Wendell
Several months later, the royal carriage moves along the bumpy road at dusk as four rides in a peaceful silence nearing their destination. The little house promptly comes into view which is in better condition with the repairs completed.
Only one more night prior to their long-awaited wedding, Kana invited him to join her family for their final trip back home. The castle rooms are ready being fully furnished, a brand new wardrobe provided, and other essentials can be gifted if lacking. Therefore, no old belongings will be necessary but any sentimental items they don't wish to leave behind.
Wendell informs his weary driver it shouldn't take much time before heading after the others for the front door. Two nosy neighbors' gaze darts in their direction whispering amongst themselves about the engaged pair. Both her mother and brother go inside though the brunette's feet halt at the threshold.
"Here they are now. I can't comprehend why out of all peasants he would choose Kana. Perhaps he was compelled to because she has some dirt on the Chestna name, or even somehow guilt-tripped him into this marriage," the redhead loudly mutters, and the shorter female snorts.
"You know she uses that kind facade to get people to like her. I'm certain that's the way she bewitched our king. Just so she and her folks could earn a free ticket from the slums by their union. Honestly, it makes me sick."
Yet again, people wrongfully label his fiancee when in reality they don't have an inkling of her heart. Wendell's mouth opens to correct their clear jealousy but Kana steps forward instead.
"If the person you're gossiping about is standing nearby, you should probably try grumbling a little lower. I truly love him and I don't care what you or anyone else thinks as long as he believes in me."
"Kana..." he mumbles, astonished by her response as the busybodies' heads drop low.
"I'll work hard to become a Queen consort Calestra can one day take pride in."
With that, she spins on her heels ending their conversation and the ash-blonde follows, not giving the girls an ounce of sympathy.
The interior is practically barren since most of their stuff was already cleared out earlier this week. Castle servants pitched in with the sorting as their items fell into three categories; to keep, give away, or the discard pile. The very few boxes remaining Kana insisted they shouldn't require any extra hands to move.
Michelle and her son work in the kitchen while he and his fiancee go upstairs. Opening the creaky door, his ocean eyes examine her small room which is rather cramped to hold two people. Even their lack of furniture doesn't add to the space, and it's in a ruinous state contradicting the improvement outside.
"Surprising, huh? I felt the same upon entering your extravagant bedroom for the first time. I guess I wanted you to have a better glimpse of my past lifestyle before our wedding."
"Yes, I didn't expect it to look quite like this. Labors insisted the war wreckage was patched up now, so..."
"That's right. Given the major hit on our roof was fixed this is what it looked like when we settled here."
He slowly strolls around her bedroom amazed by the worn sight. The floorboards are uneven which can lead to injury, and a circular window is the sole natural light source. This tiny dresser must hold both siblings' clothing, opposite of the king's large wardrobe that barely contains his articles. His fingertips then brush against the disorganized desk she possibly spent hours at with homework after tiresome jobs. The lingering dust in the air tickles Wendell's nose a bit, but he snaps out of this daze when her warm hand squeezes his softer one.
"Rainswood isn't a remote place to reside in as snobby nobles labeled this a filthy dump. I allowed their ignorance to bother me back then and hated to call such a village my home. But taking a royal position, how can I hope to gain respect from others when I'm constantly belittling myself? I'll be getting a new name come tomorrow and that's why..." Kana scoops up a set of familiar worn gloves she holds tightly to her chest. "I'll no longer be ashamed nor forget the poverty I once lived in."
This sentence is spoken with strong conviction like a different side he has never witnessed of her before.
"...You know, you've changed an awful lot since we met."
"R-Really? Well, I'd say you were a big influence on that, Your Majesty," she replies, placing the memorial gloves in a box, and there's one factor from that snowy evening he'd like to bring back.
"You've helped me grow over these past months as well, but one old habit of yours hasn't improved. I oppose it when dear friends refer to me formally, especially my beloved above all else. For this reason, I desire for you to just call me by name."
Though engaged it feels like there is a thick wall between them because of this one major bump. With Frederick and their first meeting, she spoke more loosely and that is how he wants her to act hereon. Kana does talk less stiff but continuing to formally address him is behavior she must break free of, and his fiancee will shortly be receiving a crown of her own.
"W-Wait, right now?" The brunette clarifies and he inches closer wearing an innocent smile.
"No time like the present."
"Um, I'll try to remember to call you casually..." her voice trails struggling to form his name, but an exhale later she forces their eyes to meet. "W-Wendell."
"See? Not too weird, was it? You should get used to this considering we'll proceed to lovers' names upon our union," he teases, triggering her blush to deepen.
"W-What? But that's tomorrow! I can't progress so fast!"
"Am I intruding?" Rocco stares from the doorway and the pair quickly separate. "I just need to grab the last stuff of mine. Are you finished now or up here being all mushy the whole time?"
"Y-Yes, we just got a little distracted. I'm almost done and then we'll get my few things in the carriage."
Rocco chuckles as the young embarrassed couple hastily swipes a sealed box to take downstairs. When all keepsakes are loaded, the lovebirds say farewells for their final night spent apart. For this special day commencing at sunrise, the main objective is to obtain a good amount of rest.
💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌 💌
The castle chapel has been completely transformed from top to bottom. With sweet-scented flowers decorating the pews, white ribbons are looped around the stain-glass windows, and the choir angelically sings in harmony. An enchanting scenery--like a fairytale--that would melt even the coldest of hearts. Contrary to his ex-fiancee who was given permission to plan their whole layout, he worked hard alongside Kana to create a ceremony they'll always remember.
Just while his beloved name comes to mind, she suddenly appears at the end of the aisle. One mere glance of her wedding apparel robs Wendell's very breath for an instant. The brunette wears a custom-made white gown with laced ruffled bottom swaying as she walks. It's fashioned with pink jewels down the chest that matches his tie, and this off the shoulders dress clings to her torso. Compared to his hairstyle combed down neat, her own is perfectly curled with half-tied up. The large white ribbon is covered with pearls including a long common veil. This ensemble enhances her beauty to the max, and it's plausible Theodore can hear his pounding heart.
Kana stands right across from him as her father takes a seat in the front pew. Originally, she had confessed to debating on accepting Rocco's offer to give his little sister away. Their relationship remains quite rocky though, despite his unfaithfulness, she still didn't want him to miss one of the most important days of her life.
The king swallows thickly, his anxiety skyrocketing higher than during the coronation ceremony. Perhaps he will fumble his vows or find another way to make an utter fool of himself. Nonetheless, Wendell's nervous jitters begin to calm when noticing her fumble at the small ribbons on her dress. The simple action proves quite a lot yet that doesn't waver her beaming smile. Likewise, he needs to relax, not allowing fears to ruin this irreplaceable moment.
Their archbishop then begins the ceremony, a room full of relatives and friends watching in delight. Neither of their gazes drifts for a single second while attentively listening to the meaningful speech. Toward the end of his homily, only one special portion remains before they're bound together with nothing but death to ever separate them.
"The groom will now state his vows."
Theodore gestures for him to begin and he gently tightens the grip on his beloved's hands.
"I love you, Kana, as I love no other. All that I am I share with you. I take you to be my wife through health and sickness, through plenty and want, through joy and sorrow, now and forevermore."
His earlier worries have been proven pointless when these tender vows roll right off the tongue without so much as a stutter. Since he has honestly confessed his piece, the archbishop motions for Kana to do likewise.
"The bride will next state her vows."
"I love you, Wendell, as I love no other. All that I am I share with you. I take you to be my husband through health and sickness, through plenty and want, through joy and sorrow, now and forevermore."
Kana speaks her vows just as sincerely and the king is certain he wouldn't be so devoted to uniting with anyone else. Not high-class nobles at the canceled marriage banquet or any other girls in years to come.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Both lean closer at his declaration, this lock of lips is nothing similar to that faint touch months ago for the play. The passion is truly felt by their lovely exchange, and it's almost as if time has stopped around them with the loud applause drowned out. Wendell focuses on the brunette in his embrace, the woman he will turn to a new chapter alongside harboring no more lies.
...
Subsequent to exchanging vows, they move inside the ballroom for their wedding reception. Such as the chapel, the area is decorated with fancy tablecloths using their best silverware. Delectable dishes are cluttered across the long table, plus guests are free to consume whatever they desire apart yet touching the lemon strawberry cake.
Wendell observes from afar while his beautiful wife continues to chat with his mother. They share a nice laugh as Wendy pulls on the girl's dress at one side with Max's tail a wagging on the other. Previous insecurities Kana held have dissipated seeing she has warmed up to them quite nicely.
He shouldn't interrupt the ladies' conversation choosing to patiently wait when someone taps his shoulder. Glancing over the culprit is none other than Michelle followed by her son, and he hasn't conversed with her much in general.
"Do you mind if I take a moment of your time?"
"Certainly not, Mother. We haven't had the chance to speak as of late."
"Oh, please don't refer to me like that so soon! I mean, my daughter has yet to be crowned queen and you only wedded today. Calling me Michelle will work just fine," she strongly insists, and the boy gives a lopsided grin, this seeming oddly familiar.
I can understand where Kana gets it from now.
"This might be sudden but I never did apologize for my ungrateful actions. Spending the gold on expensive clothes--no matter the royal that gifted it wasn't right at all. One wrongdoing led to an argument which could have destroyed your relationship."
Painful guilt is written on the parent's crumbled expression and he immediately waves his hands in disagreement.
"No, the fault was mine! With my countless fibs, Kana lost trust in me. But I owed up to those mistakes and it has been put behind us now. I'm grateful both you and Rocco have forgiven my cowardice."
"Truth be told, I was supportive of you marrying her because of your title. Divorce for royalty is rare so she would be well provided for financially wise..." she softly confesses, his mother-in-law's lips pressed into a thin line while looking at her own ringless finger. "However, noticing the adoration you constantly express, your love is indeed real. Her spirit will be far more afflicted by heartbreak than lacking material things. So I pray you'll always love Kana through your youthfulness and the decades to follow."
Michelle's tired eyes plead for him to swear this face-to-face, and given her recent separation, she must have lingering doubts. If his declaration at the altar wasn't enough, he will repeat it once again to ease her worries.
"Your daughter is and forever will be the only one for me," he promises, this commitment one the king couldn't fandom to break.
Hearing these words leave his lips, a fragile smile replaces her present frown. Without warning, she hugs the boy to which he happily accepts. Michelle's concerns are now lifted; they stay that way a good minute, but upon releasing, Rocco steps forward with crossed arms.
"At my little sister's request, I did agree to start a clean slate as everyone makes mistakes. However" --A finger pokes at the shorter boy's chest causing him to smile wryly-- "I won't be so forgiving if you ever hurt her a second time. Like I already said, your position doesn't matter to me when it comes to my family. If our dad won't watch out for us, I'll be the one to step up and fill in that role. So do we have an understanding, Your Majesty?"
Rocco isn't trying to be disrespectful but simply protect those important to him whatever the cost.
"Yes, that we do. Unless it's tears of joy as today, I won't hurt your sister like that again."
Rocco is silent at this, perhaps mere words not enough reassurance as for Michelle. Though he suddenly fetches two glasses of non-alcoholic wine, handing one to the younger male.
"Then cheers to many blissful days ahead for you both."
A small grin reflects on the ash-blonde's face, him clinking glasses with his brother-in-law and they enjoy a drink.
After the untied pair have spoken to each other's relatives, they decide to chat with their friends laughing near the corner. Today marks the first date in a while all eight have gathered like this, and everyone is getting along great by the sound of it. Nonetheless, when the couple joins in they greet them with welcoming smiles.
"Congratulations on your union! You two look just wonderful together."
Surprisingly his former fiancee is the person to compliment them. The noble girl isn't visiting Calestra but her family has chosen to live there permanently. Mr. Valenta was offered a high-paying job so they can keep their once temporary home in Everlane. Luckily, the courting childhood friends won't be forced to split after only about a year of reuniting.
"Thank you, Blanche. I'm happy you were all able to attend."
"So, how does it feel to have tied the knot?" Alphonse asks, and his mixture of emotions cannot be easily conveyed.
"Well, it still feels so unreal. I lost countless nights of sleep eagerly awaiting this day to arrive..." Kana's emerald eyes darted at her husband prior to continuing. "I'm overjoyed--yet nostalgic--and a bit nervous as well. Above all else, I'm really excited to see what lies ahead for the two of us."
The answer she provides is the exact emotions Wendell's undergoing presently. It's natural to be a little anxious about new living arrangements, and he never got the chance to properly court her. Also, nostalgia does surface at the thought of fewer gatherings with their busy schedules. Despite these minor concerns, he remains happy about the bright future in store for them.
"Yes, I couldn't have described it any better myself," he agrees, interlocking hands with her, and the redhead smirks playfully.
"I'm interested in who fell in love with the other first? My vote is Kana was the one head over heels for our king!"
A deep blush paints her cheeks though she doesn't exactly deny Lucille's assumption.
"I don't know about that. Wendell was smitten not long after I reintroduced these soulmates. I'd say he caught feelings for his beloved in no time flat," Saelufu counters, this rising heat in his own face.
Seems my dwarf friend still enjoys putting me on the spot, though Kana had captured my heart faster than I anticipated...
"Reintroduce implies they've crossed paths even earlier. If you don't mind sharing, how did you meet?" Justus questions, the whole table pressing them for further details.
The newlyweds' exchange looks at their friends' request, and he's positive both can recall that winter evening. Telling of this fluffy encounter is much more favorable than prying about intimate affairs--such as his proposal. Kana makes it clear she thinks mutually giving him a gentle nod of agreement.
"Sure, why not. I will note a particular man in this story will cause your skin to boil. He left a worse impression than my one-sided quarreling with Oliver back then," he jokes, receiving a good chuckle from many while the black-haired boy crosses his arms.
"Y-You should avoid bringing up the shameful past of your knight in training! Though I am rather curious, what kind of scum was this guy."
Wendell volunteers to start them off as they take turns reminiscing about the unexpected exchange which began it all.
Hours pass by with this reception becoming a date they could never forget. Between the fun cake cutting and wedding gifts to their prime dance as husband and wife. The sun has nearly set by the time festivities end, and a single event is left until people head for home.
Six breakaways up to the balcony while guests move for the palace exit. Above, the sky is painted in orange hues but this activity cannot be done when it gets dark. It's the lone reason royal weddings commence and close sooner than castle balls.
Not a lengthy period after their visitors huddle across the bridge below does a servant carry out a woven basket. Inside lay six elegant white pigeons resting comfortably in the soft blanket. The newlyweds followed by their mothers and siblings each carefully grab a bird. Releasing these with their spouse is a Chestna tradition that has been kept since days of old. Everyone was instructed on how to properly handle their feathered friends beforehand--so as not to cause injuries.
Once the families are lined up and ready, Theodore clears his throat to give a short announcement.
"The closing act for this blessed marriage, our joined couple alongside their relatives will set free these white pigeons toward the heavens. Praying both maintain faithfulness, forgiveness, and everlasting love for each other no matter how brutal the storms are. Now, let their wings spread free!"
At the archbishop's final piece, they all lift their hands high and the flock together takes flight. Soaring off from sight into the distant horizon, a few feathers fall showering the young pair. This gorgeous scene tops those fancier events held by neighboring kingdoms, and his ocean eyes drift to the brunette at his side watching with awe.
"I never thought for my first pigeon sending that I would be a participant. The bubbles bond festival was impressive but this is far greater than I ever imagined... Probably because I'm viewing it with the one I love most."
The last part she softly adds but he definitely heard what his wife just uttered. Overcome with emotion, the ash-blonde pulls the girl's arm to get her long legs to bend, and simultaneously presses his lips against her forehead. This tender peck has Kana's cheeks flame red but he doesn't loosen his gentle hold.
"W-What are you doing? All the guests can see us and our families stand mere feet away."
"Nobody should express complaints as they already witnessed our kiss at the chapel," he's sure to remind, his teasing smile slowly widening. "Besides, your sweetness is partially to blame. When you speak adorable things so plainly, I'm compelled to express my affection regardless of who's present."
"You're so assertive compared to months ago," she responds, but his boosted confidence is a result of her support.
"You have made equally as much of an impact on me as I have for you. Although I won't deny when I saw you in these wedding clothes my heart was racing." A few fingers check his pulse, the king's heart still fluttering with this close proximity. "It's like your beauty had my mind draw a blank and I was scared I'd mess up the vows."
This isn't an exaggerated of his initial reaction almost every time in her presence. Yet, despite this nervousness, a strong wave of glee balances out his anxieties. Love truly is a complicated subject to ever understand but simply experience.
"You too? I am glad those feelings weren't just on my end. Today has been more extraordinary than I could've ever dreamed, despite still getting used to so much attention."
Just as he is about to pull away for her sake, Kana's delicate gaze conveys to him otherwise.
"Don't. My heart is thumping double from the embarrassment, but the other side of me refuses to let go. Can we stand like this for just a little longer?"
"Did you think I'd reject such a precious offer?" he murmurs, tightening his hold around the taller's waist, which in turn has Kana nuzzle her face into his hair. "You needn't be afraid to voice if you want something. However, from this day forth, I plan on spoiling you well before you have the notion to even ask."
Neither pays attention to their onlookers at this display whose continuous cheers haven't died out. The white pigeon release succeeded, meaning enormous luck for the royal couple. Some newlyweds do similar activities or wish at the fountain for good fortune, but ultimately, their hard effort
s alone are what's most important.
I'll ensure the marital bliss we share this day will never fade, Kana.

A/N Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Only the epilogue remains before the story is complete.