The King's Bride: Part Ten

A/AN: I would like to sincerely thank everyone for coming along with me on this journey! There's nothing like the feeling of finishing another story. A big thank you to my mentor and beta Charlotte Ashmore for making this possible! Thank you for helping me write difficult scenes and evade writer's block, and thank you to my amazing readers! You're what keeps me out of the slump, and pushes me to create beautiful stories with this wonderful ship we've all come to adore and love named Rumbelle!

Twelve Years Later ...

Belle sat comfortably in her velvet armchair before of the hearth, quietly humming while she knitted a pair of booties for their seventh child. The fire crackled, and she sighed contently when she felt two hands dig deliciously into her aching shoulder muscles. "I didn't hear you come in," she murmured softly, allowing her knitting needles to clack against the floor.

"Bae and I came back from the hunt early because it started snowing, and I missed you," he whispered huskily in her ear before planting a kiss against her crown.

"Surely, you can't miss me that much, Liam … You've only been gone since this morning," she added, and he came around to face her.

"You know that if even a minute passes without you by my side, it's too long," he replied, grasping her hands in his and bringing her to her feet. She beamed brilliantly at him, the glow of motherhood radiating from her features.

"I often wonder why you chose to stay with me after I forced you and Bae to leave Avonlea with just the clothes on your back. I sent you away once, and then made you come back with me. I treated you indifferently and for that I'm eternally sorry," he sighed brushing ringlets of curls from her eyes.

"Liam … Why do you do this? Albannach has been my home for the past twelve years, and during that time we've reared six beautiful children together. Our son is engaged to the vivacious Emma Swan, and in four months we'll be parents again. I couldn't ask for anything more than what I already have. Stop apologizing for something which happened so long ago. The past is in the past, but we have a glorious future ahead of us, and I can't wait to spend every waking minute of it with you," she returned, standing on the balls on her feet to kiss him. She relished his own unique heady taste as he deepened the kiss. He cradled the back of her head with his hand before hoisting her in the air. She squealed into his mouth when he deposited her softly on the bed.

They momentarily broke the kiss as he began discarding his clothing. "I'm grateful for your forgiveness," he rumbled in her ear as he lay beside her, pulling her against him.

"You can't possibly want me when I'm this huge," she teased when he raised her dress up to reveal her protruding bump. He discarded her knickers, stockings, and the thin shift she wore before pulling the dress over her head, leaving her bare to him. He raked his eyes over her nude form appreciatively.

"All I see is my beautiful wife carrying the life we created together inside of her. I'll always want you no matter how your body changes, or how gray your hair gets. You'll always be my beautiful Belle," he assured her, planting a soft kiss on her bump. He rose over her and shifted his position, settling into the cradle of her hips. He moved in and out of her slowly, cherishing the feeling of being so deeply connected to her in only a way husband and wife could truly be. He admired her body with all of its stretch marks and perfect imperfections. Most monarchs his age wanted a fresh new wife who was more youthful, or at the very least a mistress, but he only had eyes for Belle. She was the fairest maiden in all of the kingdoms to him, even after so many years together, and no one would ever rival her beauty in his eyes. She trembled beneath him, the pregnancy making her body more sensitive to his advances. He kissed her tenderly until he felt his own release spill inside her. He rolled over and spooned himself against her, caressing her bump lovingly with his calloused hands .

"It's hard to fathom that this will be my final pregnancy," she sighed, placing her hand over his.

"The physician thinks it's best for your health, dearest, and seven children is quite a legacy," he reassured her, and she chuckled.

"Yes … two sons and four daughters is quite the feat. I'm naming this one after you if it's another boy," she revealed.

"And we'll name her after you if it's another girl." he reverberated.

"We shall see then," she smirked, snuggling closer to him for warmth before drifting off into blissful slumber.

He kissed her crown reverently, his mind flashing to just two years ago when she bore their last daughter, Ingrid. The pregnancy had been hard on Belle's body, and she'd lost a lot of blood. He nearly thought he'd lost her, but she'd pulled through for him. She was the strongest person he knew, but when she'd expressed the desire for another child, he'd been hesitant. He'd give her the moon if she asked for it, but he hadn't wanted to endanger her life at any cost. She was his haven, his life source, and he couldn't live without her. She'd reassured him everything would work out smoothly, so he'd granted her request, and prayed every night for her health and safety. He fell into a fitful sleep, the only thing which calmed him was the sound of her breathing.

~X~

The days rolled on, and the months passed by swiftly until the day of their child's birth arrived. She woke him up breathing heavily, her broken water soaking the sheets, "Liam, it's time," she panted heavily.

"Stay there! I'll go fetch the physician," he affirmed, barely tugging on his breeches. He still had his night shirt on, but all that mattered to him was Belle. He banged heavily on the physicians who opened the door, a glassy look in his eyes, but he knew immediately what was happening. He quickly grabbed his things and rushed out the door after William, who in his hurried pace roused all the other children from sleep.

Bae was the first one to open his chamber door, trailing after his father. "Papa, where's the fire?" he inquired breathlessly.

"Your mother has gone into labor. Wake the others for me!" he announced excitedly, but Bae also noticed the trepidation in his eyes.

He grabbed his shoulder, halting him momentarily. "Papa, momma will be fine! She's the strongest person I know, and she and the child will both be healthy. I just know it!" he reassured his father before letting him go. The reassurance of his son's words was like a balm to his soul. Belle would be all right. Everything was going to be fine.

~X~

Emma held Bae's fussy two year old sister in her arms. The blond haired tiny heiress had no idea what was happening, and could only wonder what her brothers and sisters were chattering on about.

"I think mommy will have another girl," seven year old Beatrice, with her flowing chestnut curls commented, rocking back and forth on her heels.

"I think it will be a boy," nine year old Terrence chimed in, but who was chided by Beatrice who was convinced that it would be another girl.

"All that matters is that it's healthy," twelve year old Althea stated firmly as she braided four year old Madelyn's hair.

"Wise words Althea." Emma smiled as she cradled the tired little girl in her arms, warmth filling her heart at the prospect of becoming a mother herself one day.

The door burst open a few moments later with Bae standing there smiling ear to ear, "Is it a girl!?" Beatrice inquired hastily, rushing towards her brother.

"Please tell me it's a boy!" Terrance cried, and Bae laughed, hoisting them both into his arms.

"It's both! We have twins!" he beamed and all the children giggled delightfully.

"Can we see them?" Althea asked, and Bae nodded, "Follow me, but please remember to be quiet. Mother is resting," he commanded, and they nodded simultaneously as they followed their big brother down the hall.

~X~

William felt as if his heart would burst as he admired the two little blessings comfortably settled at his wife's breasts. They nursed contentedly, and the look of pure bliss on Belle's face was priceless.

"They are so lovely," she gushed as she admired their newest additions.

"Eight lads and lasses … I wasn't sure if we would get another moment like this, but I was wrong. You're so strong, my Belle," he remarked kissing her brow softly. She smiled widely when the door opened to reveal their six other children and soon to be daughter-in-law.

"Babies!" Ingrid clapped, and Belle chuckled at their two year old's enthusiasm. She would make playmates of her new brother and sister soon enough.

"They're so little!" Beatrice squealed with adoration in her eyes.

"Finally, another brother!" Terrance sighed with relief.

"I told you the sex didn't matter as long as the babies were healthy," Althea corrected, and he shuffled his feet with a downcast gaze.

"Yeah but having another little brother will be fun. You can't hunt wild game with girls," he nodded sagely.

"I believe Emma was the one who shot that wild boar last month. Girls can hunt just as good as boys can," Bae countered, and Terrence flushed when he noticed Emma's analyzing gaze.

"Sorry Emma." he muttered.

"What are their names?" Madelyn inquired quietly, and William smiled, "We decided to give them a part of our names. Their names are Liam and Isabelle," he answered, and the children quietly watched the twins until one of them yawned, and Belle sent them all to bed. Althea made her promise to let her assist any way she could in the morning, and her mother assured her that she would need many breaks in the following weeks to come.

~X~

Emma knocked on Bae's door softly, long after everyone had fallen asleep. He opened the door with a look of surprise on his face, "It's really late, Emma. Is everything alright?" he asked and she nodded.

"Yeah, I was just wondering if we could talk?" she asked, biting her lip worriedly with a sheepish look in her verdant orbs.

"Of course, Em," he obliged, opening the door for her. She sauntered in and made her way to the bed, flopping down on it.

"Um … What are you doing?" he questioned, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"Going to sleep … Ingrid stole my bed, and I needed a place to rest. The floor is out of the question, but I didn't think you would mind if I slept here," she yawned, curling up under the covers. "With you."

"But where will I sleep?" he asked dumbly, and she rolled her eyes,

"With me of course, silly," she retorted.

"But what if-"

She scoffed, cutting him off before he made a serious remark, "I'm not here to jump your bones, Bae. I'm here to sleep, and no one is going to catch us because everyone is too wrapped up in the royal newborns to care about what we do. I'll put a wall of pillows between us if it will make you feel better, but in two weeks we'll be married, and this will be the normal routine. Why not figure out it out now before we walk down the aisle? I mean you might snore, and I'm not trying to nitpick, but I'm not sure I want marry someone who keeps me from sleeping at night," she teased, and he rolled his eyes.

"Fine … You can stay here, but no stealing all my covers," he warned, climbing into bed beside her.

"I knew you wouldn't say no..." she muttered sleepily, and he couldn't resist pulling her against his chest as they laid there together, his mind full of dreams of the future.

~X~

Today had to be perfect because this was the day he would take Emma Swan Nolan as his bride. Perspiration coated his hands as he rubbed them together anxiously. He stared at his regal attire in the mirror, waiting to be escorted to the gardens for the ceremony. He was startled when he heard a soft knock at the door. He opened it to reveal his mother. Thin age lines caressed her face while a tinge of gray touched her locks, but she was still the most beautiful woman in all of Albannach.

"Mother, what brings you here?" he queried with a hard swallow.

A smile bloomed on her lips before she pressed a motherly kiss against his cheek. "I just wanted to congratulate you on your nuptials, and tell you how proud I am of you," she stated with a thoughtful smile.

"Thanks … It feels like it's almost to good to be true. It's hard to believe I'm marrying my childhood sweetheart," he grinned stupidly, and she laughed.

"It isn't silly at all. Your father and I were childhood sweethearts, and we've shared such a wonderful life together. It's not always been easy, but it's been worth it, and so will your new life with Emma. I just know you both have many wonderful years ahead of you," she told him, and he sighed.

"I just want to make her happy," he confessed worriedly.

"You already do. She has a special gleam in her eye that she only gets when she's around you. She's had it since you first came to the castle. I just know you'll both make each other very happy," she reassured him, enfolding him in her warm embrace.

"Thanks for always believing in me mother..." He smiled, and she hugged him tighter, tears brimming her eyes,

"I'll always believe in you, Bae. Now go and make that woman your wife." she commanded.

"Of course your majesty!" he jested with a bow.

She chuckled lightly before squeezing his arm, "I'll be there watching you," she added before letting herself out, and then he was alone again. He made his way out of the room and towards the gardens where she would soon join him. A crowd of royals, lords, and dignitaries sat in the audience along with his family.

He anxiously waited at the altar for his bride-to-be to join him. The Archbishop stood in front of him with the holy writ splayed out on his podium. Flutes and lyres began to play softly when he locked gazes with his beautiful swan who stared back lovingly into his eyes. She walked down the aisle with Beatrice and Madelyn holding her train while her father was holding her right hand. The dress she wore had fitted lace sleeves with an overlaid tight satin bodice. A kirtle of pale daisies rested against her slender waist where the skirt flared away from her hips to fall in soft waves to her ankles. She was breathtaking. A thin veil concealed her lightly powdered features and thin line of ruby lipstick. She stood adjacent from him, her face illuminated with love just for him.

The Archbishop turned to Bae and spoke, "Baeden William Gold, wilt thou have this woman to thy wedded wife, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I will," he answered, gazing ardently into her jade eyes.

The archbishop then turned to Emma to continue the ceremony. "Emma Swan Nolan, wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together according to God's law in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?"

"I will," she vowed with all the love she had for him shining in her eyes.

The Archbishop continued. "Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?"

"I do," David told the archbishop before letting go of Emma's hand and joining his wife Mary Margret in the congregation.

The archbishop received Emma from her father's hand and joined it with Bae's. Taking Emma's right hand, Baeden spoke after the Archbishop. "I, Baeden William Gold, take thee, Emma Swan as my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I pledge thee my troth."

They loose hands, and Emma takes Baeden by his right hand, and repeats after the Archbishop, "I, Emma Swan, take thee, Baeden William Gold, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law; and thereto I pledge thee my troth."

They loose hands and the Archbishop blesses the ring. "Bless, O Lord, this ring, and grant that the ring, he who gives it and she who shall wear it, may remain faithful to each other, and abide in thy peace and favor, and live together in love until their lives end. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen," he concluded.

Prince Baeden takes the ring and places it upon the fourth finger of Emma's left hand. He says after the Archbishop: "With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee honour; and all my worldly goods with thee I share: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

The congregation remains standing as the couple kneels. The Archbishop continues, "Let us pray. O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author of everlasting life: send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy name; that, living faithfully together, they may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, whereof this ring given and received is a token and pledge; and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

The Archbishop joins their right hands together and says, "Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

The Archbishop addresses the congregation, "Forasmuch as Baeden and Emma have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their troth either to other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be man and wife together, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen."

The Archbishop then blesses the couple, "God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, bless, preserve, and keep you; the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you; and so fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that ye may so live together in this life, that in the world to come ye may have life everlasting. You may kiss the bride," he concludes, and everyone applauded when they kissed. Emma squealed as Baeden hoisted his new bride in his arms and carried her towards the carriage that would take them to their honeymoon destination.

William clasped Belle's hand as they watched the carriage depart over the same hill he'd watched her leave over many years prior when he'd sent her away. He'd never thought in a million years he would be witnessing his first born's nuptials. He'd been blessed beyond measure the past twelve years, and he never wanted to let her go. She flashed him a smile with the promise of forever behind it. He didn't know of many kings who got a fairy tale ending, but he was certain he was one of them. He would never take their happily ever after for granted. He would cherish it for the rest of his days because without Belle by his side none of this would be possible.

A/AN: I hope that you've enjoyed this tale! I've certainly enjoyed writing it! I would like to give a big thank you to all of my readers and to my amazing beta Charlotte Ashmore! Thank you all for your support!