Finally he made it to the church and his mother, Queen Anastastia met him on the top step as they both waved toward the crowds. Then they turned and the doors opened for them. She looped her hand around his waist. “Is everything okay, Leopoldo?”
So much to say but this wasn’t the place. If he told her about Francesca, someone might overhear “Everything is fine. I’ll go to the front by the altar.”
She checked that his sash was straight and no shoulder tassel was out of order before they marched toward the spot where he’d see Anna. “Your father is escorting your bride, since her father is deceased.”
His heart raced. Soon he’d be a married man. One with problems, but somehow, he’d figure out a way to fix them. “Excellent.”
His mother patted him on the back like he was a soldier in her service. “I’m glad to see you are performing your duties.”
Both his parents had impressed upon him that duty always came first. Choices were for peasants. Today wasn’t something he’d ever thought would be real, but having Anna waiting for him made his marriage… palatable.
Anna might not be a noble woman by birth, but as his wife, he’d honor her. In exchange she’d perform the day-to-day operations of life as a future queen with the polish of someone born for the job. She was always diligent in everything and he would help where he could. “Avce is as important to me as it is to you and Father. I won’t let you down.” He took his position as bridegroom.
His mother kissed his cheek.
He discreetly glanced around at the noble guests. Dukes, Earls, Marquis, Barons, ambassadors, and a few foreign dignitaries all stared back at him from their seats as a choir sang.
He stood tall and noticed the older woman across from his parents. She must be Anna’s grandmother, but she was dressed like a lady and he briefly wondered if Anna might one day age without many wrinkles.
His wandering eye stopped as the trumpets blare changed to a sweeter note.
At first he couldn’t make out anything other than a white veil that never seemed to end that floated toward him like an angel. He couldn’t see her face, but her silhouette showed off curves that one day he’d know every inch of.
He compared her oversized button-downs she wore to the office with this and couldn’t wait to uncover her hips and breasts.
His father escorted her to where he waited and he didn’t move until she lifted back her veil to reveal her steady brown eyes.
He’d been wrong.
Anna wasn’t an angel. Unlike some dream woman, she was here, real, and breathtakingly beautiful.
She reached for his hand and he patted hers through his white gloves. “Anna, you look gorgeous.”
Her cheeks blossomed into a blush as she glanced shyly down.
The priest performed his ceremonial beginning as they both knelt in prayer. Anna whispered back, “Your mother’s people took care of me.”
Against the rules, she talked to him, even now. They’d maneuvered many formal events with her at his side, helping him. Her calm essence lulled his heart into a happy state. Leo smiled as they stood, following the priest’s directions. “Soon the staff will be yours, Anna. So I dare you, now, turn and wave to the camera.”
“During the ceremony we’re to be solemn.”
“Anna.”
She turned with him and they both waved toward cameras that pointed at them. Without saying a word, he pivoted on his heels and kissed her cheek.
Her blush grew as they both turned toward the priest again. She mumbled, “I feel silly.”
Anna was the perfect choice. He knew that now. He winked at her and hoped she gained confidence as he said, “You’re magnificent. I wish I’d thought of marrying you myself.”
Anna stood straight, as if born to be a princess as she nodded and said, “You take duty seriously.”
If only that was true and he’d never touched Francesca. Clearly he’d been blind a few weeks ago. He glanced at the dark wooden floors in the medieval church. “Not always.”
She let out a small laugh. “More often than not.” The priest then stared down at her like he wanted to scold them. The older man read the vows. Anna lowered her head and said clearly, “I will.”
Leo just wanted this to be done already. He’d be married, with a wife that he respected. Anna’s skin almost glowed while the priest spoke to him, “Will you honor….”
Honestly he had no idea what was being said but at the pause when the priest stared at him for an answer, Anna pressed against his arm so he repeated, “I will.”
