The Wedding.

The two of you head off to bed, and in the morning, announce your intentions. Though few close to either of you are truly surprised, the announcement does wonders for morale, even as people scramble to prepare.

Fortunately, “Moira” is only too happy to lend her organisational talents to the task at hand, no one there suspecting she's kin to you. Or swollen full of your incestuous offspring, even.

As the forces within the castle prepare for yet another feast, several boats, containing you, Kara and the nobles closest to you both make for the isle. A brief ceremony is conducted, which Bezoriana is only too happy to oversee herself. She devotes herself to the role of the Merry Widow, delivering a touching invocation of your bond, in the eyes of the Spirits. She's so convincing part of you almost believes the demoness actually cares what the Beathans believe, even as you know better.

Kara stands before you in a fine dress of golds and blues. The redhead grins throughout the entire service. You're just as delighted yourself.

You imagine that upon your return to Itheria, your advisors will insist upon a more formal wedding ceremony, one that binds Kara to you in the sight of the gods. Not to mention an official coronation for her, before she's your queen in anything more than spirit.

Finishing up, Bezoriana raises her hand, casting a spell on both of you. Despite the bright light shining from her casting hand, you feel nothing. Light magical blessings were common in wedding ceremonies across the continent, and your mother had warned you such spells may cause minor pain and discomfort for one of your heritage. Just as you're pondering the lack of sensation, your aunt shoots you a surreptitious wink, explaining just why.

The ceremony concluded, and you and Kara joined as man and wife, you're shuttled back to the sail boats.

“I was expecting something a little longer...” you whisper to Donald, taking a seat besides the king.

“Beathan tradition, brother.” Donald informs you. “We keep our weddings brief, but the feast? Could go on 'til sunrise!”

Much as you enjoy revelry and debauchery, another feast so soon after the last one seemed more exhausting than anything else. There was also the fact you were looking forward to your wedding night, above all else.

Alighting on shore, you climb out of the boats and return to the castle keep. Flagons are hoisted in your and Kara's honour, and the servants lay out whatever food hadn't been consumed during the previous celebration. Tonight you and Kara take the place of honour at the top table, with Donald, Jana and Eoghan off to the side.

-

Mixing amongst those in attendance, you find yourself approached by Solla.

She looks much better than when last you spoke to her, the blood of battle thoroughly cleansed from her lithe, dark-skinned frame. The southerner has swapped out her armour for a ceremonial robe of red and gold silks.

“Congratulations, your majesty!” the war mistress beams. “Of course, we'll be saddened to see Princess Kara go. She was never part of our little band, but often fought with us as a sister, eh? Beatha's loss will be Itheria's gain.”

“I-it's not as if I'm shipping her off home.” you stammer, chuckling. “She'll remain in Beatha, with you, until this war is won. As will I.”

“Good.” the warrior woman says, with sincerity. “We'll need her.”

You make to leave, but Solla clears her throat. You turn back.

“Majesty... one more thing.” she asks. “The shark man, you know him, yes?”

She nods to Roland. Your cousin is in the thickest throng of the celebrations, drinking and carousing in equal measure.

“Only a little. He's a sellsword from Itheria. Roland... I think?” You say, trying to sound convincing. “Why?”

“I was hoping you might... put in a word for me, eh?” Solla smiles nervously.

“You're attracted to... him?” you say, a little surprised. The warrior woman nods.

“He was a terror on the battlefield yesterday.” Solla confesses. “And... in my homeland, ones such as he are treasured, rather than shunned.”

“Is that so?” you ask. You hadn't heard of such a custom. Most civilisations across Motania generally held beastfolk in poor esteem, with Itheria actually being one of the more lenient cultures. You supposed nothing was truly universal, however.

“Yes, majesty.” Solla confirms. “We believe they possess the essence of the animals they resemble. And this... Roland's as lethal and unrelenting as any shark I ever heard tell of.”

“I'll tell him you're interested.” you chuckle, moving on.

You draw closer to Roland. Seeing you, he sets his oversized tankard down and pulls you close.

“There you are, Edward!” he booms. You're fortunate that the din of celebration is so thick that no one can overhear you, or seem to notice your cousin's overly familiar manner.

“Hail, Roland.” you manage, as the hulking mercenary releases you.

“You're full of surprises, cousin!” Roland says, affixing his dead black eyes on you. “Didn't think you'd be getting hitched quite so soon.”

“It was Kara's idea.” you tell him. “Didn't want to face the next life unwed.”

“Heh.” The Shark guffaws, looking over at the princess, on the other side of the feast hall. “One good fuck, and I'd have put her mind at ease.”

“Easy friend, that's my wife, now.” you remind him.

“So? She's a human.” Roland whispers. “We might live to see the Allsire break, enslave, rule over her entire people. Or did you get swept up in the romance of all this and forget that?”

“It's not like that at all.” you assure your cousin.

“Whatever you say, Edward...” Roland spits, taking up his flagon again.

“Solla's got her eye on you, you know.” you decide to tell him.

“Which one is that?” the mercenary asks.

“The outlander. Dark skin, the queen's second, yes?” you remind him. Roland groans with satisfaction.

“Oh, she'd do nicely.” he muses, seeking her out. “Perhaps I should be off, cousin. Should go further the Allsire's agenda, eh? Demonic brats in human twats!”

With that, the beastman stomps off.

As the night wears on, you find your own thoughts turning from the feast, to something more carnal. You consider seeking Kara out, and taking her to your marriage bed for the very first time.