Benedict led them through the traditional vows - the promises to honor and support, to stand together in times of peace and conflict, to build a partnership worthy of Safe Harbor. Darragh barely heard the words. He was too focused on Finn’s face, on the way Finn’s hands had stopped shaking in his, on the certainty settling in his chest.
This was right. This was exactly right.
“By the authority vested in me by the World Council and the people of Safe Harbor, I declare you married.” Benedict smiled. “Your Majesty, you may kiss your consort.”
Darragh pulled Finn close and kissed him while their families and friends cheered. Better still, Finn kissed him back, his face still damp from his happy tears.
“Married,” Finn whispered. “We actually did it.”
“No backing out now.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Aldric approached with a blue velvet cushion. Resting on it was the consort’s crown - smaller and lighter than Darragh’s formal crown, but no less significant. It was made of wrought silver shaped into oak leaves and mountain peaks, with sapphires set at the points. It had belonged to Darragh’s mother and originally had a lot more ornate silverwork and jewels. Darragh had it remade to better suit his new husband’s personality.
Darragh lifted the crown carefully. This was the moment that would make everything official in the eyes of the kingdom - the moment Finn stopped being Lord Finn of Winrone and became King Consort of Safe Harbor.
“I’m sure it’s going to fall off,” Finn whispered, eyes wide.
“It won’t.” Darragh settled the crown on Finn’s head, adjusting it slightly. The silver gleamed against Finn’s brown hair. “I guessed correctly. It’s a perfect fit.”
Then he kissed Finn again, softer this time, because Finn was clearly worried about the crown getting dislodged while the chapel erupted in applause.
When they broke apart, Darragh took Finn’s hand and turned to face the audience. His advisers, council members, and Finn’s family watched with varying expressions of joy and anticipation.
“Please be upstanding and show your respect for Finn, the new King Consort of Safe Harbor.”
The entire chapel stood. Then, as one, they bowed - a deep, formal acknowledgment of Finn’s new rank and authority.
Finn’s hand tightened in his. Darragh glanced over and saw his husband’s face had gone pale.
“Breathe,” Darragh murmured. “This is just them showing they’re pleased for us.”
“They’re all bowing. To me.”
“You’re the king consort. They’re supposed to bow.”
“This is insane.”
Darragh chuckled. “It’s a little late for second thoughts.”
The audience straightened, and applause filled the chapel. Jericho was grinning widely. Finn’s mother was lightly dabbing at her tears with a piece of linen, smiling proudly. Even Aldric looked pleased, though he’d probably never admit it.
Darragh led Finn back down the aisle, past smiling faces and congratulations, and into the bright afternoon sunlight. The castle staff had lined up outside, waiting to greet their new king consort.
“How are you holding up?” Darragh kept his voice low as they both nodded and smiled as they made their way through the line.
“Ask me again when the crown actually falls off.”
“It’s not going to fall off.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I literally just put it on your head. I made sure it fit properly.”
Finn touched the crown gingerly, as if expecting it to dissolve. “I guess this is my life now. People bowing. Wearing crowns. Being married to you.”
“Are you regretting it already?”
