Chapter Eighteen
Patin
Although they hadn’t ironed out the details of what would happen with their relationship with Jaq moving forward, Patin was feeling a lot more settled about the vow ceremony than he had been. He was a man who had been in love with a prince for twelve long years. He had fully expected if Serron ever married, he would be a dozen countries away, drowning his sorrows in the nearest tavern.
But thanks to Jaq, Patin’s whole life had changed for the better. Instead of drinking himself into a stupor, he was greeting wedding guests and dignitaries at his estate. The World Council sent a representative to conduct the ceremony, as Patin couldn’t act as host and marriage official. He thanked numerous society family members for their attendance, ushering them to four immaculately dressed footmen who wore the castle insignia on their uniforms, to be shown to their seats.
The last guest had barely arrived when Brian rushed over to let him know that the crown prince and his consort were ready. It had been agreed that because Jaq still didn’t have anyone to accompany him up the aisle, Serron and Jaq would walk together, and Patin would walk behind them. Patin would then assist the World Council representative with the paperwork once the vows were shared.
“I want you to remember,” Jaq murmured fiercely when Patin went to collect him from his room. He took Patin’s hand and stared into his eyes, and Patin could see the sincerity there. “The vows I speak to Serron are the same I am saying to you in my mind, even if I can’t use your name out loud. I know Serron will feel the same.”
“If it hadn’t been for your kindness and open heart, I wouldn’t even be here today,” Patin said, blinking quickly. “Your acceptance of me in your life is a gift I will take to the grave.”
“The vows we share between ourselves in private are so much more important, don’t you think? Now let’s go and make sure Serron retains his place as the crown prince of Monce.” Jaq sighed. “And I’ll just do my best not to say anything that will upset our privileged guests afterward. That won’t be easy for me.”
“Serron and I will be with you every moment,” Patin promised. “Serron has a good relationship with the families invited today, so I am sure it will be fine. You just be your wonderfully unique self.”
“That’s what used to get me into trouble all the time back in Elembaum, being myself.” Jaq chuckled as he took Patin’s arm. “Let’s go and get married first. I’ll worry about the rest afterward.”
/~/~/~/~/
Serron and Jaq made a stunning couple. Both men were dressed in blue-gray robes with black and silver trim, long pants, and boots. Serron’s hair was tied back so it hung down his back, and his facial hair was freshly trimmed. Jaq’s shorter dark hair was brushed back from his face, and he was freshly shaven. When Serron took Jaq’s hand, and they faced the official, Serron made sure to glance at Jaq and smile numerous times during the lengthy lecture the official gave about the importance of marriage. To anyone watching, it was clear the two men were already close and happy with their marriage contract.
The vows were very basic, which was normal among contracted partners, so no one was going to raise an eyebrow about that. Serron pledged that Jaq would be considered a consort equal to him in every way, along with a vow to protect, respect, and cherish him in their lives going forward. In return, Jaq vowed to behave in a respectful way to his husband in all matters, to cherish and care for him, and to aid him as an equal partner in all ways possible going forward.
It was all very polite and covered the main points of the marriage contract. If anyone noticed the absence of a fidelity clause, that would be something they gossiped about among themselves. Both Serron and Jaq were people who valued honesty higher than anything else, and that was the most important thing as far as Patin was concerned as well. He mentally pledged to protect and cherish them both as the official wound up the ceremony.
The bonds of closeness are already forming, Patin thought with a smile as he watched Serron lightly kiss Jaq’s cheeks on both sides when the official declared them married. Jaq’s cheeks flushed bright pink, but his smile was wide and genuine.
“Please be upstanding for the crown prince and crown prince consort of Monce,” Patin said proudly as the two men made their way back down the aisle to polite applause from their guests.