Chapter 39
C omgall’s inauguration as king finally took place on a sunny morning in late summer. The harvest was almost all in, and the people of Dal Riada came to gather at Dunadd. Bethany and Maible had been busy for weeks, working hard to plan the festivities. Maible was determined: this would be better and grander than any previous inauguration. Especially because it would also be the king’s wedding day.
It was only just past dawn when Bethany rushed into the church.
“Is everything prepared?” she asked. “Do you need any more assistance?”
Father Aedán, the kindly new priest, turned around from his place by the altar, and smiled at her.
“You have nothing to worry about,” he said. “Doesn’t the church look wonderful?”
It certainly did. Under Maible’s direction, the church had been draped with late summer flowers and cloth of gold. Servants were still at work on the final touches, but the church had already been transformed into a magical wonderland.
Father Aedán patted Matthew on the head.
“I hope you’re ready for your big role, young man,” he said.
Matthew just grinned. He was still quiet, but at least Bethany now knew that he understood everything. His silence was a choice.
One of the maids, red-faced and flustered, came running into the church.
“There you are, my lady! We’ve been looking everywhere for you. Lady Maible is beside herself, saying you should be dressed already or this will all be a disaster.”
Bethany rolled her eyes, but she followed the maid - this time, back to the fancier guest chamber, the one she had enjoyed as Princess Eithne. This would be her last night here, before she officially moved to Comgall’s chamber, as his wife. In all honesty, she had already spent a lot of nights there. But after today, the move would be permanent. A second bedchamber had even been added on, so that Matthew could stay with them. Previous kings had provided separate accommodation for their children, who lived with nursemaids. Bethany was determined to change that and Comgall supported her, as always.
Maible fussed over Bethany as the maids helped her to get dressed.
“We should have started at dawn,” she said anxiously, fastening Bethany’s necklace herself. Bethany laughed.
“There’s still more than enough time,” she said. “Don’t worry. Everything will be perfect.”
“You can hardly talk,” Maible muttered. “You’re the only person more nervous than me!”
Bethany was once again wearing scarlet, Dal Riada’s lucky colour. But, this time, the two of them had agreed that she should have a brand new dress. This one had been made especially for her, and she loved it - the bold colour, the way it clung to her body. It was perfect. She’d never expected to feel comfortable wearing a dress like this, but somehow it felt right. Comgall would think she looked beautiful.
At last, they were ready. This time, Bethany walked to the inauguration site alongside Maible. She knew that the older woman was thinking of Tomás, who had walked alongside her before. She squeezed Maible’s hand, trying to convey her support. Maible smiled at her gratefully.
This time, there was no delay, and no dramatic interruption. The ceremony passed smoothly, everything happening exactly as it should. Bethany let the last of her tension flow away. Nothing would ruin this day. Comgall stepped his foot into the carved footprint. Standing there, his feet sunken an inch or two into the ground, he swore the sacred oaths that tied him to the land. It was like a wedding ceremony, he’d told Bethany. This was the ceremony that wedded him to the land of Dal Riada, as her king and husband. It was so beautiful, so poetic, that tears welled in Bethany’s eyes.
Father Aedán stepped forwards for the blessing. Down below, all the lords of Dal Riada called out their oaths of allegiance. And then it was done. Comgall was well and truly king. Everyone called out his name, then the crowd burst into whoops and cheers. Comgall turned to Bethany with a wide grin on his face. Down in the crowd below, the first flagons of wine and casks of ale appeared.
They ate a hearty noon meal in the hall, nobility and princes crowded in alongside the common people of Dunadd. The mood was celebratory and loud, with plenty of spontaneous singing and dancing. Bethany tried to relax and soak in the atmosphere, but she could not quite contain her nerves. It was almost time for the wedding.
As she prepared to enter the church, now that everyone else was seated, Bethany tried hard to calm her breathing. It was hard, when she’d never even dreamed such a situation. She was about to marry a king. She would be a queen. Never in a million years could she have predicted this! It seemed like a strange daydream, too perfect to be real. Her love for Comgall, though - that was real. She was ready to be his wife.
When Father Aedán opened the door and smiled out at her, Bethany took a final deep breath and followed him inside. Her scarlet dress brushed along the stone floor behind her. Matthew clutched at her hand, walking slowly and solemnly beside her as they made their way down the aisle.
The small church was absolutely packed with dignitaries and nobles, all dressed in their best. Incense clouded the air, mixed with the sweet scent of flowers. The sombre atmosphere was slightly ruined by some drunken giggling, but Bethany didn’t mind. She smiled.
Matthew walked her all the way to the altar, then stopped and stepped back. He’d practised his role to perfection over the last few weeks, and his serious face almost made Bethany cry with pride. But she held herself together and focused on the man beside her. Comgall. He gazed down at her with tears in her eyes. They joined hands, the gentle music of a harp in the background, and the ceremony began.
The wedding ceremony flew past in a blur. Bethany knew it was a blend of Christian and traditional Dal Riada customs, but she barely noticed anything. Before she knew what was happening, the people crowded around her were cheering and shouting.
The truth sank in.
She was Comgall’s wife.
He swooped down and kissed her, wrapping his arms around her waist. The crowd cheered ever louder, and Bethany lost herself in the moment.