Chapter 15
“I choose you, always and forever, as my husband, consort, and king.” Katarine’s voice rang out loud and clear so all in the temple could hear her sacred vow.
She placed the crown on his head as Santiago smiled, looking absolutely royal in both his bearing and dress.
“I accept this great honor, and always and forever, I will cherish you and honor you as my wife and queen.” He slid the ring onto her finger.
“Under the laws of Kataria, we seal this union of marriage with sacred vows. Let no man attempt to disrupt what God has joined together for holy purpose. You are now wife and husband, queen and king. May Kataria be blessed forever!”
“May Kataria be blessed forever!” Cheers rang out as the breaking dawn shot light through the dark sky.
No matter how dark it seems, dawn always comes, Katarine thought as her husband lifted her hand between them and turned to face their people.
He kissed her amidst their cheering. When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against hers for a moment.
“I must go. We must catch the tide and rid this land of that poison and make certain it never returns.”
It was the last thing she wanted to do—see him leave—but wisdom demanded it.
“Yes, I know. Be safe, My King.”
“I will always return to you, my love. My Queen.”
They walked from the temple together and met the captain of the guardsmen.
“Are you ready, My King?” Leander asked.
“I will meet you at the beach in a few minutes.”
“Congratulations, My Queen.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
She and Santiago rushed to their now-shared chambers.
She spoke as she watched him change. “You will return. I know God didn’t give me you, simply to take you away.”
“I will. I promise. Then our life together truly begins.”
He kissed her hard and slipped on clothing more suited for sailing into battle.
She rode beside him down to the beach, where the boat was fully loaded, including the chained prince and his shackled men.
The man beside her had arrived as a slave and was leaving a king. The other had arrived as a prince and was leaving in fetters. Life turned tables quite effectively.
“My King,” she said as he dismounted.
“My Queen.”
“Godspeed. May you and all who travel with you be blessed for ridding this land of those who do not belong here.”
He clasped her hand. “I will do my duty to you and our people. I will return on fair winds to the fairest beauty in all the lands. Be well, my love.”
And then he was off.