterwards, she said, she would accept her power and position in full.
Sam had laughed initially, but now that the wedding day was actually here, he could understand why she had suggested it. Nat had been his wife for months now, but this was the first time that he was able to look think of her and actually see her as his queen and partner.
That made him nervous, for some odd reason. Nothing had changed, but now it finally felt like they were stepping into roles as rulers that they hadn't occupied before. They would officially be king and queen from this day forward.
A sharp knocking at his door distracted him from his worrying. Nero, closest to the exit, opened it and had to quickly step aside as Linus nearly fell within.
"How could you?!" He asked, face red and blotchy as he looked at all of them darkly. "You are all terrible people and should feel ashamed of yourselves!"
"Father?" Sam raised a curious brow.
"Sorry." Pheobus said, walking in behind him with a sheepish smile. "I tried to hide all the brandy, but he found it."
"You're all horrible men." Linus repeated, using Nero to keep himself upright. "Taking my girls from me. How could you?"
"All right, father." Aurelius said with a smile, taking hold of him. "Why don't you sit down before you fall, hm?"
"You're a good boy, Auri." Linus gave him a smile. "Terrible and selfish, but good."
Aurelius laughed, sitting him into an armchair. "Mother's going to be angry with you."
"Ah... my dove." Linus smiled into the cold fireplace. "She makes me so happy. Just like Nat will make you happy, Sam, my boy. You're a good one too."
Sam grinned. "I thought I was terrible?"
"You are! But, you're good, too." Linus sighed, sinking into himself. He hadn't yet fully regained all his weight after recovering from his poisoning. However, he was finally looking healthy again.
Not to say that the poison hadn't left its mark on him. He became tired more frequently than he used to and could no longer stomach tea. He was also annoyed at how everyone treated each sniffle and cough as a dire emergency now, but he was grateful to be alive.
Alive and witnessing the wedding of his youngest and last daughter. It was a great and terrible day. Just like the four sons he had earned through their marriages.
"What am I going to do now?" He asked, voice forlorn.
"You're going to do what all elders do." Aurelius smiled. "Spoil and love your grandchildren."
"Aye..." Linus' face softened. Then abruptly hardened again. "Who are you calling an elder?!"
"Let's hurry up and get Sam dressed." Kaz said as Pheobus shook his head. "Are you staying to help?"
Pheobus smiled. "I'm not family."
"Says who?" Sam asked, head popping up from his contemplation. "You're almost married to Zoe, who's Kaz's sister. Which makes you my almost-brother. Join us. I have so many now."
Pheobus grinned. "Well, if you don't mind me nagging you about the fact that it's past noon and you're not even dressed yet..."
"Are you kidding? It wouldn't feel like a real ceremony if you weren't griping at me about something." Sam laughed, gesturing him in. "Besides, Zoe's with the girls, isn't she?"
"She is." A smile came over Phoebus' face. "Just a few more months and her mourning period will be officially over and we can finally wed."
"Shall we toast to the future king of Scabrosa then?" Nero asked. "None for you, father."
"Daughter thief!"
"Isn't it my wedding day?" Sam asked, crossing his arms with a grin.
"You're already married. This is just a second ceremony." Nero chuckled.
"Well, before that," Pheobus gave Sam a look. "Are you still not getting dressed? You realize that the girls have been readying themselves since this morning, right?"
Sam smiled. "Yes, fine. Since you all insist. Let's get me ready to marry. Again."
Rhamnus was a country that did everything more than slightly excessively. Therefore, it wasn't a surprise to Nat that she had her own room separate from Sam's, despite already being married. It was a room she rarely used, spending most of her time with him. However, as a spot chosen to prepare herself for her wedding, it was useful for the first time.
And filled with feminine laughter as the five sisters worked around each other.
"Stop laughing." Nat told them, irritated. "It's not funny.
"It's a little funny." Zoe giggled from where she sat, Andromeda trying to tame her wildly curly hair.
"It's more than a little funny." She was saying, pinning a white flower into the curly mass. "How can you possibly be nervous? You're already married."
"That's not the point." Nat frowned, staring at herself in the looking glass. "It's different somehow..."
"In what way?" Larissa asked, turning back around with a string of black pearls that fell in expanding rings from a choker to a loop that hung halfway down Nat's belly when she locked it in place around her neck.
"I'm not sure... It's just different." Nat looked down at herself, frowning.
She was concerned about the dress Larissa had created. Not because it wasn't lovely. On the contrary, the deep, ocean blue - used to symbolize Nat's origins - matched beautifully with the black and gold accessories that had been designed expressly for her. The queen's crown was waiting on a velvet cushion, rubies gleaming against gold. The fire of her new life.
Black lace half gloves rested on her hands. More lace was interwoven with black pearls in the short bun her hair had been tied into away from her face. The accessories, the jewels, the dress were all unspeakably beautiful.
Nat just wasn't sure how good she looked in them. And it made her nervous.
However, she could hardly ask for a plain gown for her wedding. Especially not since the grand ceremony had been her idea to begin with. She had to dress according to her new official station as queen, which meant a lavish gown and jewels.
Never mind that she didn't look good in such things. This was what she must wear.
All around her, her sisters didn't appear at all nervous by Nat's gift. They had dressed in gowns that Larissa had made for each of them specifically for today.
Zoe, still in the official mourning period for Cadmus, had to wear black. Larissa, who detested tradition and Cadmus both, had given Zoe a gown as white as the flowers that grew in Rhamnus and trimmed it in dreamy black floral lace. She looked less like a woman in mourning and more like a beauty preparing for her debut in society. To complete the image, Andromeda was draping her in white flowers and black pearls that shimmered against her skin.
Reanna was assisting her in tying white ribbons in place along Zoe's arms that encircled the limbs up her entire forearm, ending in lace just past her elbows. The flowing golden silk of Reanna's dress was simple and elegant. She didn't quite shimmer like Zoe did, but she sparkled from the golden belts around her waist, wrists, and arms. The bright blonde waves of her hair had been tied back and interwoven with red lace and black pearls. More such pearls looped down along her shoulders, across her torso, like an oversized necklace caught in place.
She was not here today as a queen, but as the bride's sister. As such, she wore only a single golden circlet, inlaid with more black pearls and cushioned with red velvet. On each of the golden plates making up her jewelry, the image of the rearing lion was stamped.
The Lion Queen, in full regal, golden form.
Andromeda, stepping away from Zoe, moved back towards Nat. In her arms was the long, golden veil that would be draped over her body for her bridal walk. It wasn't a Rhamnian tradition, but it was a Poseidonian one she insisted on following.
The Hound Princess wore inky black in the fairy style wherein her skirt was shorter in the front and longer in the back. Three lines of black pearls encircled her waist, sitting just below the subtle curve that her stomach was developing now through her second pregnancy, accentuated by a large, fiery red ruby in the very center of her waist. More rubies glittered at her ears while three lines of black pearls encircled her neck and wrists. Knee high boots shined black with pearls hanging around her ankle. The dark color brought a glow to her sun kissed skin.
The Hound Princess, free of magic but full of vitality.
Larissa took the veil from her and tossed it over Nat, concealing her from view. The circlet crown she wore underneath would be the base for the crown she would wear later.
In contrast to Andromeda's dark gown, Larissa's was filled with color. What began as a white gown at her breast had been dyed in progressively darker shades beginning with yellow and moving through green and through to blue and ending nearly black, though not quite fully dark enough. Black pearls were interwoven through the black lace at the hem and created the sleeves that hung off her shoulders. Her long brown hair had been tied back and decorated with more pearls and inky black feathers that had their tips painted similar hues of green and blue. More feathers dangled from her earrings, tickling her bare shoulders.
The Eagle Princess, timelessly beautiful and elegant.
Meanwhile Nat, the Forgotten Princess, hid beneath the golden veil and wondered if maybe she could complete the entire ceremony from under there.
"Stop being so nervous." Larissa laughed, straightening the veil. "You look wonderful."
"I think I might lose my stomach." Nat admitted, wrapping her arms around herself.
"None of that. You'll disturb your face paint." Larissa chastised, turning from her to fix Zoe's curls herself. Andromeda had done what she could, but they required Larissa's expert touch to really come under control.
As she was working, a gentle knock on the door proceeded Banae's entrance. The head maid looked around, wearing her most severe, most gray gown for the occasion. She spotted Nat under the veil but quickly looked away.
When Sam had returned with Nat, his new bride, Banae had been one of the few people he had presented her to personally. Banae had looked like she might have a stroke at the time. Her eyes had nearly slipped from their sockets as her face turned red and blotchy.
However, she had recovered quickly and bowed her head to Nat. Their relationship had been rather overly polite and formal since.
"Your majesties, your highnesses," she greeted formally. "The ceremony is prepared downstairs. We are ready for you at any time."
"Are you ready?" Larissa asked, looking to Nat.
Nat took a calming breath and held herself tall. Might as well get it over with.
"I'm ready."
"Let's go then." Reanna smiled, stepping forward. "Zoe, shall I escort you?"
"Oh, yes, thank you."
"Wait! I'm not done with your hair!"
Andromeda watched as the three of them ran out, Larissa still fussing with Zoe's curls. As they moved to get into position, Andromeda looked to Nat.
"Are you all right?" She asked, voice kind.
"Truthfully? I'm not sure. People are going to talk when they see me."
"If they do, it will only be good things, I'm sure."
"I doubt it. They know me as the common princess. I don't even want to look at myself."
Andromeda frowned, concerned. Although her and Reanna's gifts came from - or had come from - their own internal expectations of themselves. Larissa and Nat's manifestations came from the expectations of others. Larissa was expected to be beautiful, and so she was. Conversely, Nat was expected to be plain, and therefore she was.
"It's your wedding, Nat." Andromeda put on a smile. "They shall expect a beautiful bride. Perhaps, if you expect that as well, that is what you shall be."
"Were it so easy..."
"Expectation is a hard thing to change, it's true. But I believe that you're beautiful, now and always. Shall we?"
Nat grinned despite herself. "Thank you, Andy. I'm ready."
Andromeda nodded and turned to follow the others.
Nat stood, straightening her skirt before she walked after them. Banae was still standing in the door. As Nat drew even with her, she came to a halt. Banae lifted her eyes but quickly looked away.
"Your majesty." She said softly.
Nat smiled. "You know, you can just call me Nat."
"That would hardly be appropriate."
"You call Sam by his preferred name."
"I do not." Banae held her head high. "I call him Samouel. A proper, kingly name. And only because he wouldn't stop insisting upon it."
"Then I insist that you call me Nat. Or, if not, then Nastasya."
"Nastasya?'
"A properly, queenly name?" Nat grinned. "I've never been one for formalities myself."
"Ugh..." Banae's eyes rolled back. "You're just like him then."
"We are rather similar." Nat laughed.
Banae frowned at her good humor. She couldn't quite see her under the veil, but she still remembered, acutely, how she had treated her before. The manner was not at all fitting for royalty, and she wasn't sure how to approach her now.
"Banae." Nat tried to reach out for her but was blocked by the veil. She withdrew her hand, but continued speaking, her voice soft. "It's not like I don't understand why you did what you did. I can't even say that you were wrong for it."
"It was disrespectful to you, a princess."
"You didn't know I was a princess. And I'm a poor princess, if I'm to be honest. Sam cares about you, a great deal. You helped raise him. And, we're going to be working together for some time now. I don't want bad blood between us."
"You're so quick to forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive. I can't blame you at all."
A small grin pulled at Banae's lips. It wasn't a full smile, but it softened her harsh features. "Then, Nastasya, I would suggest you go ahead. You're going to make the ceremony run late. That's quite rude from our queen and I won't stand for it."
"Yes, Banae." Nat smiled, stepping past her and down the hall, after her sisters who were all waiting for her at the end of the hall.
The grand ballroom sparkled with a combination of firelight and the dimming orange of the setting sun as it set the large windows aflame. Sam stood at the base of the center window, in front of the two priests that were to marry them. The priest of the ocean god, brought from Poseidonium with their king and queen, stood along with the priestess of the lava god.
Beside Sam, his brothers all stood together, each one wearing a suit designed by Larissa. They all looked sharp and handsome and aristocratic. Sam almost felt overshadowed by their grandeur. Even Aurelius, who wore a pelt as a cape, and Kaz who wore an Ale Santeri uniform, both looked their best.
"Relax," Pheobus whispered to him. "You're fidgeting."
"Where is she? Nat's never late for anything." Sam looked towards the entrance anxiously.
"Why are you worried? You're already married."
"Give it up." Aurelius snickered beside him. "He doesn't listen no matter how often you repeat it."
Pheobus sighed, shaking his head, but a fond grin pulled up at his lips.
Just as Sam was beginning to wonder if the sun would set fully before Nat's arrival, he heard a commotion at the back and his stomach clenched in eager anticipation.
A long path was cleared for her and, obscured by her golden veil, Nat walked towards him.
"Go, idiot!" Pheobus hissed, pushing against his back.
Sam cleared his throat hastily, remembering almost too late that he was supposed to walk towards her as well. Holding his shoulders back and tall, he began the slow walk in her direction. He couldn't see her under the veil, he knew only the dark blue of the hem of her dress.
They were married, and he knew that fully well, but this was still his wedding day. Admittedly, his second one, but no less important for that fact. His beautiful bride was waiting for him under that veil, and the expectation and anticipation were eating at him.
Walking behind her, holding up the trailing end of the veil, Nat was escorted by all of her sisters. Each girl was admired and her gown complimented as they walked. Sam had to admit, looking at Larissa's work, she was an incredible designer.
The two met in the middle and Sam's fingers twitched.
"Nervous?" Nat asked him, her voice soft enough that only he could her.
"It's silly. I know."
She chuckled. "I'm glad. I am too."
The confession made him grin and, now eager to see his wife, he grabbed the veil as he had been instructed by her custom and threw it away over her head. As the delicate fabric gently fluttered to the ground, a collective gasp of surprise fled over the crowd of gathered nobles. They all knew Nat, the plain faced princess-queen they were given.
Yet, somehow, she looked nothing like herself.
That wasn't quite right. It was still obviously Nat, but there was something about her face, the way the dress hung on her body, that seemed completely right and natural. Nat looked around at the gathered crowd, hazel eyes trepidatious.
"Do I look that odd?" She asked nervously, reaching up as though to touch her hair.
Sam caught her hand in the air and smiled at her. "Of course not. You look like a queen. And my bride. Which makes you the most beautiful woman in the room."
"Sam, that makes no sense."
"Sure, it does." He laced his fingers with hers and began pulling her forward to walk her back towards the priests that both stood waiting.
The lava god's priest cleared his throat as they approached, silencing the crowd.
"This is the land that the lava god provides to us out of the kindness of his heart, given to us for the express purpose of protecting his beloved children. Everything we do and everything we are is thanks to and devoted to him. The fiery passion that burns in him for his creations and their continued survival similarly burns in us. To that end, we marry and produce our own beloved children that we give into his service. Children of the gods, who comes here to be joined on this day? Name yourselves for all to hear."
"I am Nastasya Neama Nickelle Nemea Neader, fourth princess of Poseidonium.
"I am Ozias Flavian Endymion Atticus Marcarius Samouel Theodesius, king of Rhamnus and friend of dragons."
"Daughter of Oceane, son of dragons, you are welcome in this place. Fill your hearts with the fire of passion and kneel before me now."
Sam and Nat moved at the same moment, sinking down to their knees before them.
The two priests began speaking. As the guest, the ocean god began first. He spoke of love between people that created a marriage, just as the ocean god's and Oceane's love created their kingdom. He described Nat's family history, proclaiming her the daughter of a long line of royalty blessed by Oceane herself, and declared that she carried the power of her divine love in her blood.
Then, the lava god priest began his speech. He spoke of fiery passion that builds emotion and the trust placed in the vows they would be taking here this day. The sacred covenant they were here to make would be recognized by the gods themselves. Then he similarly recounted Sam's family history and their agreement with the dragons. He explained that the blood that ran red through Sam's veins was filled with the lava god's fiery passion for his children and was similarly magical to hers. He was the friend of dragons and carried their fire in his body.
"The ocean god's, and Oceane's, blessings be upon you!"
"The lava god's benevolence be upon you!"
The two spoke together. "Forevermore are you two joined into one body, one heart, and one soul. Ozias Flavian Endymion Atticus Marcarius Samouel Theodesius, will you remain faithful to your bride? Honor and respect her? Take all of her worldly goods and family as your own?"
"I will."
"Will you live for her? Will you die for her?"
"I will." He gave her a smile as, once again, a small commotion began at the back of the room.
"Nastasya Neama Nickelle Nemea Neader, will you remain faithful to your groom? Honor and respect him? Take all of his worldly goods and family as your own?"
"I will."
"Will you live for him? Will you die for him?"
"I will."
The slow march of someone coming forward echoed loudly in the silent chamber.
"As queen of Rhamnus, will you uphold the sacred vows given to the lava god? To protect his children as though they were your own?"
"I will."
"Will you accept yourself as part of this bloodline and consign yourself and your children to the sacred duty entrusted to them?"
"I will."
The lava priest turned, taking the queen's crown offered to him by the ocean priest. "Then, in the name of our god who protects and provides for us, I grant you the title of queen. Wear your crown with pride and rule with a strong heart."
He settled it over Nat's head as the ocean priest looked out into the crowd.
"Bring the infant."
Sam and Nat turned together as Linus and Melania, cradling their tiny grandchild in their arms, stepped forward together.
The ocean priest came forward to meet them and took the baby in hand. The swaddling cloth was pulled away, revealing her naked body to the world. Her hair was already dark, turning the same shade of brown as Nat's, while her tiny fists beat at the air in agitation.
"Daughter of fire and water," the lava priest called as the ocean priest brought her forward. "Be washed in the love and passion of your people."
Unhappy at being cold and held by her neck and back, upwards like a prize, she began squirming and letting out tiny cries of anger.
Nat's hand tightened against Sam's and a smile pulled at his face as they watched as each priest said a prayer over their daughter. She was only a few weeks old, as yet unnamed, but her fiery temper and uncompromising nature made everyone proclaim her to be a fine heir. She was strong, they said, and would surely be a strong leader when she came of age.
The lava priest declared to the room, "As a servant of the lava god, I do hereby recognize this child as the heir to the throne of Rhamnus. Speak her name."
Sam looked to Nat. It was her job, as the mother to a daughter, to name their child. However, what they had chosen had been finalized between them.
"Her name is Draca Dido Eliana Isadora Kassia."
"Let it be! I present the first princess of Rhamnus, Draca Dido Eliana Isadora Kassia, the Dragon Princess!"
A large cheer went up and the ocean priest passed the princess to the lava priest. He turned with the fussing baby to face Nat and Sam.
The ocean god spoke, "Allow your vows to have the strength of Oceane's when she promised us her love and protection."
"Allow your passions to have the fiery longevity and power of the lava god's fire."
"Be with each other for the rest of your days and beyond, into the goddess of death's kingdom. Let these two be joined and let none but the gods split them asunder! We present, their majesties, the king and queen of Rhamnus."
Nat turned and kissed Sam with a smile on her face. When she made to pull away, however, he caught her by the neck and kept her in place, extending the kiss far longer than it needed to go. It wasn't until Pheobus very deliberately coughed that he finally stopped.
Nat gave him a look when he pulled back. A look that made him smile.
"You're so beautiful when you're angry." He said, getting to his feet with her.
Nat released his hand, holding out her arms for their daughter. They hadn't been separated for so long since the babe had been born, and the time apart weighed on Nat's chest.
The moment the baby was put in her arms, however, the ache she felt and Draca's own fussiness both eased. Draca turned into her mother's chest, grabbing onto her dress as though determined not to be separated from her again.
Sam held out his hand and the end of Nat's veil was put in it. He turned and helped Nat wrap their daughter up in the soft fabric. Most of it still trailed downwards, but Draca seemed much less unhappy now that she was warm again.
Sam pet her head, a smile forming on his face.
"Have I thanked you for this yet, Nat?" He asked, voice soft.
"Only every day, Sam." She laughed.
"It doesn't seem enough for the greatest gift I've ever been given."
He leaned forward and kissed first his queen and wife then his daughter. She turned, putting her fist to Sam's cheek and he smiled.
Music was started as the party celebrating their union began right there in the hall. Nat and Sam were immediately descended on by their family. They gathered around, partially to congratulate them on their second marriage, but also to see the newest member of the clan.
It was a massive event. The marriage of the king, the recognition of the queen, and the naming of the heir all bundled together into a single event.
Because of the enormity of the occasion, and because Sam was friends with every servant, guard, and cook in the palace, it was quite a large party. The nobles wanted to pay their proper respects, but it was made difficult by people like Kostas who rushed right past their prim and proper bows to wrap Nat and Draca up into a large, warm, hug.
"That was a beautiful ceremony." He declared, leaning back to smile into her face. "Not as beautiful as the bride, however."
Nat shook her head. "I'm no beauty. Just because it's my wedding day doesn't mean you have to lavish me in compliments, you know."
"Hm? What are you talking about? I truly believe you to be beautiful." Kostas beamed. "Wait until you see the cake I've made for the occasion though. My sister helped me."
"Your sister?"
"When I told her that our queen and king had been the ones to help us before, she nearly fell over herself. It was funny, I wish you had been there."
Sam beamed. "Well, I'd be happy to meet your family myself. Nat?"
"Oh, no, that's not what I-"
"I'd love to meet Kostas' family."
His face was flushed in pleasure and embarrassment. "Really. Are you two aware of your stations?"
"What's wrong with meeting my friend's family?" Sam asked, smiling. He reached out and clapped Kostas on the arm. "Thank you for your good work today. And your help."
The pastry chef beamed. "It was worth it. I should let the others wish you well though."
"See you around, Kostas!" Sam waved him off.
Nat grinned. "You really are friends with everyone, aren't you?"
He beamed, putting his arm around her waist. "I am a commoner king. Do you think our daughter will be more like us or actual royalty?"
"Whatever she's like," Nat smiled across the room to where Linus stood, cradling the young princess with a look of adoration on her face, "we'll love and accept her as she is."
As they watched, Melania came towards him, Reanna and Aurelius' son in her hands. The first prince of Poseidonium was only a week older than the princess of Rhamnus. He already had his naming ceremony and was of a much calmer temperament than Draca.
Phyllon was a sweet boy and was getting just as much love from his grandparents as his cousins. Linus and Melania had already decided they wanted to spend their elder years traveling between the three kingdoms to love each of their grandchildren. And, also, so that Linus didn't have to say a permanent goodbye to any of his beloved daughters.
Demaris, Andromeda and Nero's first child, was playing with the castle guards who had come, not to guard the ceremony, but as guests. It was a rather rough and tumble sort of chase game through the skirts of the nobility, but he appeared to be having the time of his life.
Soon, they would have their second child. The babe was predicted at being born just a month or so before the one that Larissa believed she was carrying. With that babe's birth, the next generation of royalty was being graced unto the world.
The congratulations and well wishers continued to approach. Tula, still wearing her maid uniform, came to them about halfway through the evening. She had a bright smile on her face and tears in her eyes as she beheld them both.
"Nat. Sam." She curtsied to them in turn.
"Hey, you said my name right." Sam beamed.
Tula laughed at his enthusiasm. "I suppose I've finally become accustomed to it. I just wanted to give you my own congratulations. I wish you both happiness."
"Thank you, Tula." Nat smiled. "I look forward to continue working with you."
"And, Sam, it really worked."
"I know. Right?" He beamed. "Thanks for your help, Tula."
She curtsied again. "It was my honor. Excuse me."
Nat gave Sam a look as Tula walked away. "Her help? You said that to Kostas as well."
"They're both very helpful." He shrugged nonchalantly.
"Sam? What did you do?"
He beamed, leaning over to her. "I merely told everyone to expect a beautiful bride today."
She furrowed her brow in confusion. "Sam...?"
"It's all a matter of expectation, right?" He winked. "That's what your sisters said anyway."
"Sam!" Nat clapped her hand over her mouth, smothering the cry as she fought the urge to through her arms around him.
He didn't, however, show the same restraint. He held onto her tightly, beaming. "I love you as my plain queen, but I take extreme umbrage with anyone calling you the Forgotten Princess. Especially today. You will be no such thing on your wedding day."
Nat turned into him, burying her face into his neck. He chuckled, stroking her back.
"I told them all that your gift is only based on expectation, and that they should therefore expect you to be beautiful and you would be."
"Sam..."
"I love you, Nat. My lovely queen."
"Thank you, Sam."
He beamed, kissing her head. "I defy anyone to forget you ever again. And, if they should, we are immediately going to take action."
"What did you have in mind?"
He grinned. "We would make them our friend. Of course."
Nat started laughing. "You're a strange man, Sam."
"You love me."
"I really do." She brushed her fingers through his long hair.
All around them, the party continued in full swing.
Aurelius had reclaimed his son from Melania and was taking him to Reanna. She beamed at her husband, and the lion pelt he wore as a cape, as she took Phyllon from him. The babe smiled at feeling his mother's arms and quickly latched onto her.
Aurelius kissed Reanna's cheek, smiling at her and his boy.
"I do believe the future king is hungry, my lioness." He purred. "I've had a room prepared so you can feed him without all these eyes on you."
"Thank you, my pet. Shall we?"
He nodded and put his hand to the small of her back, walking with her from the room. The rulers of Poseidonium, carrying the continuation of Oceane's sacred bloodline left the party together with the full intention of returning for at least a few hours more.
As they were walking out for some privacy, a large crash echoed in the room. Damaris, having unwittingly run into one of the servers carrying a tray of wine, fell backwards. The server managed to stay standing, but his tray clattered to the ground.
An irate voice snapped in anger making the boy wince. Nero stepped from the crowd, advancing on his boy as he berated him in an unfamiliar language. Andromeda was slower to approach, a grin on her lips as Damaris stood.
He apologized to his father in the southern tongue before turning and apologizing to the server in the common tongue.
"No, excuse me, my lord." The servant tried to say.
"Don't treat him like that." Nero said, giving his boy a look. "This is a party, Dama, not a yard."
"Sorry, papa." The young boy said, giving his father a big eyed frown in penance.
Andromeda chuckled, touching Nero's arm. "Leave him alone, Nero."
"My precious, if you let this behavior slide once, he'll feel compelled to do it again."
"Dama is a good boy." Andromeda stroked his head. "Aren't you, Dama."
"Yes, mama." He beamed at her.
"Though, you do need to be more careful. You're going to be a big brother soon." Andromeda put a hand to her stomach. "It's going to be up to you to look after your sibling, you know."
Dama nodded eagerly. "When is he coming, mama? I want to meet him now!"
Nero chuckled at his enthusiasm before leaning down and picking the boy up. "It will be a few months yet, don't you worry."
Dama beamed as Andromeda leaned her head against Nero's arm.
One of the guards Damaris had been playing with stepped forward sheepishly. He inclined his head to them both.
"This was my fault, my lord, princess. We let him get out of control."
Andromeda gave Nero a look and he sighed, relenting.
"Oh, very well. I suppose Dama has been good most of today. Far more than I would expect from someone your age anyway. It's no surprise you're restless."
Andromeda beamed. "How about we go outside and play with Ey, Dama? You all are welcome to come as well." She added to the guard.
"Yay!" Dama yelled excitedly.
Nero chuckled, taking his wife's hand and leading her out towards the gardens with his son in his arms, eagerly anticipating the playing outside. They weren't royalty in any way but name, but they were happy and found fulfillment in the simple days of living their life. Relying on each other for strength and joy while facing the world together.
Across the room, Kaz chuckled as he watched them go. "Dama is finally starting to act up. I'm surprised that it took him this long, eh?"
He turned to share a smile with Larissa, but she was gone. He frowned, turning in place.
"My heart? Where are- Rissa?"
He caught sight of her where she had put herself in a corner, holding one hand over her mouth while the other held her belly. She looked positively green.
"Rissa, are you all right?" Kaz asked, touching her arm in concern.
Larissa forced a smile. "I'm all right. The smell of the cake... it's not really pleasant right now."
"Cake? What-"
As he was asking, the doors to the serving room opened and Kostas came out, large wedding cake pushed on a tray that he wheeled towards the table.
Kaz laughed. "Ah. That cake. Do you need to step outside, my heart?"
Larissa nodded. "I think it would help. I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize." He put his arm around her waist, leading her towards the doors. "It's a strange thing to create a life. And, it's my job to care for you while you carry my babe."
Larissa smiled as he kissed her temple.
The future rulers of Methone stepped out together, holding onto one another for support. Their eyes cast down to the little life that rested in Larissa's belly. The future of their kingdom growing beneath her loving heart and his protective hand. Over their heads, an eagle called as he swooped down to check on them.
Nat barely noticed her family drifting apart, separated into their own lives. Though she had once felt lonely when all of her sisters had married and gone away, now she could only feel the eager anticipation of the days to come as she danced with Sam across the room.
"My lovely." He whispered to her, heart so full it felt as though it might burst.
Nat grinned. "Yes, Sam?"
"I love you."
She chuckled. "I love you, too, Sam."
"Can I have another child?"
She laughed outright. "So soon?"
"I want another. I want another five. Or even ten."
"Ten? Goodness..."
"I want a large family. I want to fill this palace with the laughter of our children."
"It's a big palace, Sam."
He grinned. "Then, we better get to work, don't you think?"
She laughed, leaning against him.
Her commoner. Her king. Her beloved.
His Dragon Queen.