Friday, October 22nd, The Year 2220

Talise's POV

Tomorrow is the big day, and I am a nervous wreck. Did I mention I am pregnant too? I am almost eight months.

We are having a pre-wedding family lunch at the king's castle. With the wedding taking place here, Tristian, Dalis, and I are staying over tonight.

"Don't be nervous, Talise," Nerina says.

"It's hard not to be. My nerves are all over the place."

"Everything will be okay, love," Tristian said after kissing my right cheek.

"What if I trip walking down the aisle? Or, someone tries to hurt one of us? What if I mess up our vows?"

"Honey, security is so tight that if anyone even takes a step towards you, they will be dead on the spot. And, your dad is walking with you down the aisle, remember?" My mom said.

"Of course. I just want us to have the perfect wedding. I wish we were having a private ceremony. I feel like I am flaunting my wealth or royalty."

Nerina replied, "Sweetie, you don't need to feel that way. Some royal families across the galaxy do flaunt their royalty and think they are entitled to many things. But, not on Paerus. We treat everyone, no matter their social status, with respect. There are consequences if that doesn't happen. Remember what happened at your engagement party with your friends?"

"Yes, I remember what happened. But I don't remember who I dismissed from the party."

"Well, guess what else happened after the party? They have a history of disrespect. If it happened again, there would be consequences. Lachlan and I saw to it that their families no longer can be classified as royals."

"Oh, wow. Well, those royals got what they deserved. I'm excited to get married, but I'm still nervous."

*************

Saturday, October 23rd, The Year 2220

I had to wake up early to start preparing for the ceremony. So far, Junior is behaving. And, there are quite a few people in my room.

After taking a nice, relaxing bath in a jacuzzi tub, I was able to step out by myself. Thankfully, it has a door on it.

"Karael, you don't have to help me. I'm okay. Plus, you need to get ready too."

"Talise, it's my responsibility, and I will have plenty of time to get dressed."

After drying myself off, Karael handed me my underwear - bra, panties, etc. Tristian is going to love what I am putting on. It will blow his mind.

We walked out of the bathroom and into the bedroom.

"I'll see you later, Talise. I know you're nervous, but you got this."

Karael gave me a thumbs up then she left the room. It's time for me to get my hair and makeup done.

************

I'm tired, and we haven't even left the room for the ceremony. My mom, sisters, Neris, Nerina, and my friends are in my room. Karael is holding Dalis while my servants help me into my dress. I hate using the word servant to describe a person. They are my friends.

For my ceremony dress, I didn't choose anything outlandish. I love it, and I know Tristian will too.

The train of the dress is super long.

"You look amazing, Talise. I have something for you," Nerina says. Then she handed me a beautiful, decorated white jewelry box.

"Thank you, Nerina." I opened the box and saw a beautiful diamond-laced tiara. "Oh my gosh! I have never seen such a beautiful crown. Thank you so much. I'm speechless."

"You're welcome, honey. Let me help you put it on." Nerina took the tiara out of the jewelry box. I leaned down just enough for her to place the tiara on my head. I walked over to the mirror in the room. It's beautiful.

"I'll remember to give you back the tiara after the reception."

"Honey, it's yours to keep. My mother handed it down to me at my wedding ceremony. I want you to keep it so you can pass it down to Dalis."

I couldn't help but cry.

"Don't mess up your make-up, sweetie. It's almost time to make our way to the ceremony," my mom said. It was too late because Lailah had to fix my make-up.

We heard a knock on the door. Maliel went to answer it, and it was my dad.

"Talise, honey, it's time."

"Okay, daddy." After Lailah finished with my make-up, I linked arms with my dad. "I'm ready now."

Once we stepped out of the room, several armed guards were waiting for us. Nerina walked first, then my mom. After my mom, Chanelle, Neris, and Simone were next. I was last with my dad.

We walked outside to one of the most beautiful courtyards I have ever seen. Trumpet horns sounded off, signaling for the guests to rise. Here come my nerves.

Lachlan linked arms with the queen then they walked down the aisle. They then took their seats on the right side of the aisle.

My father then walked with my mom down the aisle. They then sat on the left side of the aisle.

Caspian and Simone walked down the aisle next. After them, Chanelle and Divis walked down the aisle.

Max walked next with Neris.

Uncle Drake walked with a giggling Dalis. It was too cute.

The trumpets sounded again, so I guess that means it's my turn. I took a few deep breaths, then my dad and I walked down the aisle. I kept my eyes focused on Tristian, who looked smokin' hot in his suit. Wait until tonight.

My dad gave my hand to Tristian as we finished our walk down the aisle. Tristian and I then walked onto a stage set for us. Thankfully, there were two chairs for us to sit in, so that is where we went.

The wedding officiant began to speak.

"Welcome, one and all, to the royal wedding of Tristian Rimulus and Talise Jaleh."

******************

"Ladies and gentlemen, the royal couple will now say their vows. Lady Talise, you now have our attention."

My stomach feels like it is in my chest from how nervous I am. Add to the fact that the wedding is on the television. After taking a few breaths, I recited my vows.

"I knew on the first day of working with each other that I would be in trouble. I couldn't take my eyes off you. I had dreams of this day happening. But because of what broke us apart, my dream was crushed. It took us being stranded to reunite."

I took another deep breath and continued with my vows. "We got the best news a couple have while stranded together. Her name is Dalis Raina. But once again, we were separated by a name that I will never say again. I'm grateful to everyone who helped you to rescue me. Now, I live on this beautiful planet with my family, friends, Dalis, and the man of my dreams, you - Tristian Rimulus. From this day forward, in front of our guests and to everyone watching this broadcast, I vow to love you, cherish you, and be the best wife, mother to our children, and queen that I can be. That is my vow to you."

Tristian Rimulus' POV

"The moment we first met, I knew I was in trouble too. Trouble, meaning you were the most beautiful woman I had seen. And, it would be hard trying to get any work accomplished."

I'm not telling the world the real reason why we broke up. The public doesn't need to know that.

"Breaking up with you was one of the stupidest things I've done in my life. I was just as ecstatic that we got back together. I was never letting you go. But, what happened to separate us was very unfortunate. There was no way I was going to stand by and lose the love of my life again. The day I brought you home was one of the best days in my life. Not only do I have back the woman of my dreams, but we are also here today to make our feelings permanent. I vow to love you, cherish you, make you the happiest woman, and be the best husband, father to our children, and king. That is my vow to you."

"Who is present to give the bride to Tristian?" The officiant says.

"I do," Florian says to the officiant.

Wedding Officiant - "Secondly, is there anyone here who objects to Tristian and Talise getting married?"

If anyone raises their hand, security will have them escorted away from the wedding and tortured. No one is messing with this day.

Wedding Officiant - "And now, Tristian and Talise will exchange their rings as they say their I do's. Talise, ladies first."

I, Lady Talise Jaleh, take you, Tristian Rimulus I, to be my lawfully, wedded husband,

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death do you part."

Chanelle handed Talise the wedding band. Talise placed it on my ring finger and said, "I do."

Now, it's my turn.

"I, Prince Tristian Rimulus I, take you, Lady Talise Jaleh, to be my lawfully, wedded wife,

To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse,

For richer or for poorer,

In sickness and in health,

To love and to cherish until death do you part."

Divis handed me the wedding band, and I placed it on Talise's ring finger. "I do indeed take you to be mine forever."

The wedding officiant then proclaimed, "In front of this gathering before us, I now pronounce you, Prince Tristian and Lady Talise, husband and wife. Prince Tristian, you may kiss your bride."

I sure did smother my bride's mouth. Talise is officially mine. Dalis started crying, which caused me to stop. I walked over to Drake and picked Dalis up. After kissing her cheek, she stopped crying. That caused everyone to chuckle.

"Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the future royal family, Prince Tristian, Princess Dalis, and Lady Talise!"

The trumpet horns sounded, signaling for everyone to rise from their seats. Security surrounded us, then escorted us from the ceremony.

"You were wonderful and didn't seem nervous at all."

"Ha! I was absolutely nervous. And, I still am. Now we have to face the citizens of Paerus. Junior and I are hungry."

"While you are changing into your second dress, I will have something to eat delivered to the room. Once you're finished eating and changing your outfit, let one of the guards know so we can then make our way to the balcony."

"Okay."

**************

I just received word that my bride is ready. After being escorted to Talise's room, I knocked on the door. Someone opened the door, and I couldn't help but stare at how beautiful Talise looked in her second dress.

"I can't believe I have to put on another dress after this one. I really am tired and want to take a nap."

"You look beautiful."

"Thanks."

"You have time before the reception to get some rest."

"Thank goodness. Guess what happened a few minutes ago?!"

"What happened?"

"Dalis, baby, come to mommy and daddy."

Karael helped Dalis out of her chair and onto the floor. Dalis stood up on her own and walked over to me. I scooped her up and kissed her cheek.

"That's my princess!" Dalis then rested her head on my shoulder. The guards then led us to the main balcony in the castle.

My parents then introduced us to the citizens of Paerus.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much for being here on such a beautiful day. Now introducing the future of Paerus, Prince Tristian, Princess Dalis, and Princess Talise!"

"Sweetheart, you don't have to say anything. It's not mandatory."

"I do want to say something."

Dalis was in my left arm, so Talise and I linked arms with my right arm.

The citizens cheered as we walked onto the balcony. I wasn't able to wave to the crowd yet, but my little princess did. She is too adorable. I let Talise speak first because I know she is nervous. After this part of the day, she can relax.

"Thank you all so much for taking time out of the day to join us today for our wedding. I wish everyone here could have attended the ceremony, but I know it wasn't possible. We appreciate your support very much." Talise blew a kiss to the citizens as they cheered her speech. She did a great job.

"Citizens of Paerus, thank you for coming on such a beautiful, sunny day. My family and I appreciate each of you. I vow to not only support my father's current reign as king, but I also vow to be the best king I can be in the future. Thank you."

After waving to the crowd, we were escorted off the balcony.

"Dalis looks sleepy too. Let's go to our room."

********

Talise's POV

Dalis and I had a great nap, but my body is still tired. And, it's because of Junior.

I took another bath in the jacuzzi tub. The warm water feels nice on my skin.

"Talise, let me know when you are ready to get out of the tub."

"Okay, Karael."

I wanted a few more minutes to myself before I have to put on the next dress. I sat in the tub for 10 minutes more.

"Okay, I'm ready."

Karael helped me stand and handed me a towel. After drying myself off, I put my underwear on, then left the room for the same routine as this morning - hair, makeup, and then my dress.

******

Thank goodness this is the last dress I need to change into for the night.

"Thank you, ladies, for your help today. And, I want all of you to come to the reception as my guests. Let me know if anyone bothers you."

"Thank you, princess." Everyone curtsied to me, then left the room. My mom, Nerina, and Dalis are now in the room with me.

"You look beautiful, sweetie."

"Thanks, mom. Now, I'm ready to eat again."

We heard a knock on the door, so my mom went to answer it. It was Tristian.

"You look amazing."

"Thanks. Junior and I are hungry again, so let's go."

"I'll carry Dalis. You two can go on ahead."

"Thanks, mom."

Mom, Nerina, and Dalis left first, then Tristian and I went next.

We didn't have far to go. The reception is in one of the massive ballrooms in the king's castle. Once we approached the door, we heard trumpets sounding off.

"Please rise! Introducing Prince Tristian and Princess Talise!"

Security opened the doors and escorted us inside the ballroom. Tristian and I waved as we walked to our table. Dalis was asleep in my mom's arms. She had a long day and didn't cry at all.

After taking our seats at the royal table, the king motioned for dinner to be served. Thank goodness.

The royal table had a variety of dishes - steak, salmon, salad, lobster, plenty of side dishes, etc.

"What would you like, Princess?" Charmeine asked.

"A little bit of everything, starting with the steak and salmon. I'm hungry."

"Not a problem, Princess."

Charmeine fixed plates for everyone at the royal table.

"Thank you so much, Charmeine."

"You're welcome." Charmeine curtsied, then walked back to the kitchen. Everything looks delicious. It's time to dig in.

********

I saw my friends, which I am so glad they came. They deserve to have fun too. Tristian and I walked around to thank our guests for coming. I needed to walk after what I ate for dinner.

While we walked around, I glanced at our cake, which was calling me to cut it.

"Are we going to dance because I want to cut the cake?"

"We can do whichever you would prefer. It's our day, remember?"

"Okay, I want cake first, then we can dance."

Tristian waved one of the guards over and requested a knife so we could cut the cake. Meanwhile, we walked over to the cake. It looks amazing!

My mom brought Dalis over to us. "Like mommy, like daughter. When Dalis woke up, she couldn't stop looking at the cake."

We all chuckled, including Dalis. Charmeine came our way with armed guards. What kind of knife are we using?

"Sweetheart, this knife has been in our family for generations. The knife is used only for royal weddings."

"Thanks for explaining that." When Charmeine opened the box, the knife shined bright as a cluster of diamonds. Well, the handle was gold with diamond clusters around it.

I was afraid to touch it. I tried to take it out of the case, but it was heavy, so Tristian lifted it out. I put my hands in his then we cut two pieces of cake while camera flashes went off. Tristian and I fed each other some of the cake. Dalis started crying.

"Come to mommy, Dalis." My mom carried Dalis over to me and put her in my arms. Tristian then fed Dalis some of the cake. She started giggling now. I had to chuckle, then kiss her cheek.

"You are a silly, little girl. Yes, you are."

The knife was carried away by armed guards to be cleaned and placed back in the case, waiting for Dalis, Tristian II, or their future cousins from Divis. Tristian carried our cake back to the table.

The cake was chocolate with buttercream icing, and it's delicious. Tristian fed Dalis and me the cake."I got to keep my girls happy."

"We sure are happy. This cake is delicious. Junior likes it too. I want at least a piece or two saved for later."

"It shall be done." We enjoyed our cake for a few more minutes.

"We can dance now if you are ready."

"I'm ready now." We walked over to my mom to hand Dalis to her. Dalis didn't want to go to my mom and was about to scream her head off.

"It looks like the three of us will be dancing."

Everyone went back to their seats as the three of us walked to the dance floor. A classical song began playing as we began to dance. I'm guessing that music is traditional at royal weddings.

"Are guests permitted to dance at royal weddings?"

"Yes, they are. Once the bride and groom have danced, then the guests are permitted to dance."

"Okay, because I want to dance with my friends."

"Of course."

We dance around the floor for a few more minutes. The song then ended, and everyone gave us a standing ovation. I glanced over to my friends and waved them over to the dance floor as uptempo music began to play. I waved my family over too.

"Now, we can let our hair down and party!"

We weren't the only ones to get up and dance. My parents, Lachlan and Nerina joined us on the dance floor.

Today really has been amazing. And, I survived it, with my big belly. Thank goodness tomorrow is going to be a rest day before our honeymoon.

Back to dancing. "Woo! Hoo!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The wedding cake picture is courtesy of Can Stock Photos - © Can Stock Photo / dontree