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Missouri and Los Angeles, California in the United States. Speculation is running rampant as to how the queen and Mr. Bayfield met. His twin brother, Christopher, will stand up with him, along with another representative of the people of Ravenzario.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 5
     
    Alexander walked in from the side door to the front of the barn-turned-wedding venue, near the center. He would meet Queen Christiana at the bottom of the stairs, and they would walk up them together. In moments, he would be a married man and the prince consort of his adopted country.
    Taking on either role would be enough to make most men think twice, and he had, but ultimately, he knew this was the right decision. He believed he loved the queen already, but knew would easily grow to love her even more. Hopefully, she would grow to love him as well. Christopher stood behind him as the music started to play. Alexander had asked questions about the ring bearer or her maid of honor, but Christiana hadn't given him any answers. There was no sense of stress, but a feeling that she trusted it would all work out. He wanted to believe the prayers he'd said for a stress-free transition to a new groom had something to do with it.
    An older woman Alexander didn't recognize was escorted by a man in his mid-thirties, and they sat in the front row. They were followed by another couple he didn’t know, then a woman walking by herself. The last man came to stand on the other side of his brother while both women stood opposite them. Okay. So she found a bridal party. A flower girl and ring bearer walked sedately down the aisle. Alexander's grin widened as he recognized David from the Royal Scouts. Perfect. The music changed and everyone in the room stood to their feet. He'd had no trouble seeing the other end of the aisle up to that point. Now, everyone’s heads blocked his view. The coordinator had told him where to stand, precisely where to stand, but he couldn't help it. He took a step forward until he had a clear view.
    The doors at the other end opened.
    First, he saw Poppo and smiled. What a perfect choice to walk her down the aisle.
    Then Alexander felt his breath stolen right out of him. Queen Christiana walked toward him. He knew he would never remember what she wore, but he'd always remember the way tears filled his eyes and blurred his vision. As a rule, he didn't cry often, but this time a couple tears found their way down his cheeks.
    Alexander couldn't contain his smile as she came closer. He wanted to walk toward her, to reach for her, but his brother's steadying touch on his shoulder kept him in place. She and Poppo stopped a foot from him.
    "Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?" The voice boomed over the loudspeakers.
    Poppo stood a bit taller. "On behalf of her country and her beloved people, I do."
    Alexander saw a tear drop as Poppo bent over to whisper something in her ear then kiss her cheek. As she let go of Poppo's arm, Christiana reached for Alexander.
    He took her right hand in his and his left hand came to rest on the small of her back as they ascended the ten stairs to the stage.
    Did she need the support? Probably not.
    Did he feel better giving it? Making sure she didn't trip? Absolutely.
    The ceremony passed in a blur. Queen Christiana's trusting blue eyes stared into his as they both repeated the time honored words. Alexander promised to love, honor, and cherish her. To be faithful to her.
    For as long as they both shall live.
    And she did the same.
    This wedding would differ from most, and Alexander faced disappointment when the preacher reached the part of the ceremony where he would usually tell Alexander he could kiss his bride.
    Instead, they heard the words, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together in this place and in the presence of these witnesses, let no man put asunder. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Her Majesty, Queen Christiana and Alexander, Prince Consort