either way.
I couldn't say if I preferred this way of governing or not, for while it appeared fraught, the results were more robust, leading to better outcomes for my people.
My phone buzzed and I pulled it free, opening the secure app.
Jon: I miss your taste.
It had been a sore point between us that we couldn't be together. Since the engagement had been announced, our every moment had been documented and monitored. The opportunities to engage in some mutual bliss had been severely curtailed. To say we were craving each other would be an understatement— I'd never been so on edge or desperate in my life.
Kit: I miss that thing you do with your tongue.
Jon: Mm, so do I. I'll make sure to do it tonight.
My body clenched, heat pooling in my abdomen as tension spiralled out.
Surely the Queen should have enough power to decide not to wait for her wedding night.
I sighed, tucking my phone away and turning to focus back on the table.
Mother squirmed in her seat, checking her watch for the fifth time.
"Mother what are you—"
A harried Victoria burst in, holding a large white square box aloft.
"I found it!" she crowed, beaming at Mother.
"Found what?" I asked as Mother hurried to relieve Victoria of the package.
"Your gift, sweetheart."
She carried it away from the table towards the bedroom. I exchanged a confused glance with Charlotte, both of us following her closely. The photographer, who'd been quietly snapping pictures of us as we got ready, followed, camera pointed in our direction.
In the bedroom Mother had placed the box on the bed, stepping back to watch as I approached.
"Open it."
I gently lifted the lid to reveal soft tissue paper. I discarded the lid, then peeled back the wrapping to reveal a merimorini— a traditional wedding cloak.
I made a sound, my hands coming to press against my lips as I stared at the beautiful feathers and the dyed grass band that would wrap around Jon and I as we said our wedding vows.
"It has been worn by every woman who came before and will be worn by every woman who will come after you," Mother said, wrapping an arm around my waist. "It is my honour, daughter, to present this to you on your most special of days."
She turned me with gentle hands, clasping my arm to her chest, pressing her forehead against mine as she whispered the words of blessing.
May your ancestors bless you and your chosen half. May your souls merge until there is no end and no beginning. May you be at peace, and dwell in love. May your years together be long. This is our wish for you.
Mother released me, stepping back as Charlotte took her place, tears in her eyes as she too recited the blessing.
"Now come," Mother said, wiping tears from her own cheeks when Charlotte finished speaking. "Let's get you married."
16
Jonathan
Murmuranay, City Centre
The crowd shifted, a ripple of excitement, of anticipation making its way down towards where I stood waiting for my bride.
She's coming.
Above me, the old wood creaked in the gentle breeze, the trees around us rustling, the occasional drops from this morning's rainstorm dotting my skin.
I stood barefoot on the sacred ground of the Murmuranay, the marriage swirls inked into the skin on my wrists.
My Queen. My forever.
Unlike many of my contemporaries who chose temporary ink, I'd sat under the needle of a tattooist that morning, prepared to declare on my skin that Katherine, my Queen, would be the only wife I would ever take.
I heard the roar of the crowd from outside the perimeter of the Murmuranay.
"Are you ready?" the elder, Kihana Mary, asked.
"More than ready, Kihana."
Her lips tilted up, crinkling all the wrinkles on her weathered face. "Well it looks like you won't have long to wait." She lifted a hand, holding it out towards the end of the aisle.
I turned, my heart pounding in my chest when I saw my bride standing at the end.
Somewhere, a drum began to pound, setting up the beat for the marriage chant.
Down the aisle, one bare foot stepping in front of the other, Kit walked towards me. I barely registered Leo at her side, so focussed was I on the woman I loved.
Her hair was down but for a simple crown braid. On her head sat a tiara, the jewels sparkling in the light. Her dress was simple, one made from Astipian fabric, crafted by Astipian fingers, worn by an Astipian Queen.
Leo halted her halfway down the aisle, the drums falling silent.
"Wha me rundorni