The Royal Wedding

The royal groom glanced out over the crowd. He could hardly believe that the day had finally come. He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Arrayed in his best outfit, both his royalty and military prowess were evident. And yet his face shone with youthful vigour, wisdom and something deeper...love.

Most of his closest friends and advisers were here. And many other loyal supporters of the kingdom. It warmed his heart to see them all sitting there, decked out in their finest dress and smartly groomed. They sat there expectantly. There was some whispered chatter, but he could see they were impatient with excitement. He smiled when he looked at the smart row of trees lining the aisles in the back. His bride-to-be had insisted that they be included and he was glad they had. Everything was going to be perfect.

Well almost. The only thing which would have made it more perfect would be to see his mother sitting there beside his father; the two of them smiling on as they shared the day with him. Well that was not to be. At least the old woman who had been his nurse as a child had made it. He couldn't see her, but he knew she was in the crowd.

The young man's reverie was broken by a tap on the shoulder from his best man. The bride was on her way. There were moments left before he would see her. A hush fell over the crowd. Reluctantly, the groom turned to face forward - he had promised he would not peep, and he would keep this promise, as he would keep the others he was to make today.

He knew the moment she stepped into the room. Whether it was the excitement of the crowd, or an inner sense of his own he never knew, but she was there and his heart soared. His best man whispered in his ear, "Her dress is perfect. Simple, yet elegant. You'll love it."

The crowd stared as she glided past them, her arm resting on that of her elderly father. She almost seemed to be glowing. So this was the woman who was to become their queen. They approved wholeheartedly. It was not her beauty alone, but the honesty and surety that glowed in her eyes. Yes, she would make a good queen.

The groom caught a glimmer of white in the corner of his eye. And suddenly there she was beside him, in all her beauty and glory. He knew he was the luckiest man in the world.

"Caspian," she said, smiling at him. "My Princess," he replied, using the nickname he'd chosen, though she was soon to be queen. Ramandu stepped up beside her, holding her hand, that hand that would soon be placed in his. Drinian gave his shoulder a firm pat of support, they were ready to begin the ceremony.

Dozens of Telmarines, mice, badgers, hedgehogs, dwarfs, fauns, centaurs and dryads looked on. Their king was about to get married...it was the day they had thought would never come. And now it was here. Narnia was to have a new queen.