They stood at the altar and waited for their brides to arrive. In the meantime, the two brothers scanned their eyes across the crowd of officials, royal families, and citizens who managed to cram in. It was a full house.
Metas' palms were sweaty (something very new to him) and he began to get nervous. His heart raced, his breathing started to quicken, and his face contorted into a smile he could not control. Both Ajax and Vincent couldn't help but notice his goofy expression and both couldn't help but grin.
Then, the beating became pounding as he watched Lara come down the isle first. Pride and joy swelled in his stomach at her precise steps, gentle movements, and prominent belly proudly on display.
The seasoned wolf had won a revolution while pregnant, and she was happy to let everyone see that fact. It was more than a badge of honor - it was something to give hope to future generations who needed inspiration when things seemed too scary.
When she knelt down before the two of them, Metas didn't wait very long to kneel down and take her hand so she could stand again. Normally, a bride was meant to sit low for a small amount of time, but in this case - he wasn't going to have his pack sister uncomfortable, or put his niece or nephew in any sort of danger.
He gently guided her hand over to Ajax's open one as though to 'give' her away. He made a soft bow towards his brother, and then stood aside so that he and Lara could take the center spot to exchange vows.
Joss stood proudly and wore scholarly robes of the mage clan with a very old book in his hand that he read from flawlessly (which did /not/ help Metas' nervousness).
"We have all come together to witness the union of Prince Ajax of the Mountain, along with his mate Lara, hero of the Lycans and Princess Consort. In accordance with international tribal law and the blessing of our Goddesses, may it be known that their marriage is true, rightful, and bound by royal law. Do the pair have any words to exchange?"
Ajax nodded and took both of Lara's hands into his. "Snow, you are the reason my heart beats. You are my inspiration, my strength, and my greatest weakness. Your beauty is endless - and your fury is just and mighty when is needs to be used. Your spirit is stronger than the mountain, and your heart is warmer and brighter than the sun itself. I vow to care for you, love you, support you, and be your partner in all ways in life, until my last dying breath. I do not know how many lifetimes we have been together, but I hope this one is long and filled with new memories we can take to our next one."
Audible sniffles could be heard across the echoing hall, and many ladies dabbed at their eyes from such sweet words.
Lara took in a jagged breath and squeezed her husband's hands tightly before she began to speak. "Prince Ajax, you are my very best friend, my lifelong partner in crime, and my greatest inspiration. You challenge me when I am stubborn, and you support me when I am right. I always feel safe, whole, and fully alive when I am with you - and I know our pup will too. There is no one on this planet I'd rather be with, and when this life is over, I hope to meet again only to start a new set of memories and shenanigans we have always gotten into. I love you now, and always - and I vow to protect you, serve you, and be your partner in all ways in life."
There were soft claps and more sniffs in the air as those who were sensitive to such a lovely and genuine sight couldn't help but tear up.
"In witness of the court, the populace, and our allies I pronounce you Prince and Princess Consort. May your lives be rich, your duty to our pack strong, and your service honest and true." Joss announced proudly.
Applause, some cheers, and shouts of kind words and sentiments were heard all the way down the entire rocky hallways of the caves and tunnels. It was so loud and joyful that it took Joss quite some time to silence the crowd again.
Some of the other royal families looked very put-off by having to be around the "riff-raff", but no one would dare say such a thing at such an auspicious occasion. It was noted by the Alpha King, however - who would file that away for another time.
Once peace had been regained, it was shattered by music as soft notes announced the arrival of the Luna. All those who had been sitting, stood at attention and turned towards the isle with their hands folded over their chests in recognition and respect. One by one they would bow ever so slightly to Myranda as she passed them.
Metas' white teeth were easily seen as his golden eyes beheld those of his beloved - his mate - his Queen - his everything. Her dress was white with red and gold trim, which matched his suit. The delicate lace that trailed across the red carpet would show a lovely pattern of intricate flowers and snowflakes.
Myranda was grateful that Lara had let her know ahead of time how many eyes would be upon her, but it still hadn't helped. The fact she could feel Metas' nervousness wasn't very helpful in the matter either, but just like he did - she managed a strong gaze and kept her focus on his eyes.
The walk felt so long, and the few steps climbed felt heavy - but once Metas' hand reached out for hers, all of that melted away into nothing and the moment became magical instead of stressful.
Joss smiled, turned a few pages, and began a new speech to the standing nobles.
"All may sit in the presence of the Alpha and Luna as they exchange their vows in front of all who are here."
The crowd sat at his words, and it made Joss swell with silent surprise. Once these same wolves and royals would have looked down upon him. Now, he was addressing them and giving them commands. It was very surreal.
"Alpha Metas, Luna Myranda - we have all come together to witness your divine and official union. In accordance with international tribal law and the blessing of our Goddesses, may it be known that their marriage is true, rightful, and bound by royal law. We humbly ask that you exchange your vows to one another, and to your subjects."
There was complete silence as everyone waiting in anticipation for what the leader of the Lycans - the founder of the revolution was going to say.
The Alpha hesitated for a moment as he was lost in Myranda's eyes of day and night, but with a smile and a supportive gesture - he was able to finally open his dry mouth and attempt his speech.
'Don't worry about them, my King. Just keep your eyes on me and speak true.'
He took in a deep breath and managed to form words that he hoped would make sense and sound fluid. "Myranda - my Queen, my Luna, my fated mate and greatest pursuit; I love you far more than this humble King can describe. Since the first time you told me to take 'a long hike off a short walk' you had my heart forever in your grasp. Every day I am not with you is agony, and every moment together is height of my happiness. You are a gift not only to me, but to our entire kind. Your heart, valor, fire, and sheer stubbornness are things I can no longer live without - and I would die to protect you, and our kingdom. As long as you are at my side, I vow to hold you, keep you safe, love you truly and honestly, and be Alpha you and our kind deserve." Metas paused to swallow the large lump in his throat. He knew he had messed up some vernacular, but it was easy to put aside with Myranda's gaze set in his.
"There is no one I trust more than you to keep our home and pack a glorious, shining city hidden in the earth. For just like our kind - you are a treasure to be admired and adored."
He stopped again, but this time he leaned into her ear and whispered something that to this very moment, no one knew but the two of them. A sacred phrase that made the Luna gasp and tear up with a bright smile.
To say there were jealous onlookers was an understatement. Most marriages were arranged in other cultures - and no one ever dared to be tender or genuine in front of others for reasons of fear that their loved ones would be used against them. For Metas to do something so bold and intimate was highly against the tradition - and from this moment on, it would become a new sign of those who were married by love and not duty.
Myranda had to clear her throat before she could speak evenly. "Metas - my King, my Alpha, my fated mate, and the best hunter one could ever hope for; I love you completely, honestly, and truly. I want to thank you for never giving up on me - and for my sister who ensured I didn't give up on you. You are the light of my life, and someone I never felt I deserved until recently. You are my happy ending, my new beginning, and my forever wolf. I vow to you that I will be at your side in this life, and the next. I promise to serve our pack and kingdom with nothing but valor and kindness. I will see to it that our glory will shine through history and last as long as the mountain itself. As long as you are at my side, I vow to hold you, keep you safe, love you truly and honestly, and be the Luna you and our kind deserve."
Once more there was a great applause - but this time it was a roar that shook the walls of the rocky landscape itself.
As the cheers and cries of joy surrounded both couples, they kissed one another in unison and walked back down the isle with Metas and Myranda leading, with Ajax and Lara to follow. In Lycan tradition, shavings of gemstones were tossed into the air (their version of glitter) and stayed suspended where they were thrown to shine like magical, colorful stars.