Mercy's Prince (51 page)

The
knight clasped Valerian on the shoulder and leaned closer.

“It
can be a frightening thing for a young man to take such a huge step as
marriage.”

“The
commitment isn’t what frightens me,” he said. “Merry and I have been one in
mind and thoughts for so long, we could not imagine marriage to anyone else. It’s
the—other part of our relationship which makes me anxious. For a variety of
reasons, not the least of which being I had desired to be a monk when Waryn was
heir to the throne, I am—” His face grew warm.

“Inexperienced?”

“Yes.”
Relief flooded Valerian. Sir Gregory was more sympathetic than he’d hoped for.

“Not
to worry, Sire.” The knight gripped his shoulder. “Let your great love for one
another and your communion of minds and hearts guide you in the rest. You will
be fine.”

“Thank
you, Sir Gregory.” Valerian sighed. “I hope it didn’t cause you sadness to talk
about such things.”

“Not
at all, Your Highness. My wife and I were happy for the few years we had together.
My only regret is the son she died trying to birth did not live either. But our
daughter still lives and is happy with my sister and her family.”

“That
seems to be a great secret of life, to be happy with what you have and who you
share your life with for as long as God wills.”

“Yes,
that’s a good way to say it.” Sir Gregory clasped Valerian’s wrist. “I wish you
and Lady Merry many years of happiness together. I heartily approve of your
bride and my future queen.”

“That
means a great deal coming from someone I highly respect.” Valerian inclined his
head.

At
last, the men were encouraged to return to their own quarters, and one by one
they bade Valerian a good night.

“That
was fun.” Rafael yawned hugely.

“Yes,
and now it’s past time to sleep.” Drew set up Rafael’s cot. “We have a long day
tomorrow.”

The
boy nodded and lay down on the cot, falling instantly asleep.

“I
wish I could go to sleep so easily.” Valerian winced, and Kieran came toward
him.

“Is
your leg bothering you, Sire?”

“Yes.
I think I was on it too long for the first day.” He winced again.

“Here,
let me take it off and put some of Merry’s salve on it.”

Valerian
closed his eyes while Kieran worked on his leg. He was suddenly weary and hoped
he could sleep tonight, at least for a while.

            *         

Early
in the morning Valerian sat on a stool in his bedchamber while Drew and Kieran
each laced a sleeve of his new gold tunic. Although it was more intricate in
design than the purple one, it wasn’t as confining.

“You
aren’t nervous, are you, my lord?” asked Drew.

“I’m
not nervous about getting married. I am, however, quite anxious about tripping
and falling on my face.”

“Dinna
worry, Sire,” Kieran said. “We will nae let ye fall.”

“Thank
you.” Valerian met Kieran’s gaze and before realizing what he was doing,
Saw
his thoughts. Though Kieran tried, he couldn’t hide his anguish over Merry. Sick
at heart, Valerian turned to Drew. “Would you please see if Rafael is still
across the hall? I would like to ask him something.”

“Of
course, Sire. I’ve just finished this sleeve.” As soon as Drew left the
bedchamber, Valerian grabbed Kieran’s arm.

“Why
didn’t you tell me you still felt that way about her? Oh, Kieran, forgive me! If
I’d been paying attention, I never would have asked you to stand up with me at
the altar.”

Kieran
went down on one knee and placed his fist over his heart.

“’Tis
nothing tae forgive, Val. O’ course I love her. I will always love her. But I
am your squire and your friend. As one who loves ye well, I will ne’er let my
feelings destroy our friendship. I want only your happiness, and I am glad to
share in your great joy today.”

Valerian
could
See
Kieran meant what he said, and he marveled the squire could be
so unselfish in such a circumstance. He wasn’t sure he’d be so magnanimous if
the roles were reversed.

“I
never,
never
meant to cause you pain. I knew you liked her when we first
found her, but somehow I failed to recognize the depth of your devotion.” He
shook his head, dazed. “I am humbled anew you are still willing to be my
squire.”

Kieran
grasped Valerian’s hand and pressed it to his forehead.

“I
be your man, Prince Valerian, and I pledge my life in service to you, to your
wife, and someday to your bairns. I will be faithful to you and your family ’til
my death. So help me God.”

Swallowing
hard, Valerian raised him up.

“I
accept your service, Kieran MacLachlan, and pledge my faithfulness to you in
return. Never has a man had so noble a friend.”

Drew
and Rafael entered the bedchamber. Rafael wore a blue velvet tunic and
breeches, and his hair had been combed and braided, secured with a blue ribbon.

“You
look very handsome, Rafael.” Valerian smiled at the boy. He resembled Merry
more than usual today. “Are you ready for the wedding?”

“Yes.”
Rafael leaned closer and spoke quietly. “You should see Sissy. She looks like
an angel.”

Of
course she looks like an angel
, Valerian thought. But he could scarcely
contain his impatience to see her.

“The
king looks handsome, too,” Rafael continued. “But you are much handsomer. Sissy
will be pleased, and she will probably cry.”

“Well,
of course she will, you rascal.” Drew grinned. “That’s what women do at
weddings.” He turned to Kieran. “If Lady Merry has already reached the angelic
state, then we are behind schedule. Do you want the boot or the leg?”

“I’ll
take the leg, my bonny fellow squire.”

“Then
I’ll take care of the boot, my fellow future knight.”

Valerian
laughed at them and turned back to Rafael.

“Do
you have a special task during the wedding?”

“I
get to carry Sissy’s train. It’s heavy, but I’m strong.” The boy straightened.

“Yes,
you are. You are the bravest young man I’ve ever known.” Valerian held out his
hand, and Rafael gripped his wrist as he’d taught him. “Brother to brother,
forever and always.”

“Brother
to brother.” Rafael nodded solemnly.

Someone
knocked at the door of the solar. Rafael ran to answer it, and Valerian heard
Gwendolyn’s voice.

“Come,
Rafael. It’s almost time to get your sister to the chapel.”

Valerian
gasped. How would he get down there in time? As if he’d read his mind, Kieran
looked up from adjusting the wooden leg.

“Drew
and I will carry ye down in the chair, Sire. You need to get there quickly and ’twill
save unnecessary steps on the wooden leg.”

Valerian
closed his eyes and sighed.

“Very
well. You make perfect sense, Kieran, as you always do.” His eyes flew open. “The
ring. Do you have the ring?”

“Right
next to me heart where I always hold you and Merry both.” Kieran patted the
breast of his black velvet tunic.

Valerian
gripped Kieran’s arm. There were no more words necessary on that subject. Then
Valerian also shared a handclasp with Drew.

“Thank
you, my friends. I am ready now to go and meet my bride.”

They
lifted him in the chair and carried him for what Valerian hoped was the last
time.

When
Drew and Kieran reached the chapel door, Valerian bade them set him down.

“I
must go in by myself now.” He stood, balancing on his wooden leg. “But please,
help me kneel and stand again when the time comes so I won’t fall or look too
awkward, for Merry’s sake.”

“O’
course, Sire.” Kieran’s quiet voice was calming. “’Tis why we are here.”

“You
can count on us, Your Highness,” added Drew.

They
followed him into the chapel. Valerian paused, amazed. The women of the Keep
had outdone themselves decorating so it resembled a garden. There weren’t many
flowers, since it was not yet spring, but baskets and wreaths of green gave the
place life.
How appropriate for Merry the Healer
, he thought.

Valerian
and the two squires slowly made their way to the altar and waited off to the
side. Kieran found a velvet stool for Valerian to sit on while they watched the
people of the Keep steadily fill the wooden benches. Valerian was especially
glad they had arrived early enough so he would not have to stumble down the
aisle twice in front of the entire assembly.

“Oh,
no,” Drew suddenly whispered.

“What
is it?” Valerian’s empty stomach lurched in alarm.

“I
forgot your circlet, Sire. I’ll run and get it.” Drew dashed up a side aisle,
dodging people all wearing their finest clothing.

It
only took the squire minutes to return with the silver circlet in his hand. Breathlessly
he placed it on Valerian’s brow just as a choir in the loft began singing a
joyous anthem. The murmur of conversation quieted while Valerian’s uncles and
aunts came down the aisle and seated themselves in the front row.

Bishop
Ignatius entered from a side door and approached the altar. He wore his most
elaborate robes and the jeweled mitre upon his head. He nodded to Valerian, and
the four of them took their places at the altar.

“Are
you ready, my prince?” asked the bishop quietly.

“With
all my heart, Your Grace,” Valerian said.

Next
down the aisle was the queen, escorted by Valerian’s cousin. Winifred appeared
more beautiful than Valerian had ever seen her. He had no memory of her wearing
anything other than black. Now she wore a pale lavender gown and coif, and when
she smiled at him, it made her look young and vibrant again. What a
transformation Merry had wrought upon his entire family.

Finally,
it came time for the bride’s maids. Lady Brenna came first, followed by a
beaming Gwendolyn. They took their places on the other side of Bishop Ignatius.
Then Valerian’s gaze drifted to the back, and his heart quickened when the
choir began a new anthem to welcome the bride.

Merry
was truly angelic in her pale blue gown. She appeared to glide down the aisle,
for the sheer veil covering her face hardly moved.

Oh
my love, you are wondrously fair.

As
are you, my beautiful prince
.

She
was almost to the altar before Valerian realized his father escorted her on his
arm. It had seemed as if they two were alone in the room.

Father
and bride stopped before Bishop Ignatius, and King Orland kissed Merry’s cheek
through the veil before giving her hand to the bishop. Then he stepped back
beside the queen. Valerian smiled at his parents when Orland took Winifred’s
hand, and then he turned all his attention to his bride.

Even
though Valerian understood the Latin Bishop Ignatius spoke, he listened
half-heartedly to the institution of marriage in the Holy Writ, for he had read
it many times. He gazed at Merry, awed and thankful that the Most High had
spared their lives to this day. But when the bishop placed Merry’s right hand
in his, he listened carefully so as to repeat every phrase word for word and
give full weight to his promise:

“I,
Valerian, take you, Merry, to be my wife. I espouse you and commit to you the
fidelity and loyalty of my body and my possessions. I will keep you in health
and sickness and any condition it please the Most High that you should have. I
pledge my love to you until death parts us.”

Then
Merry repeated the same promise in a clear voice. Valerian couldn’t help but
think of his wooden leg when she said the words “any condition,” but he pushed
the thought away and opened his mind to hers as fully as he’d ever done.

Bishop
Ignatius bound their hands, his left to her right, and it was time to kneel. Kieran
discreetly helped him down to the cushion and stepped back. Valerian met his
eyes and nodded his thanks before bowing his head while the bishop prayed for
their union to be long and fruitful. He shifted his weight off the stump just a
little but did manage to listen to the words.

Then
it was time for the ring. Kieran handed it to Valerian, and helped him hold it
by the edge. Beginning with her thumb Valerian briefly placed it on each of her
fingertips while Bishop Ignatius blessed it, “In nomine Patris, et Filii, et
Spiritus Sancti,” ending with the fourth finger on the “Amen.” He kissed her
hand, gazing into her eyes, but there were no words to adequately express his
joy.

I
understand you perfectly
. Her gentle smile illuminated her eyes.

They
remained kneeling long enough to take communion, and then it was time to stand.
Again Kieran was there to help Valerian while Merry offered her support on his
left. The bishop untied the stole, and Merry turned her face up to him.

I
believe you are supposed to kiss me now
.

Valerian
made sure he was balanced on the wooden leg and slowly lifted the veil. Thankfully,
Gwendolyn helped him pull it away from Merry’s face. Tears shone in her eyes as
he bent down and kissed her soundly. She encircled his waist to provide support
for him, and they pulled apart once he heard comments from those present.

He
saw Rafael then, standing between Merry and Gwendolyn. Valerian grinned down at
the boy, who solemnly smiled back. Then it was time to walk down the aisle with
Merry on his arm.

She
matched her pace to his, and he wished he did not have to concentrate so hard
on staying balanced and upright, for he would have liked to acknowledge all the
many friends and family who had witnessed their vows. He supposed there would
be time at the feast.

You
will have plenty of time to speak to everyone, for I know the queen has
prepared a feast that will last all day and into the evening
.

I
don’t suppose anyone will go hungry today
.

No,
not even your ever-hungry squires
.

Once
they made it to the doors, they went into the great hall, which had also been
festooned with garlands. There were two ornate chairs at the head table for the
newlyweds. Once they reached the chairs, Gwendolyn and Lady Brenna removed the
train from Merry’s dress so she would be able to sit down. She kissed each of
them as well as Rafael, and the three of them joined Kieran and Drew just below
the head table.

This
time Queen Winifred sat beside Merry, and King Orland sat next to Valerian. After
everyone had taken their seats, the courses of the meal began, each one more
and more elaborate. Valerian noticed Merry wasn’t eating much.

Are
you well, Merry?

Oh,
yes. I am just too emotional to eat
.

You’re
happy, aren’t you?

Never
happier, love
.
She slipped her hand through his arm.
Well, I will be happiest when we can
finally be alone
.

So
shall I
.
He leaned down and kissed her.

As
the feast went on into the late hours of the afternoon, wineskins were passed
around. Valerian couldn’t help but notice how much Kieran was drinking. With
each cup, his voice grew louder and his laugh more obnoxious. Sick at heart,
Valerian realized his squire must be trying to “drown his sorrows.” He’d heard
of people doing that but never before witnessed it. It was all he could do to
hold back thoughts of Kieran’s sorrow and the reason for it from Merry.

At
last the Keep’s bard came forward with his lute. He bowed to Valerian and Merry.

“Your
Highness. My lady. I have a new song to play in honor of your wedding. I did
not write the words, but I put the words to music. And since I have discovered
what your real name is, Lady Merry, this song is especially appropriate.” He
smiled at her and strummed a chord before he began.

“Some desire wealth, to hoard a great treasure,

Others make merry and seek only pleasure.

Some lust for power to fulfill their greed,

But he who finds Mercy finds true life, indeed.”

The
bard ended on a triumphant chord and bowed.

“May
you, Prince Valerian, and you, Lady Merry, find true life and true love all the
days of your marriage.”

King
Orland stood and raised his cup.

“On
that note, let us toast the prince and his bride.” Cups clashed together and
more than one person had to wipe splashed wine from their face. “Now we must
leave you for a little while to escort the bride and groom to their wedding
bed.”

Loud
cheering caused both Valerian and Merry to blush as many eager hands lifted
them in their chairs and carried them from the hall, up the stairs, and to
their respective rooms. Kieran and Drew helped Valerian out of his finery and
wooden leg and into a linen nightshirt. Gwendolyn and Brenna did the same for
Merry, helped her into the bed, and opened all the bed curtains, for it had
been decided the newlyweds should spend their wedding night in Valerian’s old
bed. Gwendolyn could more easily sleep in the queen’s quarters than to find a
place for Kieran, Drew, and Rafael.

So
Valerian had to endure being carried one more time from his room to Merry’s,
surrounded by rowdy young men, the loudest of whom was Kieran. They set his
chair beside the canopied bed, helped him stand on one leg, and lifted him onto
it. With a shy smile at Merry he sat up and pulled the covers over his legs.

Bishop
Ignatius pushed his way through the crowd and stood at the foot of the bed. He
sprinkled a little holy water on it and recited a blessing in Latin that the
Most High would grant their union to be fruitful. As soon as he said, “Amen,”
the young men sang a song which caused Valerian to blush again.

At
last, everyone trailed out of the bedchamber. Gwendolyn and Brenna closed the
bed curtains and then shut the door behind them. Valerian heard Kieran’s voice
begin another song, loudly and out of tune. Fortunately, his voice grew fainter
and fainter as he followed the rest back to the great hall.

“I
have never seen Kieran drunk,” Valerian said quietly. “I hope he hasn’t upset
you.” He shifted to better see Merry’s face in the glow of the candles.

“I’m
not thinking about Kieran tonight,” she said, “nor anyone else in the whole
world.” She turned to face him, and her loose nightdress slipped, baring a
shoulder.

Her
skin was smooth and beautifully luminescent. He caressed her cheek, then gently
ran his hand along her neck and bare shoulder. Valerian had never touched
anything so soft before. Merry’s eyes filled with joyous tears.

I
am yours, my beautiful love, and you are mine
. Before he could answer, she leaned
closer and stared into his eyes, opening her thoughts fully to him.
I don’t
know what to do, but we can learn together
.

He
kissed her sweet mouth and ran his fingers through her cropped hair. He heard
her mental laugh.

It
is a blessing, after all
.

What
is, love?

If
I hadn’t cut my hair, it would have been in our way
.

He
laughed aloud, sharing her delight, and gave thanks that the Most High had kept
them through all manner of grief and peril so they might complete their
oneness.

And
as the night progressed, Valerian truly understood why in the Holy Writ this
oneness was called “knowing.”

The End