All Things New: Chapter Fifteen

Just a quick reminder that this is an AU. Though, I don't think it's impossible that Ari and Artham could have gotten married before the war. As it was, they hid their courtship. Maybe they were really married 😅

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: THE WEDDING

Arundelle didn’t say anything to anyone that night as she went to bid her guests goodbye. Artham was a bit tired, so he went up to bed. Ari tried to focus on her guests, but there was something else in her heart that night. Esben had a feeling what it was, especially when he ran into Artham on the way to get something from the kitchen. Artham had never looked so at peace since their parent’s deaths. It did Esben good to see his brother like this.

The next morning, Artham told his family. Esben was convinced he would be getting a niece soon. Ari told her father and Nia, who had stayed the night in the castle. Aside from a few other important lords and ladies, Artham and Ari wanted to keep it quiet. There was one reason in particular. Arundelle’s life had been threatened before. A big public wedding would make things complicated. So, one of the ladies, Lady Cornelia, made a speech to the people of Anniera, saying that their Throne Warden would be fully devoted to a very binding commitment, preventing him from courtship. No one was to ask. And no one had any idea that he was getting married. Ari would wear her ring, and she knew no one would ask, since she was just a simple kitchen girl.

“So, when are you getting married?” Emerald asked, her eyes sparkling.

“Well, with no crazy ceremony to make things complicated, how about as soon as we can?” Artham asked, smiling at Ari.

Arundelle blushed but nodded her head.

“Well, we could get things prepared by next sixth day. All I need you two to do is get someone to do the ceremony and get Arundelle a bouquet,” Madia said, not even looking up.

“Me and Emmy could go pick flowers tomorrow. And, since Nia’s still here, she could help me make it,” Ari said, smiling.

“I’ll go get the blacksmith, Cadwick. He’s done weddings before. And he likes me and Arundelle,” Artham said.

“Everyone likes you and Ari,” Esben teased.

The next day, Artham and Esbe rode to the small town of Pennybridge. “You know Arth, it’s a beautiful day for riding!”

Artham laughed. “You say that every time we ride, brother.”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

Artham laughed again. “I’ll race you to his smithy,” Artham said.

“You’re on!” Esben shouted, snapping his reins and urging his horse onwards.

Artham laughed once again. Right now, there was nothing that could get him down. Nothing at all.

When they reached the smithy (Esben won) Cadwick, Armen Cadwick, was sitting outside.

“Ah, hello boys. Can I help you two with anything?”

The big man stood to greet the two, offering a brown and sinewy hand in greeting.

“Would you happen to be available next sixth day?” Artham asked, after pleasantries were exchanged.

“Anythin’ for you, Highness.”

“Even a marriage ceremony?” Artham asked, smiling.

Armen’s eyes widened for a moment, then he smiled. “You and Arundelle?”

Artham blushed, but then he nodded.

“I’ll be there. I’ll even wear a clean shirt.”

Artham laughed. “I think Ari cares more about that than me. I’ll count myself lucky if I can get Esben to wear a clean tunic!”

Esben shot his brother a glare but then laughed.

“We better head back to the castle, Arth. You know how grandmother gets if we take too long. She’ll have the whole army looking for us.”

“Aye, your brother makes a point. I’ll see you boys next sixth day! Maker’s blessings,” Armen said with a wide grin.

“Bye Armen!” Esben shouted as he galloped off.

“Thank-you, Armen,” Artham said, smiling.

“Of course.”

Artham rode after his brother, and Armen went back to work.

That next week seemed to fly by. Arundelle had more fun than Artham. She got to pick a cake, and flowers, and clothes, while Artham just bore it in silence, hating the attention.

What Artham did enjoy was the long talks he and Esben would have late into the night, after Arundelle fell asleep.

“Are you scared for tomorrow? Your celebratory dinner?”

“No. What I’m terrified for is the following day.”

Esben smirked. “I guess I’ll be if I ever get married.”

“You’ll be by my side tomorrow, so I know it’ll work out.”

Esben smiled. “Just like you’ll be by mine…if I ever get married.”

“Forever. I will always be there…not just when you get married.”

The following day, in the evening time, Artham was adjusting his vest in the mirror. He heard a soft tapping at his door.

“Come in,” Artham called.

Ari peeked her head in, looking so beautiful that Artham’s breath was taken away.

“Artham, I was hoping we could walk in together, so there’s not so much attention just focused on you. I know you don’t like that stuff.”

Artham smiled. “You know me too well.”

“I feel like you want to tell me something too.”

Artham flushed. “Um, yeah. There was…one thing.”

“What?”

“Just, maybe a favor to ask.”

“What?’

“When I was little, I couldn’t sleep without my mother’s kiss on my cheek. I haven’t really gotten a peaceful night’s rest since. But, when you…pecked my cheek that night, I was able to sleep, because it felt like my mother. It felt like home. So, I wondered, if maybe— “

“Artham,” Arundelle said, holding up her hand to stop his nervous babbling, “I promise you, starting tomorrow night, I will.”

A wave of relief crashed over Artham’s face. She then linked her arm in his.

“Are you ready?” she asked.

“As I’ll ever be,” Artham replied, lifting her hand to his lips.

“Good.”

She led him out of the room, and the young couple was greeted most warmly.

Artham found himself enjoying the ceremony…for the most part. The only reason it was slightly tolerable was because it was a small group.

Artham was more relieved when it was over, but he was happy to see Arundelle glow.

Esben was impatiently waiting for his brother to get ready the following morning in the kitchen. Artham was sitting beside him. “You know, you’re not gonna get your tunic buttoned shaking like that,” Esben said, rolling his eyes.

Artham flushed. “Look, it’s a bit nerve racking. I mean, what if I forget my vows, or what if I freeze, or— “

“As long as you say ‘I do’, you should be good.”

Artham shot his brother a glare. “One day, I’ll be the one giving the pep talk. And it’ll be better than that.”

Esben smirked. “Not for a long while.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure. Nia and you sure seem to hit it off good.”

Esben narrowed his eyes at his brother but then laughed in spite of himself.

Arundelle, meanwhile, was letting Nia, who stayed for the wedding, doll her up. Her hair was done in a simple and elegant way. Her makeup was natural and blended in perfectly. Her gown was gorgeous. It was a pure white one, her mother’s old wedding gown, and Arundelle made it look even more beautiful than it was.

“Nia, do you think Artham will like this?” Arundelle asked, a little nervously.

“Of course. But, you know, he won’t know till the ceremony. You can’t see him all day.”

“I know. It’s just an old Annieran tradition.”

“But a sweet one.”

Arundelle nodded. “Yes, a sweet one.”

The hours of this momentous day passed by, and soon guests, only a few, were entering the Throne Room, where the ceremony would take place. Madia was teary eyed, and Lady Cornelia did her best to comfort her. Emerald was simply enthralled. Esben was feeling an odd emotion. He knew his brother was grown-up. One hundred percent. However Esben was worried that now he and Artham would not be as close as they had been. Maybe, not as loving?

No, Artham will always be by my side…..just like I will be by his today.

Artham suddenly appeared at the front of the room, and Madia started crying more. Emmy whimpered. And Esben felt his eyes tear up. He blinked twice, swallowed hard, and walked up to meet his brother.

“Are you ready? Emmy is gonna start playing the song. Grandma’s gonna sing it,” Esben informed.

Artham nodded. “I’m ready. Are you?”

Esben nodded. “I don’t mind sharing you…too much.”

Artham laughed. “Good. But you are my priority, Es. You always will be.”

Esben teared up again.

But then the. melody started, Madia’s voice began to sing, and Arundelle appeared, leaning on Reginald.

Artham inhaled sharply. He could feel his cheeks turn red, and his heart pounded in his chest. Ari looked so gorgeous…with flowers in her hair…rosy cheeks that reminded him of apples….and those bright, green eyes, so bright as the leaves on trees. So bright as the life that now lay before him.

He found himself smiling, and when Ari was brought closer, and kissed by her father, he grabbed her hand, happily.

The bouquet was handed to Nia, who was by Ari’s side, and the ceremony began.

Armen read the Promise, asked them to say their own vows, and then prayed over them. Arundelle’s heart was now pounding.

Artham looked more than ever like a Throne Warden of Anniera, standing tall, a slight smile on his face, a sparkle in his eyes.

Armen smiled. “Well, you have done all your vows, and there’s only one last thing. Artham, you can kiss her now if you like.”

Artham smiled, and Arundelle giggled. Then he kissed her.

The crowd applauded, Emmy squealed with delight, Madia cried, and so did Reginald. Esben was filled with a large amount of disgust. There was something unsettling about seeing his brother…do…that. Though he could see that Artham and Arundelle had never been happier.

I hope you enjoyed this (rather long!) chapter! This is one of my favorites. But, this does mark the beginning of something new. And maybe not a good something...🙃

Let me know if anything sounds weird or wonky!