The Bar

Emelia stepped out the front door, and the sound of galloping hooves drew her attention. Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Lassiter thundering towards her on a magnificent white stallion. He reigned in his horse just inches away from her feet, and she could see a relieved expression cross his face. “There you are, Emelia.” He said with a grin. “Leon sent me to find you.”

She squinted into the brightness of the afternoon sun as she asked, “Is he alright?” The wind played with the tendrils of her hair as her free hand rose to shield her face from the glare.

He held her hands in his and looked into her eyes, trying to ease the fear in them. “He’s fine,” he said softly. “He’s about 30 minutes away from here with the other soldiers stationed in a small town.”

She tugged at the corset of her gown, feeling the restriction of the boning and the tightness in her chest. “I’ll go get changed,” she said, unwilling to endure a horseback ride while wearing this restrictive formalwear.

Lassiter swung his leg off his horse and hopped down beside the animal, “What you’re wearing is perfect,” he said softly. He clasped her arm and lifted her up onto the saddle, arranging her skirts so she was perched with both legs to one side. He grabbed the reins and settled in front of her, holding on to the pommel with one hand while taking hold of the reins with the other. “Hold on,” he commanded, bringing the horse into a gallop. Emelia clung to him tightly, winding her arms around his waist.

The morning sun shone on the vast meadows of Alana and cast a gentle golden hue over everything. Emelia couldn’t help but marvel at the beautiful scenery that passed them by - rolling hills dotted with sheep, clear lakes reflecting the turquoise blue of the sky, and trees swaying in perfect harmony to the chirping of birds. The breeze cooled her warm cheeks as they made their way towards their destination -a small town named Tereas on the outskirts of Alana.

The wind tousled Emelia’s hair as she rode behind Lassiter for half an hour, her eyes scanning the lands. When they finally arrived in the town, he urged the horse to slow its pace and stopped it in the middle of the road. The town looked older than any she had visited, but it was alive with energy. People bustled about in clusters, their chatter mixing with the sounds of wooden carts carrying goods such as juicy apples from nearby orchards, trinkets, curiosities from distant markets, and candles that would glow like fireflies.

As Emelia dismounted from her horse, she took a deep breath – this place felt different, almost magical. She strolled through the bustling streets and saw the blue and green tents of Iris’ soldiers mixed with the bright colors of Alana’s locals. The roads that were once filled with tension now hummed with a peaceful melody. A smile crept over her face as she looked around in awe. She glanced up at Lassiter, who walked beside her, their steps echoing off the walls. “You all just set up camp here, huh?” she asked.

He paused, eyes sweeping over the scene before him. His lips curved into a warm smile, and he nodded in approval. “It’s quaint,” he said as he glanced at the little wooden building in front of them, reminiscing on home as he added, “This reminds us of home.” He stopped before it, nodding slowly, saying, “This is it.”

Emelia craned her neck as she stared up at the two-story building. An old, faded sign hung above the entrance, squeaking and groaning in the wind. The sun had already begun to set, casting a deep orange glow on the worn letters that read: Tereas Bar. She stepped back and glanced at Lassiter, her eyebrows raised in question, “This is where he’s at?”

“He had to drown his sorrows somewhere,” Lassiter said. “We’re a good shoulder to cry on if I don’t say so myself.”

“I know you are, Lassiter,” Emelia said as she pushed through the wooden door, the hinges creaking. She expected to be hit with a wave of noise and the smell of alcohol, but instead, her senses were met with silence and the sweet scent of flowers. The low light flickered from white candles tucked into wall sconces around the space. On both sides of the room were wooden stools crowded with Leon’s soldiers whispering amongst themselves. A path leading up to Leon was lined with magnolia petals, giving off a heady perfume that further warmed the atmosphere. Leon stood at the front wearing his customary knight attire, emphasizing his strong jawline and broad shoulders. His hair swept back away from his face, completing the look, and Emelia felt her heart skip.

The soldiers were stunned into silence, their eyes wide in admiration. Gone was the hardened archer as Emelia had shed her battle armor, replacing it with a delicate, emerald green dress that was carefully tailored to accentuate her curves. Her face – gentle and strong at once – glowed with inner warmth and beauty framed by ebony waves of hair cascading down one shoulder. Lassiter slowly stepped forward, a faint smile tugging at the edges of his lips. He looked over the group of men standing with their mouths agape and said, “Alright, boys. Close your mouths. You’ll catch flies that way.” His gaze shifted as he presented Emelia with a bouquet of wildflowers in a rainbow of colors. She accepted it graciously, her cheeks pink with surprise and delight. As she smiled at him, the air seemed to sparkle like grains of dreamy stardust. Ethereal music filled the space, making it feel like they were all caught up in some magical fairytale painting.

Emelia’s raced when she saw Leon standing at the end of the flower path. She took a few hesitant steps forward, her feet crunching against the petals beneath her shoes. When she reached him, his strong hands enveloped hers, and he looked around at the crowded room with a faint smile gracing his lips. “I know...” he said with a slight laugh, “...a bar,” he paused to brush a strand of hair away from her face. “You deserve the best, Emelia. I promise that later...”

Emelia exhaled deeply and looked into Leon’s eyes. “No,” she said softly, her voice quivering with emotion. “Here with you and our regiment. It’s perfect.” She heard a cacophony of cheers and whistles erupt from her fellow soldiers as they celebrated her response. A broad smile lit up her face as she held his gaze. Emelia knew that she was able to convince Charles and Edward to allow them to marry, but Leon had no clue. Her expression changed to one of concern as she asked, “But what about the treaty? What would people think?”

He smiled and spoke with an intensity that betrayed his nerves. “Since when have I cared what other people think?” His chest heaved, and he met her gaze with determined eyes. “I’m not willing to let you go. It’s time I do something reckless.”

The priest began the wedding ceremony, his voice low and steady. Leon stood tall, taking in every word as all the soldiers were silent but for creaking wooden stools. “Do you, King Leon of Iris, take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife?” he asked seriously. “Do you promise to care for her and provide love, comfort, and support unconditionally, whether in sickness or in health, through times when she is wealthy or poor? Do you swear to honor her as your Queen no matter what obstacles may arise and remain faithful to her forevermore on this day and beyond?”

Leon stared into her eyes, his pulse pounding in his ears. His mouth was dry as he whispered, “I do.”

The priest turned to Emelia, his face bright with kindness and his hands clasped in front of him. He looked into her eyes and asked, “And do you, Princess Emelia of Alana, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Do you promise to care for him and provide love, comfort, and support unconditionally, whether in sickness or in health, through times when he is wealthy or poor? Do you swear to honor him as your King no matter what obstacles may arise and remain faithful to him forevermore on this day and beyond?”

Her mouth curved into a broad smile, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Leon. She nodded and spoke with the certainty of a promise, “I do.”

Leon couldn’t contain his enthusiasm as the priest’s voice boomed out, “I now pronounce you husband and wife!” He beamed joyfully, his smile lighting up the room as he moved closer to his new bride. The soldiers erupted in a flurry of cheers and applause as he gently cradled the back of her head, pressing his lips lightly against hers. When their lips parted, he felt the lingering sweetness of her taste on his tongue like honeydew nectar, and he licked his lips to savor it.

Completing the ceremony, Emelia’s hand trembled as she slid the gleaming gold band over Leon’s finger, his skin warm against hers. He returned the gesture, and her heart swelled with love as their fingers interlocked. Her eyes were fixed on Leon’s, and she couldn’t wipe the blissful smile off her face. For a moment, nothing else existed except for this magical moment between them as they were finally husband and wife.

The soldiers clapped and shouted as they raised their beer mugs in the air, stomping their feet as they bounced around like popcorn. Laughter and shouts echoed off the stained walls and wooden floor. Candles across the room burned low on every surface, flickering in time with the music. Empty glasses dotted every table and corner, and as the night dragged on, the drunken chorus of voices grew louder and more out of tune. The music and laughter eventually died away, replaced by the soft snores of those who had given into their intoxication and fallen asleep wherever they had collapsed.

Leon reached out and gently took Emelia’s hand. With a tight smile, he murmured hoarsely, “The barkeep ran us a nice hot bath upstairs. Are you ready?”

“I’m ready,” she said, lacing her fingers with his as they ascended the stairs.