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Queen Victoria was sitting on her throne off to the side by the pulpit. She watched her youthful subjects stand and give their commitment to her as Queen. She was pleased to see that both the new royal family from Bulgaria’s Lord and his possible pairing were giving their pledge, unaware of what was going to happen next. She rose from her throne, causing Archbishop Whitgift to pause the service. “Yes, Your Highness?”
“Sorry to interrupt the service of Thanksgiving, but I would like you to do something for me.” Queen Victoria turned to him as he bowed to her.
“Of course, what would you like me to do?”
“I would like to make an announcement first.”
“Of course.”
She turned to see all of them standing at attention, then bowed or curtseyed when she faced them. “Please have a seat.” She waited for a beat before proceeding. “I have two announcements. One is that we are welcoming a new royal family from Bulgaria, King Carol I and his royal contingent.”
She smiled down at them. “Please rise and join me up here, King Carol I.” The rugged man bowed before joining her and turned around. “Thank you for wanting to create a new alliance between us.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.” He grinned at her. “I truly hope you put some thought into my special request on this beautiful day for us!”
“Yes, I have! Shall we get started?” Queen Victoria beamed. “Lord Viktor Krum, please step forward.”
Viktor Krum rose from his seat and bowed to her and his king. “Your Highness.”
Queen Victoria smiled at him before calling out the next name. “Honourable Hermione Granger, please join us.”
There was a slight eek before the lovely, bushy-brown-haired young lady joined them at the pulpit. She curtseyed while trying not to appear nervous.
“Archbishop Whitgift, if you please.” The man joined them, “The King and I would like you to join these in holy matrimony as part of my jubilee! Oh, and one other thing: after they are wedded, they will be Duke and Duchess of Montrose of Scotland.”
“As you wish, Your Highness!” He bowed to them and waited until they seated again.
Queen Victoria smirked at the myriad of different looks that ended in slight happiness at the Duchess title.
“Welcome to the blessed union between Lord Viktor and Honourable Hermione.” The Bishop raised his hands.
“Do you, Lord Viktor Krum, take thee, Honourable Hermione Granger, to be your wedded wife on this day forward?”
“Da.” He dipped his head.
“Do you, Honourable Hermione Granger, take thee, Lord Viktor Krum, to be your wedded husband on this day forward?”
She swallowed before replying, “Yes.”
“Excellent.” The Bishop beamed. “Face each other.”
They turned to look into each other’s eyes.
“Repeat after me.” They dipped their head. “I promise to love and comfort you,”
“I promise to love and comfort you,” Hermione and Viktor repeated.
“Honour and keep you and forsake all others,”
“Honour and keep you and forsake all others,” They murmured.
“I will be yours alone as long as we both shall live.”
“I will be yours alone as long as we both shall live.” They stared into their eyes.
“Perfect. You may kiss the bride, Lord Viktor.” He softly replied.
Viktor carefully cupped her face as he leaned in to caress her lips with his. He stepped back as they turned to the Archbishop and the Queen, who had joined them.
“Welcome to the family, Duke and Duchess of Montrose!” Queen Victoria beamed at them. “Turn around so they can see you.”
Viktor and Hermione turned around and waved to the congregation of the church.
“I have another surprise for you two. There should be a carriage outside waiting for you to take you to Buchanan Castle in Stirlingshire, Scotland. I have the place set up for you along with your lady-in-waiting and page.”
The couple were basically told to leave, and they did, getting into the horse carriage with the Montrose Arms on the door.
“You first, my lady.” Viktor helped her into the carriage.
“Thank you, my lord.” She dipped her head and slid over. She watched him get in and shut the door. She did notice two trunks on the roof of their carriage.
He tapped the ceiling to let the driver know they were ready to go. The carriage jolted as it started to move. He noticed a forlorn look on her face. “What’s wrong?”
“Not how I envisioned my wedding, and I feel blue since there are no rings either.” She wiggled her fingers.
“Da.” He nodded. “How about this?” He glanced at her. “We will do it right this time next year as a renewal but on our terms.”
“You would do that for me?” Her jaw dropped.
“Of course, you are my Lady now. I do want to see you happy.” He jerked his head. “Shall we rest a bit before conversing?”
“Yes, I am a bit tired. Thank you.” She squeezed his hand before leaning back into the cushioned seat and closing her eyes.
He covered her with a light blanket before watching her sleep until he drifted off.