They had brought in a mirror so he could admire himself. As if that was going to make him feel better. Gazing at her own reflection in an effort to bring our courage and confidence was a woman's prerogative. Sven took one look at himself and felt like a parade animal.

He stared at his long hair, neat and remarkably clean, his shining garbs and abundant decorations.

"Smiling helps. Nobody likes a sad king."

Through the mirror, he saw Rune. She was wearing a pale gold dress, trimmed with white and glistening in the pale rays of the sun, coming through the open windows. She smiled at him and, stepping forward, hugged his back.

"How do I look?" he asked, emotionlessly.

"Regal."

He grimaced.

She squeezed him tighter.

"You're ruining your dress," he protested, though a small smile was brought to his lips. She'd been so cross with him ever since he'd told her about the wedding. Yet here she was now. His heart was immediately uplifted. "You should have seen Fenrys' first wedding," Sven continued, squeezing her hands. "The crowd were ready to pick up their carriage and carry it to the castle themselves, if they could get the chance to spend a bit more time with the king and queen." He grinned.

Fenrys had been so happy.

His second wedding had not benefited from the same response.

"You should wave to your people and smile," Rune reinforced. "They love you already."