Page 109 of A Torn Allegiance
Soon they were all embracing and smiling, and Elsie almost forgot all about the sadness of a couple of weeks past.
When her father pulled out some paperwork and quills, Elsie decided she no longer cared much about what happened in this room. “Mother, shall we discuss my gown?”
Her mother’s face lit, likely in a mirror of her own, and they left the men to their talks of contracts and money.
“Is it possible to be this happy?” Elsie clasped her hands together.
“Oh, and happier still.”
Epilogue
Hayes rode as quickly ashe could across the southern lands toward the palace. Words practically tumbled from his mouth. He couldn’t wait to tell Elsie all that had transpired, but he would have no time until late tonight.
His new favorite time of day was the blessed hours before sleep during which he and Elsie talked and rested and relaxed, when all the work of the palace was finished. All the people constantly seeking her attention and all his own responsibilities were left outside their bedchamber. He spurred his horse faster.
They had apprehended the few planning treason against his country. He had just come from a huge meeting with every tenant, where he had explained a new system of property ownership to them.
The response had been heartwarming. Grown men were moved to tears at the thought that they could actually own a piece of Oldenburg. Hayes laughed. And sheep. He’d thought that introducing sheep would be a positive. He just didn’t see it being such a point of contention for his country, but he’d learned rather quickly, as he should have in Scotland, that sheep brought with them a wealth of issues to discuss. After many hours, agreements had been made. The sheep could be contained to certain areas not used for crops, and they were another source of food and income. The crop seedlings were promising. He’d had Charles, their gardener, working on growing more and cultivating the seeds. Soon he could introduce them all over his country.
He approached the palace, leapt from his horse, tossed the reins to the stablehand, and ran up the back stairs.
As soon as he saw a servant, he stopped her. “Has the coronation begun?”
“No, not yet, Your Highness.”
“Thank you.” He dashed through the palace and into his bedchamber. His loyal valet awaited with a bath and Hayes’s formal attire laid out on the bed.
As soon as he was clean and dressed in his finest, he walked at a more stately pace to the great hall. The quiet murmuring of people told him the ceremony had not yet begun. He breathed out slowly, approached the large double doors, and nodded to the footmen to open them.
When he stepped into the great hall, the home of every coronation, of every large event in his life at court, he looked out over the citizens who attended. Nobles, landholders, family, visiting monarchs, and many who had been with him since he was a young lad. He could feel their support as well as their upholding of the Oldenburg Crown. Their new system of government would work well only if the citizens desired it. And so far, they’d been supportive and responsive.
Learning of a possible uprising had shaken him, and he realized once more how much he served the people, how they looked to him for so much.
He sat with his brothers at the head of the room. His parents sat above them, side by side. His mother’s hand rested on his father’s arm. He remembered them always thus. He smiled, knowing he and Elsie would have the kind of relationship of trust and love and closeness that his parents had enjoyed.
Then the music of Oldenburg’s national song sounded over the organ. The double doors opened, and Elsie entered.
His wife wore royal purple in her gown. It cinched her waist tight and puffed out her sleeves. He had to blink three times to remember that she was, in fact, an Englishwoman. She looked so much like a traditional Oldenburg citizen.
Everyone in the room stood.
She walked sedately down the long aisle, an immense train billowing out behind her. When she was close enough, her eyes met Hayes’s, and as always, the world quieted but for the two of them. She was beautiful. Her mind, her heart, her desires. The first few weeks of their marriage had been more wonderful than he’d thought possible, full of happiness, love, and conversation. He chuckled, and Kristoff, who stood next to him, smirked. “Care to share?”
“No.”
Marc laughed.
Their father flicked his fingers, which meant they were embarrassing the Wilhelm name, and both brothers stood taller. Hayes kept his eyes on Elsie.
The priest raised a staff high into the air, the same staff that had been used in every Wilhelm coronation since the creation of their nation. “Lady Elsie Catherine Wilhelm, you shall now be known in Oldenburg as Princess Elsie Catherine Wilhelm, crown princess, until the day you will be crowned Queen of Oldenburg. We bestow upon you all the rights and privileges over, as well as the stewardship and care for, our people. Let your eyes always see into the hearts of the citizens of Oldenburg. Let your heart always be attuned to their care. Let your courage never fail you, and let your mind be active in creative solutions.”
Her eyes flitted to Hayes’s again. He’d had that last part added just for her. “I love her.”
“Yes, Brother. Now, perhaps she can use that creative mind to be active in finding matches for us all.” Kristoff spoke through the corner of his mouth.
“Speak for yourself. Some of us are not as ready for such a bold personal move.” Marc had danced with almost every woman at court during the coronation ball the night before.
Elsie accepted the staff from the priest, turned to the great hall, lifted the staff into the air, and curtsied low. Her voice carried out in great strength. “I pledge my life to your service.” She turned to Hayes and his family. “I pledge my love to the throne.” Everyone in the room stood with great cheers. Her smile grew.
