Frederick acknowledged him with a nod. “Thank you.” His brother fell in a step behind him as they left the ante room.
The cathedral didn’t rival others in size, but it was beautiful nonetheless.
And full.
Every dignitary and VIP from Southern Santiero was in attendance. Quite a few from Eastern Novigradia were as well, including most of the royal family. Other countries sent representatives as well, though most were on the lower end of the VIPs considered "acceptable" - an undersecretary of some department or a relative of the royal family, some more distantly related than others. He tried not to be offended. He would personally attend many of the royal weddings if it was deemed appropriate for any VIP from his country to receive an invitation.
Giving himself a mental shake, but definitely not a physical one, he tried to focus on the event in front of them. In just a moment, Elise would walk down the aisle with her father. They'd pledge new vows, ones more... real. They'd exchange rings. He hadn't given her an engagement ring until two days earlier when he officially proposed. She hadn't worn it in public yet, so no one outside the family had even seen it.
Not that all of his family was in attendance.
He still hadn't heard from his sister.
Unless she'd managed to sneak into the country without anyone knowing, she wouldn't be there. The possibility did exist that she'd entered and his staff had chosen not to inform him. All of her possible passports were flagged so palace staff would be notified and all had strict instructions to let him know immediately.
If they didn't defy those orders for what they considered the "greater good" or some nonsense.
Once again, he had to shake himself out of his melancholy thoughts and focus on the present.
Music had been playing softly in the background but the volume increased as did the number of instruments playing. A fuller sound filled the nave as one of Elise's friends started down the aisle in front of her.
Frederick smiled and nodded her direction. She smiled back. He'd met her the night before, but her name had completely slipped his mind.
Perhaps it was the nerves rolling around inside.
The music changed again and all of those in attendance stood and turned to watch Elise enter.
His breath caught in his throat as he got his first glimpse.
The designer she'd chosen was the best in Southern Santiero - or so he understood. He wasn't completely in the dark about women's fashion, but he couldn't pick out one designer over another without someone helping him.
She wore a veil covering her face and another, much longer one, trailing behind. Elise and her father reached the end of the aisle where Frederick waited.
He took a step forward and turned to face the officiant.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" His voice boomed through the sound system, though it wasn't truly needed. The acoustics were excellent.
"On behalf of her family, we give our blessing on Elise's marriage to King Frederick," her father said. It wasn't quite the change of "ownership" of centuries past, but they didn't come right out and say that Elise didn't need anyone's permission or blessing to make her own choices.
It was a step in that direction at least.
Elise's father lifted her veil and folded it back over the top of her head. Elise's friend helped straighten it out.
It was the first clear look anyone had at the tiara she'd chosen to wear. He'd never forget the look on her face as she looked around the vault where the Crown Jewels were stored.
This one wasn't the biggest or most ostentatious, but more simple - in a way that suited Elise.
More importantly, it was one Frederick's father had commissioned for Frederick's mother for their coronation.
Elise hadn't realized that when she chose it, but once his mother approved, it was a way to honor the late king who didn't live to see any of his children marry.
As her father moved out of the way, Frederick took Elise's hand and helped steady her as they walked up the steps at the front of the nave.
Elise handed her bouquet to her attendant and turned to face him, both of her hands sliding into his.
The officiant droned on about love and the sanctity of marriage and how it represented the image of Christ's relationship with the church.
Frederick focused solely on Elise, looking straight into her eyes and seeing a peace that made him feel completely at peace as well.
