Thread: The King's Bride. (Cr0ssy994 x LingeringDesire)

Endolynn Herrick meandered through the dark halls, trailing the page and a house maid. She'd only been in the kingdom for under an hour and already she was lost. What she saw of Cyrene's castle was beautiful, but that was all in pale moonlight as she traveled to arrive before dawn. Today she was to be married. The king was in need of a queen and she fit the bill. Sweet of demeanor, meek of temperament, wide of hip, heavy of bust and young enough to produce an heir. Her heart thundered behind her breast, it was unnerving that because of a weak willed father and heavy handed grandfather that she was here. Her eldest brother would take over the farm and this marriage would only further their lines of defense. A political move and not a love match. In fact, she hadn't even met her husband to be, too busy to even meet her carriage at sunrise. Indisposed... She muttered. The male gave her a look, but basically ignored her for their walk. The maid opened the door and stood at the entrance, Your chambers Milady, your things arrived yesterday. I do hope you will find everything to your liking. The woman curtsied. Peeking inside Endolynn saw a group of women bustling about preparing things for her... for her wedding... for the death of what she desired. Thank you. She moved beyond the woman and into the fray. This wasn't the life she had chosen and laid out for herself. Four and twenty years lay behind her, she was beyond the proper age for marriage, yet the king wanted her still. Planning on living out her days alone and in the comfort of her fathers home and on the land from which she was born. Now, this. Sighing she waited as the maids stripped her bare. The next few hours disappeared in a flurry of activities. Frills, pearls, lace, satin, velvet, powders, cream and an elaborate crown. The crown was beautiful, fit for a queen, something which she would be within the next few hours. It caused her heart to race, it was too much responsibility and she wasn't sure she could handle it. However, with everything in place she stared at her reflection. Not believing her destiny. The little she'd heard about her intended were horrible. He was demanding, spoilt, and cruel, or so the rumors came down her way. In her tiny corner of the world he was spoke about in an ill manner. She despised her position, missed her former freedom. The walk to the chapel felt like a walk to the gallows, heavy heart and steps carrying her closer to the young man that would now, and until she died, be her king and husband. She wanted to escape back to the farm she loved. Hands deep in the soil, she knew she'd never feel that free here in the castle. She stood waiting for a bit until the doors creaked open , all heads turned and there was shuffling as people bowed. boot steps thundered on the stones and the ceremony began. Words were spoken, repeated, and listened to. The thick veil blocking out everything except blurry shadows, one of which was her husband. Standing beside the male she remained firm, unwavering in her stance. She didn't plan on passing out, unlike most others in her shoes. Turning she grasped at his hand, this was the moment. Closing her eyes she felt the sunlight dance over her face. Slightly olive toned skin was revealed, full lips on an angular face, strong jaw line and dimples revealed as she gave a soft smile. Her dark brown eyes fluttered open, wide and causing her to appear younger than she was. Endolynn stared up at him. The smell hitting her hard and causing her eyes to water. Blinking she noticed she HAD to tilt her head a bit to look him in the eye, so he was more than a few inches taller than her. His beard was shaggy and long, and from her vantage point she swore there were bits of food and , was that mud, in it. His eyes sparkled like emeralds, despite his appearance he appeared fit. Overall she was satisfied. But the smell was appalling. Remembering what the priest said she lifted from her spot and onto her toes so her lips could brush his in a slight kiss. That seemed to be enough and the crowd went into a frenzy. Her father stood by and wiped tears from his eyes. Endolynn was still quite angry, but seeing the depth of emotion on her father's face, ran to him and gave him a grand hug. It was a moment and she was being ushered down the aisle at her husband's side and out to the steps where the community waited to see their queen. She pushed her arm along his and held on as they strode. Her free hand holding her dress as his steps were quick and she didn't wish to trip and fall. Horses stood at the ready, both solid white with gray muzzles. She was lifted by knights to one and the king sat astride the other. Silently they wound their way through the kingdom and to the castle where the party commenced in the grand ballroom. The female was helped down and escorted in by her husband, though she felt like he didn't even know she was there. The room was decorated with thousands of flowers, cloth streamers and banners with her family crest upon it. Her uncle had been a knight until his death so she'd seen it a time or two. The smell of the lovely food hit her nose, over the smell of her husband, and caused her stomach to rumble. It looks so lovely my king, thank you. She whispered as they were shown to the raised dais that held their seats, steins of ale and plates of food came next, Endolynn was overwhelmed.