"The procession was about to start, Your Majesty," Lord Emilio reminded Leandro.

    Leandro woke up from his trance-like state and gazed at the mirror in front of him.

    He was at the Chamber preparing for the wedding ceremony, which is just a few minutes from now.

    His wedding attire was already donned on by his servant. It was a cotehardie made with black damask in a classic lozenge pattern, designed with real gold crosses and snugged tightly with golden buttons.

    ''Lady Aisha might be done by now, too.''

    Leandro drew in a deep breath as he was not used to getting married anymore.

    The last marriage that he has was a decade ago, since he has already given up on having a child.

    "Thank you, Lord Emilio. I will be out shortly," Leandro nodded his head, expressing that he understood what he meant.

    He then gazed at his reflection in the mirror. The cotehardie fitted him well exhibiting his kingly authority.

    He could also hear the music coming from the minstrels who were preparing for the grand ceremony. The minstrels were the first in the procession going to the door of the Clesia.

    Everything seemed to be fine, but his heart was conflicted. He knew that Lady Aisha didn''t tell her the whole truth.

    As they had breakfast together, he asked her of her whereabouts last night. She said she just went out to have some fresh air since she has been used to being a single lady for a long time, and she wanted to cherish the remaining hours of her single life.

    But he believed she was lying.

    ''Is she covering something or someone up? Or is it really the reason?.''

    ''Or is that because something happened, and she didn''t trust me?''

    He recalled her apologizing that she should have trusted him.

    ''Has she seen me and Lady Marina?''

    He shook his head as he refused the possibility. If she did, she would have not come back.

    She has even answered all his questions regarding Gaean culture and traditions perfectly. And it was his prerequisite before she become a royal wife.

    All those thoughts were swimming in his mind. But he still went out of the Chamber, where Lord Emilio and Lord Roberto were waiting for him.

    He nodded his head at them and proceeded on to the Clesia.

    As they were walking, Lord Roberto said something to him that somehow ease up his burden, though not completely.

    "I don''t know if I can talk to you after the wedding ceremony. If you will, your Majesty, I would like to give you a piece of advice. Just believe in her. She has been doing fine until today."

    They had already turned to the east part of the Castle. With the sun''s setting rays, he was able to see the serious expression on Lord Roberto''s face.

    ''He has a point. But can I really let that go?'' Leandro pondered. ''She was still considered as a new citizen of Gaea. She might have gone out again last night and other creatures could have harmed her.''

    His eyebrows knitted together as he predicted what could happen.

    ''Even though she would be a royal wife, there would be oppositions that could try to use her against me. Like Lord Tarragon,'' he continued to contemplate until he reached the Clesia Hall.

    It didn''t take them long to reach the door of the Clesia, the location in the Castle where he usually gets married.

    "Announcing the presence of the King," the town crier blew his trumpet, making everyone bow down.

    Lady Aisha was also there and bowing down with them.

    According to traditions, Lady Aisha must walk with him after the minstrel towards the door of the Clesia Hall.

    Every noble lords and ladies who were present to witness the event awaited with anticipation for the ceremony to start.

    The minstrel started playing their instruments which include, bagpipes, the six-stringed viol, flutes, drums, and trumpets.

    At the sound of the instruments, Leandro''s heart started to beat with them. His hands flew to his chest for a fraction of a second.

    This wasn''t his first time to get married. But it was his first time to be anxious while having it.

    Usually he just wished for the ceremony to end so that he could get on with it.

    But now he was having doubts. Aside from Lady Aisha''s disappearance, she also recalled his conversation with Lady Marina.

    Even if he has refused Lady Marina''s warning, it still haunted him last night.

    ''I couldn''t bear to have a monster for a son and the next ruler of Gaea.''

    Even though he rebuked her, a fear crept in his heart for the possibility of it happening, making him freeze on his feet.

    "Is there anything wrong, my lord?" It was Lord Emilio who asked in a concerned tone.

    Lord Roberto was already inside the Clesia Hall with Lord Lycano and Lady Marina as part of the Tribal Council.

    "You are more knowledgeable in the history of Gaea since your grandfathers have educated you. Were you aware of instances where a human and a Gaean had a child with deformities?" He inquired with his eyebrows knitted together.

    Lord Emilio''s eyes darted to Lady Aisha as he thought of his answer.

    As he did so, he recalled that Lord Emilio was one of those people who wanted to stop the wedding.

    He was about to just cast out his thoughts and walked again when Lord Emilio spoke up.

    "Not that I know of, your Majesty. Lady Aisha was checked by the royal physician and her health seemed to be excellent for child bearing. You can cast your fears aside, your Majesty," Lord Emilio bowed down to him.

    Leandro was surprised as he thought that he would invent tales where the children became a new bred species.

    But he even affirmed her health to him.

    ''Has he finally agreed to gave Lady Aisha a chance?''

    Then Leandro gazed at her from afar. ''Maybe I need to do that, too,'' he resolved to himself as he finally made up his mind to proceed on with the wedding no matter what.

    As he neared her, she bowed down to him in an elegant manner.

    Her auburn locks were styled up, leaving some of its curls down. Her meek angelic face and smooth creamy neck were more exposed, outshining the pieces of precious stones that were embedded on her velvet blue gown.

    "You are the most stunning woman I''ve ever seen," He couldn''t help but blurt out as she admired Lady Aisha''s elegant courtly appearance.

    Lady Aisha''s cheeks who were tinted for that event reddened even more.

    "Really? This isn''t the wedding dress that I dreamed of. It''s a little bit conservative," She said as she peeked down to check on her gown and turned to her back.

    Then she added, "But it''s fine as long as you like it," Lady Aisha said as she swayed back and forth with a welcoming smile.

    "You look ravishing as well, your Majesty," her eyes gleamed in adoration, making Leandro clear his throat in embarrassment.

    Seeing her cheerful personality reminded him of what made him desire to marry her, casting all his doubts aside.

    The minstrels started walking towards the door of the Clesia hall. Lady Aisha seemed apprehensive as she nervously nibbled on her lips, so she grabbed her hand and pressed on them before they entered, saying, "I know this is just out of necessity. But I sincerely hope you are happy right now."

    To his delight, Lady Aisha responded, "Don''t worry, your Majesty. I am not forced to do this. And I am happy to be wedded to you. We may have known each other for a short time, but I know I am safe with you and I want to be with you for the rest of my life." She then grinned at him.

    Leandro''s jaw dropped at her statement. Up to that time, he has thought that he was just forcing his way into her, which didn''t bother him at first because he was used to doing that.

    However, it made him feel good that someone was obeying him not just out of obedience, but because it is her own volition. And it is Lady Aisha.

    His hand unconsciously pressed hers. "Likewise," he answered her and gave her a warm smile, something that he has never given to his previous wives.

    He didn''t let go of her hand as they marched towards the door.

    The lords and ladies who approved of their marriage were smiling and almost clapping if it wasn''t for the solemn ambiance of the wedding.

    However, there were still some who were secretly rolling their eyes as they were disagreeing with their union. But he didn''t care. He continued to held on her hand in front of everybody.

    The minstrels finally stopped playing, and those attending lined up quietly inside the Clesia Hall.

    The Chief Priest opened the proceedings with a greeting to everyone present. Then he called on him and Lady Aisha to the altar.

    Both he and lady Aisha do the routine bow to each other, signifying that both of them decided that they would now be united as husband and wife.

    Leandro drew in a deep breath with satisfaction as he watched Lady Aisha perform the routine.

    His amethyst eyes shone as he watched her every move, as if it was his first time to get married and he was feasting on his bride.

    As they were finally seated together, Lady Aisha whispered to him, "Did I make a mistake? Did I embarrass you?"

    A corner of Leandro''s lips lifted as he gave her an encouraging smile, "You are just perfect, my lady."

    The priest continued on with the rest of the ceremony. Leandro felt that he was finally at peace and are ready to face the challenges ahead with his new wife.

    ***************************

    A good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects that they got the better deal.