Printempis 1st, 1020 A.D.

A spirit of celebration hovered over the Monteraynian capital for months following the joyous return of Dustin and the troops from Innutuk a little more than two weeks after the slaying of Lord Tanuk. Countless soldiers reunited with their families, and almost every day marked another lavish feast to commemorate God's blessings. At last, the great oppressor of the west had fallen, and millions across the continent could reap the benefits of liberty.

By the turn of the season, Dustin gave the kingdom further cause to celebrate. Immediately upon returning from the Innutukian capital, he took to one knee and asked for Serena Delquez's hand in marriage, which she readily assented to. Now, on the first day of the spring month, the time had come to officialize their union, say their vows, and make merry with friends and family.

Hundreds gathered outside the Monteraynian capital, caressed by the gentle rays of the sun as proceedings began. On the little platform at the end of the aisle created by rows and rows of chairs, a quartet of musicians played soft music which cued Dustin to step up. He strutted down the aisle in his finest silks, head held high and heart elated in anticipation of making Serena his wife and starting their life together.

When he reached the steps to the platform, Dustin reached to shake the hand of his old teacher, Nathan Korynn. He'd summoned the swarthy master from his abode in the wildlands to officiate, an honor Nathan had been flattered and pleased to perform. After the two men clasped hands, Dustin waited on the second highest step for Serena to make her appearance.

Appear she did, and the sight of her cause Dustin's heart to flutter. Adorned in a pure white dress that accentuated the gracefulness of her gait, she approached the platform with such finesse she seemed like a queen already. She offered sweet smiles to the seated onlookers as she passed, and then when she laid eyes on Dustin, his cheeks flushed.

When Serena had stepped up to be level with Dustin, she gave Nathan a little curtsy, then turned to face him. He yearned to kiss her right then, seeing her eyes brimming with such love and warmth.

"Welcome, everyone!" Nathan called out once the music had ceased, "We've gathered here this day for a momentous occasion, to witness the joining of two souls God has brought together to live out a life of love and service to each other. A once in a lifetime experience...at least you'd better only do this once, your highness."

Dustin chuckled at Nathan's jab, as did Serena and all the onlookers.

"Jesting aside, I can't stress that enough, that marriage is first and foremost a dedication to a life of service. You're not married to get something from someone else, but to give yourself to someone else. I myself have been married for a good many years now, and many days, I know I could do so much better than I have, but it's a lifelong journey that will reward you richly. God gives richly so that we can do the same, and I urge you both to keep that in mind through all the years you spend together. Lord knows you'll get tired of each other, but if you keep the focus on service, those moments will be short-lived."

After a moment to think, Nathan continued. "That said, I won't keep you standing here forever. None of us are in seats, after all."

Dustin laughed. "It does seem they are all taken."

"Now, I'll guide you through your vows. Don't make these lightly, so you won't break them lightly." Nathan sucked in a deep breath and turned to Dustin. "Prince Dustin Rickland, heir to the throne of Monterayne, in the sight of God and these witnesses, do you swear to take this young lady to be your lawfully wedded wife? And do you promise to keep her, protect her, and cherish her, forsaking all other women all the days you both shall live?"

"I swear it." Dustin said, a tear creeping to the corner of his eye as he gazed into hers, "As the Lord lives, I shall do these things."

Nathan turned to Serena next. "Lady Serena Delquez, in the sight of God and these witnesses, do you swear to take this young man to be your lawfully wedded husband? And do you promise to keep him, protect him, and cherish him, forsaking all other men all the days you both shall live?"

"I do swear it." Serena said, her voice almost a whisper, "The Lord will be my judge if I fail to do as I have spoken."

"Then it is done." Nathan produced a box with two rings inside it, one clearly sized for Serena's daintier fingers, and the other for Dustin. "These rings are a sign and a testament of these vows you have spoken. Every day, they will remind you of the promises you've made this day."

Dustin plucked Serena's ring from the box, and with a shaky hand, he slipped it onto her finger. Then, with a wide grin, he gave her his hand to do likewise. He hardly felt the slight pinch of the metal loop going over his knuckle, for the emotions inside him swirled so intensely.

Nathan cleared his throat. "And now, you may kiss the bride."

Dustin stepped forward, brushed a tress of her dark brown hair from her cheek, and cupped the other in his hand. Bending down, he laid an eager kiss on her waiting lips. Her hands found his back, and the entire world vanished behind his closed eyelids as they sealed their eternal pact of love. Little would be familiar in this new life they'd begun, but with Serena at his side, Dustin couldn't help but be assured everything would be wonderful in the end.

****

The newlyweds mingled among the crowd after the officiation, and arms interlocked, they accepted congratulations from friends, family, and near-strangers alike. King Manfred congratulated his son and wished his new daughter in law the best, and Queen Katherine attempted the same through copious tears of joy. Princess Cassie jested that "you've done yourself in now", and Princess Sandra gushed about Serena's dress.

While the ladies gabbed about formalwear, Dustin's eyes wandered the crowd, and a smirk crossed his face upon spotting Jude chatting with a pretty lady who must have been Marcocian. She possessed all the marks, the tanned skin, dark hair, and excited mannerisms, all coincidentally traits Jude had found attractive as long as Dustin had known him. Seeing his old friend so happy could only increase Dustin's own joy.

Dustin kissed Serena on the cheek and excused himself momentarily to investigate. When his shadow fell over the chattering pair, they both glanced up, and Jude instantly shot to his feet with his hand outstretched.

"Congratulations, my friend." Jude said vigorously, "You two look quite happy together."

"Trust me, we are. I couldn't have imagined a better woman if I tried."

"Don't try too hard. What you have is good enough."

Dustin chuckled. "Point taken. You made a new friend here?"

"New friend move here recently." the Marcocian girl spoke up, her lisp further confirming Dustin's suspicions, "I was looking for archery teacher."

"Look no further than my friend. He's the finest archer I have ever known—only ever misses to look humble."

Jude shook his head, but he still laughed. "Go back to your bride, you crazy man."

Dustin hit his friend lightly on the back. "I think I'll do that. You two have fun."

Returning to Serena, he filled her in on his findings, which she took in with amusement. Then they found Kyle in the crowd, received his obligatory congratulations, and engaged in a little conversation afterwards.

"Say, Cassie told me something about you two heading out west." Dustin said, "I hope you're still having a wedding here first."

Kyle frowned "Of course we will. You're annoying, but I wouldn't have you miss your sister's wedding for anything."

Dustin laughed. "How kind of you. What drives you back west, though?"

"They obviously need to do a lot of rebuilding out there now. I did my part tearing down the old order, so now I'd like to help fix things."

"That's commendable. Nobody builds or fixes anything better than Kyle Korynn, so I have confidence the west will be back on its feet in no time."

Kyle grinned. "I'll try."

Next, Dustin and Serena stopped to speak with Paulo, who hadn't died from his wounds at the capital after all. Cassie had been able to patch him up once more, and while he would have lasting damage in his left hand, everything else had healed up well. He offered his blessings as well, which the newlyweds accepted graciously.

"How is the restored estate treating you?" Dustin asked.

Paulo gave him a reluctant smile. "It's more than I've ever had, your highness—"

"It's simply Dustin to you. I'm simply glad we've been able to bring the Felizes home after the chaos that has overtaken us all. Your mother has been well?"

"She has been. She never thought she'd like Monterayne, but it's growing on her. Now we're just figuring out what we're supposed to do here."

Dustin nodded. "You'll find your calling sooner or later. Until then, simply relax and enjoy the warmth."

"I will. Congratulations again."

"Thank you, Paulo."

In like manner, Dustin and Serena worked through the rest of the crowd until they'd finally spoken with all their guests, even if only for a moment or two. Having fulfilled that duty, they headed to the palace where their new living suite awaited arranging. Arm in arm, the newlyweds strode together, outlooks hopeful and futures intertwined.

THE END

**** 

A/N: And there you have it, folks! A kiss and some vows, and our brave prince has become a husband. Our compassionate ex-senator is now a wife, and I think we're all happy. Let's celebrate!

That said, this is a bittersweet moment, because at last...at long last, this chapter concludes the 9-book series. If you've stuck around from the very beginning, thank you! If for some reason, this is the only book you've read, still thanks, and if for an even odder reason you've clicked on this book and only read the last chapter, well...still thanks. It's been a wild ride, and I'm thankful I've had the chance to share several pieces of myself with you all through these stories. Hope you've enjoyed, and I pray you've been blessed. 

And now, onto (probably not) bigger and (hopefully) better things! It may take a while, but this isn't the last you'll see of me on Wattpad. Please do follow me to keep up to date on whatever I do next, and until then, thanks again for reading, and I hope you have a beautiful rest of your day/night.

Much love, 

Y. I. Turner