Page 42 of Learning to Rule

A smirk crosses my face. Dalton wanted to promise to obey me, but every single advisor and even the archbishop marrying us were adamantly against it. He told them, in no uncertain terms, that he might be the King of Janastria, but there will be times when he obeys my instruction, so he was determined to have that word included in his vows.

“I do,” Dalton replies before taking hold of my hands in his.

Mr. Hinchbotton or Hinchbootie, as I now call him since I discovered he adores it, gave me a long list of requirements for my wedding dress. I think he suspected I would go my own way in the end, though, and I did. I made sure the dress was created by an up and coming designer from Janastria, the country I’ve now adopted. The flowing skirt gives it the appearance of a ball gown—lace accentuates the bodice and covers my arms, and it sparkles with hundreds of small crystals sewn into the material. My hair is half up with a veil clipped in place, but I’m not wearing the crown of my new status as queen. No, that comes next in the proceedings.

Dalton and I will be crowned together—another break with tradition.

The world turns into a dream around me as Dalton and I exchange rings. The gold within them has been owned by the royal family since the middle ages. My band nests beautifully next to my engagement ring. Dalton caresses my fingers as the archbishop reads out the blessing to us, giving us hope and prosperity for a perfect marriage. I don’t think we need it, though. I once thought the future couldn’t be certain, but I know I’ll always love Dalton no matter what. My heart and soul would break without him.

“By the power invested in me by God. I now pronounce you husband and wife. Your Majesty, you may kiss your bride,” the archbishop announces, and Dalton pulls me close for a kiss.

It lingers a little too long, considering the fact the eyes of the country and possibly the world are on us as the event is being televised. I know the rights to screen the service in America have been fiercely fought over—it’s not every day that a home-grown girl marries a king. A few of my yoga class couldn’t travel due to their health conditions, and I’m glad they’re able to see this moment. The rest of my students sit, pride of place, where once dignitaries would have been seated. This wedding has been organized the way Dalton and I wanted. The people we care about the most are the closest to us. Rank and protocol has been thrown out the window. It’s the modern way for Janastria.

We serve the people.

During the past year, Dalton and I have worked tirelessly to improve the country for those who live in it. We’ve given billions back to the country, following the sale of all the illegal properties Dalton’s father had purchased. It’s all being invested back into Janastria.

The education system is now world class, and the man who killed Dalton’s father is actually the education secretary. Colin thought his life had ended, but it had only just begun. He’s been instrumental in getting children into schools and improving their learning. It wasn’t easy at first. There were those who were against Colin’s pardon. He’d killed a king, after all. But gradually, as the old guard was phased out and replaced by new blood who wanted to make Janastria great again, he was accepted.

In fact, Colin and his family have become friends of ours. His wife loves yoga. I encouraged her to study it, and now she teaches the children of our favorite youth center in the capital—I couldn’t think of a better person.

Speaking of the children, they formed a guard of honor for me as I walked into the cathedral before quickly rushing to their seats so they could see us get married. They’re all flourishing with the help they’re getting, and I have no worries for them in the future. I’ve not been able to join them for yoga as much as I’d like, but I make sure I get there at least once a month. I didn’t realize running a country would make me so busy.

The country is finally prospering, and I wouldn’t change anything I have to do in order to achieve that. I love my new home.

“Can we just skip the whole crowning ceremony and the party? All I want is to go home so I can fuck you for the next week. It will be our honeymoon after all.” Dalton whispers into my ear, and I hope there aren’t any lip readers watching, who are able to catch his words.

“No, this is a day for our people. Putting the past to bed and rejoicing in the new.”

Dalton rolls his eyes at me.

“Why did I promise to obey?”

I laugh, not really caring who witnesses the exchange now.

“Because you know if you don’t, you’ll not be getting laid for the entire honeymoon.”

Dalton holds my hand tightly as the archbishop leads us through the next part of the ceremony. My new husband has kept his promise—he refused to be crowned until the country was back on its feet. That’s why we’ve chosen to combine our marriage with his, and now my, crowning. It’s also meant that everyone in the country can have a massive party. Today is a public holiday, and because we wanted everyone to have a day to recover from the festivities, tomorrow is as well.

Dalton takes his place on the throne, center stage, and despite my exquisite but cumbersome dress, I take a seat on the smaller throne next to his. I was prepared for what would happen next. We even had a walkthrough, but as the crown of the queen of Janastria is placed on my head and I make my pledge to serve this great country for the rest of my life, I can’t do anything to stop the tears streaming down my face.

Our marriage is for love.

This is duty.

This is beyond my wildest dreams. It’s about taking my place in a history that will be told to future generations.

The crown I’m wearing is heavy in both weight and significance.

Managing to turn my head, I watch as Dalton is crowned. He stares forward, the significance of the moment weighing heavily on him. When the crown is placed on his head, a fanfare sounds around us, and I carefully look toward the band of military musicians playing their trumpets.

Dalton and I stand and hold hands.

Husband and wife.

King and queen.

The proclamations ring out as we smile toward our friends who are cheering around us.

---