Chapter 256

Breathe, Pearl. Breathe.

The ruby and diamond tiara sat upon her head and for the first time, her marrying the heir apparent to England felt real.

"You look beautiful." Fi said, adjusting her veil.

The car stopped in front of the Goring Hotel and Jim opened the door for her.

"The crowd is miles long. Try to breathe. You have this." He said. Pearl and Fi got in and the car began it's mile long drive along the mall of Westminster to Westminster Abbey, where everyone was waiting for her.

Their new titles were announced by the king early that morning. The Prince and Princess of Wales, Earl and Countess of Chester, Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, Earl and Countess of Carrick, Lord and Lady of the Isles, Baron and Baroness of Renfrew and Prince and Princess and Great Steward and Stewardess of Scotland. Erik insisted Pearl be given equal titles, minus the military titles Erik had. That way, when he became king, she would be an equal. King Edward announced that as well, and to everyone's surprise, it had a positive response. Especially in America.

The car stopped and Jim helped Pearl out of the car. Thousands of people were cheering and taking pictures. Jim, much to Pearl's surprise, kept her arm and escorted her to the main door of the church. "Erik has asked me to escort you down the aisle today." Jim said. "And I told him it would be the greatest honor of my life to do so."

Pearl looked up at him and smiled. Jim was not only her protector, but her friend. He was more of a father to her than her real dad ever was. She nodded and the producer that was in charge of the televised event gave them the cue to walk down the aisle. Fi was behind her, along with Maggie and Iris. Erik, as promised, had Dylan by his side along with Auggie and Bash. The church was crowded with guests. World leaders, politicians, philanthropists, actors, musicians, you name it.

Erik stood, with his back to Pearl, in full military regalia, as did Auggie. They looked absolutely regal. When Pearl made it to Erik's side, he smiled and nodded but remained formal and proper.

The ceremony began. The service lasted just over an hour and included vows and a sermon delivered by the Bishop of London, private clergyman to the King.

It was official. They were married in the country and the worlds eyes but Erik was so incredibly grateful for their private wedding, their night for themselves, just over a week and a half earlier.

After, Prince Erik and the new Princess Pearl departed Westminster Abbey, by carriage, and processed to Buckingham Palace. The carriage carrying the bride and groom was followed by 4 other carriages carrying their bridal party, and King Edward and Princess Frances.

The Bride and Groom arrived at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace, and gave the crowd a wave. Erik took Pearl's hand and led her to the main balcony, Auggie, Bash, Edward and Frances along side them. They waved and Erik took her in his arms. "And he took her in his arms and kissed her under the sunlit sky, and he cared not that they stood high upon the walls in the sight of many." Erik said, quoting Tolkien, kissing her completely inappropriately, with an open mouth, passionate kiss and then hugging her and holding her. "You look beautiful today, nightingale. The most beautiful there ever was." Erik said.

"And you look like a gift on Christmas morning I cannot wait to unwrap later." Pearl said, smiling and waving to the crowd.

"You shouldn't say such things. We will have to take leave during our own wedding breakfast." Erik said, also waving to the crowd.

"Promise." Pearl said, looking at him.

"I do." He said, smiling.