"You seem happy, Princess," Alina remarked as she helped the handmaidens work on my gown. I felt a touch of embarrassment at her comment, aware that my feelings for William were likely written all over my face. "I am always happy, Alina," I replied with a soft smile, trying to maintain my usual calm demeanour despite the fact that my heart was beating quickly and my skin felt flushed. The gown was a sight to behold, adorned with fine golden lace and pearl embellishments that gave it a regal and majestic look. The yellow-gold colour suited my skin tone admirably, making my complexion appear more luminous and vibrant. My blond hair was held up in an elaborate updo, the two tiny strands of hair framing my face, allowing a glimpse of my delicate features. My hair was carefully woven with jewelled pins and adorned with strands of pearls, giving it a soft and feminine appearance. The gold necklace featured a large central gemstone that reflected the light and provided a touch of sparkle. My shoes were delicate pumps, adorned with small golden accents and small gemstones that provided an elegant touch to my overall look."All done, your grace," the handmaidens announced as they completed the final touches on my gown and accessories. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and couldn't help but feel impressed by the final result. "I thank you all for your exceptional efforts," I uttered kindly as I gazed at my reflection, feeling truly transformed after the hours of preparation. They bowed in acknowledgement and pride at their work.
As the handmaidens departed, leaving only me and Alina, she leaned close to me. "Don't tell me you had an intimate session with the prince in the library," Alina whispered with an amused look on her face, her expression saying she already knew the answer. "What? No!" I replied in a hurried tone, feeling my face grow warm at the implied accusation. "Well... almost," I replied sheepishly, feeling a rush of heat rise to my cheeks. Alina looked at me in shock, her eyes widening with amusement. "Princess Anna Rois, where did this boldness come from?" she asked, her tone filled with surprise and playfulness. We ended up just giggling to ourselves.
As I walked towards the entrance of the palace, where William was awaiting me with his hands clasped behind his back, I could not help but smile brightly as I approached him. He was wearing a fine, dark blue velvet doublet, its rich hue enhancing his powerful masculinity. His shirt was a bright white linen, the fabric soft and fine against his pale skin. His breeches were made from velvet as well, in the same dark blue shade as the doublet, and his hose matched the rest of his attire. The overall impression was one of elegance and sophistication. "My apologies for the delay," I murmured softly as I approached him. "It's quite all right. I knew you would be beautiful no matter how long I waited." His voice was soft and comforting. He held out his hand, beckoning me to take it, and I did so without hesitation.
As we approached the carriage, the footman assisted me calmly as I stepped inside. closing the door behind me. I settled into my seat and watched William climb in next to me. His hand was gently placed into mine, his soft and calloused fingertips gripping my hand softly. "You look prettier than gold," he whispered softly, his warm breath grazing my ear as he spoke. That compliment immediately warmed my cheeks.
I looked out the carriage window as we approached the royal castle, the magnificent structure standing tall and proud before our eyes. I could see nobles, men and women, entering, all clad in elegant and elaborate attire. As the carriage came to a stop outside the royal palace, the footmen opened the doors and helped me down, holding a hand for my balance. William came down from his side of the carriage and offered his hand to me. The guard proclaimed our arrival as we walked into the castle: "His Highness Prince William Villefort and his wife Princess Anna Rois." The assembled nobles and royals greeted our entrance with a display of respect, their applause ringing out through the hall. William's hand was still held firmly to mine as we walked through the hall, passing kings and queens from nearby kingdoms along with princes and princesses. The assembled nobility paid due homage to us, bowing and curtsying with elaborate gestures of respect. "Dearest, there you are!" My mother exclaimed as she came to me, along with my father and my sister. William gave a warm smile and a bow as we approached them. "Mother," I curtsied, "I have missed you dearly." I held her hands gently, feeling a surge of warmth as I embraced her. Wiiliam remained standing in a formal and polite manner, offering his greetings and a small bow of the head. My mother smiled warmly at me, her eyes full of delight as she looked at me in my gown. "Father, sister," I curtsied to them as well, offering formal greetings. My father was a tall figure, bearing an air of authority and respect. He stood straight and poised with a dignified bearing, his demeanour matching his stature. He greeted me with a smile.
"Sophie?" I crouched down, "Have you been a proper lady like I told you to be?" I asked her, looking at her with a teasing expression. "Yes, sister!" she replied cheerfully, her expression full of youthful optimism and innocence.
As our lighthearted conversation continued, I saw the familiar figure of Queen Victoria approaching us in the distance. "My beloved princess!" "Your Majesty, thank you for the invitation," I said, giving a polite. "You are most welcome," the Queen replied with a nod of her head. "I am glad we could share this moment together." "Where is Father?" William asked the Queen, his gaze scanning the grand hall. "Your father is over there, talking to some of the nobles," she replied, her tone gentle and calm. "I will come back shortly," William murmered softly. I gave him a nod and a reassuring smile. "If you will excuse me," my father murmured as he walked away to engage in conversation with some of the other guests. Sophie was a bit preoccupied at the moment, engaged in conversation with another princess of her same age, their voices filling the air with joyous laughter. The Queen held her fan in one hand, her features filled with grace and elegance. "Wine?" she offered to us as she gestured with her fan. My mother gladly accepted the offer, taking a small sip of the vintage wine. I politely declined, choosing to remain composed and alert for the evening's events. The Queen seemed to understand and did not press the issue further. "Was the palace to your liking?" Queen Victoria inquired politely, her expression softening as she spoke about our living arrangements. I nodded with a warm smile. "Its splendour is unlike anything I had imagined," I praised. "I am delighted to hear that," the Queen replied. "Have you done the wedding portrait?" Queen Victoria asked, her voice filled with curiosity and her eyes bright with interest. "Oh...not yet," I admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed.
I totally forgot about the wedding portrait.
"Let me arrange for the painter to come to the palace as soon as possible," she said kindly, her tone reassuring. "You don't have to, your Majesty," I protested, but the Queen dismissed my concerns with a gentle wave of her hand. "Nonsense; it is but a small request. Allow me to make the arrangements," she said kindly, her tone firm but not overbearing. "How was the honeymoon, Darling?" My mother inquired with an eager expression, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. I chuckled softly, feeling a touch of embarrassment at the question, but I was happy she was intrigued by the events. "The honeymoon was wonderful, though, I must admit, I didn't expect it to be only one day." I finished my sentence with a soft chuckle. "Us Zorrians only have one day of honeymoon, but to be completely honest...I wish it was more," the Queen whispered as she fanned herself, a chuckle escaping her lips.
We continued our conversation for a while, the Queen and I sharing stories and discussing various topics. Time seemed to pass quickly as we spoke, but before I was aware, William had returned. "Mother? Mind if I steal my wife for a dance?" The queen's eyes sparkled with delight. My mother regarded him kindly, giving a subtle nod of approval. "Of course, we would be delighted to see a dance between the newlyweds," she replied warmly. The Queen cast a warm and pleased glance at my mother, her expressive face beaming with happiness.
William took my hand as we moved to the centre of the dance floor, his grip gentle yet firm as his fingers curled around mine. He led me into the graceful steps of the dance, his steps smooth and elegant as he guided my movement. We moved in perfect unison, our bodies shifting and pulsing with each other's rhythm. As we danced, William's lips brushed my ear softly. "I eagerly look forward to taking this gown off you, my love," his breath tantalising as he spoke. I hid my face on his shoulder, feeling a sudden bout of shyness and tenderness as he pulled me close. "William.." I murmured, his strong arms cradling me gently. The dance became a gentle and sensual embrace as our bodies pressed together. "Why are they looking at me like that?" I whispered softly, noticing the many faces gazing at us from across the room. It seemed they were all looking with curiosity and interest, their expressions ranging from intrigue to admiration. "Do not fret, darling. They are simply admiring the sight of a happy couple," William replied fondly, holding me closer as he spoke."Especially...her," I murmured, noticing the girl in the red gown across the room. Her appearance had caught my attention as well, and her striking beauty and elegant demeanour stood out in the crowd. The girl's gaze seemed fixed on us, her bright eyes observing us with interest from a distance. "That's Princess Jane, the girl who seems to have a permanent grip on me," he replied, his tone amused but also slightly irritated. "You know her?" He asked curiously, his brow furrowing slightly. "The ladies in court told me that she made a fuss when she got the news of our betrothal," I replied, feeling a small twinge of amusement at her apparent jealousy. "She wanted to marry me since we were children," he continued, his tone matter-of-fact and neutral. "It's not surprising that she is upset," I said, attempting to hide my amusement. As I looked across the hall, my eyes landed on the sight of my parents dancing together. The pair's movements in the elegant dance were a striking contrast to the lively pace of our own dance, their graceful motions complementing one another. My mother's dress was a beautiful shade of blue, and she glided across the floor like a radiant fairy. My father's handsome and distinguished appearance was highlighted by the way the light hit his outfit. The sight of my parents dancing together reminded me that even after all these years, they were still happy and in love. The affection and respect they seemed to have for one another spoke volumes. "Princess, may I have this dance?" Prince Nolan of the northern kingdom inquired as he approached us. His tone was polite and respectful. I cast a quick glance at William, who met my gaze with a confident look. He nodded slightly. "It would be my pleasure," I replied, feeling no hesitation or trepidation as I accepted Prince Nolan's offer to dance. Prince Nolan was a familiar face, as our fathers were good friends and allies. The two kingdoms had maintained a close relationship for generations, so we had grown up in his presence and were well acquainted. "Congratulations, Princess, for your marital union!" he exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Thank you," I responded politely. "It is quite funny how I was about to ask for your hand two days before your betrothal," he continued. "Is that so?" a hint of amusement in my voice as I played along. "I hope Prince William is treating you well, knowing who...he is," he continued, his tone filled with subtle disapproval at his character. "Prince William is certainly treating me kindly," I replied politely and tactfully. I know that Prince William's reputation is less than stellar, and I wanted to keep the conversation positive and pleasant rather than stir up any negative gossip. "Very well then," he replied reluctantly, but no real malice showed through his neutral demeanour and calm tone. "Ahem. I would like to have a dance with my daughter, Prince Nolan," the King commanded politely, his tone not admitting of any refusal or debate. Prince Nolan simply bowed and replied, "Of course, your Majesty," with respectful deference. "You scared him, Father," I murmured softly as I took my father's hand. He laughed warmly and squeezed my hand, his bright and expressive eyes smiling at me reassuringly. "I only had the best of intentions, my dear," he replied, sounding almost apologetic for his sudden and intense appearance. I laughed quietly in response.
The supper was exquisite, with an elaborate feast consisting of many courses, beginning with light and appetising starters and ending with decadent and elaborate desserts. The atmosphere was celebratory and lively as members of the royal court conversed and enjoyed the festivities. "I would like to have a moment to congratulate the newlywed couple, my son Prince William and his beautiful wife Princess Anna," King Harold spoke proudly, his voice booming throughout the hall. William and I sat smiling politely, the warmth of the guests' congratulations filling both of us with a sense of joy and contentment.