Unification

Emelia blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the sunlight streaming in through the windows. She glanced over and saw Leon lying beside her, his abs forming an intricate pattern as he breathed. His sculpted body was partly exposed from underneath the sheets, with firm, defined muscles that had been created from his time in the military. As she admired him, she felt his chuckle beside her. He tilted his head casually and flashed a flirtatious smile. “Like what you see?” he said.

A deep red flush spread across her cheeks as she replied, “Yes.” She flashed a shy smile as a wave of anticipation coursed through her. “I can’t wait to have some alone time with you once more,” she added before sitting on the edge of the bed and glancing over her shoulder. “But we should get back to the castle before my father think I was kidnapped again.”

Leon let out a loud, deep chuckle and leaped out of bed, his feet hitting the floor with a thud. He rolled back his shoulders, stretching out his tired limbs before scanning the room for his shirt. “You’re right,” he said between laughter, “We certainly don’t need another war.”

Their discarded clothing lay scattered on the floor like jigsaw puzzle pieces. The soft silk of the gown brushed against her skin as she stepped into it. She grabbed the corset from the floor and laced it tightly with shaking hands, feeling her ribs strain against its delicate hold. He stepped into his trousers, zipped them, and quickly fastened the buttons of his shirt. Hand-in-hand, they descended the staircase, Emelia’s breath catching at the sight of the soldiers. With mops and rags in hand, they moved with precision at their commander’s orders - the barkeep who had turned a blind eye to their late-night revelry. The old wooden steps groaned underfoot, and when they reached the bottom, Emelia cleared her throat and said, “Morning.”

The bar erupted in a thunderous applause as a soldier at the front of the crowd yelled, “Emelia, don’t worry. You weren’t that loud!” As the whole room laughed heartily in response, they gathered around with cheers and well wishes for the happy couple’s first night together.

“Oh gosh,” Emelia gasped, her face quickly flushing a deep scarlet red. She sunk down, hiding behind her hand as if to shield herself from the embarrassment.

Leon’s lips curled into a smile as he whispered into her ear, “It’s fine,” followed by a gentle kiss on her cheek before turning and addressing the room. His voice was firm as he stepped into the crowd of men, “Alright, get it all out now.”

The cheers were so loud Emelia could feel the ground shaking beneath her feet. She glanced up at her new husband, who beamed back with unwavering assurance as the soldiers around him pushed and jostled each other, their enthusiasm contagious. Lassiter fought through the men, grabbing his friend’s shoulder with a hearty laugh. “So, how does it finally feel to be a married man?”

Leon felt the rough hands of his fellow troops on his back as they cheered for him. He looked around at their smiling faces and couldn’t help but smile back, even though he wanted to appear stoic. “Alright,” Leon said calmly. “I’m sure Emelia wants something to eat,” he called out over the raucous celebration of their marriage.

A soldier, wearing a suit of shining armor, asked the newly married couple with a hint of anticipation in his voice, “Now that you’re married, what will be your first decision for the castle decor?”

Emelia’s face reddened, her eyes narrowing as she retorted. “You just assume I will stay home because I’m the woman? Because I’m Queen?”

The soldier’s face was etched with lines of determination as he proclaimed, “Of course not!” He looked around at his comrades, “I was talking to King Leon. If there’s another war, believe we’re going with the Ghost!” The soldiers erupted in applause, their cheers and stomps echoing off the walls.

“How did you hear about that?” Emelia asked.

“News travels fast here in Alana, Lad...Queen Emelia,” Lassiter corrected himself as his lips twitched into a knowing smile.

Leon patted Lassiter on the back, “Nice save,” and the entire bar went silent. All eyes were on Leon as he raised his hand and braced himself for his next words. “Thank you, guys, for the support and the laughs,” he said while eying the cheeky soldier that asked about decor. He moved to stand in front of the group, and his voice echoed off the walls. “Let this mark the end of this town hall,” His eyes narrowed at the soldier, “Say another word about my Queen and...”

“All right!” Lassiter’s voice was like a thunderclap, booming through the saloon and cutting Leon’s threat short. “We had our fun. We’re moving on.” He instructed the soldiers to finish cleaning up the bar.

The moment they stepped out of the bar, Emelia and Leon were met by a sun shower. A horse stood just outside, its back steaming with heat from the sun’s caress. Leon hoisted himself gracefully onto his horse, extending his hand to Emelia. She grabbed it eagerly, feeling the warmth spread through her upon contact as he guided her up behind him. His body felt solid against hers as she clung to him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist and pressing her ear into his shoulder blades. Her heart raced in time with his own as the horse took off, and she could feel the air around them rushing past. Strong gusts of wind swept around them, whipping their hair into a frenzied dance and muffling any other sound. Emelia smiled as she felt the breeze caress her cheeks and inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet scent of nature and savoring this moment with Leon. The horse slowed its pace as they ventured deeper into a kaleidoscope of leafy hues, crunching underneath like a soothing bed of timber. Leon pointed off into the distance, past the swaying cornstalks and rustling maples, where a towering castle could be seen emerging from the foliage. The horse ambled slowly beneath them before finally stopping at its gates. “We’re here,” said Leon.

Emelia and Leon stepped into the Royal Hall, their footsteps echoing in the large room. Charles sat on his throne, a long black velvet cape draped around his shoulders, his gaze searching the couple before him. He sighed heavily, pausing momentarily before finally speaking to his daughter. “When I said you could go marry your King,” he began slowly, “I did not mean the same day.”

Emelia’s mouth dropped, “How...”

Charles’s eyebrows arched, and his mouth turned up in a knowing smile as he said, “This Kingdom may be large, but Alana is an old-fashioned place where gossip runs rampant. News travels fast here.”

“I’m getting that,” Emelia finally said in an annoyed voice.

Her mother’s gaze was pleading, her body language practically begging Emelia to agree. “You’ll let me throw you a proper wedding, right?” Her mother asked with desperate hope.

Emelia crossed her arms over her chest, her lips pressed into a thin line, “Proper?” Emelia asked.

Nina’s face reddened, “No, no,” she said, her voice softer now. “That’s not what I meant. I just want to be a part of it.”

Leon hung his head, the weight of guilt dragging on him. He didn’t mean to marry her daughter without her consent. He raised his eyes to meet Queen Nina’s gaze. His voice trembled as he spoke. “Of course, Queen Nina. I would love that so you can give your blessing.”

Queen Nina clasped her hands together, her fingers laced in excitement. She took a step forward, her gown rustling as she moved. “Before you leave,” she said quickly, “just stay another few weeks.” A wide grin spread across her face, and she spun on her heel, rushing out of the room with an excited giggle.

Charles rose from his ornately carved throne and beamed at Leon. He stepped forward, extending an arm in a warm greeting, and thumped the younger man on the shoulder with a playful pat. His gaze soon followed his wife, who had started to rush out of the room, and he bounded after her with an eagerness that belied his age. “Welcome to the family,” Charles said before slipping away.

Emelia stood by Leon’s side, and they gazed at each other with the radiant glint of unspoken joy. The vastness and grandeur of the throne room elevated their spirits. Countless prisms refracted the sunlight streaming down through the cathedral-like windows, casting a spectrum of hues across the polished marble floors. Despite everything they had endured, Emelia and Leon felt strong enough to face whatever lay ahead. They knew that nothing could thwart them as long as they were together.

* * *

EPILOGUE

* * *

Over the coming months, more weddings were held, and Emelia and Leon held a grand ceremony in their respective kingdoms of Alana and Iris. But they always looked back fondly to their first wedding, a simple affair they celebrated at the local watering hole in Tereas with their regiment.

Her brother, who was a few years younger than Emelia, immediately showed a warm embrace toward his new sister, as did their father. Their Kingdom welcomed Emelia with open arms, and she returned the favor by using her talents and ideas to better her people. Her Kingdom flourished under her leadership and prospered like never before.

Prince James and Princess Elizabeth held their extravagant wedding shortly after Emelia and Leon’s. In just three months, the two were expecting a child. They were both thrilled to start a family, while King Edward smiled with joy at the thought of his heir and successor to the throne.

At long last, the five realms of Macula, Sclera, Cornea, Alana, and Iris joined forces. On the day of the treaty signing, all Five Kings held a grand celebration to honor the new union. Their respective armies united under a shared banner, and peace was achieved throughout the lands. With that accomplished, Emelia was able to enjoy the peace she fought so hard to achieve with her family and a kingdom to call her own.