by Alex Tryst

Feedback: Drop me a line if you’d like at alextryst@e-scribblers.com.

Copyright © June, 2009 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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When Layla awoke that morning, she just lay in bed and looked up at the ceiling. The plush bed that she and Anastasia had shared at the princess’s residence since she had graduated a month prior felt incredibly large without the redhead next to her. Her fiancée had spent the night at the palace with her family in anticipation of this special day for the nation. She was to officially marry her princess and join the royal family that day. There were times that she still couldn’t fathom their chance meeting and subsequent relationship. Her dreams of winning the woman she loved had come true, and Anastasia would take her as a wife in front of the entire world, but it came at a heavy price without her family. She missed them more than she could express, but still she knew she was where she belonged, on the arm of one of the most powerful women on the globe. When they had first met, Layla thought Anastasia was flawless in body but lacked a religious compass. However, in going to war, she had transformed into a woman of flawed perfection who grounded herself in her newfound faith, which is what Layla truly always wanted in a spouse.

A soft knock brought her out of her reverie. When the door opened, Hannah gave a smile. “Good morning.” Layla smiled in returned as her best friend crawled into the bed with her. The two blondes curled up into each other’s arms and were quiet for a moment. “I can’t believe this is it,” Hannah observed.

“I know. After all this waiting, the day has finally come. Sometimes I still can’t believe it.”

“You’re leaving this house a single woman and coming home a married princess. People are going to call you your highness.”

“It’s hard to picture that. Nevertheless, I’ll always just be Layla to you and your family.”

Hannah nodded. “We aren’t letting you get away just because you’re marrying the crowned princess. You’ll always be a member of our family. You’re like the sister I always wanted.”

“So are you,” she softly said, squeezing Hannah tighter. “And I’m so thankful to have you in my life. You’ve been there through everything, and I couldn’t ever forget that.”

They were silent for a few moments just enjoying each other’s company. “We should probably get up, shouldn’t we?”

Layla looked over at the clock. “We have a few minutes before the madness begins. Let’s just enjoy this last little bit of peace. When the stylists come for us, there is no turning back,” she teased. Both women remained in bed just chatting until the alarm clock signaled the official beginning of their day. Smiling at her best friend, Layla said, “Well, here we go.”

“The first day of the rest of your life. Come on. Your princess and the world await,” Hannah lightly teased.

Getting out of bed the twosome headed downstairs for breakfast. The house was already abuzz with excitement of the day. The staff was scurrying around while the blondes ate and watched the news. On TV they saw the enormous sea of people in front of the church and along the route all the way up to the front gates of the princess’s residence and the palace. Layla’s heartbeat began to accelerate at the idea of the crowd that anticipated her arrival. She had never seen so many people. When breakfast was complete, the two women began to prepare for the big event. Each was shuffled off to the master bedroom by their stylists since they wanted to be together to have their hair and makeup done. Even though they made small talk, Layla’s thoughts were on the redhead she would be marrying in a few short hours, wondering what she was doing over at the palace.

Just a few miles away Anastasia was being given the same treatment as her bride but in the privacy of her room at the palace. Her stomach was in knots, not because she was nervous about marrying Layla, but because it would be the first time she would be going out in public without her cane as a surprise for her parents and her people. With the brace completed and in working order, she was able to slowly walk on her own accord. It was a gift she had wanted to bestow on her parents, for she knew even through all their strength they felt the responsibility of her injury just as deeply and personally as if they had inflicted it, and she knew this would be a way to help ease their own guilt, even if she felt no remorse about her sacrifice.

Even though Layla knew about the brace, they hadn’t had the opportunity to practice their dancing with it, because it hadn’t been ready until the last minute, so Anastasia was especially excited about the prospect of their first dance together. Even thought the couple had practiced with the earlier models with nominal success, the night previous Anastasia had secretly solicited Victoria’s help in practicing the moves to traditional dances for hours at the palace until she felt sure her brace would hold under the movement. It would be a gift to her bride and to herself on their special day, but moreover the people in her country would benefit from the new technology, which pleased her greatly as well.

When Anastasia’s styling was complete, she was left alone to dress. Putting her brace on first, she secured it before slowly putting on her full dress blue military uniform complete with its ceremonial sword. She looked at herself in the mirror to ensure she looked the best she could, taking note of the way her brace partially covered the black shoe adorning her left foot. Fortunately, the color blended with her dark uniform, and she felt confident with the way it felt and moved with her as she walked. Feeling ready, she picked up her cover to put on when she stepped outside, and her cane to maintain the surprise until the church, and went in search of her family.

The royal family congregated in the main hall of the palace when they were ready. They had arranged to meet with the public briefly before the service that day. The queens smiled brightly at their eldest child as she came limping down the hall with her cane but otherwise looked dignified in her chosen outfit. In the time she had known Layla the redhead had grown so much into a mature, thoughtful, compassionate leader of people, and they knew this day was the beginning of a union of two people who would guide their great country on a path of acceptance of the most diverse of citizens for the next generation.

“You look wonderful, sweetie,” Lauren complimented as Anastasia got to them. She ran her arm along her daughter’s sleeve as she looked her over for a moment.

“You really do,” Alexa added. “You do this uniform great justice.”

“As do you,” Anastasia said looking at her mother who was also in her full dress uniform. Turning to her other mother, she said, “You look stunning, Mom.” Looking at her sisters, she mentioned, “All of you look amazing.”

“Are you ready to meet the public?” Alexa asked.

Anastasia nodded and smiled. “I have been looking forward to this day for so long. Let us go see the people.”

“There is just one thing you should know before we go outside since you are riding in a separate car. We have learned that Layla’s parents have positioned themselves outside the church. We have no legitimate reason to move them yet, but if we allow them to stay there, they could cause a scene. Would you like them removed? I do not want Layla upset on her wedding day.”

“Let me see them first to see how they are going to behave before I decide. I do not want Layla upset either. Am I still greeting people at the church before I go in?”

“Security thought about canceling that with them being there, but we can still do it if you feel strongly.”

“I want to do it. The people should not be denied a chance to see us just because they are there.”

“All right. Just know that security is prepared to remove them from the crowd, so Layla does not have to see them when she arrives if need be.”

Back at the princess’s residence, the two blondes continued to get ready as the news played the royal family exiting the palace to meet the people that had lined up along the gates. “Wow! What a beautiful family!” Hannah exclaimed. “Your wife looks totally hot!”

Layla laughed. “She does,” she agreed. “I just hope I’m worthy of her in this dress.” She looked at it lying across the bed.

“It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen. This embroidery is impeccable.”

Layla nodded and giggled. “It really is, isn’t it?”

“Let’s get you in it, so you can go get your Princess Charming.”

When it was time for the royal family to head to the church, they all went together in one of their cars except for Anastasia who rode alone. The streets were filled with screaming, excited people as her car slowly went to the National Cathedral. Upon her arrival there, she saw her mothers and sisters waiting for her on the steps when her car door opened. She knew the moment to unveil her surprise was at hand as she slowly rose from the backseat without the use of her cane. Turning and looking at the crowd, she waved, but she saw Layla’s parents prominently placed in the crowd. With a quick look back at her own parents, she gradually rounded the back of the car and headed toward the gathering.

“What is she doing? We were supposed to all go together,” Alexa questioned in confusion seeing the display.

However, Lauren just smiled at what was taking place before her. “She is walking, Lex. Our little girl is walking without her cane,” Lauren said. “Come on. We should get down there with her.”

The family came down the steps to join the princess as she began to greet people. However when she arrived at Layla’s parents, she paused and smiled pleasantly. “Mr. and Mrs. Stone,” she greeted. “You have seats inside should you wish to occupy them. I would be happy to show them to you.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you! You’re going to hell for this, and you’re dragging our daughter with you! God will judge you, and you will rot for eternity for your life! All of you!” he screamed waving his index finger at the entire Washington family. “You’re a bunch of degenerates who don’t deserve to rule this country!”

Before Anastasia could react, the crowd started to yell at him, so quickly security pulled the Stones out of the crowd before harm could come to them. With the noise beginning to increase around them, Anastasia looked between them. His eyes were vehemently seething, showing a rage she had rarely seen anywhere else, but in looking at Layla’s mother, she saw fragility absent from him. “Mrs. Stone, your daughter is getting married today. Surely you want to be there for her on such an important day.”

“It’s wrong, your highness,” she replied softly. “I can’t support it.”

Anastasia nodded. “While I do not share your opinion, I will choose to respect that we have a difference in the way we see things. Civility should rule this day, even through that. It is my opinion that God has made your daughter exactly as she is in His image, and she is glorifying Him by committing herself to another in marriage the way the people of the church commit themselves wholly to God. She truly believes Christ is her Savior the same way you do, and she lives her faith daily through her words and actions. She is an instrument of peace. She gives love to all those around her and instills hope and joy in everyone with whom she comes into contact. She is a consoler and an empathizer. Mrs. Stone, you have raised a daughter whom I believe is truly the best example of Christ’s love that I have ever seen, and I strive to emulate that. This is one of the most important days in her life, and she wishes for you to be there. She is your only child, and she needs you to feel complete. I would like to have a civil dialogue with you on our differences of opinion on this subject, but for now please be here for her.”

Layla’s mother looked at her husband. He turned his rage in her direction as he yelled, “Don’t you dare even think about going in there! You’ll be as bad as everyone else! They are Satan’s workers trying break you away from our Lord!”

“Mrs. Stone, if you are afraid, I can protect you. You need not fear him. I give you my word. Do this for Layla. Come with me now,” she softly said, extending her hand to her.

She looked between them again in obvious conflict. “It’s wrong,” she repeated, looking back at Anastasia.

Anastasia sighed, ready to give up but just then Lauren spoke. “Mrs. Stone, I have been in such a moment like this where I had an opportunity to change the course of a relationship with someone who meant something deeply to me, and I let it slip away causing emotional pain to many people. This is not a moment you can redo. You will never be able to come back to this place in time. If you ever want to try to have a relationship with Layla again, this is where you must start. Even if it is the hardest decision you have ever made, even if you disagree with your daughter’s choice, the door is going to forever close on you if you let this moment pass. Coming inside right now does not have to mean you affirm Layla’s choice. It only commits you to the possibility of reconciliation.”

“It is a step she would like to take toward you, Mrs. Stone, if you will take this one toward her,” Anastasia said.

“You have tarnished her forever! She’s a lost cause if she goes through with this!” Layla’s father yelled.

However, Layla’s mother shook her head. “I can’t give up on her,” she said to her husband.

“She’s gone! She’s one of them now!”

“She’s my baby. I can’t walk away if there’s a chance.”

“Then come in,” the princess invited.

Layla’s mother took a step toward Anastasia only to be restrained by the arm by her husband. “You’re not going anywhere!”

The redhead princess scowled at him. “Remove your hand now,” she growled.

“This is my wife! You will not tell me what to do with my own wife!”

“She is a citizen of this country who is entitled to my protection. Remove your hand or be arrested,” she said firmly, staring at him. A tense moment passed before he relinquished his grip. Curving a protective arm around her, Anastasia motioned security over to Layla’s mother, so she could be shown into the cathedral. Then turning back to Layla’s father, she said, “Wise decision. I fear if you continue on in this manner, you will be in danger. My security team will take you back to your hotel now for your own safety.” With that she left him standing there and returned to the steps with the rest of her family. She gave a final wave to the crowd before heading inside to await the beginning of the ceremony.

When the family got into the cathedral, they were ushered off to a private room by the wedding coordinator to wait for Layla’s arrival. The security team approached Anastasia with an update on the situation regarding the blonde’s status and that of her parents. “Mr. Stone has been removed from the area, so Layla will not see him when she arrives. She’s due in about five minutes. Mrs. Stone doesn’t want to go in and take a seat. She wants a private audience with Layla before the service instead.”

The princess shook her head. “She can see Layla but not privately. I will not risk having anything upset my bride today. As it is unlucky to see Layla before the service, I will not attend the meeting. My parents can go in my stead.”

Alexa nodded. “We would be happy to. Not to worry, Stasia, we will not allow Layla to become upset just before her wedding.”

Back outside Layla and Hannah weaved their way through the streets slowly in their car. The multitude of people cheered as she passed, making her heart begin to quicken again. The idea of marrying Anastasia was became so incredibly intense that her breathing began to come in irregular nervous inhalations, which made her feel dizzy. “Are you all right?” Hannah asked in concern, taking her friend’s hand.

She nodded. “Just nervous all of a sudden. I’m about to get married.”

“I think that’s probably normally for a bride, but you’re not just any bride. You have a lot of eyes on you. You’ll be fine, though. I’ll be with you the whole time, even the honeymoon, if you want, in bed right between you and that hunk of a wife of yours,” she teased.

Both women laughed as Layla’s unease faded a little at the joke. “I’m sure you would. Go get your own princess.”

“Maybe I will,” she replied with a smile. Looking out the window, she added, “We’re almost there.”

Upon arrival at the church, there was an honor guard there to meet the blondes. Layla could hear the roaring crowd as she stepped out of the car. She turned and smiled at them, adding a little wave before the two headed up the stairs together, escorted by two members of the guard. As soon as they were inside, they were ushered off to a private room to wait for the service to begin. Within just a few moments, the queens arrived.

“You look incredible,” Alexa said with a smile. Layla blushed.

“You are so radiant,” Lauren agreed with a smile of her own.

“Thank you.”

There was a pause before Alexa said, “Before we go in, you have a visitor who wants to see you. It is your mother. If you would like to see her, we will have her sent in, but it is up to you. We do not want you to be upset by her whatever she might say, but she has been entirely civil, which is why she is here. The choice is yours.”

“I’d like to see her.”

With the blonde’s consent, the queen summoned the woman. A moment later she entered the room. Mother and daughter looked at each other silently for a minute. “You look so beautiful, Layla. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look as beautiful as you do right now.”

“Thank you, Mom.”

There was an awkward pause. “Princess Anastasia was kind enough allow me to come talk to you before you got married. I know you know how I feel about this, and I also know how you feel about it. It’s the not the same, and it may never be the same, but I don’t want this to be the defining moment of our relationship. I’m not in a position in which I can support this decision you have made, but that doesn’t stop me from loving you. You’re my daughter, my only child. I have always loved you, and I will always love you. I just wanted you to know that.”

The blonde nodded as she tried to hold back the tears pooling in her eyes. She didn’t want to ruin her makeup just then, but one escaped as she whispered, “I love you, too.” The two women hugged for a moment until the wedding coordinator came to see if they were ready. Layla nodded. “I’m ready,” she replied, looking back at the mother. “I have to go now.”

Her mother nodded. “Godspeed, Layla,” she whispered. “My prayers are with you.”

Once she was gone, the queens looked at their daughter-in-law to be. “Are you all right?” Lauren inquired softly.

The blonde nodded. “I’m ready to do this,” she answered, taking a deep breath and putting on a smile.

The wedding coordinator smiled at them. “All right. Hannah, I need you to come with me now. Your majesty and your highness, you will follow with Layla in just a few moments. Someone will come to get you when it’s time.”

Anastasia was standing with David Mitchell just outside the closed doors of the sanctuary when they saw Hannah approach. She smiled at both of them and received their compliments on how great she looked before taking her flowers from one of the wedding assistants. David extended his arm to her when she was ready, and then both of them smiled at the princess.

“See you inside,” she said with a smile. “And please do not trip going up the aisle. Millions of people are watching.”

“No pressure,” Hannah laughed in return just before the doors opened.

Anastasia watched them begin their long trek down the center aisle of the cathedral as she anxiously waited her turn. Even though she wouldn’t admit it to anyone, she was as nervous as she was excited. She and Layla were finally going to be married, which pleased her tremendously, and someday in the future the woman who was to become her wife would be the mother of her children as well. The thought made her heart palpitate even harder. However, first they had to make it through the pomp and circumstance of the occasion.

When the moment was upon her, the princess slowly made her way down the aisle toward the front of the cathedral. She had made the walk many times before for state ceremonies and what had become their regular church attendance using her cane, but this was the first time she had walked of her own accord across the stone floor since the war. She was nervous about her leg holding up for the long procession, especially since she didn’t want any missteps in front of the millions of people who were watching her every move. Blocking everyone else out except David and Hannah, she focused on gradually walking the length of the aisle, paying keen attention to every slight movement of her brace and feeling how it locked into place with each step before releasing as she took her next one. When she finally made it to her mark, she smiled at her two friends and then turned to wait on the formal entrance of her parents and bride-to-be.

Layla kept her eyes fixed on the closed door in front of her as the wedding coordinator and her staff fluttered around the queens and her making last minute touches to all three of them. Alexa and Lauren each held her by an arm just above her elbow. Underneath the large bouquet of flowers she was holding, her hands were trembling. She had been in the sanctuary many times before as a parishioner, but the gravity of what she was about to do, what she was about to become, set her body shaking in nervous energy.

“Just breathe, sweetheart,” Lauren whispered, feeling the quiver of the blonde. “All you have to do is focus on Stasia when you go in.”

“You are going to be fine. Everyone in there has come to pay his or her respects you to and Anastasia. Nothing bad will happen while we are with you. There is nothing to fear,” Alexa assured.

“I know,” she softly said with a smile looking between them. “Thank you for walking me, both of you.”

Alexa smiled. “It is a great honor.”

Music began and the doors came open to reveal a sanctuary fuller than Layla had ever seen it. All eyes were focused on her, making her freeze for a moment. However, the queens were not frozen by the attention. Instead they gave her a little nudge to break her from her fog, which prompted her into action. Looking for the princess, she smiled at Anastasia as the threesome began to walk down the aisle. It seemed the longest few moments of her life.

When they reached where the redhead was standing, each queen took a moment to kiss Layla on the cheek before doing the same to their own daughter. Alexa then took Layla’s hand and placed it into Anastasia’s, holding the two of them together for a moment before she and Lauren took their seats, so the two of them were alone on the world stage for all to see.

“Hi. Fancy meeting you here,” Anastasia whispered with a huge smile, making the blonde giggle a little but only so the two of them could hear it. “You look amazing, so incredibly beautiful, Layla. I am the luckiest woman in the world.”

“Thank you. You look wonderful, too.”

Before any more conversation could take place, the reverend of the cathedral stepped up in front of them to begin the service. He smiled at the two of them as he opened his book. “Are you two ready?” he softly whispered so only they could hear him. Both of them nodded. With that he looked out over his audience and began. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this company to join together this couple in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate instituted by God, signifying to us the mystical union that is between Christ and his Church, and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two people present come now to be joined.” He took a requisite pause, during no sound could be heard before he continued.

“Princess Anastasia, will you take Layla to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others so long as you both shall live?”

“I will,” the princess answered loudly, so her voice could be heard by the gathering.

“Layla, will you take Princess Anastasia to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others so long as you both shall live?”

The blonde looked at the princess and smiled as she replied, “I will.”

Turning his attentions toward the gathering again, he asked, “Who here gives Layla to be married to Princess Anastasia?”

Both women looked toward the royal family sat. Queen Alexa stood and answered, “At the behest of Layla, I do.” When she had taken her seat, the couple turned back toward the minister.

“Please take each other’s hands and then repeat after me.” Layla passed her bouquet to Hannah, and then they did as they were told. He turned toward Anastasia and said, “I, Anastasia Elise Washington, take you, Layla Elise Stone, to be my lawfully wedded wife.”

“I, Anastasia Elise Washington, take you, Layla Elise Stone, to be my lawfully wedded wife,” she began.

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health.”

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health,” she repeated.

“To love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

“To love and to cherish, till death do us part,” she finished with an exhale of nerves.

“Layla, it is now your turn. Please repeat after me. I, Layla Elise Stone, take you, Anastasia Elise Washington, to be my lawfully wedded wife.”

“I, Layla Elise Stone, take you, Anastasia Elise Washington, to be my lawfully wedded wife.”

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health.”

“To have and to hold from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health,” the blonde softly said, as tears began to fill her eyes.

“To love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

“To love and to cherish, till death do us part,” she whispered.

The reverend turned to David Mitchell and requested the rings. First he gave Layla’s to Anastasia. “Princess Anastasia, please place this ring on Layla’s hand as you repeat after me. ‘With this ring I thee wed, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’”

The redhead eased the signature royal wedding band onto Layla’s left ring finger as she clearly enunciated, “With this ring I thee wed, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

Giving Anastasia’s ring to Layla, he said, “Layla, please place this ring on Princess Anastasia’s hand as you repeat after me. ‘With this ring I thee wed, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.’”

The blonde’s hands were trembling, but she wore a tearful smile as she repeated, “With this ring I thee wed, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

The reverend then put their left hands together and said to the two of them, “Now that Princess Anastasia and Layla have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and with the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce they are married, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder. God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, and fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may so live together in this life, that in the world to come you may have life everlasting. Amen.” He smiled at them, having made it thus far and said, “Now by the power vested in me by the Episcopal Church and the city of Washington, D.C., I declare that you are married. You may kiss your bride.”

Both women smiled as their arms came around each other. “I love you, Layla,” Anastasia whispered softly.

“I love you, too, Anastasia,” she replied as their lips met tenderly. When they broke, they still cuddled for a moment as Anastasia wiped the tears from her wife’s cheeks.

Once the couple had sealed their vows with a kiss and broken from their embrace, the reverend smiled at the two of them. Hannah handed Layla’s bouquet back to her before the minister looked at the crowd. “I now have the great honor of presenting to you Her Royal Highness Princess Anastasia and Her Royal Highness Princess Layla.”

The entire congregation stood as the couple turned to face the crowd. Both with beaming smiles, they began to process down the aisle and out the front to the steps to the jubilant sound of an orchestra. The hoard of people began to scream wildly as they appeared, causing Layla to blush and laugh at the overjoyed reaction. Both of them waved at the mass of people who appeared extraordinarily excited. Moments later the rest of the royal family appeared at the top of the stairs with them.

Alexa curved an arm around her new daughter-in-law and kissed her on top of the head. “You did it.”

The blonde turned and gave Alexa a hug. “Thank you for everything.”

“You are as much my child as any of my others, and I love you. It was my great pleasure,” she replied with a smile.

Once they returned to the palace, the couple changed into their reception attire while the reception commenced. Layla opted for a more functional white dress than the one in which she was married while Anastasia slipped into a tuxedo. The staff quickly ushered their formal wedding clothes off for inspection before they were to be put in their permanent home in the Washington family museum.

The formal reception had the typical grandeur of a palace party. Matthew Franks was there to announce their arrival after changing clothes. He hugged both women and congratulated them personally before opening the doors for them. Standing at the doorway, he waited for the crowd to settle before he said, “It is now my honor to present Her Royal Highness Princess Anastasia and Her Royal Highness Princess Layla.”

All the guests bowed for the newlyweds as they made their formal entrance into the room with the exception of Anastasia’s family. For Layla it was a surreal moment as she realized she truly was now a member of the royal family, and the people were bowing for her as much as Anastasia. While she had contemplated it before, she was still moved by the reality of the moment.

Once they had made it to their table, the small orchestra, which had been playing, began again. The couple mingled for a little bit before the food courses were served to the gathering. However, when the food courses were completed, Alexa and Lauren came to them. “It seems the group is getting anxious to dance this afternoon. We were not sure whether or not you two intended to have your first dance given Anastasia’s condition.”

“Actually we are going to have our first dance,” Anastasia said with a smile for her parents.

“We are?” Layla inquired in confusion. “I thought we were forgoing that, because you said you couldn’t dance, even in your new brace.”

“Victoria was kind of enough to practice with me. I may not be as good as I would like, but I could not miss the chance to dance with my bride for anything,” she answered with a smile. “It is a gift to myself.”

“And to me,” Layla said, leaning over to kiss her sweetly.

“We were amazed when you stood up out of your car today without your cane,” Lauren said. “Nothing could have made us happier then to see you walking after all that has happened, darling.”

“I know, Mom. This was meant as a gift to all of us, my whole family and the people of this country. This brace will be going into mass production for those people who are in my position, so we can all regain parts of our lives we have had to postpone.”

Alexa smiled at her daughter as she hugged her. “Nothing would make us happier than watching the two of you share your dance then.”

A few minutes later the wedding coordinator announced that the newlyweds would have their dance, so they took to the floor by themselves. Even though Anastasia had to move slowly, the couple managed to give their guests an endearing performance full of gazing deeply into each other’s blue eyes as they slowly shuffled their way around the floor. When it was complete though, they stayed out there and were joined by other couples, including the queens, for several more songs.

Anastasia would have liked to spend the rest of the evening with her bride dancing, but her leg was beginning to feel weary from all the day’s activity. Reluctantly they moved back to their table to rest. Layla smiled at her wife. “That was a wonderful surprise.”

“I am glad you enjoyed it. You can thank Victoria for working with me on it. I have been working especially hard to make that moment happen for us. It was meant to be something special.”

“It was special. The whole day has been and so will the night,” she whispered kissing her wife’s ear lightly.

Anastasia moaned a little as their eyes met. While the thought had certainly occurred to her that she would finally be able to know her beloved’s body, the commotion of the day had placed that thought way into the back of her mind. Just then though, it came rushing to the forefront. “I can hardly wait,” she whispered in reply. Checking her watch, she mentioned, “We will not be getting there until late, though. It will be midnight most likely, and that is assuming we get out of this party within the next hour.”

“I suppose we can’t sneak out,” she teased.

“They would probably notice if we were missing.”

When the couple was able to leave about two hours later, they quickly changed into their travel clothes and rushed to the airport before anyone could detain them to board one of the royal plans for their honeymoon. Once aboard, both women were beginning to tire from all the activity of the day, so they retired to the bedroom suite on the plane. Putting in a movie to help pass the time, they curled up together on top of the bed to watch, but each of them drifted to sleep almost immediately, not waking until they had landed in the Virgin Islands. Sleepily the pair shuffled down the staircase to the awaiting car and were taken to their palace.

The night staff was there to greet them pleasantly and take their belongings to their room. The two of them followed slowly behind, holding hands as Layla leaned into Anastasia’s shoulder as they walked. Even though the staff tried to unpack their belongings, Anastasia waved them off, saying they could take care of it themselves in the morning, so the couple was alone.

Standing together in their bedroom, they embraced each other. Anastasia smiled down at her wife. “Well, your highness, how are you doing?”

“This entire day has been an incredible dream. I can’t believe it. We’re actually married. I thought this day would never come, and I know you thought this night never would,” she teased.

The redhead chuckled and nodded. “You look so beautiful right now. You look completely content and yet utterly exhausted,” she whispered, caressing her cheek softly.

Layla nodded. “I am exhausted,” she admitted. “I feel like I could sleep for twelve hours together given the chance.”

“Me too,” Anastasia confessed. Kissing her wife’s mouth gently, she said, “Perhaps we should go to bed then. Would you like to use the bathroom first?”

“You go ahead. There is something I want to get out of my bag first.”

Anastasia went into the bathroom to prepare for bed. She opted for casual pajamas, figuring she wouldn’t be wearing them for more than a few minutes anyway and then headed back to the bedroom. She sat on the bed to remove her brace as Layla disappeared into the bathroom. With that accomplished she slid under the plush covers to wait for her bride. Several minutes passed before Layla opened the bathroom door and stepped into the bedroom. Anastasia felt her breath leave her as her heart began to beat in a rapid cadence at the sight of her wife.

Layla lingered shyly by the doorway for a moment waiting for Anastasia’s reaction to her outfit. It was intense and immediate as she saw the redhead’s blue eyes darken in fervor and the pulse of her neck become more profound. She definitely had her wife’s attention, so she slowly made her way over to the bed and slid onto it.

“Wow. You look stunning, so sexy,” Anastasia whispered as she reached out to her wife’s cheek.

“I hoped you would like my outfit.”

“I do. I like it very much,” she softly said, kissing her cheek before moving to her lips as her hand ran down along a satin-covered shoulder. The off-white satin robe and lace and satin chemise Layla was wearing was bringing her libido roaring to life. She felt as if she had never wanted her as much as she did in that moment. The couple kissed for several minutes enjoying their closeness, but Anastasia’s ardor was competing with her fatigue, which caused her to hesitate in moving them further.

Sensing something wasn’t quite right, Layla pulled back enough that they could look into each other’s eyes. She clearly saw her wife was as tired as she was, but she wasn’t sure what to do about it. This was their wedding night, and she had promised herself to Anastasia on this special occasion. As much as it was a promise she wanted to fulfill, there was a small part of her that wished for a few-hour reprieve before they consummated their marriage, so they could each be fully rested in order to concentrate on the other. “Is everything all right?” she finally asked.

Anastasia smiled and nodded. “Of course. Everything is wonderful. I am just more tired than I thought.”

“If you’re too tired for this, we can always wait.”

“I promised you a wedding night to remember,” she countered. “I want to keep that promise. I love you, and I want to show you how much you mean to me the way we have both longed for all these months.”

“You already have kept your promises. This whole day has been amazing, and I have absolutely no doubts about your love for me. I want to be with you, too, but I’m not against waiting until after we get some sleep. I’m totally exhausted but would do this for you if it were what you really wanted right now. I know you would as well if it’s what I wanted.”

“I would do anything you asked of me tonight, but I just want to be at my best for you, and I am afraid I will not live up to your expectations in this condition,” the redhead admitted.

“You would never fail my expectations, love, but we’ve waited this long. What’s a few more hours, so we could rest up for the big event,” she teased.

Anastasia chuckled lightly. “Wait another few hours? Well, you have put me off this long. What is a few more in the grand scheme of things?”

Leaning to kiss her wife, Layla whispered, “I’ve waited my entire life for you, and I want us both to have what we want. I’m going to need you at your best to satisfy my desires.”

“You are going to make it impossible for us to go to sleep talking like that.”

Layla laughed lightly. “I love playing with you, and I look forward to a lifetime of teasing you unmercifully and loving you completely, but let’s start after we get some sleep.”

“All right but promise me one thing.”

“Anything.”

“I want you to keep this on until then. I like the idea of unwrapping my present all dressed in white.”

“Not to worry. Your virgin bride will remain dressed in white for you to take at your earliest convenience.”

Anastasia moaned a little. “I cannot wait until we awake.”

“Then sleep now for your chance will not come until you rest a little.”

With their decision to withhold made, the couple curled up together under the covers in bed as they had done numerous times. Kissing each other once more for good measure, each whispered their undying love before sleep quickly claimed them both for the rest of the night.

The next morning when Anastasia awoke she noticed that she was alone in bed. Sitting up she sleepily looked around the room and noticed the wooden blinds on the doors leading to the beach were open and one of the doors cracked, emitting the soft sounds of waves. Peering outside to the private terrace, she saw the small table set with what looked like a light breakfast. Figuring her wife was outside enjoying the morning light, the princess eased herself from bed after securing her brace and made her way outside. She saw Layla just a short distance from the terrace standing in the sand overlooking the water.

Her spouse looked ravishing in her white lingerie with her long blonde hair fluttering down her back in the slight breeze. Anastasia simply gazed at her for long minutes as she leaned against a column of the palace to rest her leg. Her heart swelled with emotion at just the sight of her beloved who seemed unaware of her presence. A few minutes later though Layla turned to come back to the table. Seeing Anastasia she gave a bright smile of contentedness, which took hold of the redhead’s heart. Anastasia had never felt so loved as she did when her wife smiled in her direction.

“Good morning, your highness,” Anastasia whispered softly as the blonde came to where she was standing.

Layla continued to smile as she ran her hand up along her wife’s chest, then her neck and into her red hair. “A very good morning,” she replied, leaning up to kiss her seductively.

Moaning into the kiss, Anastasia brought her arms around Layla. It was clear that her wife had not forgotten what was first on the day’s agenda. “I missed you when I awoke, and you were not there.”

“I wanted to give you a chance to rest, because I knew you were going to need it. I took the liberty of having breakfast brought out for us. Perhaps we should eat a little something first. You need fuel for what’s to come,” she teased as her hand retraced its path down her neck and over her chest. She lightly massaged the flesh a moment before she withdrew her touch completely and turned to the table.

Anastasia tried to take a normal breath, but her body wouldn’t let her. This overtly sexual side of Layla was causing chaos within her. While Layla was always quite comfortable with their physical intimacy before they were married, there was always a certain amount of restraint she employed. However, that certainly was not the case that morning. Anastasia was as intrigued as she was secretly pleased.

Taking their seats at the table, they began to eat some breakfast. Layla poured them both coffee from the silver pot that had been sitting on a tray and then added the appropriate amounts of cream and sugar for their cups before handing Anastasia hers. The redhead felt electricity shoot up her arm as her wife caressed her hand in the exchange. Anastasia smiled gently and said, “You certainly are feeling playful this morning.”

“I’ve waited my whole life for this moment with you. I’ve thought about it so many times, but I knew I couldn’t act on it then. I couldn’t even tease you fully the way I always wanted, because I knew I was too vulnerable to your charms and might have succumbed to them had you reacted to me then the way you are now. I also didn’t think it was fair to tease you this way if we weren’t married, as it would have been paramount to torturing you,” she replied with a smile behind her cup.

“So does this mean you’ll be torturing me for the rest of our lives?” she joked.

She nodded. “Absolutely,” she whispered.

Anastasia gave a smile and a sigh. “That is perfectly fine by me. I like this side of you,” she admitted leaning over and kissing the blonde on the cheek.

“Eat some breakfast,” Layla directed. “Because after this I want to go back to bed.”

Cracking a grin Anastasia replied, “Whatever you desire, your highness.”

Breakfast was filled with subtle seduction as Layla took every opportunity to caress her wife’s frame. She could see the effect it had on her, the way her breathing labored and eyes darkened. Anastasia started to look unreservedly fervent as the meal progressed. When it was clear neither was going to eat anymore, the blonde stood from her chair. Holding out her hand to her wife, she said, “Come. You have a promise to keep.”

Without a word Anastasia took her hand and allowed herself to be led back to their bedroom. Together they stood at the bedside just gazing into each other’s eyes as they allowed the gravity of the moment to enfold them. They had pledged in front of God and the world to forsake all others, and while they had both kept that promise while dating, the consummation of their marriage would be the first encounter on the journey of what each anticipated to be a satisfying relationship in that regard.

In keeping with the earnestness she felt in her heart, Anastasia tenderly caressed her wife’s cheek. “I love you so much, and I consider myself the luckiest woman in the world to have you for my wife. I have no idea what I would ever do without you.”

“Luckily you’ll never have to find out,” she whispered in reply as they kissed softly.

Each of them methodically ran their hands along the other’s body on the outside of their pajamas. There was no need rush the moment, even after all their waiting. Instead they wanted the occasion to linger, so they slowly became acquainted with each other. Layla made the first move as she raised Anastasia’s t-shirt over her head. She had seen the princess shirtless many times, but this time she was allowed to explore the strong torso at leisure. She heard her wife’s breathing hitch as her hands drifted along the redhead’s chest and abdomen before encircling her bare back.

“I love how strong you are. I’ve always wanted to be able to just caress your body like this,” she confessed as their kissing started to become more intense.

Anastasia groaned. “It feels incredible.” She whimpered as she felt hands slip into the back of her sleeping shorts. Her hands trailed over Layla’s satin robe as she began to kiss her wife’s neck.

Layla moaned lightly at the gentle caress. She could feel herself becoming more aroused by the moment. Tugging on Anastasia’s shorts, they fell off the redhead, so she was only standing there in her leg brace, which made the redhead pause a moment and pull back slightly. The blonde’s eyes trailed along her wife’s body taking inventory of what greeted her. She had never truly seen her wife’s nakedness before, the only two closest times being when it was slightly obscured during their first fight and then in the hospital while it was mostly covered in bandages, so she didn’t fully know what to expect of her wife’s post-war frame. Anastasia’s body still had faint scars from her war injuries, but Layla didn’t care. Anastasia might have been flawed, but she was also perfect.

“I hope you approve of what you see,” the princess whispered, shifting her weight a little onto her better leg.

“Very much. I’ve imagined your body so many times pressed against me,” she murmured. “I can’t wait to feel your skin on mine.” Making another move, Layla pulled away enough to kneel down in front of the princess. Anastasia’s hand threaded itself in long blonde hair as she felt hands teasing her legs with light strokes as her wife unlatched the brace. A mouth joined the exploration, kissing her lover over her stomach and up between her breasts as Layla stood again. Anastasia was so weakened by the display and her desires that her legs gave out, and she sunk onto the bed. She never once dreamed Layla would be so aggressive, but she was enjoying this surprise tremendously.

Layla straddled her wife’s legs as their mouths came together again. The short chemise rose as she did so, revealing that she wasn’t wearing anything beneath it. Anastasia could feel that Layla was becoming excited as their hips rocked into each other. Slowly Anastasia removed her wife’s robe, revealing bare arms and mostly bare shoulders. Taking her time she began her own exploration of Layla’s skin. Her mouth skimmed lightly over the smoothness as her fingers provided light caresses down along her arms before moving to the thighs that were astride her. It was Layla’s turn to moan as she felt her lover’s hands along her legs and hips as Anastasia’s mouth once again took residence in her neck. Feeling strong hands dip under the hem of her chemise and slide their way up her back, her breathing came even faster as the satin rose with the movement. Anastasia worked off the garment, leaving them both completely bare. She had only see her wife naked once before at the hospital, and she had desperately missed the sight.

“You are so incredibly beautiful, Layla,” she said. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, Stasia, and I could only ever belong to you.”

Anastasia’s heart pounded even harder at the loving sentiment. Rolling them so Layla rested against the bed, Anastasia pulled herself up to hover slightly above her for a moment before she said, “I want you to enjoy this completely, so if I do something you do not like, promise to tell me. It is my honor and duty to give you anything you desire and pleasure you in any way that gives you satisfaction. I will never take from you, only give to you as a way to bring us closer. I promise this to you as your wife now and for always.”

“I know, Stasia, and I promise you the same. You have all of me,” she answered, bringing the body above hers down onto her own.

Both women groaned at the feeling of their bodies pressed fully against each other. Anastasia took the lead between them as she kissed slowly down into her wife’s chest as her hands filled themselves with the softness of Layla’s breasts. The blonde was incredibly responsive to each little touch as her mouth worked its way over the crest and kissed it gently, causing the smaller woman to writhe and gasp. Lingering there with her mouth, Anastasia let her hands wander over the rocking frame beneath her. She could hear Layla’s labored breathing and feel her lover’s hands clutching at the back of her red locks while her thighs did the same to her hips.

“Stasia, oh, God, Stasia,” she panted as pleasure radiated through her body. She already felt on the verge of losing control, but this time there was nothing holding them back from what they both wanted so much.

The princess continued to survey her wife’s form with her mouth as she descended down to her stomach. Her hands stroked the blonde’s thighs and hips. She could feel Layla’s arousal beginning to coat her torso as she closed in toward her goal. Everything about her lover’s desires was making her delirious with need to connect them physically, but she continued to withhold at first. She knew there would only be one first time, and she wanted to give her virgin bride ultimate pleasure.

Kissing lower still she began to open her lover’s legs to accommodate her shoulders. The heat and wetness that Layla’s body emitted reached deeply into her own heart as she truly realized she was the only one to have such knowledge of her beloved. She understood just then the gift her wife was giving her. “I love you so much, Layla.”

“I love you,” she gasped as she felt Anastasia’s mouth against her for the first time. “Oh… my… God,” she panted, clutching the back of the head between her thighs. The mouth and tongue that kissed her so well was suddenly bestowing a new kind of intimacy upon her, one she had never been fully able to visualize until she felt it for the first time.

Anastasia took her time. As much as she wanted to rush to the climax, she wanted to discover all she could about what her lover enjoyed. Using her tongue as her guide, she methodically surveyed the outer edges of the treasured space, making mental notes of her wife’s responses before delving a little deeper to the entrance. She was tempted to slip inside but resisted, knowing neither of them was quite ready. Instead she teasingly circled it with the tip of her tongue.

Layla’s hips practically shot off the bed as she gasped, “Stasia, oh, please.”

“I am going to take care of you, love. I promise,” she whispered. Continuing with her tongue she traced up from the opening up to where she knew the most pleasure awaited her wife. She drew small figure eights in a leisurely pattern from the top of her pleasure down to the entrance and back again, causing a set of tremors through the blonde. Thighs contracted against her shoulders and cries of delight emitted from her lover’s throat. Anastasia carried on methodically, taking her time and using her mouth to bestow gentle caresses until it became obvious her wife was about to climax. Even though she desperately wanted to push her over that precipice, she knew she had other ideas of how she wanted it to happen the time and reluctantly withdrew her attentions.

“No, please don’t stop,” Layla begged.

The princess kissed up the blonde’s body to her mouth and kissed her. “I would never stop,” she promised, replacing her mouth with her right hand between her lover’s thighs. Wetness quickly coated her fingers as she applied similar pressure as she had with her mouth.

Layla’s hips rocked faster at the touch as she whimpered, “Please, Stasia.”

Anastasia kissed her wife on the ear and affirmed, “I love you, Layla, and I will always love you.”

Layla couldn’t even respond for a moment as she felt her wife claim her for her own. She had imagined what it would be like to make love with Anastasia, but the feeling of her inside the first time made her fall for her all over again. She moaned and held her closer. “Oh, Anastasia, I love you, too,” she finally managed to pant as her beloved began to thrust in time with her rocking hips, causing each delve to be just a little deeper. Being so close to the edge already, it was only a few minutes before her body started to tremble. “Oh God, oh God, Stasia,” she called clutching her closer.

“I have you. You are safe, and you are so beautiful, Layla,” she whispered as the contractions began inside of her lover.

Layla’s whole body shuddered, and she moaned as her climax fully claimed her. The spasms continued sporadically for several minutes as Anastasia remained inside of her. When her breathing had returned to normal, she whispered, “Wow.”

“Are you all right?” Anastasia asked meeting blue eyes with her own.

The blonde smiled brightly. “That was incredible.”

“I am glad you are pleased.”

“I’m more than pleased. I’m elated. Is that what I have to look forward to for the rest of my life?”

“If that is what you want, but there are so many ways to make love to you, and I look forward to trying every single one,” Anastasia confessed, pulling out of her wife, which caused another set of shudders. They cuddled together for a few minutes in silence, enjoying their newfound closeness. “Thank you,” Anastasia said after a bit.

“For what?”

“The gift of yourself. I am humbled by it.”

“I knew I was only meant for you.”

“There is no greater gift you could have given me, and I understand that now. I know I have nothing as valuable to give in return.”

“You have already given so much to me,” she assured. Cracking a grin though she added, “But you can give me what I’ve wanted for so long now.” Her hand trailed over her lover’s torso between her thighs.

“You can have anything you want. I am yours completely, and your wish is my command, your highness. I am yours forever.” Smiling at each other, they kissed softly as Layla took her wife’s offering and connected them physically.

For them it was the first day of the rest of their lives, and they were determined to enjoy it to its fullest. They knew time would bring them challenges. There would be children to raise and a country to rule, but in that moment, it was the beginning of their journey, and they knew whatever the future held, they would be there to face it together.

The End

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