Chapter 36

"Stop moving!" My mother exclaimed as she poked me with another pin.

"Well if you stopped hurting me..."  I respond.

"Don't use that tone of voice with me!"

Both my mother and I are completely stressed out. Today Ashton and I are announcing our engagement. We didn't have enough time to make a new dress, so Anita is letting me borrow hers. Unfortunately, she is bustier and larger around the waist so it doesn't fit me all too well. Hence why my mother is now continuously stabbing me. She insisted on doing it for me.

"There," my mother finally says. "I think you're ready."

The dress is a royal blue with silver lace throughout it. My mother had previously thrown my hair up into a braid and tied it back into a bun.

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door. I open it to find the servant holding a box.

"The prince requested me to give this to you," she says with a curtsy.

Gingerly, I take it out of her hands. She quickly exits the room.

Slowly, I open the box. What I find takes my breath away. Inside is a dainty silver tiara. There are small white jewels embedded and intricately weaved throughout it. It's beautiful. My mother takes it out of my hands and softly places it on my head.

"You're truly beautiful," she whispers.

"Thank you," I breathe back.

I don't like sounding conceited, but I really do look good. The colors and style of everything fits me nicely.

My mother and I head to the throne room where I am to meet up with the prince.

On our way, we run into Samuel.

"Hi Iris!" He says.

Samuel is dressed up nicely like me. He appears to be tugging at his collar.

"Well don't you look nice," I comment.

He rolls his eyes. "This is the most annoying thing ever. I hope Ashton's speech isn't too long."

I laugh at him and tussle his hair.

"Well I have to keep going so that I'm not late."

"Okay! I'll see you later Iris!" And just like that he's off.

The next person I run into is Anita.

"Oh Iris! You look beautiful!" She says as she squeezes me tightly.

"Ouch!" I shout out.

"Sorry!"

"No it's fine. Just a stupid pin."

She laughs and hugs me again, this time much looser.

"Well I hope everything goes well," Anita says with enthusiasm.

"Me too. I'm really nervous," I admit.

"Oh please. If you can't handle this, how on earth will you be queen?"

I laugh and say, "You're right. I guess I just hope that they like me."

"I'm sure they'll love you."

Just then, my mother clears her throat.

"I hate to interrupt, but we really need to keep going," she says.

"Right," I reply.

"You must be Iris's mom! I'm Anita, Ashton's cousin." Anita says.

"It's very nice to meet you," my mother answers politely, but you can tell she wants to keep moving.

"I'll see you later Iris!"

When we get to the throne room, Ashton looks me up and down. I blush under his gaze and give him a smile. He smiles back and walks over to me giving me a big hug. I wince as a pin pokes me and he steps back, a hurt expression crossing his face.

"Did I do something wrong?" He asks.

"No no!" I assure him. "I was stabbed by a pin."

He looks relieved. "Oh good. Are you ready?"

"Not really."

"I'm sure everything will be fine."

We head toward the direction of the courtyard. We're both surrounded by guards. We exit the inside of the castle onto a platform. Immediately, Ashton is bombarded with cheers. They die down though when they see me. I smile and hold my head up.

"Welcome my friends!" Ashton shouts out.

The commoners join together again in cheering. Once they die down, Ashton continues.

"I have invited you here bringing good news. Some or even many of you may know this lady standing next to me. I present to you my fiancé, Iris."

As my name is said, there are a few nods of recognition and gasps. Mostly though, everybody is cheering and clapping.

"Before my father, our beloved king, passed away, he had one wish for me: to get married. He invited girls from all over that he thought would be suitable. Unfortunately, I already had my eyes set on one lady in particular; this lady here. She has been through many hard times with me. When I fall down, she helps me up. If I ever need someone to hug or talk to, she is always there for me. She is bold and beautiful. The one quality that stands out to me is her bravery. Never have I met someone so brave as her. She may not be what my father had envisioned, but I think she's perfect. I would not trade her for anyone or anything. I hope that you see what I see in her. Thank you."

The crowd erupts once more, only this time it's the loudest. Tears threaten to fall from my eyes. His speech was beautiful. I turn towards the loud crowd. I never imagined that someday I'd be here, standing in the presence of so many people that are cheering for us, Ashton and I.

I turn and see Samuel cheering along with everyone. Even Zander is celebrating. Anita looks at me and I notice that she's practically bawling. My mother stands next to her, also crying. Just seeing them makes me want to cry.

Finally, my gaze stops on Ashton. His emerald green eyes are full of love and admiration for me. My gaze is filled with the same emotion. His words still echo throughout my head. I am his love, his fiancé, his companion.

I am his brave one.