A Royal Evening

As it was really important that the mourning period was observed, my wedding day was just as plain as the silver wedding ring of Théodred and me, but that did not bother me.

When we, the two new rulers, entered the hall, everyone sank to their knees and remained in that position until my spouse and I had reached the throne. As soon as we were seated, the music started and the courtiers cheered.

As protocol demanded, the meal contained no meat, but a considerable selection of salads and other dishes typical of this barren region.

Mother and did everything that was expected of us. We received blessings from ambassadors, promised local nobles family members to join the court, planned visits to this or that country estate, discussed venues for banquets or tournaments. Basically, I did nothing in the process except nod and make superficial comments.

The sunny day was already giving way to the soft evening glow when, in keeping with protocol, I sat down next to my husband at the dark wood table. "Have the worthy Ambassadors stolen enough time from my spouse?" Startled, I flinched as Théodred's strong hand came down on mine.

He was addressing me! What does etiquette demand again? Do I have to pull my hand away?

For the life of me I couldn't think of it, so I smiled tentatively for a moment. "My dear husband, the ambassadors have given the Queen Dowager and me much extremely valuable advice, which I am sure will also benefit you."

No sooner had I finished than the music started and the first dances began.

His dark eyes sparkled with amusement. He leaned over to me and murmured, "I am sure that you and your mother will inform me in due course what needs to be observed."

Something about the way he said this made me smile. This died immediately as Théodred continued. "After sunset, it will be time to retire."

Inwardly, I froze. I had completely repressed the wedding night! My servants had often mouthed off about what must happen so secretly in the marriage bed that no married woman ever spoke of it.

Worried, I peered out of the window. Nightfall would not be long in coming. A light pressure on my hand snapped me out of my thoughts. "May I ask you for a dance, dear consort?" Uncertainly, I sought my mother's gaze, but she was engrossed in conversation with an elderly gentleman. "What dance would you consider appropriate during the period of mourning?", I asked, trying to gain time.

The thought of dancing with my husband seemed a sin in Eru's eyes so few weeks after Elfwine's death.

"Come." He let go of my hand, stood up and bowed deeply to me. The music stopped and everyone looked to us. "My dear consort, will you do me the honour of dancing with me?" Now I had no choice. I slowly rose from my throne and stood next to Théodred with a radiant smile. Suddenly I had an idea. "It is an honour, my esteemed husband. If you will allow me to choose the dance." He nodded. "Of course."

"Play a pavane!" At the onset of the music, I could not suppress a smile. The pavane was a straight-beat, solemn slow scream dance. Quite worthy of a royal couple, I thought. Hand in hand, we began to dance to the slow music, beat by beat. The piece was soon nearing its end, and with it its most difficult part. My husband, who towered over me, knelt down while holding my hand, I stepped around him twice in time with the music. On the last note of the piece, I sank slowly and gracefully to the floor in front of him.

This moment could have lasted forever for all I cared. For the first time since I had got out of my carriage yesterday, I felt a kind of childlike joy. In that moment I forgot the worries about my upcoming wedding night and about my coronation. Everything seemed so surreal, so far away. But like all wondrous moments, this one was over far too quickly. Those present applauded enthusiastically. My husband straightened up and helped me to rise, as was proper.

We left the banquet hall and went together to the spacious chambers that had been prepared for us. Two maids silently took off my veil and loosened the strings of my upper dress. When they had finished, they brought a small bowl of water in which we washed our hands.

They curtsied, wished us a good night and left the chambers, now I was with alone my husband to whom I had promised fidelity and obedience a few hours ago.

A moment later we were facing each other in our undergarments. He sat down on the large bed and gestured for me to join him. I obeyed and tensed as he slowly ran his right hand along my neck. "Are you afraid?" I nodded. To my amazement, he smiled in response. "Just do exactly what I tell you, will you? Then it won't hurt you."

I silently prayed for Eru's blessing on our marriage and let him do his duty.