Dinner was served, and everyone gathered at tables according to their country. Noise and chatter had simmered down to only a moderate ramble between parties. Half the attendees were intoxicated before the toast was underway. A thick air of exhaustion lingered around Snow as he sat down to his father's left, tired from the busy evening. As he gazed out among all those gathered to celebrate his marriage, he couldn't help but think, "Is all this truly necessary?"
"Your Highness," Jafar said as he walked past Ali in his seat. His eyes lingered down to his wrist with a stern, disapproving gaze. "I don't recall plants being approved for this event."
For a moment, Ali looked at Jafar, confused, and then his attention snapped when he recalled the snowdrop bracelet around his wrist. A bit sheepish, but not at all ashamed, he stretched his arm from his sleeve, showcasing it. "Did you want one for yourself, Jafar? I'd think it would look good on you. We could decorate your turban or perhaps your beard with flowers."
Paribanu giggled, drawing another disapproving look from Jafar. He shook his head. "Not in the slightest," he said, a tad annoyed. Suddenly, he switched to their native tongue and resumed a calm demeanor. "White does not suit me. Though such a shame to see the flowers hardly had a chance at life…" The vizier brushed the tips of his fingers together, which generated an orange dust that sparkled. He sprinkled it over Ali's hand and watched as it seeped into the vines, strengthening them. One flower that had already begun to wilt was rejuvenated instantaneously with life. Color returned to its petals, and the bud began to open. It was as though it had never been plucked. "That should keep them alive and healthy, but only as long as they would normally be. In about two or three days, I'd say they'll rot off."
Jafar took his seat without another word.
Ali stared at the snowdrops and then looked at his vizier. He nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Uncle."
"Don't call me that," he sneered.
Jafar had always projected a harshly cold exterior, even in joyous company. Tonight was no different. Still, Ali and Paribanu had known Jafar their entire lives. When they were kids, it hadn't been uncommon for them to affectionately refer to him as part of their family, despite him being only a trusted appointed advisor. Both of the royal siblings had long come to understand that underneath his everlasting look of disappointment and frustration was still a man capable of kindness and selfless action. Those who'd known Jafar on a personal level saw why Sultan Huran had kept him around for so many years.
Ali nodded once again. "Right. As you wish."
King Arthur stood and raised his hand, calling the mass's attention. Following suit, Sultan Huran did the same, silencing his subjects with patience until the entire hall's attention was focused on their two rulers.
"'Tis a joyous night upon us. Heaven smiles down as our kingdoms unite!" King Arthur's voice boomed with excitement and cheer through the great hall as he raised his glass, ready to toast. "The Sultan of Nayzaria, my strongest ally and dear friend, Huran, and I have always hoped that this day would come when we would stand proud to see our children take their place at the throne. In moments like these I think back to my school days. We are taught in math that one plus one can only equal two. Yet in life, we should know that one and one is far greater! Let it be that everyone here stands united in brotherhood, in friendship, and in love! Let nothing stand in our way no matter how grim any future endeavor may be!"
He paused to glance down at Snow before giving him a firm pat on his shoulder, signaling him to stand. The prince did so, followed by Ophelia, then Ali, Paribanu and Jafar. The two kings exchanged looks of acknowledgement. "Tonight we celebrate their arrival. And after tomorrow we celebrate not just the joining of our nations, but also the joining of souls. Let us not forget what has brought us here today. My treasured son, Snow fell in love with one of Huran's own. Little could we have known when they were children they would grow to one day proudly unite us all. A TOAST: to the bright and happy future of Prince Snow and Prince Ali!"
The audience gave abrupt and thunderous applause, though the looks on many faces told a different story. While some watched with bright eyes and happy faces, others glanced at neighboring tables. Some shared looks of discomfort. Others rolled their eyes as they clapped. One such person drank from their cup, groaning through the celebration.
Snow was aware such people were in attendance that night, and knew what many whispered behind closed doors. The marriage had even been finalized and many already disapproved of this for several reasons. Snow knew he had not done that much to prove his worth in a political sense. Often, he was criticized for his dreamy behavior. Charming he may be, but too elegant for the ideal ruler that the people would have hoped for. Seeing their throne promised to someone marrying another man was just the icing on the cake. It begged the question of who would be in line after Prince Snow. Not even the prince knew the answer to that.
"Let there be no doubt within our people. Both kings shall rule with every bit of dignity and strength as myself and Sultan Huran. May this arrangement be a promise of prosperity and growth to both our nations! Now let us drink! To Snow and Ali!" With a final raise of his chalice, King Arthur downed his glass, as did the majority of the party in a drunken, almost-rehearsed cheer of agreement. As the laughter bellowed through the room, Snow quickly sat down and exhaled a sigh.
And so the formalities were over for the moment. Now, they could eat and drink to their heart's content, ignore whoever it was they didn't like and simply be merry. The music resumed playing, the chatter thundered, and bread was broken between friend, brother, and neighbor. All the while, Snow picked at his plate and sipped at his cup with little enthusiasm.