Imperium Cathedral; Rehersal; One Month Before The Royal Wedding...
Erika: Nate, they're ready for us now, you ready to come in?
Nate: Yh, sure. But...Can we just have a minute out here though please?
Erika: Of course... Is everything okay?. You suddenly disappeared in there, Marina was worried she had said something to upset you...
Nate: No, oh God no... No Marina didn't do anything at all...
Nate: I guess I got a little overwhelmed for a second there... Just with everyone calling me YIRH and then Sir, it just dawned on me how different things have become... I mean I get called Sir by my students, but it suddenly feels so different, there's so much meaning behind it... It sounds silly I know...
Erika: Not at all. I understand, I really do... Remember this is the first time the staff have been around you in this capacity since your investiture. Of course it is going to get some getting used to. And I can only imagine how strange it feels for everyone around you to be calling you YIRH. But it's okay, because it means you are still you, and nothing is going to change that, or us, or anything in our lives. I won't let it...
Nate: I also wanted a few minutes alone with you. We have been so busy planning this wedding and creating our household and everything else in between, that even though we are together, at the same time we aren't.
Erika: I know, I know. But in four weeks time, I'm all yours. We'll have the first half of our honeymoon, then the Jubilee celebrations, and then we'll be off again for a whole two months. Alone and together.
Nate: Until then, kiss me, I'll be so unsatisfied (feigned pained expression) but ill be strong, I promise...
Erika: Haha, with pleasure...
Nate: Some good news, my tailoring is all done now. The final fitting will be tomorrow. Which means, all that's left is our wedding bands.
Erika: Wonderful. Maybe I'll ask if we can do it a bit later in the evening or early morning, which will it could be just the two of us.
Nate: I would love that...
Marina: YIRH's, there's just a few things we have left to confirm, are you happy for us to continue?
Nate: Of course. But I wanted to apologies first for disappearing so abruptly, Marina. It was nothing you did, I just needed a minute.
Marina: No need to explain Sir, we can do this at your pace.
Ngata: Apologies Erika, Marina. But can I perhaps borrow Nate for a second before we proceed.
Erika: Sure, Marina and I can continue with the flower arrangements.
Ngata: There's a few things I wanted to get your approval for. But first, I just wanted to touch base with you, Nathaniel. How are you coping with your... new position?
Nate: Oh... I, umm, well, I guess I'm okay...
Ngata: Are you? Really? It's okay if you aren't, I wasn't when I married Erika's Mother. But I didn't have someone who I could talk to, and that was difficult. I, if you let, would like to lend you an ear, should you need it. If it helps, I made the same offer to Greyson...
Nate: I, well, I would be lying if I didn't admit it has been overwhelming at times. Sometimes I feel as if I will blink and wake up to find it has all been a dream. It has been surreal.
Ngata: I know exactly what you mean. I came from Sulani, had the unique opportunity to give a guided tour to the then Imperial Royal Family, only to then fall in love, marry and then... barley 10 years later take the place of the man who hired me for the tour in the first place.
Ngata: So believe me when I understand what you might be feeling...
Nate: If you don't mind me saying, I can see how much in love you and HIRM still are and 50 years of marriage!!!... If Erika and I can get even half that, I will consider myself a very lucky man. She has been very supportive throughout all of this and patient. Thank you very much for the offer, I will be sure to take you up on it.
Ngata: I'm sure you and Erika will have a long and happy life together.
Nate: You also said you wanted my approval of something too?...
Ngata: Ah yes. Titles, I would like to give hand over to you both my honourary title. It'll revert to the Crown otherwise, once I am gone. But only if you approve, there is still the option that your surname can be used to create a new peerage should you wish?
Nate: My surname can still be used for our children's lesser titles, should they want them right?
Ngata: Yes that is correct.
Nate: Then I would be honoured, and I'm sure Erika will be thrilled too.
Ngata: Fantastic! My boy, You have made an old man very happy.
Erika: Time's up I'm afraid... Dad I need you now. Ready to walk me down the aisle.
Ngata: Yes, my darling... Yes I am...
