The Wedding

[G. Novella]

Byron sighed as he stood in his tunic. He was wearing a sharp black tunic with gold embroidery. His house crest was emblazoned over his heart. On his hand, we wore several rings. His sword was sheathed beside him as he stood by the pastor. In a few minutes, he'd make the deal and marry that woman. He tried to keep his smile as people mingled around him. His thoughts fluttered back to the Training Academy, and his smile was more natural as he thought of it.

The air around them was a warm summer breeze. It was an outdoor wedding and the flowers dotted along the pillars. The commoners were roped off from the main event, however, many had gathered to witness the wedding. He was, after all, rather famous for being a great soldier. Maids mingled around, serving juice, watching children. Music lulled through the air as bards played upbeat and romantic tunes. Any moment now, she'd arrive down the aisle.

[Chameleon]

Jacquelyn was standing in front of a mirror inside a tent, right where the wedding would be held. Her mother and younger sister was standing there watching her. Her elder sister hadn't been able to arrive, since she was in France, and the wedding had been held so soon.

"Are you sure you'll do this?" Sophia asked with worry lined in her face. She didn't know much about this deal, but wasn't particularly pleased about her new brother-in-law. She had noticed the stiffness between the couple.

"Yes, I am," Jacquelyn only said, as she watched herself in the mirror. She was wearing a beautiful white dress, and her hair had been made by one of the Court's finest. Her mother was beaming by the sight of Jacquelyn.

"You're beautiful, darling." It was the first time Jacquelyn had heard her mother call her beautiful, and she felt resentment toward her mother to say it on her wedding, and forced a smile forward. She had been trained to it, and only if you looked closely at her, you noticed her smile wasn't natural.

"Let's go," she said in a fake cheerful tone, although she longed for the moment to stay non-married woman. Her mother and her sister slid out quietly to join her father on the front seats. She took a quiet breath, and took a step outside the tent. She noticed faintly the Guards, and dizzily the many people who had arrived to watch her married to Byron. There was no escaping now. She took a step forward, and first then noticed Byron standing there in the front, and sighed. She walked quietly forward until she was standing in front of Byron.

[G. Novella]

Byron's eyes locked on his Jacqueline's walking form. A few hushed whispers sounded, and a few of the common folk began to rabble. He could care less, as he watched her intently, and then the crowd. They seemed rather impressed with her, and he had to admit, even veiled, the girl looked pretty. Not that he expected less. He'd ordered some of the finest silks and fabrics to make that dress. It was a gift, as he'd said to her parents.

As Jacqueline moved, Byron's eyes moved over the crowd. Many seemed impressed, others soured. A few of the women he'd rejected over the years seemed miffed that he'd chosen a second daughter to a family, but he could care less. As Jacqueline approached, he took her hands in his, keeping his face straight.

"With out further ado, let us begin the ceremony!" said the pastor loudly over the audience.

"You look good, the fabric I selected suits you, the crowd is raving," said Byron quietly to her, as though he was commenting on the weather. He gave a silent tug on her hand, to remind her what their deal was.

[Chameleon]

Jacquelyn heard the whispers around her, and ignored it. It was to be expected after all, and she had heard the whispers lately. Some girls seamed jealous, and many had looked at her enviously the last month. It had been difficult to restrain herself from telling them how horrible he was, although some would scoff at it, and only see his wealth and power. After all he would be training the King's Witch Hunters. It was a great honor after all.

She was now used to having him hold her hand, and only smiled. It was after all a show, she thought disgusted. She glanced toward the pastor, and sighed.

It annoyed her how easily he commented on the things that were important to here. She wanted to crawl out of the dress, which fabric he had chosen. Even that control she hadn't over her own dress. She had been furious when she discovered it, but had only fumed silently.

[G. Novella]

Byron ignored her as the pastor started blathering on about eternal love and commitment. He had no desire to partake in the farce of the ceremony. He could care less as he forced a vague smile on his face and snuck glances at Jacqueline from the corner of his eye, playing the part of a well-wooed husband. He was concentrating more on battle strategies. His mind thought of the lovely Academy he would soon be starting. He wished he could simply tear himself away from this aisle and head to the Academy to begin training.

"And now, your vows please," said the pastor after what seemed like an eternity.

Byron smiled wider, realizing the ceremony was coming to an end. It had probably been lovely, considering women were already bawling at the pastor's romantic words and swelling words. The violins and cellos played soft, romantic music, that thrilled over the land. Yes, the wedding was indeed grand, fabulous, perfect. It was probably the best thing about the marriage.

"Do you, Lord Byron, take Lady Jacqueline to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Asked the pastor jovially.

"I do," said Byron easily, with a smile in Jacqueline's direction.

"Do you, Lord Byron, swear on your titles, on thy father, and on thy heart to be loyal, faithful and caring to your wife?" Asked the Pastor.

"I do," said Byron firmly.

"And do you swear to take responsability for your wife until death do you part?" Asked the pastor, his eyes glistening as he smiled down on the couple.

"I do," said Byron.

The pastor turned and began to ask Jacqueline her vows.