Smirkin
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RaWr I'm gonna EAT you
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Post by Smirkin on Sept 14, 2022 15:44:30 GMT -5
Chapter 1
“There she is!”
“Where?!”
“Just over there by those bushes!”
I could hear them getting closer but I didn’t want them to get ahold of me again. The last time they covered me in bubbles that were sickeningly sweet but tasted foul. The women that “washed” me as they called barely left any skin behind with those scrubber things. I didn’t want to get myself caught again by these blithering fools.
Coming from a nice little homestead over yonder ways… away, is where I am from and my father is the leader of the pack that we have there. Everyone looks to him for answers and where we should go and what to do. I guess like a “King” but we don’t call or view him as that. He is like the Father of the village.
Some time ago The Kingdom came across us and pushed everyone around and took things of ours as if they had rights to them! Well, this made my father very angry and he told them with as much respect as he could muster, “Gather what you have taken and leave our lands at once!” It was almost like the ground could feel father’s anger as it rumbled and breathed.
The men followed their leads orders and left the land only to come back later that night. They turned over the camp, in search for “her”.
“Where could she be?”
“We have to find her!”
“Wait! Over there!?”
I saw the man pointing in my direction and was momentarily confused. The clumsily clad men came marching towards me and that was when I realized they were looking for me. I didn’t understand at the time what they wanted with me but soon realized after being captured, and a lovely sack thrown over my head. They found me of value. To what I still find confusing.
Falling asleep along the way back to The Kingdom, I had horrific dreams of fires and people falling ill, if I didn’t play out this carefully. They have already proven they have the man power. I can see my father now wondering where his Winona is. The sky was still dark I could feel it on my arm. The moonlight always left a comforting hum against my skin. I tried to sit up in the bench like surface I was on and found my hands were bound.
I tried to shake the hood off of my head and was getting close to getting it all the way off before it was snatched away. I could see the stars guiding me to the moon. The moon then guided me to the walls before me as two large doors opened. I later found out they were called gates.
We rode through inside and the people that were out (which were not many) stared and gawked as if there was a third eye on my head. I felt the wagon stop and the driver was told to take me straight to Esmerelda. I don’t know who that was but I could only hope they were nicer than these dums.
Continuing up the cobbled road, the carriage drawn by horse wobbled and hobbled all over the place it seemed. Much worse than when we were on main pathway. Soon we had come to a stop though and my curiosities were getting the best of me as I wanted to know what was going on. I didn’t bother to speak because it’s not like their kind would understand me well. That was no matter for the woman who came barging out of the hall and into the night. She looked so elegant but in charge at the same time. The silly men sure did take charge from her.
Soon, she too had me by the arm yanking me off the carriage by my bound hands and nearly dragged me into the halls to which she came from. I could smell flowers and the sickeningly sweet perfumes and soaps. “If you won’t walk, I will gladly drag you to your destination young lady!” She bellowed down the hall like it was the middle of the day. This woman was mad. She continued to force me down the hall behind her until we got to what she called “The Wash Room.”
“Untie her hands and toss her into the tub.”
“Are you sure, Ma’am, she seems feisty!”
“Are you telling me you are scared of a young woman?”
The women quickly shook their heads and unbound my hands and before I could make a break for it, they had dumped me into the tub of lukewarm water and dumped another bucket of it on my head causing me to sputter loudly.
“That’ll wake you up, darling.”
I looked around the room the best I could and that was when the women started “cleaning” me with the sweet soaps and foul-tasting bubbles. I was hungry, I hadn’t eaten much that night but it wasn’t a big deal at the time. I didn’t plan on being abducted! My attention was gathered back to the happenings when my skin started to burn, they scrubbed and I thought I wouldn’t have any left. I wriggled and squirmed and couldn’t get away from the scrubbing.
“We have to get her all prettied up for the King’s son David.”
“Ah, the Prince, what a lucky gal this one is, Princess of her people and soon to be Princess here.”
Nothing they were saying made any sense to me… other than, was I being married off and not know it? I sat there in a daze as they finished scrubbing and cleaning me, carefully raising me out of the water and patting me dry. I tilted my head to the side in thought and wondered if Father knew this was going to happen. He usually knows everything.
Esmerelda was back once again and though she didn’t seem to be pleased about it she had a happy tune in her voice. Maybe that was just her resting face and she couldn’t help it. It didn’t take long for her to snap her fingers and someone else arrived in the room with us as they began sizing me up and down with some sort of string. Quickly following that I was being put in big heaping puffy balls of…dresses I guess you could call them. Although they are nothing of the dresses we wore at home.
“I want her ready to see the King and Prince at breakfast.”
“Yes, Ma’am”
Moments alone with Esmerelda’s crew and I could turn my head side to side, up and down… but don’t ask me to take a breath. They handed me a fan and showed me how to use it, “Shallow breaths dear, shallow.”
My Father understood their language better than I had and that was because he had done deals with them since I was a little girl. But never have they seemed to cross the barriers of our lands like the had done recently. Something felt off. I just couldn’t place what it was. I knew the language enough to understand some if not most but not really speak it. never really had a reason to try. I guess until now.
I could hear two ladies in the hallway talking up a storm under hushed breaths and one happened to mention a new girl being married off due to a deal that was made nearly nineteen years ago. How odd is that? I’m almost nineteen. And have been taken from my home… to be married off… could they be talking about me? Would Father have made such a deal? I listened a little closer to the women…
“That’s why her name is Winona.”
“Ah, yes the first daughter, I remember when the King put it in writing to be so.”
“Mmhmm, that poor girl though, not a clue what is going on.”
“True, stripped from her home and friends like she came from nothing.”
So, it is true… they are talking of me and my father had known of this… what if mother… well she would have had to of known of this as well. All the elders of the village probably knew and I sat there like a fool thinking that is where I would meet my partner and grow old. I tried to fight back the anger and sadness, suppressing both as I took on this role for reasons unknown. I’m sure they were worthy of the first born.
Entering the room again Esmerelda had what appeared to be a smile on her face. She seems pleased with the outfit that literally took my breath away and the hair that stood on its on ends. She had a man fiddle with makeup and said my lips needed some color but other than that she seemed quite happy with the results. I, on the other hand was ready to pass out after hearing the hushed gossip and that it was about me.
Esmerelda gathered me by the hand and took me through several doors and up stairs and back down stairs. There was no telling where I was going to end up and definitely didn’t have to worry about me running away because I had no a clue where I was or was heading to until eventually, she yanked me into a room with a table covered in different assortments of what I assume was food.
I could hear the booming laughter of two men as my eyes gazed down the table towards the head and saw who must’ve been the King and can only assume his son sitting nearby as he shared facial features. The laughter soon came to a silence as the King stood and gestured his hand towards my direction.
“Son… David… My Prince. This is to be your future wife. She is the Princess of the village off the end of the barrier.”
The king looked so proud of himself as the son looked confused. You could see him trying to make sense of the situation of why I was there and set his food and drink aside of him.
“Father, do you not think I can choose my own wife?”
“Of course, I do. But I wanted the best for you. We went to war with this village for the little land they allowed us to keep and instead of pressing on with the war while you were just a baby yourself, we made a deal… For his Winona… which means first daughter… We would end the war and make a barrier of land that all were to respect as long as his first born were to marry you at the age of nineteen.”
“Do you think this is a gift? Am I supposed to be thankful? Would you like me to grovel at your feet in gratitude for what you bestow upon me?
The prince dropped down to his feet dramatically before climbing to bended knee and looking over to me. Oh, please don’t look at me, pretend I’m not even here. No, don’t walk over here. Oh, why does he have to be so handsome at that. Be strong. Chest out, shallow breaths and fan.
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tinman
Moderator 
Free Hugs. (Not responsible for gropage)
Posts: 306
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Post by tinman on Sept 14, 2022 16:30:57 GMT -5
Interested to see where it goes!
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Smirkin
Administrator
RaWr I'm gonna EAT you
Posts: 428
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Post by Smirkin on Sept 14, 2022 19:26:10 GMT -5
Chapter 2
“Were you aware of this deal? Do you even speak our language?”
“N-n-no…and some”
He then surprised me as he guided my hand to a seat at the table and offered me to have anything I liked while he sat next to me and watched. He seemed fixated on the complexion of my skin tones and hair. I probably appeared much different than he was used to. I watched him watching me and he cracked bit of a smile which left me to shift my eyes and blush lightly.
I reached for something from the table of assortments when Prince David reached out for my hand. Taking it into his while I sighed quietly thinking to myself, I was that much closer to eating something that wasn’t bubbles. I shifted my gaze from the food to David’s firm chin, almost scare to look up. Knowing that when I did, he would be looking at me and this was all kind of weird to say the least and a little disheartening in other ways.
My eyes remained on his chin as I was too much of a coward to look up any further. I was heated at the situation and didn’t want to somehow have a magical moment and fall in love like all the stories I would hear. That’s when I felt his other hand lift my chine nearly forcing me to look him in the eye as he leveled my face to his.
“Look at me… Please.”
I pulled my lips in slightly and licked them before letting them rest again, this darn dress seemed tighter than it had before and I was trying to remind myself shallow breaths. In through my nose and out through my mouth. I opened my eyes and there were the most beautiful set of blue eyes I had ever seen. They were looking at me… AT ME. I didn’t know what to do in a situation like this. I didn’t know what to say… all I could do was stare. At least I managed to keep my mouth closed while I did that.
“What… is your name?”
“W…Winona”
“Winona, I’m sorry for the situation my father has caused or that both of our fathers have caused. I swear I knew nothing of it. And though I think you would make a great wife; I would like to find that out for myself and not have it arranged.”
I swallowed hard as though hearing all of this seemed to be the right thing, I didn’t even know what the right thing could be. I couldn’t resist the butterflies I had in my stomach though; they were certainly real with every word he spoke. His father looked less than thrilled as he stood from the table once more.
“This is NOT the agreement… you will marry this girl and that is final.”
“NO… father. I will choose to marry her if that seems fit to me. But first I want to meet her father.”
David looked back to me with those piercing eyes as his light hair flowed under his Prince’s crown. He must have caught me looking at it as he removed it almost immediately and set it on the table and smiled.
“I don’t want you to think of me as the Prince of The Kingdom, I want you to see me as David… with what appears to be an overbearing father.”
We both laughed softly. His father, the King grumbled beneath his breath about kids not being grateful. It was loud enough for the both of us to clearly hear as his father left the room. David dropped his hand from my chin and grabbed my other hand and guided me to stand up. Which was easy to do in the get up of an outfit, plus it was much easier to breathe standing up.
“So, Winona… How about we get you into something a little more comfortable.”
“YES!”
I nodded wildly at the idea of being in something that would allow me to breathe. David inquired with the nearby help and had someone attending me in no time. Soon I was being escorted to a room and scooted behind a half wall where my outfit was changed in no time. Finally, I could breathe again. I took several moments to enjoy the air as I saw David’s head peek around the corner.
“All better? Definitely looks like you can take a breath. Esmerelda sometimes gets ahead of herself in what women should be wearing. “
“Yes… this is better. Thank you.”
“I was serious when I said I wanted to meet your father, your whole village… and you’re not a prisoner to here. I don’t want you to think you’re here against your will. Okay … maybe you were but that was before I found out what our silly fathers had done.”
“I would like to see my father… with you.”
I smiled still holding David’s hands and squeezed them slightly as I look up to him. This was the oddest situation I have ever been in but I think it may also be a good situation… maybe this was a door that was supposed to open for me?
“You will have to guide us out of kingdom and to barrier… I’m not sure how to get to them from here.”
“That is no problem and I didn’t figure you knew your way, especially around this place, even I still get lost.”
Giggling I let go of one of his hands as he began to lead us down stairs and up along with all the twists and turns the castle had to offer us. It was beautifully decorated that was for sure. Things that I had never seen before and could probably stare at for hours. Maybe I would get a chance to stare at them later, who knows?
“Will your father like me? Or do you think he wall harbor ill feelings towards me due to the King?”
“I think he will respect you for what you are doing.”
We head out of the castle and slowly make our way to the carriage and climb in as we prepare to hobble down the cobble stone road once more. A few minutes into the ride and I realize it is no where near as bad as it was on the way here and giggle to myself. I noticed David look to me with curiosity and I can’t just leave him wondering. He might think I’m laughing at him then. I go on to tell him the story of how I even managed to make it to the Kingdom and he looks absolutely horrified at what I had just told him.
“I want to apologize for all of that. You nor anyone should ever have to go through that. And a potato sack over your head? What on earth were they thinking, and taking you in the middle of the night. Oh, my lord. What will you father think of me now?
This is the same man that was so well put together just a few moments ago, well unless you count his explosion at his father. Maybe he had a thing for the dramatics… shoot I’m still here so maybe I do as well?
“Calm down, after we explain everything, even if he hasn’t already put it together, we will tell him what is going on and all will be, okay?”
I can tell we are finally reaching the barrier as I can see my village off in the distance which I’m glad for because have I mentioned I AM STARVING. I know I know; I had food right in front of me… I should have been more aggressive with it and shoved it in my mouth before David could have taken my hand and looked at me.
“Winona…”
“Yes, David…?”
“Nothing. Never mind.”
There was something on David’s mind but he wasn’t sharing and I couldn’t even begin to wonder what it was. We were nearing my village as I saw some of the people fleeing inwards seeing the carriage coming up the pathway to them. I tried to wave that it was over and was just me but I don’t know that it made a difference. Eventually the carriage had stopped, David and myself exited together and went seeking my father immediately.
We soon found him in his home hut with my mother. Things were as they always seemed, she was tending food and he was tending some type of weaponry for the fighters although we hardly ever fight... hence me getting kidnapped. Walking into the hut with David by my side I introduced us.
“Mother, Father… This is David, the Kings son… The man you arrange for me to marry years ago. We would like your side of the story we already have the King’s side of the story. And David was kind enough to see me for a person not a human bargaining chip and wanted to meet you the respectable and honorable way.”
“You must understand… the winter was rough and we were running out of manpower to fight to keep our land so there was a proposition. Your mother was ill at that, they took her back to the castle and nursed her back to health and all was wiped clean between the two families as long as his first-born son has my first-born daughter’s hand in marriage.”
I could see the hurt on my father’s face as he told me the story. He didn’t want to have to admit to making such a deal with someone but I can understand why he did it to begin with. He was in an impossible position and had he not saved my mother I might not have existed at all. What was he to do?
“Don’t worry, your daughter is in good hands. She doesn’t have to marry me but I would rather her and I court one another and see if there is something there which there may very well be with a beautiful as she is and from the stares she was giving me. I am pretty sure she feels some sort of way back towards me and I won’t take no lightly.”
“Well, I am so glad I get a say in this.”
I chuckle and press my shoulder against David’s. It may not be the way either of our parents had wanted it but its on its way to being something, and I think it is more special this way. I smile and look to my mother and then to my father and stand and grab David by his hand.
“Time to show you around.”
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Smirkin
Administrator
RaWr I'm gonna EAT you
Posts: 428
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Winona
Sept 15, 2022 21:13:23 GMT -5
Post by Smirkin on Sept 15, 2022 21:13:23 GMT -5
Chapter 3
Moments and moments go by and we’ve already spent half the day looking about the village and showing David where I had planned on being married off away from the village a little bit. It was the glorious nature made archway, where the vines trickled down with honeysuckle. Which only leaves the hummingbirds to decorate it as they swarm the sweets.
“Isn’t it just beautiful!”
“Absolutely, you know my father would have a fit … will have a fit if we get married down here instead of the in the Kingdom walls.”
“Well, what would the prince say if his future Bride wanted to be married in such a manner?”
He shuffled me up into his arm and swirled me around several times before placing his lips upon mine. Our first kiss!!! I couldn’t believe it… My first kiss. Ooooh there was excitement a foot.
“Wow…”
“Indeed.”
I wrapped my arms around David and clung to him tightly for several moments while I calmed down. I know this is what my parents willed but that is no reason to dismiss the obvious chemistry the two of us have. AND we are adults. Puffs out chest while taking. Then laughs to herself and she does all this leaving David to watch her in confusion as she thinks out all her thoughts. He must think I’m crazy from time to time.
“Vivid imagination I have and sometimes it gets away from me. My mother always told me it was not lady like to have such a thing… an imagination that is.”
“No, I like it. I just wish I could climb inside of your mind and explore the world through your eyes. I’m sure the view is much prettier than through my own.”
I smiled not because I felt like I had to but because I wanted to. I felt like he really got me as we continued on towards archway and playfully hummed music while taking his hand and running under it with him, looking up into the sky orbs he has of eyes.
“Everything about this day once we left the Kingdom has been nothing short of amazing. I’m wondering if it is because we aren’t there or if it is because we are here…”
“It’s amazing because we don’t have my father the King pressuring us to do something upon his will. Or deal, whatever you may call it. We’re free and I’m not holding you to anything but to find happiness. I just so happen to wish the happiness is with me in the short moments that I’ve had with you and your people.”
“How do you do that? Say all the right things and at all the right times?”
“It’s just natural with you.”
With that I gathered myself on my tippy-toes and leaned in to kiss the Prince, David… dare I say my future husband. There was much to be done and the sun was setting fast. We said our farewells to my parents and headed back to the Kingdom. This time with a healthier mindset and ease of travel. I leaned my head on David’s shoulder and smiled as things were going fast but felt so right in the same instance.
I watched the night ground wisp by and felt the coolness of the evening air land upon us as the moon kissed me as per usual. I lifted my head and looked to David and really studied his face while he seemed oblivious to me. He had the profile most men in my village would dream to have, smooth yet prominent in all the right ways. He looked like he could be a stone figure. Or someone a stone figure would be carved of. Ugh, he was just so easy to look at.
“I see you, ya know?”
“See me what?”
Quickly I turned my face to the side back to looking at the surrounds wisp by and try not to laugh as my embarrassment grew. I couldn’t hold it in any longer and a breathy giggle sprouted from my lips.
“I knew it! You were looking at me and trying to play it off huh?”
I giggled a protest and covering his cheek in pecks of kisses. I should have known I would get caught. There was always something about staring at a person that somehow alerted them they were being watched. I smirked and continued watching the elements go by while my hand found his and wrapped around it. His warm strong hand squeezed back and told me all that I needed to know.
We arrived back to the Castle and retreated inside where David then showed me to my room. Of course, we weren’t going to share the same room. What type of woman do you take me for. I smiled and closed my chamber door, and leaned against it, allowing myself to take in the day. For what a day it has been. From being arranged to marry a stranger and prior to that being abducted. To now falling for the man that was set before me on a silver platter, or was I set before him? Either way. My butterflies had grown even more. I quickly changed into the gown set out and climbed into the overgrown bed and lay there with all kinds of thoughts swirling through my head.
“Clank! Clank!”
I began to stir as I heard the knocking at the door. wondering who it could be. I feel like I had just fallen asleep but the light outside the window tells me a different story. I must have been up all-night thinking of David and our future together. I hurried to the door and pried it open a just a bit to stick my head out.
“Good morning. Breakfast is down stairs but the King won’t be joining you as he is on a hunting trip.”
“Thank you very kindly.”
Smiling politely, I bowed my head and shut the door and started towards the closet of the room and began rooting through it for something to wear and lemme tell you there was. Oh, my goodness. There were so many gorgeous dresses I didn’t know which one to wear first. It had slipped my mind that this whole room had been waiting here for me until my birthday. My birthday! I grabbed a dress and quickly changed and tied the backing of it enough to be suitable.
Racing to the chamber door I flung it open and followed the scent of food albeit getting turned around a few times. I had finally arrived to the dining hall where David sat eating something. I have yet to learn the names of the assortments. Nonetheless there he sat with his mouth full of food when I stepped in the room and sternly looked at him.
“I want to be wed on my birthday!”
The look on David’s face did not give me a clear response as he choked on his breakfast biscuit it looked like. I hope that wasn’t too sudden it was only a couple days away and well if it is meant to be then it is so. It has been written in the stars for years… yes man-made stars but I cannot stop the feeling in my gut that I should do this. I twiddled with my fingers while looking at him trying to regain his composure.
“Ahem… cough… Are you sure you want to marry so soon? Not that I’m against it, it’s just I thought were going to court and sniff each other and get used to one another or something along those lines… Oh, the hell with it! We marry in a couple of days as your birthday gift, but where?”
He looked to me doe eyed. Were we to marry here or the archway that I dreamed of getting married at. I know he was going to take the time to talk to his father about doing the nuptials and ceremony at the archway and hadn’t even talked to my father about it because he has his own special ceremony. But certainly, the two would understand if we decide to do things our way, and start our own tradition bringing my village and the Kingdom together.
“We will figure it out… but it will be at the archway.”
“Mother I’m sure will talk to father for me when he comes back from his trip within the week. We just may have to do another ceremony for him to attend.”
“Of course, that would make sense and I wouldn’t deny him of that. It’s just I can’t wait.”
The afternoon and evening were busy. I spoke with my mother and father and David spoke with his mother. All were happily on board as long as we were happy and they understood that it was not to the arrangement they had tried to bestow upon us to begin with. After that was all done and said with then I stayed with my father for ceremonial blessings while David was kept busy with my mother.
“You know I’m proud of you.”
“I know father.”
“No… Winona. I am truly proud of the woman you have matured to be. Not taking the arrangement but given an unfamiliar sensation the path it needs to fester and grow. Trust your gut. It will take you far. The butterflies, listen to them.”
“You know of the butterflies!?”
“I have the butterflies for your mother from the day I met her and still today. They remind me how much she means to me and how she keeps me young.”
“Father, I have the butterflies something awful of David, I feel like they could fall from my mouth I have so many of them. But there is a weight in my gut too…”
“The weights will come and go. They are a way knowing you have something coming up. Or a decision to make. The heavier the weight the bigger the problem. If yours is light, it is probably just nerves.”
“Thank you, father.”
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Smirkin
Administrator
RaWr I'm gonna EAT you
Posts: 428
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Winona
Sept 22, 2022 14:40:13 GMT -5
Post by Smirkin on Sept 22, 2022 14:40:13 GMT -5
Chapter 4
The next morning came early as with any. I wiped away the sleep and opened my eyes to being in home with my parents wondering where David was and soon smiled. He was curled up on the floor respectfully sleeping instead of being in the castle where he could have been soundly sleeping and comfortable.
I could smell food being prepared and cooked as I stretched and gotten out of the bed. All was well. My mother passed me a bowl of food and bread to dip, and hungrily I ate. I smiled as I watched the kids come out of their huts and begin to play and pester one another, remembering when I was to that age.
Soon comes a stumbling David, fighting with the bear hide flaps as he managed his way out of the structure. Once he placed both feet firmly on the ground he smiled and waved ‘hello’ to all. Walking over to me and greeting me with a kiss on the cheek. Only to stir the butterflies more.
“So, have you two decided where you will live once the ceremonies had ended?”
“Uhm… cough… spluggh. N-N-No… I guess we hadn’t thought of that or that far ahead Mother.”
I nearly snorted and sputtered food everywhere and David went white in the cheeks. This is something that we need to discuss it would be silly for me to move all the way to the Kingdom when I’m all settled here.
“The Kingdom, of course. She already has a room and stylist and all to be there for her other than what she has here to bring with her. Right Dear?”
He looked me dead in the eyes as he turned his golden head towards me. I was getting lost in his appearance again and further from the subject and had to stop myself immediately.
“NO!... Well… I mean… I…need some time to think on it. You can’t expect me to leave my forever home, or what has been my forever home up until now and run off with you to the Kingdom.”
“Well, I didn’t quite view it as running off as you put it. I viewed it as taking you royal seat where the mending of two worlds would start. If you stay here and I stay there what is to change?”
“The same to change to if we reversed it. I would rather not fight or argue over such things as this… I see the point of merging to the Kingdom, but I retain my right to return to my village at ANY time.”
“Of course… Do you think I would try to keep you from your family and friends? Do you take me for my father?” he chuckled.
I smiled and tilted my head while I realized we had everyone’s eyes on us and how awkward that was becoming. I finished up my breakfast and began helping my mother clear away dishes.
“He’s right you know… You deserve to be in the Kingdom… That is your rightful spot and has been… no matter how you earned it.”
There was no arguing with my mother, she was a wise woman, far more wise than I could wish to be. I just hope this transfer goes well and the Kingdom holds up its end of the merge and no longer needing the barrier to separate us from one another anymore.
“Yes, mother. You are correct as always, there is no doubting that and anyone to do so would be a fool.”
She giggled as I finished speaking and once, we were done clearing up she shoo’d me off to go find David. He looked like he could have used some help as he was being attacked by several children. But I figure let them play as long as no one was being hurt and the look on his face said he was having fun.
I leaned against a post while he played with the kids and I thought of this silliness with where to live and how my life would be resuming at the Castle. I still don’t know how I feel about this but I guess it be the best for everyone and less arguments that do my head in.
“Okay, okay… that’s enough beating David up,” I chuckled.
Gathering him up from the ground I helped brush the dirt off his pants and shirt, cleaning him up a bit. I stepped back and looked at David and smiled to myself that he was going to be my husband… My Prince Charming… literally.
“Let’s head back to the Kingdom before they send an army out looking for you.”
He laughed and nodded while collecting his jacket from the ground nearby and shaking it clean. We got into the carriage and trotted our way back to the Kingdom where everyone seemed to be excited for us on our way in. David and I looked at each other in confusion and wondered what all the fuss was about.
Once the carriage stopped out front of the Castle, Esmerelda was there to snatch me up and whisk me away from David and the safety I had found. Oh, dear… not this woman again.
“What have I done now?”
“Why nothing Deary. I just have to get you ready for your Wedding though.”
“Wait, what?”
“There is no time to wait… The time is now Dear.”
“I need my family to be with us in the ceremony.”
“Oh dear, they will be there, a carriage is being sent for your parent’s right now on order of the King.”
Esmerelda twirled me around and soon enough I was in the tub, sputtering and trying to ask questions but the harder I tried the more water that was flung my direction.
“Don’t worry, The King has it all figured out,” she chimed.
“That’s… what I’m …grrbbbl… worried about!”
The next phase I hate the most, the dressing. Quickly patting me dry they squeezed me into a tight-fitting dress and a corset underneath to make matters worse. I was handed the fan again and instructed shallow breaths as if I had any other choice. She spun me around and around, had me step into shoes like they would be seen once the gown drops. She then spun me once more, to face the mirror with a proud look on her face, she gripped my shoulders.
“You make a beautiful bride.”
“T-Thank you.”
I looked at myself in the mirror and she was right, the figure before my eyes was gorgeous. I could barely take my eyes away but soon even looking at myself was a pleasure taken away as I was rushed towards the event hall.
Beautiful music played and the room was decorated as if they pulled a dream wedding together overnight. I was walked to the entrance of the hall finding it hard to believe everyone could be here already but with the way Esmerelda works and how meticulous her crew is, it could have been several hours that I was away from the public eye.
“Don’t forget me.”
I could recognize that voice anywhere and almost started crying as I turned around and saw my father in his ceremonial clothing and jewelry. Extending my hand to him.
“I wasn’t sure you would make it.”
“Your mother and I are both here but you know I have to be here to give my daughter away properly.”
I nodded and tried to keep the tears at bay. My father held my hand in both of his and kissed the top before we headed down the aisle and the most elegant music started to play. The music transferred me to the beautiful archway and as I looked down the path to a watery eyed David. They had built a white brush archway with hummingbirds and honeysuckle. Making my knees weak at how much thought went into something so fast.
There were many excited hushed whispers and pointings at my dress and me but nothing malicious. I could see my mother weeping with joy as did his mother. His father beaming with pride and nearly ready to jump from his seat it looked as though. We finally reached the end of the lain carpet and the man in power stepped forth.
“Who gives the young woman away to be wed?”
The whispers and movements and everything came to a halt. You would probably be able to hear a mouse squeak if there was one nearby. My father turned to me and looked me in the eyes and kissed each cheek and then turn to the man in front of us.
“I, Her Father, am proudly giving her away on this day.”
The man motioned me forward to step in front of David as my father found his seat. He began the ceremony with a beautiful blending between my family’s beliefs and his. Truly making me forget all about the other dilemmas such as two weddings when this one, though surprising is just perfect.
We spoke our vows as set by the ceremonial gentlemen and exchanged rings though I giggled because mine was a little loose. Although I suppose that better than too tight. We were soon guided to kiss and as we did, not only were butterflies set loose in my stomach, I opened my eyes to many dozens set loose in the event hall. Fluttering around and landing on people causing “ooohs” and “ahhhs” mixed with laughter.
“Thank you. Thank you for making this happen, I don’t know how you did it in such short time but thank you.”
“Anything for my Princess Winona… and we can still have the wedding down by the archway if you would like.”
“No, this was just perfect.” Kissing him again.
The Kingdom and the Village lived happily on with the barrier removed.
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me tooooo
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