Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience.
 
 <i>Gracie, it's time to get up.</I> Rand's voice whispered softly through
her mind.

   <i>Go away.</i> She told him as she snuggled deeper into the pillows.

   <i>If I have to come in there, mi reina, you will not like the
consequences</i>.

   "Go away," Gracie said without opening her eyes.  She could feel his
presence near by.  More than likely it was coming from next door.  She
hadn't slept very well the night before.  Her dreams were filled with
erotic images, and all of them were of her soon to be husband.

   <i>Don't want to.  I want to slide inside that tight little body of
yours.</i>

   Gracie opened her eyes with a groan.  <i>Wasn't last night enough for
you?</i>

   <i>No.  I want every inch of you under me, Gracie.  Loving each other
until we can't see straight due to the fire building between us.</i>

   <i>Rand, please.  No more.</i>

   <i>I'm going to give you more until your body can't hold any more.  Then
I'll give you every single inch of me.<iI>

   Gracie arched her back and sat up in bed.  Her breathing was
accelerated. Damn, that man, she thought.  <i>You won't be happy unless you
have me panting after you.</i>

   <i>Damn straight, I want you to want me as much as I want you.  I won't
settle for less.</i>

   * * * * *

   Gracie was sitting in her room, eating breakfast when her mother and
father appeared in her door way.  When they moved further into the room,
Gracie realized that her Aunt Clara was standing behind them.

   "Good morning, Grace," Clara said.  "I have met your young man.  He is
indeed everything I hoped he would be.  I have a feeling that you two are
going to set the night on fire with your passion and love of each other."

   "Good morning, Aunt Clara" she said, unwilling to say more.  She
wouldn't dignify her aunt's assumption with an answer.

   "Why aren't you get ready?" her mother scolded.

   "Mom, I have several hours before the wedding.  So why get dressed up.
It's not as if Rand is going to care about what I'm wearing."

   <i>I'd rather have you naked under me.</i>

   <i>Stop it.  My parents are here, my aunt is receptive to your thoughts
too.</i>

   <i>I don't care if she hears.  You are my chosen.  We will bond tonight.
Then the </i>mezclar<i> will take over and we'll be as one.</i>

   Gracie leaned her head back and slowly counted under her breath.  The
man was going to drive her insane.  Her mother walked over to her and
placed a calming hand on her shoulder.

   "Relax, Gracie.  Your big day is here and let me pamper you," Eve told
her daughter.  "Now, I `ve hired someone to come and do your hair and nails
for the wedding.  My treat, sweetheart."

   "Mom, you shouldn't have," she protested.  Just then there was another
knock on her door.  Turning towards, it Gracie hoped that Rand would stride
through it.  She hadn't laid eyes on him since before she had been
kidnaped. At the cottage all she had seen was smoke and fire.

   <i>I wish I could, Gracie.  But you know what would happen.</i>

   <i>Damn it!  Stay outta of my head, unless you have something important
to tell me,</i> she growled.

   * * * * *

   Sitting across from his father, Rand couldn't help but chuckle.  The
tremors were still rippling across his powerful frame but he knew he'd be
okay.  King Mica looked up at his son's laughter.

   "What's so funny?" he asked.

   "Gracie.  She just tried to chew me out.  Told me to stay out of her
head.  If I thought she meant it I would be hurt but she's just as testy as
I am today." Mica just shook his head.  He could remember those days.  He
didn't begrudge his son at all.  He was glad he had done his time with the
<i>mezclar</i>.

   "Dad?" Rand said as he jumped out of the chair.  "I feel like I'm gonna
jump out of my skin.  Let's go to the gym."

   "The gym?" King Mica asked.  "Okay.  You want to go to the gym, lets
go." Standing up, he walked over to the door of his office and opened it.
Looking down the hall both ways, he motioned his son to follow him.

   * * * * *

   William settled down in his seat.  He was glad that he was on his way
home.  Glancing around the plane he noticed that it was mostly empty. 
Probably due to the prince's wedding.  Then a man sat down next to him. 
Glancing at over at him, recognition hit William.  He had seen this man
before.  The man turned and gave William his full attention

   "Hello, William," the man said quietly.  "The boss wants to talk to
you."

   "I'm going home," he told the man.

   "If you don't come with me I can guarantee that your mother will receive
you in small pieces," the man told him softly.  William cursed under his
breath.  Guess he wasn't out of this mess yet.  Unbuckling his seatbelt, he
got up and followed the man back down the aisle.

   * * * * *

   William waited nervously as the boss came into the room.  When the man
finally walked through the door, he cringed.

   "William.  Where were you going?" the boss finally asked him.

   "Home," he told him.

   "I see.  And Princess Deanna.  What of her?"

   "She is bonded with her cousin, Charles," William said sadly.  "She
won't be of any more help.  She'll be lucky if the Prince doesn't imprison
her and Charles," William said truthfully.

   "I see." Turning he looked over his shoulder at the man behind him.  "It
looks like we'll have to find another avenue of pursuit to over throw
Prince Randall's kingdom." Turning back to William, he smiled.  "And you,
Will, are going to help me."

   "All I want is to go home," he protested.  "I don't want to die."



   The man smiled evilly.  "Then I suggest you do as you are told or I will
kill you."

   * * * * *

   Gracie's Suite

   Eve watched with misty eyes as her daughter stood with her back
presented to Emma.  The maid was slowly tying the intricate ties on the
back of Gracie's wedding dress.

   To Gracie, the soft brush of her maid's hands against her back were
torture.  Every inch of her skin was on fire.  The <i>mezclar</I> was
burning in her veins.  Taking deep breaths she tried to control her racing
heart.  She hated feeling like this.  The last two days had been like this
and every moment seemed to last an hour.  Her mind was a chaos of need. 
Rand hadn't touched minds with her since she had scolded him earlier. 
Damn, she needed the contact but her stubborn pride wouldn't let her give
in and be the first to give in.

   <i>Gracie?</i> Rand's voice whispered softly.

   <i>Rand.</i>

   <i>Hang in there.  Soon we'll be together.</i>

   * * * * *

   Rand gritted his teeth as he fought to control the tremors that were
wracking his frame.  They had only grown in intensity as the day had wore
on.  As his trembling fingers attempted once again to pull his hair back
with a leather thong, he nearly screamed.  As the small piece of leather
hit the floor once more, Jonathan walked into his dressing room.

   Jonathan stooped down and picked up the hair tie and took a good look at
his best friend.  He noted the tremors immediately.  He could tell that
Rand was on the verge of overloading.  This was not a good sign.

   "Here," Jonathan said handing it to Rand.  Who promptly lost it again
when his trembling fingers wouldn't close around the small object.

   "Son of bitch!" Rand growled as it fell to the floor once more.

   "Just leave it down," Jonathan suggested.  "It's not going to matter to
Gracie if your hair is pulled back or not."

   "You don't understand, Jonathan.  It is customary for the bride to
loosen the groom's hair during the ceremony," Rand said hoarsely.

   "Fine.  Give me the damn hair tie.  I'll pull it back for you." As he
briskly pulled his friend's hair back, he continued to talk.  "Does your
father know that you are in this bad of shape?"

   "No.  I sent him to be with Mom.  She was having some last minute issues
with the caterers."

   "Screw the caterers.  How are you going to make it through the ceremony
with out attacking her?" Jonathan asked as he ran the comb through the long
ponytail at the base of his friends head.

   "I don't know," Rand groaned helplessly.  "I feel like I'm on fire.  And
she's the only thing that can put it out."

   "Enough of this," Jonathan growled as he headed back to the door. 
Sticking his head outside the door, he hollered at someone in the hall.

   A few moments later, King Mica and Queen Aria came rushing into the
room. When Mica saw the state his son was in, he was concerned.

   "How long have you been like this?" he demanded.

   "All day," Rand gritted out between clenched fists.

   "You are almost out of control, Rand.  We need to get your wedding over
now." Mica told him.



   Turning to his wife, he continued.  "Aria, go fetch Gracie and her
parents.  We have to preform the ceremony now."

   "But what about our guests?" Rand croaked as he tightly held himself,
trying to control the tremors.

   "We'll have a private ceremony in our chapel and video tape it.  Then
we'll broadcast it later tonight," King Mica decided.  "The <i>mezclar</i>
will wait no longer."

   * * * * *



   Eve was surprised when Queen Aria stormed into the room and looked
around wildly for Gracie.

   "Where's she at?" Queen Aria demanded.

   "In the bathroom," Eve said.  The queen hurried over to the bathroom
door and knocked briskly.  "Gracie?" There was no response from behind the
door.  Finally the queen tried the door knob and opened the door.  She
walked into the bathroom and found Gracie huddled in the corner, sitting on
a vanity chair, trembling.

   <i>Mica, send Jonathan to Gracie's quarters.</i>

   <i>What's wrong?

   Gracie is in worse shape than Rand.  I need someone to help me get her
to the chapel.

   Alright, love.  Jonathan's on his way.  Meet us there with Gracie's
parents.

   Fine.</i>

   * * * * *

   "Jonathan, go and help Queen Aria with Gracie.  I'll take Rand down to
the chapel and get the minister there," the king ordered.

   "I can do that," Jonathan said as he darted out of the room, instinct
telling him that something was not quite right.

   "Now, son, lets go down to the chapel and wait for her," Mica told his
son.

   "Alright.  Is Gracie okay?" Rand asked as another violent tremor seized
him.

   "She'll be fine," Mica reassured him.

   * * * * *

   When Jonathan, Queen Aria, Gracie and her parents arrived in the chapel,
King Mica had the minister and Rand waiting at the front of it.  Colin
wrapped his hand around his daughter's waist and slowly guided her up to
the alter.

   The minister watched as the king's advisor guided his trembling daughter
to the alter.  As many of these weddings that he preformed he had never
seen such a couple as close to the edge as the two young people in front of
him.

   "How long have they been in the grip of the <i>mezclar</i>?" he asked
the king.

   "Almost two weeks." the king replied softly.  "That is why I have asked
you to preform the ceremony here.  We'll tape it and then broadcast it
later.  These two probably won't make it down the aisle before they lose
it."

   "I understand.  I'll make the ceremony quick but beautiful." The priest
told his king.  Turning to Jonathan, the priest questioned him.

   "Do you have the required items?" he asked.

   "Yes," Jonathan told the minister.

   "Alright," the minister said loudly.  "Lets get this marriage done."
About that time, Colin stepped forward with his daughter.  Standing between
the two as was customary, he joined their hands and held them in his own.
On the right of him, his daughter gasped and to the left of him, Rand
growled deep in his throat.

   "I know." Colin told them softly enough that the vid cams wouldn't pick
up his comment.  "Just for a moment," he promised them.

   "We have come here today to join, these two in royal matrimony.  The
duties that Rand and Gracie have chosen to take on, has been determined
through much reflection and has been predestined through the ages.  Who
gives this woman to this man?" the priest asked.

   "I do," Colin said clearly.

   "And who gives this man to this woman?" the priest asked.

   "I do," Queen Aria said standing at her husbands side.

   "May I have the bindings?" the priest asked Jonathan.  On silent feet,
he moved forward and handed the delicate looking bindings to the priest. 
"I bless these binding to hold and join Gracie to Rand, and Rand to
Gracie." The minister said in a solemn tone.  Taking the binding the priest
interwove it around both of their joined hands.

   Gracie gasped as she felt the binding settle in place.  Now, there was
no way for her to escape.



   <i>What am I doing?

   Calm down, Gracie.  I won't let anything happen.

   I don't want this.

   Like hell, </i>he growled.  <i>You want this so much that you're ready
to jump out of your skin.  I can already feel your body readying itself for
mine.

   Rand!

   You realize, Gracie, that once this over, the wait is over.  I'm going
to love you until you can't walk and then I'll love you some more.  I just
hope that I don't hurt you in the process.

   Hurt me?

   Yes, I know that you are a virgin.  I'll try to take it easy on you but
I can't promise that I won't hurt you.  Just be patient with me, Gracie and
I'll more than make up for any pain I cause.

   What do you mean, you know I'm a virgin?

   It's the royal decree, Gracie.  No royal may marry unless they are
untouched.  I just hope I have enough self control to take my time and not
ruin it for you.  I'm just as untouched as you are.

   You rat!  You mean if I lost my virginity, I wouldn't have to go through
with this wedding?

   There was no other choice but to go through with this wedding, Gracie.
You are mine and I'm yours.  No other man will ever touch you and no woman
will ever touch me.  That is the way of chosens.

   I don't want to be your chosen, damn it.

   That's too bad.  You are and I'm gonna love you until all you can think
about is having me inside of you.</i>

   Colin felt the sudden tension grip his daughter.  What ever was going on
between these two was very strong.  The damn minister needed to hurry and
finish this before one of them lost control.  Catching the king's eye, he
communicated the urgency for the minister to hurry.

   "Hurry," the king whispered to the priest.

   "Turn and face each other," the priest told them softly.



   Turning, Gracie glared at her husband to be.  She didn't know if she was
more angry at him or more aroused by being in such close proximity to him.

   <i>Oh you may be angry with me, Gracie.  But I know that under all that
anger is a desire so hot that you'll burn with me until we both rise from
the ashes.  Damn, I want you under me.  I want to kiss those magnificent
breasts and then roll over and have you ride my cock while I nibble on
those dark nipples.

   Knock it off,</i> Gracie whispered as the desire that had been barely
leashed tried to break free.

   <i>No, I'm going to knock you up,</i> he promised.



   Gracie moaned softly.

   "Gracie, to show his utmost faith and trust, Rand is going to allow you
to free his hair for his kingdom to see.  And I know you know the
significance of his gesture.  No wizard is allowed to wear their hair free
until after they have bonded with their chosen.  Rand, please kneel in
front of your bride," the priest finished.  Rand did as the priest asked
and knelt in front of Gracie.

   Gracie swallowed roughly as she stared at the tie at the nape of Rand's
neck.  Dare she touch him?

   <i>Release it

   I don't know...

   Just do it Gracie.  I've longed to feel your nimble fingers run through
my hair.</i>

   Holding her breath, she did as she was asked and untied the thong that
held his midnight hair restrained.  Her knees almost gave out when she ran
her fingers through his soft hair.  Pleasure shot through her as she tried
to pull her fingers away.

   Rand smiled up at her as the pleasure flowed from him to her.  Coming up
from his knees he once more towered over her.

   "May I have the amulets?" the priest asked.  Both Colin and Queen Aria
stepped forward with them.  "The amulet has always been a symbol of each
wizard's or witch's power.  In exchanging these amulets, Rand and Gracie,
are giving each other control over their power and their commitment to one
another." Turning to Rand, he handed Rand's amulet to him.  "Place this
over Gracie's head and repeat after me." the priest told him.  "I, Rand,
entrust this woman with my heart, my soul and my powers.  To hold and
protect forever."

   "I, Rand, entrust this woman with my heart, my soul and my powers.  To
hold and protect forever," Rand repeated, every word echoing through his
heart.  Then he placed his amulet over Gracie's head and settled it gently
against her bosom.

   The priest smiled softly and then handed Gracie's amulet to her. 
"Gracie, it's now your turn.  Place this amulet over Rand's head and repeat
after me.  I, Gracie, entrust this man with my heart, my soul and powers.
To hold and protect forever."

   Gracie swallowed before slowly repeating after him.  "I, Gracie, entrust
this man with my heart, my soul, and powers.  To hold and protect forever,"
she finished softly, tears glistening in her green eyes.  Bowing his head,
Rand leaned down enough so Gracie could place the amulet on him.

   <i>You'll never regret it, Gracie.

   I better not.</i>

   After he straightened up, he smiled at her.  The mezclar was still
clawing at him viciously but the fact that his amulet glimmered softly
against her breast, was enough to leash the savageness that was attempting
to claim him.

   "I, now, declare that Rand and Gracie are as one in holy matrimony. 
What I have joined together let no man or wizard ever part," the priest
finished and turned them to face their families.

   King Mica smiled happily before leaning down and giving Gracie a kiss.

   "Welcome to my family Gracie.  You are a most welcome addition.  And you
have made my son a very happy man today," he said so softly that Rand
couldn't hear him.  Turning to his son, he gave him a hug.  "Go give your
mother a kiss and take your bride to your rooms.  You will not be disturbed
until the mezclar has run it's course.  Just remember do not untie your
bond.  Come to me and I shall break it when the time is right." He reminded
his son.

   "I know," Rand said as he returned his father's hug.  Leaning over he
kissed his mother.  "Thank you, both," he told his parents.

   *****

   Rand opened the door to his suite and brought Gracie into the room with
him.  Not that she had much choice, she thought.  The damn binding made
sure that she followed him everywhere.

   "Gracie, sweetheart, look at me," Rand said softly after he shut the
door.

   "Why?" she growled.  "You've gotten what you wanted."

   "Not yet, I haven't." he replied as the fire burned brighter in his
system.

   "Fine, take what you want, then leave me be," she said hotly as she
pulled as far away as the bindings would let her.

   "There will be no taking in this room, Gracie.  Only giving.  I'm going
to give myself to you and you are sure as hell gonna do the same for me,"
he growled.

   "Make me," she taunted.

   "Oh Gracie, you shouldn't have done that," Rand said softly before
making all her wedding finery disappear.

   "Bastard.  Two can play at that game," she hissed just before stripping
him in the same manner as he had her.  Rand growled before lifting her off
her feet.  Walking to his bed he tossed her down on it and immediately
covered her naked body with his own.  "Get off," she growled.

   "I will,' he promised.  "When I'm done."