//------------------------------// // Chapter 9 // Story: It Takes Three To Tango // by TheAlmightySqueeb //------------------------------// Vow This. Was. Madness. Celestia was always an understanding and open-minded pony, but what she was agreeing to and what would transpire was something she would never see coming. She and Luna had dressed in the formal regalia that was required for the ceremony, and she could tell Luna knew this was eating her alive. "Celestia, please try to calm yourself. They'll still be around, and we'll still be in charge. This is just to show they really care for each other." Luna tried to reason with her sister. Years of being around modern ponies had taught her how to speak like they do, and she rarely used the 'Royal We' voice unless her country was threatened or she needed to drive home a point in court. ""I know, Lulu." Celestia responded. "But, in a way, I'm giving him away. And to two ponies to be exact!" She looked down and gave what could be considered a sigh of defeat. "I raised the sun, ruled as sovereign for a millennium, imprisoned you on the moon, and done countless other acts no mortal could ever dream of doing. And now for the first time ever, I feel like I'm getting old." Luna grabbed her sister's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze of comfort. Celestia returned it and prepared herself as Spike came down to the temple alter where his aunt and mother stood. Spike's nerves were steeled and his stance firm, but inside, he was just as nervous as his mother. The small gathering of his friends and their family did help calm him down a bit though. It was Fluttershy's idea to keep the wedding private so she wouldn't faint from being the center of attention. However, Spike didn't care, he just wanted to be bound to Twilight and Fluttershy in the eyes of the gods. He looked up at the priests and smiled. It was the same smile he gave them all their lives, the one only family could give. "You look handsome, Spike." Luna complimented, causing Spike to silently nod and grin wider. He wore the traditional wedding costume of the Imperial Republic of Dragons, a toga with a hood, and a dark purple sash with a crest of the nation he was laid in. He and his mother figured that shows of acceptance and pride in the dragon culture would help with relations between the two nations, but Spike did start taking a genuine interest in the nation and planned to make a visit there someday. "Thank you, you two look like true rulers if I ever saw one." Spike whispered. Celestia looked every which way but at Spike, the thought of flying away through a window and not participating crossed her mind, but she would never abandon any Element of Harmony bearers, let alone her only child. No, she had to be strong for all of them. Soon enough, two mares dressed in white gowns, veils and bouquets in their hands came through the temple doors. Spike put the hood over his head as the two mares came down the aisle and stood beside each other, with Twilight in the middle, ready for what was to come. Twilight was extremely giddy at what was to happen, she had always dreamed of this day ever since she started to date the two. She couldn't believe this was happening, she never thought she would see it due to their unique arrangement. Fluttershy on the other hand was shivering a bit, even in front of a small crowd of people she personally knew, she was still on the verge of being a nervous wreck. Spike held both of their hands and all three took to their knees as the princesses began to speak in unison. "We who rule these ancient lands preside over those who wish to be bonded in holy matrimony. We as Royal Sovereigns of Equestria ask those before us if they have any vows they wish to say." The sisters chanted in a monotone voice. Spike was the first to rise and recite his vows to his brides. "My two loves, I promise you that my love is true and equal like that of a scale. I promise that no other pony, dragon, griffon, nor any other creature the gods have put on this earth shall come between us. And if they do, may I be cast from this world and the one in the next life if I am proven a liar." Spike kneeled back down as Fluttershy took her turn to stand. "S-Spike and Twilight, I vow to always b-be be-beside you two and support you even if... the world is literally against ei-either one of you." Fluttershy stepped down and Twilight came up. "I, princess, Twilight, promise to my mates that I will provide and protect as I would the nation I inherit. I swear undying loyalty and strength to both of you through the years, I swear this on my honor and life." Twilight kneeled back down and the princesses chanted again. "Then as regents of the earth granted to us we ask do you, Fluttershy, take Twilight Sparkle and Spike the dragon to be your husband and wife?" "I do." "Do you, Spike the dragon, take Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle to be your wives?" "I do." "And do you, Twilight Sparkle, take Spike the dragon and Fluttershy to be your husband and wife?" "I do." "Then by the divine powers ordained to us by the gods themselves, we rulers of Equestria pronounce you three, husband and wives." the trio took off their veils and hood and got onto their feet to come together and kiss each other, it was a bit awkward considering they were in a threeway kiss, but the temple was filled with thunderous applause and the newly-weds and their herd went outside to wave them off as they got into their carriage. Celestia began to feel light-headed and began falling over, but Luna caught her in time before she hit the ground. "I guess call me Nana Celestia now..."