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"Yes," Geregation to be seated

Gemma and Grandmother Guri were separated from the crowd, seated in chairs of honor near the base of the dais rather than the pews Since Stil’s public vow, Geirl who brought about King Torgen’s deive Gemma special treatment, but truth be told, Gemma wished everyone wouldn’t treat her so reverently She ive her whatever price she asked for cloth--and holding dislikable people, like Malfrid and Mrs Hagen, in distaste (Mrs Hagen hadn’t dared to criticize her chosen occupation since her return to Ostfold society, and Malfrid immediately married a farmer and moved ahen the dust settled from Gemma’s adventures)

But most of all, she missed Stil

She wished she could talk to him about fine crafts dress She missed his handsoaathered here today for a beautiful event and occasion: the wedding of ourToril, to the honorable Lady Linnea Lovland," the priest said when the cathedral had quieted enough that his squeaky voice could be heard

His declaration brought about more cheers, and he was unable to continue as the civilians whistled and rejoiced

The priest bore it well, s his hands as he waited

Before this winter, we have had precious little to celebrate, Geht as she, too, clapped But it is different now

"Verglas is coirl," Grandmother Guri said, her voice just above a whisper

"Why do you say that?" Gemma asked

"You can feel it in the air It’s crisp and clean--finally People sht in sohter Yep, everything is right again And your lady up there will make sure bumpkin keeps it that way," Grandmother Guri nodded

If anyone deserved to call Toril bu called on Gemma to ask for advice about Lady Linnea, Grandmother Guri had smacked the monarch upside the head a number of times when he was particularly slow to understand a point about the battle-crazed lady

"So, that e of yours," Grandaped at the elderly woe of their otten "What are you talking about?" Ge off into space like Jo-Jo when she’s about to urp up her cud You s have settled here; you’ve got your barbaric lady taken care of, and there’s nothing left for you to do You can go," Grandirl, all of Ostfold was treated to a public performance of your love with that man You can’t think I didn’t know--that everyone in town doesn’t know"

Geaze on Lady Linnea and King Toril, ignoring the astute observations of Grandmother Guri

Within a few minutes, the ceremony was over

"On behalf of this country--civilians and nobility--it is with great joy that I announce theToril to Lady Linnea!" the priest said Even he could not contain his enthusiased, and everyone in the cathedral roared so much the floor vibrated The citizens who could not cram their way into the church with the nobles cheered outside When the doors opened up, Ge Toril and Lady Linnea--soon to be Queen Linnea once the royal couple arrived at the palace for her crowning--swept down the aisle Their faces were bright with happiness, and they laughed and clasped hands as they eood, valiantGe towards a table of drinks

"It was my pleasure, My Lady," Gelanced over her shoulder at King Toril, as seated at their table, laughing with one of his advisors

The wedding feast was barely halfway over, and everyone was still exuberant and filled with joy and laughter Well-wishers were lined up out the door, hoping to congratulate their king and new queen

"I know I asked you right after I agreed to marry him, but, what do you think of Toril?" Queen Linnea asked, shyly looking at Geentleman who loves you very much, and I know the two of you will be wonderful rulers," Gemma said

"Do you really think so?" Queen Linnea asked