The week flew by for Illicia, who was rushed from place to place, fitted for a dress, and asked her opinion on a thousand things. Will was there for much of it, an ever present shadow of protection and power. But on the day of their wedding she could not find him and instead several maids were rushing her to and fro, first to be bathed, then to be dressed.
As the bells tolled, and the great doors opened into the massive temple where they were holding the wedding, Illicia caught sight of Will standing tall with his unnatural looking eyes emitting a golden light that seemed to radiate the joy he was feeling. The musicians played a slow moving march for her to walk down the isle escorted by her father, her brother was easily sighted with a beautiful young woman to the side of the isle.
On the podium next to Will stood Trina, in full goddess mode with divine light radiating from her. As her father gave her a loving hug and she stepped up next to Will the goddess leaned down and in a low tone spoke only to her. "I am glad that I was not right, and that you did not listen to me."
Illicia smiled as the goddess straightened and called for silence. When she had it she spoke. Like every royal wedding there were many speeches made by the king, and priests of different gods and goddesses. Finally Trina spoke the lines that illicia was waiting for most.
"Will Garrow, do you take Princess Illicia Ter Koltshelg to be your wedded wife. Do you swear by the gods, and by your mana to care for her and those you both hold dear? Will you cherish and love her with all your heart? Do you Swear to love her and only her for as long as you may live?"
"I do." Will said with a smile that seemed to radiate light.
Trina smiled and turned to Illicia. "Princess Illicia Ter Koltshelg, do you take Will Garrow to be your wedded husband? Do you swear by the gods, and by your mana to care for him and those you both hold dear? Will you cherish and love him with all your heart? Do you swear to love him and only him for as long as you may live?"
"I do." Illicia said with butterflies in her heart.
"Then, with the blessing of the King, and by my own divine right, I bond thee. Forever more you will be Will Garrow and Illicia Koltshelg Garrow. Let it be known from this moment, to the end of time." Trina clapped her hands together and a wave of power washed outwards from her hands blessing the union of the two young people.
A cheer washed over the crowd as flower petals rained down from the roof of the cathedral. Will leaned forward, lifting the veil from Illicia's face, and kissed her deeply. They walked out of the cathedral to an assembled mass of people numbering in the ten thousands, and a massive roar of approval washed over the crowd. They made their way back to the castle, waving to well wishers and anyone who called out to them.
By the time they made it to the castle the sun was setting and it was time for bed.
***
Several days later, after the couple had only surfaced for food and the occasional moonlit walk around the gardens, Will and Illicia went to see the King.
"Father, Will and I intend to head back to the settlement." Illicia said.
"So soon?" the King said with a slight frown. "But I guess you were interrupted in what you were trying to build."
"We will leave on the next ship if it is alright with you Sir." Will said.
"I am fine with it. The next ship leaves in four days I believe." The King frowned and looked at his daughter, the facade of royalty falling away, leaving only a Father who loved his daughter. "Will you return home Illicia?"
Illicia smiled and hugged her father, "Of course I will. One day. I promise."
[4 days later]
Will and Illicia waved to the crowd of people who had come to see them off. They smiled at their friends and family, knowing that it might be many years before they return this time. Illicia placed her hand on the rail and they watched the sun set behind the Kingdom of Kolt as it sank into the distance.
"Do you think that we are making the right choice?" Illicia asked.
"As long as I am with you it will always be the right choice." Will said, placing his chin on top of Illicia's head.
"Well I guess if you are my husband now, I am stuck with you." Her tone was teasing.
"True," Will shrugged, "I wonder what that means for the future."
"I guess I will be needing a new body guard."
"Oh, I'll guard your body." Will said with a seductive tone and they both laughed.
"I love you Will. I think I loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you." Illicia said, hugging the massive bicep of the arm Will had wrapped around her.
"I love you too Illicia," Will said, his smile evident on his voice, the sun dipping lower on the horizon, "And you need to remember one thing."
"What's that?" Illicia said, turning to look up at Will.
He smiled a cheeky smile, kissing her before he spoke, "I will always be thankful for my time in the past and in the future as The Princess's Man."
