1.17: The Big Day

"Good morning, princess!" An all too cheerful voice shrilled from next to her and her curtains were thrust open, the sun beaming into Setia's eyes. Setia groaned and stretched, realizing the spot on the bed next to her was empty, save for a single rose. Setia smiled. She then sat up and stared at the window to see a buxom redhead standing there with her hands on her hips.

"Mei?" Setia gasped. The woman clapped and nodded.

"It's your wedding day! Aren't you excited?" She said. Setia nodded, already overwhelmed by the woman's energy. The doors burst open and a few more women came flooding in, carrying white lace gowns and tiaras and shoes and makeup and cosmetics. Setia's jaw dropped as they all marched in, lining up.

"Now to choose your outfit!" Mei smiled.

Setia had been poked and prodded for most of the morning when Mei was finally satisfied, and with a sigh, turned her toward a large mirror held up by some servants. Setia gasped. She looked ethereal in a white lace gown, with long lace sleeves and a plunging neck and back line. A long train crossed the room. They sewed gossamer flowers into the lace. Her hair had been curled into cascading waves that fell down her shoulders and back. Setia's lips deep red, like delicious wine, her eyes lined with kohl. A large diamond tiara sat atop her head, made of gold.

"Oh, so beautiful!" Mei cried, tears flowing down her face. It startled Setia.

"Why are you crying?" She tried to hand her some tissues. Mei waved her off and sniffled, rubbing at her eyes.

"I'll be fine, I'm just moved by how much I've transformed you." She sniffed. May snorted a laugh. Like she was that bad before!

Before she knew it, she was being ushered into a white carriage that was being drawn by unicorns! She gasped and stepped into the carriage. The servants helped to arrange her skirts. The carriage took off and wound around the palace grounds, and came to a stop outside the central cathedral to the gods. Crowds gathered around the buildings, thousands standing in the streets trying to glimpse her. As she came out of the carriage, she waved to everyone they cheered.

"Long live the Queen!"

"Queen Setia!"

Some threw flowers, and the sky looked like it was raining blossoms. Setia held out her hands and laughed in delight. The servants were directing her toward the cathedral doors. Through there, she knew her mission waited for her. She waited outside the doors. Trumpets filled the air, and then two servants opened the grand doors. Music played.

Slowly, in time to the music, Setia made her way into the grand cathedral, and walked down the aisle. It amazed her, the stonework, statuary, and stained glass windows of the building, but she was most awed by the King and Niall, who were standing up on a raised dais at the front of the room.

Niall's gaze softened as he saw her, and she swear she saw his eyes glisten with tears. She smiled. He looked so handsome, in a cream coloured suit. His sword was strapped to his waist, and he wore the royal crown on his head.

When Setia was standing across from Niall, she was lost in his eyes, in his smile, in the sweet sincerity in which he held himself. She didn't listen to most of the king's words as he read out the ceremony, but she was anxious as the time ticked by.

"Do you, Prince Niall, take Princess Setia, daughter of the Dark Kingdom, to be your wife? To care for her, cherish her, and honour her for as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," He said with a smile.

"And do you, Princess Setia, take Prince Niall, Son of the Light, to be your husband?" He said with a smile. Setia nodded. Then realized she actually had to speak.

"I do." She said, clasping Niall's hands in her own. She felt him squeeze back.

"Than by the powers vested in me, as king of Andruil, I pronounce you bound in life. May you live ever in happiness." He said and threw a fist full of flowers in the air.

"You may kiss your bride!" He laughed. Niall smiled and grabbed her waist, staring into her golden eyes. He leaned forward and dipped her low to the ground, his nose grazing hers teasingly. Then his lips descended on hers in a deep, earth-shattering kiss.

(Ding! Love meter increased to 80%, Mission meter increased to 80%, Court approval meter raised to 80%) Not 100?!

The crowd cheered and threw rice and flowers. When they finally came up for air, Setia was flushed. They smiled and waved at the crowd. Then Niall grabbed her hand, and led her running out of the cathedral, into the open sun. A carriage waited for them outside, and he led her to the carriage, diving in after her.

"Go!" He called to the driver. The carriage took off, crowds chased after them, calling and waving. Setia waved out the window.

"Where are we going?" She asked him, brow raised. He smiled and loosened the sash tied around his neck, undoing a couple of buttons on his tunic.

"To our honeymoon." He smirked.

The carriage pulled up in front of a quaint little brick cottage, with smoke coming out from the chimney. They were in the middle of a large, thick forest, with dense foliage everywhere. Flowers also littered the garden around the cottage. Even for a cottage, it was still quite large, with what looked like at least two floors.

"My lady, after you." The prince said, opening the door for her and arranging her skirts.

"Don't you have to carry me across the threshold?" She asked. She wanted this done properly, damnit!

"Oh yes, of course." He swept his hand beneath her legs and lifted her bridal style, and carried her in to the cottage. He swung her around easily and placed her on her feet. She marvelled at the grand building and stared at the cozy fireplace, furs placed around, soft furniture. It had a quaint little kitchen full of spices and food it looked like. She gazed around as Niall went to the kitchen and found what looked like a bottle of ambrosia and two crystal goblets. He brought them over and uncorked the bottle.

"Not a repeat of last time." He promised. Setia laughed and stared at the bottle warily. I suppose it couldn't hurt. She took the glass and raised it to him.

"To us, and to the future." He said with a smile. Setia smiled and took a sip. She immediately felt it go to her head, and she set the glass on the table.

"So, we're married now." She said awkwardly and blushed, unsure of what to do next. She had assumed the mission complete meter would max out after they got married and sealed the alliance. Then she would leave the world. But it's still only at 80%.

Niall swirled his glass and took a long sip. Then he placed his glass on the table next to hers. He reached forward and brushed some stray hair away from her face.

"Yes, we are married. And we are alone." He said with a smirk.