502-08-25 The proxy wedding of Annabelle and Xander
From Crossroads Wiki
It's August 25th, 502
Within the audience chamber of the Emperor, he finally weds Annabelle Barca to his sailor brother, Prince Xander, even without Xander being there.
Rourke and Mena are seated at the table, the marriage contracts laid out before them. The Emperor is sipping at his coffee, even though it is afternoon. "You really should try some coffee, Mena. It works wonders," comments Rourke to Mena as the knights start showing people in.
For now, Annabelle comes along - albeit a touch anxiously - with her younger (but certainly not smaller) brother Marcus. Let in by the guards, Anna pauses just within the doorway, takes in a deep, steadying breath and dips deeply into the lowest curtsey she can manage. "Your Majesties..."
"I really...," Mena starts, but cuts off what she was going to say as the people enter, sending them a welcoming smile. "Good afternoon to you all."
As Kylane is shown in, he straightens his attire, slows his pace, and approaches halfway up to the table before dipping into a low, sweeping bow, "Your Majesties." and though he doesn't say anything else for the moment at the presence of the others and he straightens, moving to step up to the table with an arch of his brow at Rourke and his eyes shift slightly.
And as Anna dips a curtsey, Marcus bows, although not as deep as Kylane. "Your Majesties." the scarred Barca greets them, a faint smile twisting his lips.
Rourke looks up at the arrivals, a quirky smile showing as he considers the arrivals. "Princess Consort, a pleasure. We do have a bit of business, don't we?" He inclines his head to her first and then to everyone else. "My apologies that this is not the lavish ceremony that we'd hope for, but we will arrange having a celebration later to make up for it." He glances to the other arrivals, and Marcus is awarded a bit of a grin. "Welcome back, Milord. Your absence was noted. And Lady Sared." Kylane gets a slight head-tilt and a nod from Rourke, a gesture that apparently means something to them, perhaps.
"We ... do, Majesty," Annabelle replies as she straightens from her curtsey after which she makes her approach towards Mena and Rourke. "I understand that things haven't exactly... proceeded as was originally anticipated. I'm honored to be here regardless, Majesty," and with that she does attempt a bit of a smile. Damn though she's nervous.
Mena gives a warm smile toward Annabelle from her seat next to Rourke. "You are positively strung as tight as a lute string," she observes. "Relax, hmm? There's nothing to fret over, truly."
"Alas, only here briefly to attend this occasion, Your Majesty." Marcus replies for himself, taking up a position slightly to the back and to the side from Anna. "I left rather hastely when I received the news, and need to return to Guardian to wrap the things up."
Kylane glances back, stepping to the side of Rourke and giving a nod to those attending, though he doesn't speak. Kylane's black as midnight look out as his hands move behind his back, his chin lifting up as he watches the proceeding with a neutral gaze. His corner of his lip quirks slightly at Anna's commentary and the way she fidgets.
Red offers a curtsey at the greeting, sending Mena a fast grin before she goes back to being somber for the occassion. She trails nearby Anna, in case she's needed, but otherwise stays quiet, listening.
"Such really is a shame, Lord Marcus," Mena says to the large man after winking at Red. "I heard that your name was put forth for Noble Speaker. You would be fantastic in that position."
Rourke mmms at Marcus's words. "I will hope that your wrapping will be fast. So." His attention returns to Annabelle. "Both Duke Rhyse and Lord Vincente are wayward. For the purposes of standing in for my brother, I was going to ask Kylane to do it. But since he is here..." He looks past her to Marcus, "Would you be willing, Lord Marcus, to stand and avow for Prince Alexander?"
"You're right, I know," Annabelle replies to Mena, drawing in a breath to let it out in a sigh that use uses to help vent and release some of her tension. And that comment about Noble speaker helps too, "That's a good... idea," to which statement she replies, the idea of Marcus being Noble speaker, or standing in for Xander isn't clear. She watches Marcus carefully, with a small encouraging smile on her face.
Marcus blinks at Mena's suggestion. "I concur, Your Majesty. Fantastic as in a complete flight of whimsical fancy." Rourke's words give him another dilemma, though, and he glances at Anna. It is probably her encouragin smile that tips the scales. "I'd be honored, Sire." He moves to the Groom's side.
Kylane reaches from behind his back, into the pouch at his side. He pulls out his hand, and in it holds a flat black box, about four inches wide. He looks over Marcus, though his attention turns to Red, his black eyes watching her for a few moments as Mena talks. His arm curls in front of himself, slightly, as he balances the box on the interior of his wrist, against his stomach.
Mena's lips quirk but she lets the subject drop as things start getting more to the whole marriage part of the gathering.
Red stays as she is, hands clasped at the small of her back. She grins as Marcus steps forward to take the spot of the groom, bowing her head for a moment before looking up again. She shifts from foot to foot, gaze flickering towards Kylane for a moment to meet his eyes then back to Rourke and Mena.
"Marquis Marcus, your Majesty," Annabelle very quietly reminds, in case a small detail such as that has been forgotten. Since Marcus -is- avowing for Xander however, small details can sometimes be important. Afterwards she regains her silence for now, until prompted. The box held upon Kylane's wrist though does attract her attention.
Rourke arches a brow when Marcus' dismisses the notion of himself as noble speaker, but like Mena, he doesn't pursue it. He grimaces at Annabelle's correction, commenting in an apologetic tone, "Sorry, not enough coffee yet." Even if it is afternoon. He draws a breath. "Very well. We have witnesses here," he gestures to Red and Kylane, "so I think we are prepared. Marquis, I grant you the right to speak on behalf of my sibling, Prince Alexander. If you both will approach?" He moves to a position in front of the table, a solemnity coming over his demeanor.
As Rourke stands up from his seat, Mena pushes up to her feet as well. Though she moves off to the side to just watch the ceremony.
Okay, one last breath is taken in deeply and released to calm herself that touch further before Anna takes those steps closer to where gestured along with Marcus. Remaining quiet until indicated she should speak, Annabelle is rather more intent on watching the proceedings and trying to get what she's supposed to do right. "Majesty," she utters only, in acknowledgement of his request. Kylane catches Annabelle's glance at the box, and he seems to fiddle with the side that isn't on display. It seems to shift, from his touch to it, but he doesn't do much else. He remains stationary in his position next to Rourke, his fathomless eyes sweeping over those gathered and waiting in reverence as the ceremony continues.
Marcus nods his head slightly in acknowledgement of the Emperor's words and steps forward as well. He gives his bottom lip a gentle bite, unexpressed laughter dancing in his eyes.
Rourke folds his hands together before his waist and begins to speak, formal but with an underlying warmth when he looks at Annabelle. "Providence has brought us together on this day to unite this couple in the contractual union of marriage between Lady Annabelle Cathryn Barca and Prince Alexander Jonah Caprios. The details of the betrothal contract and payment have previously been negotiated and met, therefore, inasmuch as both parties have accepted the offerings presented before them, let us petition Providence for a blessing of this union." He allows a pause, maybe for Providence to strike everyone down with lightning or any other mishap that might occur.
Mena folds her hands before her, resting them lightly on the front of her skirts. She leans against one of the chairs scattered about the room, keeping her attention on the ceremony.
Annabelle might remain silent for now, though her eyes speak volumes in how they look from Rourke, to Marcus and then grow almost a little distant as her thoughts take her in those heartbeats elsewhere. A moment longer and she brings her attention back fully to the Keeper, offering him a smile that's filled with warmth more than anxiety now.
Merriment is shuffled aside as Marcus focuses on the business at hand. Time to share that thought with people after the ceremony.
A knight sticks his head in and mouths something at the Emperor.
Rourke gives a slight nod to the nearly soundless query, and continues. His attention turns to Marcus. "Do you, Marquis Marcus Barca, representative of Prince Alexander Caprios, avow on behalf of His Highness that he shall take on the full responsibilities and privileges of marriage to this woman which include but are not limited to loving, honoring, protecting, supporting, caring for and cherishing her? Do you vow on his behalf from this day forward that he shall faithfully serve the Empire as part of a united couple?"
The Emperor is flanked by Empress and Chamberlain, the trio facing the pair of Marcus and Annabelle. Red lingers a bit behind. It's clearly mid-ceremony!
Phaeton peers in cautiously and glances around, frowning in surprise at the all the people present, clearly he had not expected this! He walks very quietly down the carpet and stops next to Red, murmuring almost silently to her.
And at this moment Annabelle's ebony gaze is entirely focusesd upon Marcus as she waits for him to speak on behalf of another, Xander. She is entirely silent. Not a whisper from her and hardly a breath.
The Imperial Chamberlain remains rather stoic, just watching the ceremony as he listens to Rourke's commentary without cracking a smile or wavering his gaze from Marcus and Annabelle.
"I do." Marcus says, and then can't resist the temptation to add. "And he will. Or else." he grins faintly.
A short nod comes from the Emperor at Marcus's avowal, and his lips quirk with some humor despite the formality of the words. "As you have spoken in his stead, it is your right to call him to task if he should fail to do so." His attention turns towards Annabelle, a similar query offered to her. "Do you, Lady Annabelle Barca, willingly take on the full responsibilities and privileges of marriage to Prince Alexander CAprios which include but are not limited to loving, honoring, protecting, supporting, caring for and cherishing him? Do you vow from this day forward to faithfully serve the Empire as part of a united couple?"
Marcus restrains the Karloff laughter, saving it for the privacy of his own room at Emperor's words.
"I do, with all my heart and every breath I have," Annabelle utters in hallowed tones as she replies to the Emperor. Though this might perhaps for some be the most nerve wracking part of the ceremony, Annabelle seems to be relaxing slowly with almost every word spoken.
Kylane just stands there. Quiet, Chamberlainish. He watches between the two, but glances back at Rourke, just once, before keeping his gaze back to the couple.
The fervent quality of Annabelle's words earns a deep nod from the Emperor. "So let it be recorded," he murmurs. "As a symbol of the exchanging of these vows spoken this day, let the wedding bands be presented to one another. Marquis, you may hold Prince Alexander's for him until he returns, rather than having it placed and worn on your finger." He glances back to Kylane now, expectant.
Oh! There it is! Kylane catches that look readily, and flips open the box and withdraws a ring. A golden band, tiny sapphires outlaying around the outside circle of the band, and a marquis cut diamond on the top of it. Kylane holds this out to Marcus, and it's not until he takes it, that he returns his hand to the box to fetch the next ring, this one without the diamond, and it's held out to Annabelle.
Marcus nods. "I'll wear it on a chain if that is alright, until I can give it to him." He then picks up the ring Kylane presents him with and then looks a bit unsure. But he figures the Emperor will give him a hint.
"On behalf of Prince Alexander, you can place it on her finger to signal the vow is signed and sealed, if not precisely delivered." Rourke coughs once. "Mostly not deliv.. just.. put the ring on."
Mena lifts her hand to cover her face for a moment. A long moment. But when it lowers, her expression is schooled into a warm smile.
Also looking a touch unsure yet guided by Kylane's gesture of holding the ring out to herself, Annabelle reaches to take the wedding band with a quality of awe in her eyes for their craftsmanship, beauty and significance. The last from Rourke does bring to Annabelle's expression an unanticipated grin, a twinkle in her eyes given the Keeper in her glance to him. But yes, back to the ceremony to which Annabelle holds her left hand out for Marcus, whilst she for now holds the other in her hand.
Marcus smirks at Rourke at that last and then takes Anna's hand gently in his, before sliding the ring around her finger. Hope it fits.
The ring might be a touch large, but it's not toooo far off, size-wise. Thank Providence.
Annabelle can always put on a bit of weight, and likely will over the next several months.
Annabelle's hand does tremble slightly as the ring is placed upon her ring finger, though she's smiling now as she watches Marcus, smiling at him. Quietly she says to him in a private fashion, "I bet you didn't expect this today, Marcus," though she quickly quiets after that and glances to the Emperor, for whatever prompts might next be given. She still holds the other pair of the rings in her other hand, carefully treasured.
"That's the thought I had earlier." Marcus says quietly back at Anna, winking.
"You may present yours to the representative of the Prince, Anna. And a chain is fine for holding it in the interim, Marquis," Rourke says quietly, as if it's almost a footnote to the ceremony.
Annabelle nods her head to the Emperor at that, a quick smile flit his way before she looks back to Marcus and holds up Xander's ring to offer to him. "I give you this, Marcus, to look after on Xander's behalf, to keep safe for him on his return. It is held within my heart also, so look after it well." And then she gives it to him, to hold for the time being.
Kylane's deep gaze is obviously taking mental notes, flicking this way and that as he rolls his jaw slightly. He closes the box which housed the rings, taking it off of his arm and moving it back into the pouch from which it had been drawn out of, earlier.
Mena glances at Rourke briefly, a quirky smile passing over her expression before she turns her attention back to Annabelle and Marcue.
Marcus takes the ring into his palm, closing his fist firmly around it. He nods solemnly.
Rourke returns to the formal once the exchange of rings is complete. "Let these rings be a constant reminder of the weight of the vows that were agreed to before all of the witnesses present. With the power bestowed in me by Providence, I offer my blessing on this union and prounounce Prince Alexander Caprios and Princess Annabelle Caprios as wedded, husband and wife." His words have a finality to them. "And instead of kissing the groom, Anna, I think that you can hug your brother. Then your brother-in-law." He grins.
This all feels so strange, but that wonderful kind of strange and it shows that Anna's struggling a little in coming to terms with it all. "Thank you... so much Marcus for standing in for him," she utters quietly as she steps close to give Marcus a tight squeeze of an embrace. "And yes, no kisses unless they're on the cheeks." Her own attempt at injecting a small amount of humour. Once she's squished Marcus tightly and is free to start spreading squishing hugs around, she does most definately move to hug her new brother-in-law, albeit after a very quick little curtsey. "Thank you, Majesty... He might not be here with us, but he's here in spirit I'm sure, and it was perfect." Mena's going to get a hug too in a second when she can manage it... and then after that Red and Kylane and Phaeton, and hell, anyone she meets most likely she's so happy!
Red returns the hug, wholeheartedly as Anna makes her way to her, kissing her friend upon the cheek and murmuring a few soft words to the Princess.
Rourke gives Annabelle a respectable squeezing hug and adds as the embraces continue, "Kylane, Red, please do sign the contracts here as witnesses, and you can sign on behalf of Alexander, Marcus. Annabelle, you be sure to put your name on this." He taps the papers behind him on the table.
Mena warmly returns the hug to Annabelle, wishing her a quiet congratulations and welcome to the family.
Kylane's embrace of Annabelle is quiet, but firm, and then a nod to Rourke. Quick to quill, the Chamberlain scrawls his name in a flowing script right where there's designated witness signature lines. He leaves the quill to the parchment and steps back, away from the clustering of individuals.
Marcus smiles at Anna and guves her a gentle hug, and then gives a smooch on the emerald on her forehead, assuming she is still wearing that thing.
"Congratulations, Anna." Marcus wishes his sister, before nodding to Rourke and waiting for his turn to sign.
Red steps back once her hug is complete, waiting for Kylane to sign the indicated document. Once he moves away, Red steps close, plucking up the quill to sign her own name in neat, precise script. Her real name, sad to say. No 'Red' in sight.
Phaeton laughs softly and gives a little bow to Annabella, "Princess. Welcome to the extended family.. uh..sister-in-law-in-law?" He gives wickedly and gives her a wink, "We'll throw you a Fielder reception party at some point."
That thing was a gift from Xander, so yep, she's still wearing it! Annabelle makes her way around the room, returning her thank you's for their congratulations, to Mena, "Thank you... It's so wonderful to have you as my sister-in-law. SO wonderful," only a moment later remembering the papers to be signed. "Oh... yes, signing documents. The other official part." With a small chuckle she waits until the quill pen is free, in the meantime grinning at Phaeton. "I like that. Sister-in-law-in-law. Or do I get to be a sister-out-law?" Quill free, she picks it up and signs her name on the dotted line where she's meant to. Not in the witnesses section, but bride.
Once the ceremony and hugging is over, Mena steps back in front of a chair and lowers herself into it somewhat limply. But there is still a smile upon her features.
Rourke idly moves to stand next to Mena's chair, leaning a hip against it as he watches the cheerful atmosphere. "I'll put out an official proclamation shortly. Today, in fact. Kylane, can you make something appropriate up?"
Red steps back out of the way as she can, clasping her hands at the small of her back. Her attention rests on Mena, a faint frown furrowing her brow, though she smooths it away quickly enough.
Mena looks up at Rourke, a hand moving to lightly run over the small of his back for a few moments.
Excited Annabelle might be, but she's not clueless either. Give her a moment or two to take everything a little bit more, and she soon enough notices that Mena's looking a little under par perhaps. "Your Majesty, do you want some tea or something to drink?"
Marcus signs his name in the proper place. There is probably a 'For Prince Alexander...' line under the Groom's name.
Kylane's eyes flick towards Rourke with a curl and he reaches into his pocket, pulling out a wound up scroll and offering it over to Rourke without any particular flourish. He gives the Emperor a reassuring smile before turning his gaze over towards the others, remaining utterly silent.
Rourke glances at his wife and smiles fondly, then takes the scroll that Kylane offers. He unrolls it and scans it, grinning. "You have anticipated me. Invaluable." He rolls it up and hands it back. "That will do nicely."
"Hmm?" Mena looks up toward Annabelle, then shakes her head. "Oh, no. I'm fine, really. Just a bit weary is all. So, now you're married. I can't wait for your husband's return so you can have a huge party."
"Nor I," Annabelle chuckles, "I keep walking down to the beach every day, hoping I'll see him sail back in. He's going to get a bit of a shock when he gets back home I think, mmm?" She can't help herself, for she glances down at her hand then, taking in the sight of the wedding ring there. Stunning and so heart warming. Without even realising what she does with her other hand, she lightly strokes her belly also, soothingly.
"If Your Majesties will excuse me, I will go and find a chain for this." Marcus says, hefting his fist to indicate what he is talking about. He then bows towards the Imperials.
"Thank you, Marcus... and yes, you look after that well!" Anna repeats, this time with a definate grin. He's not going to be able to escape without a kiss on his cheek and a tight hug either. No way.
Kylane takes the scroll, and gives a quaint nod to Rourke at the comment. He gives a rakish grin, "Of course, my leige. I'll have it signed and placed up forthwith. Did you desire anything else, or shall I get unto that?" he queries, glancing at Rourke for the moment.
Marcus gives her a gentle squeeze in return and pecks her nearer cheek. "Again, congratulations, Anna. Glad I could be here for you."
Rourke chuckles at Annabelle's observation. "I certainly hope that he'll be back before the surprise becomes too.. er.. individual?" He grimaces at his choice of words. "You take my meaning. And I think that's all for right now, Kylane. Later, some business."
Phaeton stretches comfortably and grins at Annabelle, "Sister out-law.. I like that, somehow appropriate. Well, I am glad I managed to sneak in on this, though, not quite what I expected but." He chuckles softly and tilts his head to one side, "Congratulations, Princess Annabelle! I'll have to think of a fitting gift." He winks before bowing at Rourke, "Thank you for allowing me in, I would not have wanted to miss witnessing such a scene, Majesty."
A passing look at Rourke, before he gives a sweeping bow. "Your Majesties, as always, my pleasure to be at your services." and then he stands, passing Anna and giving a smaller bow, "Princess." and then Phaeton, "Baron.." and then the Chamberlain is making his escape.
Annabelle winces slightly at that also, though not quite in the same way perhaps as Rourke, "Oh goodness, I hope not. Please Providence he's back before -then-." A pause, "He will be," ah, the power of positive thinking. "Thank you for being here, Phaeton. It all happened rather faster than I ever thought, but it was lovely having people here." She looks around at everyone and grins more (no, she can't really stop grinning just now). "Brother-in-law, Sister-in-law, and Brother-out-law. I think I have to be the luckiest person on the whole of Ikol just now!" A glance to Kylane, and a grin warmly given. "Thank you, Kylane!"
Mena inclines her head to the departing Chamberlain before relaxing back into the chair more fully.
Rourke inclines his head at Annabelle's cheer. "You only say that because you don't know the skeletons in the closet," he says in an ominous voice. He chuckles, then, and reaches for his mug of coffee.
"I don't think that skeletons are -that- scary, not really," Anna replies with a wink back at Rourke. "It will probably be scarier sleeping next to Xander, no? He hogs the bed." A small blush there, but hey, there's no denying she is five months pregnant.
Phaeton laughs at Rourke and shakes his head, "No need to scare the poor lass, R..ahem, Majesty. I need to think of a gift.. maybe three matching crown circlets for formal occasions would be nice." He chews his lip and shrugs, "Ah well, I'll come up with something. I'd originally just wandered up here to see how everyone was doing, and congratulate them on having the most adorable little piglets in the land."
"If he's anything like his brother, he snores something awful too," Mena says quietly with amusement. It's to Phaeton she turns her attention to, then, a goofy smile on her face. "Weren't they just the cutest little things ever? Those springy little tails..."
"Mmph," Rourke says, his wordless and amused answer to Annabelle's comment. He chuckles at Phaeton's words. "The piggies are fine, if rather madcap." A glance at Mena's goofy smile brings a broader one to his features.
"The cutest little piggy nephew and nieces ever," Annabelle says, grinning broadly at that little thought. "Does this mean I'll get to sneak in far more and kiss them goodnight and tuck them all in?"
Phaeton chuckles at that and nods, "They absolutely were... and further inspired me to sire my own! You'll be pleased to know that Aileana is going to help me throw a Ball in the next few weeks.. ostensibly just for the hell of it, though the rumour is already being spread that it's to find a Baroness Bride." He snickers softly and shakes his head, "Rather like Prince Charming, although with a little more ale, and some archery."
"Oh, that will be -wonderful-. I hope it's a successful party, in -all- aspects," Annabelle throws Phaeton a wink, a mischevious wink. "Ahhh, now that I'm married I can really torment other people about getting married, right?" She's not really serious, but she's certainly having fun pretending to be.
Rourke nods to Annabelle's query. "Just ask the guard first. We are not always formal in the upper tower rooms, as they're the only place we're ever alone," he admits. He looks at Phaeton with some surprise. "Excellent. I was wondering when that was going to happen."
"I will," Anna reassures Rourke on that latter point. "Am... I meant to be staying in Xander's room now? I'm not quite sure what... mmm, customs you hold in Imperial tower, for meals, or... I don't know, everything really." A lot to adjust to in a very short amount of time, and she's getting there but there's a lot to familiarise herself with equally.
Phaeton grins widely and nods, "So do I. Although I have certain..requirements, I hope I can find a compatible and pleasant spouse.. I desperately want children, to be honest. All these newborns and pregnancies in the family have renewed that desire." He gives a small shrug and winks at Rourke, "I need to be the responsible one as Finn seems to be being the bad twin at the moment, what with dancing nude in the fountain. Even if it was a bet. It's terribly uncomfortable being the 'good' one though."
"You're welcome to move in to Alexander's rooms, Anna. Redecorate them even." Rourke's smile is a bit wicked. "And really, it's only the Imperial Parlor and the rooms off of that which we consider our extended bedroom. The dining room is beneath that. Chef will happily make you food at any time." He considers Phaeton, lips pressing for a moment before he chuckles. "I'm sure you will excel at being the good one."
"Loads and loads of food," Mena says with an amused look. "The man can't stop cooking"
"That's a goood thing. I ate a whole lemon cake yesterday!" Annabelle confesses, looking a touch sheepish afterwards. One can guess where the calories are going. She does look suddenly tired then, as the excitement of the day starts to tell on her. "Would... your Majesties mind terribly if I went to have a quick lie down again? I think my excitement is catching up with me for now."
"Of course not," Mena assures. "Go rest. You certainly need it these days."
"Be well, Anna. I'm glad we got this taken care of, and welcome to the family," Rourke says, inclining his head to Annabelle. He's warm and welcoming, but there's a formality to him that is not lost. Perhaps it's never lost. He winks, all the same. "And now you can go shopping for baby items and bill them to Alexander."
Annabelle dips into a curtsey as respectful of Mena and Rourke as much as she ever has been, perhaps even more for her love of them as her true family now. "You know... the first time Xander and I met he locked me in his cabin on his ship, and I went exploring amongst all his things to try and learn more about him. Not that I did learn much because he took out all his things that revealed much about him before he put me in the room. But, I have to say after I've had a small lie down, I do feel a slight mischevious excitement in returning to the symmetry of things, and having an explore in his room again. And then I'll redecorate." She grins broadly, moves to hug Rourke if possible quickly, then Mena and lastly Phaeton before moving to leave the room.
Mena returns Anna's hug. "Rest well, Anna. We'll talk more soon, I'm very sure. The tower isn't that large."
Rourke accepts the hug, patting Annabelle on the back while it is administered. "I wish you the best in wreaking havoc on him, Annabelle," he murmurs to her. Hug administered, he lays a hand across the back of Mena's chair.
Princess Anna returns to the entrance of the Imperial tower.
