Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Reception(Part One)

The bridal party slammed their respective drams before heading for the door. Peggy softly tugged at Skye’s sleeve to gain her attention. She looked almost embarrassed as she stood before her lady with one hand behind her back. She fidgeted before speaking in a nervous tone: “I-Ahh... Umm, I have a gift for ye.”

Peggy pulled out a small glass perfume bottle from behind herself. It was swirled in dark blue and black staining with little dots that looked like stars all over it. Just under the lip of the cork sat a silver crescent moon. The other side was a mirror image, making the bottle impossible to see through.

Skye popped the cork off to smell it. It was her custom smell of cherry blossoms and citrus; bringing a giant smile to the lass’ face. Peggy grinned at her lady’s joy at receiving the gift. She hadn’t been sure she should deviate from tradition, but was happy she did. Peggy was suppose to give Skye a tea set as her Maid of Honor gift. But the lass had dozens of tea sets, stands, and every kind of accessory one would need for them.

A small perfume bottle that was easy to take with her was something Skye had wanted for her wedding day and honeymoon.

Peggy had found her wedding notebook the other night when the couple had been stuck out in the woods. She’d planned on showing Skye at dinner that night, but they wound up not coming back until the following morning.

Peggy had only gotten about three hours of sleep the previous night. Between her worry, taking care of Felicia, coordinating decoration changes like the heather, etc.. If Lady Lidia hadn’t noticed her frenzy and helped, Peggy knew she never would’ve finished on time. But it had all been worth it when she saw the look of awe Skye had given. Even on such short notice; they were still able to give their sweet, wee lassie the wedding she’d dreamed of.

“I know it’s not traditional, but I thought ye would find this more useful than another tea set,” Peggy admitted nervously.

.....

Skye hugged her old servant tightly before putting her finger over the top of the perfume. She shook it, then dabbed her finger behind her ears, wrists, and cleavage. It was the perfect gift, and Skye told Peggy as much.

“Thank ye, Peg. I hope ye know how dear ye are to me.. And that I truly do love ye like me own grandmother,” Skye was just about to make the old servant cry again when a knock on the open door caught their attention.

Tidas was poking his head in to hurry them along. The guests were becoming restless, calling for the reception to get under way. Skye and Peggy looked at each other and smiled; not needing more words between them then. Peggy motioned her hand towards the doorway, signaling Skye to go first.

The bride took one step before she stopped. She wiggled in place a moment before sighing in irritation. Standing in place, Skye pulled up the bottom of her dress just enough to reach her shoe. The sixpence Peggy had placed in it for luck earlier had come loose. She grabbed it as her shoe hung from her toes. While attempting to replace it, she dropped her shoe. Huffing in irritation; the bride reached for it.

Tidas had grabbed the shoe before Skye could even lean halfway over. He looked up as his bride with a cheeky smile, lifted the shoe up slightly, and then shook it tauntingly. Skye pursed her lips before saying; “Now who’s delayin’ us?”

The prince’s grin widened before he said, “You are, by not giving me your foot.”

Skye exhaled loudly out of exasperation. A small smile of amusement tugged at her lips as she shook her head lightly. She knew Tidas was messing with her. Something the prince should’ve thought twice about; considering his current height and placement. Kicking him over would’ve been all too easy, but not now. Not when they were already late.

The bride looked up at the ceiling before sticking her foot almost in his face, saying: “Ack! Why does it feel like this is gonna be a long marriage...”

Tidas gave another cheeky grin while sliding Skye’s shoe on her foot, saying: “I hope so.”

**********

Peggy had entered through the kitchen doors to get to the banquet room. The newlyweds walked all the way around to the front of the castle so that they could enter the same way Skye had before. The doors were open, allowing the guests to see the happy couple as soon as they’d entered the waiting room. As they crossed the elegantly decorated room, the wedding broom came into view.

Tidas grinned devilishly as he scooped his bride up into his arms. Skye had yelped, but then immediately laughed. She smacked his broad shoulder before chiding: “We’re supposed to step over it together!”

“But I thought I was supposed to carry you over it?” Tidas replied playfully.

“That’s the threshold to our home, ye silly man. Now put me down! Everyone is staring,” Skye’s tone and smile matched her husband’s in playfulness.

“There’s a fee,” Tidas had lowered his voice so only his wife could hear him as he finished; “And I plan on collecting tonight..”

Skye felt goosebumps bloom all over her body at her husband’s words. The prince smirked as his wife sucked in a small, sharp breath in surprise. She smiled at him with a quirked eyebrow before saying; “I expect ye to be very thorough in yer.. Methods of collection.”

Tidas beamed at his beautiful wife. It was fascinating to him that she could be so enticing in her innocence. He happily imagined how alluring she’d become with some experience.. Experience only he would give her. She had no idea of what he had in store for her, but Tidas was sure of one thing: they both would enjoy it. He smiled mischievously before kissing Skye passionately; giving her a small taste of the desire he held for her.

Skye was almost breathless from the intensity of the kiss. When he set his bride down, Tidas had to keep his arm around her a moment, to steady her. Skye felt embarrassed, but brushed the pointless feeling aside. It was her wedding day, after all. If she felt like kissing her husband a thousand times, she would do it. And the thought was tempting to her, especially after that kiss..

The newlyweds held hands as they hopped over the broom in the entrance way to the banquet room, leading with their right feet. The guests all cheered and raised their glasses in honor of the bride and groom as the reception was finally under way. Skye’s expression held nothing but joy as she looked about.

The flowers from the aisle were converted into small, exquisite centerpieces that sat upon off-white tablecloths that matched the walls. The bridal party table was centered and raised, towards the back of the room, with Skye’s bouquet in the middle. The violinists were now joined by other musicians, allowing for a wider range of music. Drinks were served as gentle music and lively conversations filled the room.

The banquet tables were brimming with food. Several roasted chickens, ducks and a whole pig were set out for the guests. There was also a seasoned beef roast, but that had been reserved for the main table. There were both roasted and mashed potatoes with three types of gravy available. As well as two types of vegetable melodies, a large serving bowl of Peggy’s signature salad, and another large bowl of fresh mixed berries. Fresh baked cottage loafs, butter, and a variety of jams completed the spread.

The dessert table held small tarts with different fillings, the kransekake, and a small variety of other types of cookies. When Skye saw the heather flowers made of icing that matched the rest of the wedding, she immediately hugged Peggy. It surprised the old woman, but warmed her heart. Any other day she would’ve scolded the lass for embracing her in public, but it was her wedding.

Maevis beamed at the happy festivities. It’d been a long time since she’d seen a human party, and intended to enjoy herself. She smiled at Skye and Peggy from her special seat next to the bride and groom. They’d found the tiny chair and table set from Skye’s old doll house for Maevis. Peggy had intentionally put it directly behind the centerpiece on top of the main table, for privacy for the wee fairy. Which Maevis greatly appreciated.

After the feast; the Quaich was passed around the bridal table as each member gave a small toast, including Maevis. Skye’d always thought the tradition of the ‘loving cup’ was a little unsanitary. But considering how small the bridal group was and how close; the bride now found it charming. After someone spoke their piece, they’d sip from the silver bowl, then pass it on. It had started with Skye, and ended Ralph.

Tidas’ Guard Captain was not one for public speaking. Ralph had stood abruptly when he’d realized it was his turn, nearly knocking his chair over in the process. He took a large gulp from the two-handled bowl before setting it down. He walked over to stand in front of the newlyweds, then bent his knee and bowed his head in front of Tidas.

He fumbled his words a moment before properly saying: “M-My prince; I cannot tell you how much I respect you. I’ve never met a more honorable man in my life, and doubt I ever will. The Kingdom of Alcon would be a much worse place without ye, in every way. I swear on my soul that I will protect you and yours, with everything I have.. And I am to inform you that this be the sentiment of every soldier under your command.”

Ralph turned slightly to face Skye, with his head still bowed and his knee still bent: “My princess; I swear to do everything within my abilities to keep you safe. I pledge my life and soul to you, the same as I do to the prince. Should you need anything, I am at your disposal.”

The formality of Ralph’s words made Skye realize her new position. It was going to be odd to have a royal title due to the marriage. It was often lost on Skye that her now-husband, really was a prince. And it would take quite a bit of adjusting to.

Tidas had smiled and nodded after Ralph had spoken, so she did the same. Many people approached the happy couple afterwards to wish them great happiness, and many children. Skye mimicked Tidas as the stream of well-wishers continued until a Moonstone guard came in.

He went straight to Lucas and whispered in his ear. The lord had been sipping on his glass when he sputtered, partially spraying the poor guard. Confusion traversed his features before he said, “What did ye say about a tiny Santa?!”

Skye looked to Tidas, then to Maevis with an overwhelming smile. She didn’t think she’d see Nicolas until after she’d returned from their honeymoon. She leaned forward to tell her father to bring them in, but it was a moot point now. The other guests all stood and gasped in astonishment as Nicolas and Petrie entered the banquet room.