Father David Roderick Hardy and the Archbishop of Canterbury completed the last of their shared words, and the huge pipe organ blared to life as two figures, one in flowing white gown, one in dark grey morning tuxedo, turned and, arm in arm, receded down the long aisle.
Standing on either side of them were members of Parliament, of the Royal Family, of the military, of the Ministry of Intelligence, of the Home Guard, and of Lady Ardinay's own councils.
The Lady of the Light stood with Her Majesty, beaming smiles at the receding couple.
On the dais, the maids and groomsmen sniffed back tears. Dr. R. Hannibal Smith, the best man, wore his best stupid grin for his friend, while he vowed that he would never, ever let this happen to him. Next to him, Captain Midnight, a.k.a. (to a very few) Thomas J. Montgomery, stood tall and impressive. John was still overwhelmed at, well, everything. Bubba even had a tuxedo to fit him.
Valentine cheered loudly and obnoxiously from her place as a bride's maid, her pink hair clashing horribly with the gowns. Shadoe tried not to look embarrassed next to her. Elspeth Hyde-White was, of course, crying daintily into a handkerchief. And Alain was obliviously attracting quite a bit of attention away from the bride.
Dozens of reporters and journalists crowded behind the pews, all a part of HM's plan to get as much publicity and morale boosting out of this show as possible. Brenden and Alice had, of course, wanted a nice, small wedding. Little chance of that when a queen has a higher purpose in mind.
Brenden's old friend, the Eagle, was in the crowd, almost unrecognisable in a well tailored '30's double breasted suit. Near him was an inscrutable looking Oriental gentleman in green silk robes, with a long thin mustache, standing with a beautiful dark skinned girl.
As a veritable shower of flash-bulbs went off across the cathedral, Hannibal nudged Captain Midnight in the side.
``You know, I've been wondering,'' drawled Smith. ``What in the world are these two going to do for a honeymoon?''
Montgomery showed his perfect teeth with a huge grin.