Dream of Me/Believe in Me

Suddenly there was not so much time left after all. Three scant hours for preparations that seemed endless. She laughed when her nails were buffed, both fingers and toes, but had to admit the pearly glow that resulted was very pretty. She suffered through the endless brushing of her hair, upon which the ladies insisted even when she warned them it would only make her tresses even more wild. Some small degree of order was achieved with hair ribbons so weighted down with jewels that she had to remember not to tilt her head back.
    And then, surprising her by its sudden arrival, came the moment to dress. Clad in a shift of linen so finely woven as to feel weightless, wearing silk hose gartered at theknees, Krysta held out her arms as three ladies lowered the gown over her head. The bodice was entirely of forest-green velvet embroidered with gold thread and pearls interspersed with jewels. The wide sleeves gathered at her wrists and the skirt were gored and inset with tawny silk visible only when she moved. Intricate patterns of gold thread and jewels coiled along the square neckline and the hem of the skirt. The gown was laced at the sides beneath her arms, drawn snugly enough to emphasize the high fullness of her breasts and her slender waist. Heavy gold brooches set with rubies secured the cloak of amber silk that hung from her shoulders down her back and for several yards beyond. Her tawny hair, each riotous curl perfumed and gleaming, spilled over her shoulders, held back from her face by a circlet of gold and gems that matched the brooches.
    When all was done, the ladies stepped back and afforded her a look in the mirror. Only by carefully tipping her head first to one side and then to the other did Krysta manage to convince herself that what she saw reflected in the polished bronze was truly … herself.
    “Astonishing,” she murmured, watching as the remarkable creature's lips moved just as her own did.
    Eahlswith smiled. “You would look lovely in anything, my dear, but the gown suits you very well. No bride has ever been more beautiful.”
    Krysta turned to the queen and took her hands in hers. With all her heart, she said, “I will never forget your many kindnesses and I hope I will always prove worthy of them.”
    Tears shone in Eahlswith's eyes. “You will, child, of that I have absolutely no doubt. Now go to your marriage with joy for it is truly blessed.”
    Barely had the queen spoken than the bells began to ring, their clear voices calling out the summons to prayerat the ninth hour after sunrise, the hour at which Hawk and Krysta would be consecrated to each other in marriage.
    Suddenly, time sped up and there seemed scarcely a moment to draw breath. The door was thrown open, she was ushered out, ladies holding high the train of her cloak. She sped down the stairs, aware of, yet untouched by, the hundreds of eyes turned toward her. A white mare waited in the courtyard. She mounted and was led by children past cheering crowds to the royal chapel. The sun was very bright.
    Her heart was pounding. She could not draw a breath. And suddenly it was all right because Hawk was there, coming toward her, garbed in black velvet and gold. He held out his arms and she went into them. His strength made her feel feather-light as he settled her so gently beside him.
    Father Asser awaited them at the entrance to the chapel. Nearby, Alfred and Eahlswith beamed.
    “Why come you here?” the priest asked.
    “For the blessing Our Lord gave at Cana,” Hawk replied.
    Thus did the ritual begin. The prayers were read over them and they were escorted into the chapel. There at the altar they knelt to receive from the hand of the priest the bread and wine of the mass. For Krysta, it was a time of peace stolen from the turbulent world. She bowed her head in thankful prayer where previously she had prayed in desperation for Hawk's safety. The chants of the monks resounded through the hallowed space, incense perfumed the air, and always she was vividly aware of the vital presence of the man kneeling close beside her.
    They rose at Asser's bidding and Hawk slipped onto her finger a simple band of gold, symbol of their union for all time. With her hand clasped firmly in his, they left the chapel to receive the good wishes of the assembled crowd.
    Krysta blinked in the light, momentarily blinded and felt the unwinding of the coil of fear that had existed in her from the day she learned of her fate to wed a stranger in a far land.