Chapter Six

"The royal family don't seem very close, do they?" Vincent commented in a low undertone to Morgan who was waiting with him. He was dressed in his finest clothes, all done in tasteful shades of lavender with black and gold trim. His dark hair was fashionably curled and hung down his back. His facial hair was closely trimmed for the occasion and Morgan had shined his boots so well he could almost see his reflection in them. They were standing on an ornately decorated stage, waiting for his groom to arrive.

Most of the royal family were already arranged in special seating, designed to ensure the focus of the room was on them. Vincent didn't care. He had been around enough royals to know that many families had unusual quirks, although he worked to keep a frown off his face as King Oscar roared with laughter over something one of his attendants said. From what Vincent could see, no one in the room, with the exception of himself and Morgan, seemed to care about, or have any interest in, the reason why they were all in attendance.

"It does look a little suspect," Morgan said just as quietly. "I did some asking around among the staff arranging this event. Gossip claims the king actually refused to walk his son down the aisle or present him to you."

"Maybe he's finally realized how that would look." Vincent kept looking back at the door. "Although, technically, I could've insisted he accompany his son. Most winnings from a wager are handed over personally."

"Sir, I must insist you do not mention that comment or sentiments like it to your groom, ever, " Morgan hissed. "Can you kindly remember you didn't win Prince Orion. He's a person in his own right. In about twenty minutes he'll be your equal and your responsibility for the rest of your natural lives."

"I would never be so crass." Vincent picked at a tiny loose thread on his cuff. "King Oscar's behavior's annoying me, that's all. Orion's his son and the king's acting like he's not important in any way."

"You could be right about that," Morgan said, nodding slightly. It's not like many people were watching them, but for someone usually so sociable, Vincent was beginning to wish the whole thing was already over.

"Did you ever find out why the king is neglecting his duties this particular day?" he asked.

"You mean aside from the general gossip that concedes that the only reason Tyrion is still functioning is because of Crown Prince Onyx, and that the king is the biggest waste of space in the known world?" A head shake this time, and then Morgan leaned into him and murmured. "Apparently the walk down the aisle would be too taxing for the king – too arduous a task especially if he wasn't the focus of the proceedings. His manservant, Peter, told me with a completely straight face that his majesty has to save his strength for more important kingly matters."

"You know, the more I think about it," Vincent said, still keeping his voice low because he wasn't stupid. He might look and act like the charming carefree prince around town, but he did have a brain in his head. "The way I see it, I'm actually saving Orion from a fate worse than death. The callous disregard of the majority of his family members makes no sense to me."

"At least you know your mother, Queen Julia, will make Prince Orion feel comfortable," Morgan agreed, "Especially once we get to Faast."

"But?" Vincent prompted because it was clear Morgan was worried about something and Vincent would rather know about it before the wedding ceremony.

"I can't help worrying we're actually dragging Prince Orion away from something important by insisting he travel with you so soon after the wedding," Morgan admitted. "No one will say what he's been doing, but he's been frantically busy this past two days and well into the night, so I've heard. Far beyond tying up any social loose ends."

"All we can hope is that he will want to get to know me quick enough, to the point where he feels he can confide in me. Who knows. Maybe we can help. Despite my press, there is more to me than a pretty face and good genetics." Vincent looked back toward the door as the horns blared for what had to have been the sixth time since he'd entered the room. Apparently the horns were signals for any time anyone of any social prominence entered the room, but no. Thank goodness. This time it was Prince Orion standing at the door, accompanied by his brother Crown Prince Onyx.

A couple of things immediately struck Vincent as he watched the brothers stride down the aisle toward him. First, both men looked incredibly solemn, as if they were going to war as opposed to a wedding ceremony. But the other thing that Vincent thought was unusual was the way the society families, apparently invited to share in the happy event, noticed the brothers arriving and then went back to chatting among themselves.

How very rude of them.

Vincent made sure he was smiling, and attentive as Onyx and Orion stepped up onto the stage. Onyx nodded to Vincent, equal to equal, which Vincent responded to. But Orion bowed low. That wasn't an unusual greeting. It was the perfectly appropriate level of respect Vincent's position demanded, but considering they were to be husbands together in a very short while, Vincent found the action uncomfortable.

As soon as Orion straightened, Vincent moved forward, taking Orion's hand and air kissing him on either side of his serious face.

"It is a great pleasure to formally meet you at last," he said, making sure he sounded completely sincere. "I do look forward to getting to know you once the formalities are taken care of.

"You honor me, Crown Prince Vincent." Orion nodded again and seemed reluctant to meet Vincent's eyes. Vincent was going to say something, but then the king clicked his fingers loudly and declared, "let's get this over and done with," and the moment was definitely lost.

An older man in a long, ornate, blue robe covered in golden runes shuffled across the stage and came to stand in front of them, looking between them and the king. "Let the wedding ceremony between Crown Prince Vincent of Faast and Prince Orion of Tyrion begin," he said in a shaky voice.

The man found his stride, ranting on for about five minutes about World Council protocols relating to marriage and the examples solid marriages made to those less fortunate than the people attending the wedding. The king seemed to be having a great old time, yelling "here, here," every few minutes, causing the crowd to all clap politely.

Onyx's face was like thunder by the time the vows were supposed to be said. Orion promised to honor and protect his husband as policy dictated.

Noticing the king hadn't even bothered to stop talking to one of his attendants while his son was pledging his life to someone who was basically a complete stranger, Vincent was furious on his fiancé's behalf.

When it came time for him to repeat his vows, Vincent said in a loud voice no one could ignore, "I pledge my heart, mind, and body to the man who has the courage to stand here in this company and pledge himself to me this morning. From this moment on, it is my intention that my husband will stand beside me as an equal in all things. Let all those present rise and show their respect to the Crown Prince Consort of Faast."

There was a moment of stunned silence, and then, with a worried glance at where the king and queen remained seated, the entire congregation stood and then bowed or curtsied in accordance with their preference.

"You didn't have to force them to do that," Orion said softly as the minister in the blue robe proclaimed them married. "The opinions of the many have never concerned me."

"It concerned me. You are deserving of great respect, and it was the very least I could do." Vincent kissed his new husband on the cheek and turned to face the crowd with Orion's hand firmly in his. Let the games begin.