Chapter 248

The car ride to the palace was quiet. Pearl had tried to explain herself back at the hotel and Erik said he understood but she could tell he was still shook up about it. She thought she knew how much he loved her, but didn't fully understand his care for her until she saw the fear come over him when confronted with the thought losing her.

"Erik. I love you." She said.

"I know. I love you, too." He said, but it sounded wounded.

"Hello Erik. We expected you back last night. I hope we everything is alright." Edward said as they walked into the massive living room in his parents quarters.

"Yes fine." Erik said, curtly.

"Ok. Well then. Let's get started on the wedding." Frances said.

"Actually mother, we... " Erik began.

"It's fine. Let's." Pearl interrupted.

Erik looked at her to make sure that she was sure. Pearl nodded.

"Ok. Let's see if this answers what you asked at breakfast the other day. Yes, I'd prefer to arrive in a car. The carriage is fine for our parade after. My father will not be walking me down the aisle. I'm not inviting my parents. The only flowers I would like are white lilies and cream and blush and pink roses, and a sprig of myrtle, of course, for tradition. Since my ring is ruby I would like red ribbons and red accents wherever possible. I look forward to seeing the tiara you would like me to wear. I have my dress and the girls have theirs. The cake flavors have been chosen and the style of cake doesn't matter. Whomever you decide to invite will be lovely. I am flying in my own stylist who will be living in London with us after the wedding. I am looking for an apartment for him this week, as will as one for Iris and Blake when they come into town. I just want to marry your son. I don't care about the details at all, those are for you and the people of this country and the world, although I appreciate all of your effort to make the day lovely." Pearl said, all at once. Frances and Edward looked a bit stunned and Erik smiled but looked guilty, she knew he felt bad for all of this.

"And any other preparations I trust completely to you. Just tell me what you need of me and I will do it and be there." She said.

Frances nodded. "Ok. That is good to know. Thank you, Pearl."

"You're welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am tired." She said, bowing and leaving for her bedroom at the castle. Erik watched her go and put his head down.

"What's going on, son?" Edward asked.

"Nothing father. Has Sebastian returned to the palace?" Erik asked.

"Yes. He is in the study with your brother." He said.

Erik bowed and took his leave.

**********************

"Erik. Everything alright?" Sebastian asked as Erik walked into the study and poured himself a drink.

"No, cousin it is not." Erik said.

"Is it Pearl?" Auggie asked.

"Yes." Erik said, hesitating to elaborate.

"So she told you." Sebastian said, standing up and walking to pour himself a drink as well.

"What do you mean?" Erik asked.

"About her apprehension... About the wedding." Sebastian said.

"Yes. How do you know about it?" Erik asked, defensively.

"She told me. In the garden the other day. I'm glad to see she took my advice." Sebastian said.

"She confided in you? About marrying me? And what advice did you give her?" Erik asked, becoming more defensive.

"Yes. She confided in me. I know you don't want to hear this but she and I went through something together that created a bond of trust. And I don't believe anything will ever break that, cousin. It is something you know and support. You said so yourself." Sebastian said, taking a drink of his bourbon and smiling.

Erik didn't like his tone.

"And I advised her to tell you about her fears. That if I were you, I would want to know." He said.

"Pearl is having fears about the wedding?" Auggie asked.

"Yes, little cousin. She is." Sebastian said.

"Is she backing out?" Auggie asked.

"Not yet." Sebastian said. "It's all going to depend on how your big brother here decides to handle it."

Erik clenched his jaw and finished his bourbon, pouring another.

"And how else am I supposed to handle it? I am the heir apparent. I have to have this wedding, the way it is supposed to be. I can't have a normal wedding. It's just not how things go for someone in my position." Erik said.

"I disagree. And I'll give you some examples." Sebastian said.

Erik and Auggie both looked at him.

"Edward the fourth and Eleanor Boteler, Mary Fitzherbert and George, prince of Wales. Henry the eighth and Anne Boleyn." Sebastian said. "Shall I continue?" He asked.

"No. What is your point?" Erik said.

"If Pearl were mine, I would want to make our union something special, just for us. Peal isn't just any woman. And she isn't British. She isn't groomed for this. She doesn't care about any of it. She is willing to give you this wedding because it is what is necessary. Why not give her a wedding because it isn't?" Sebastian explained, sitting back down.

"What, like take her away to some Scottish church in the middle of nowhere and marry her secretly, in private, before the actual wedding?" Erik said.

"That is precisely what I am saying. And also, what told her I would do, if I were you. But I'm not." Sebastian said.

"Erik, it's not a bad idea. It's quite romantic, actually." Auggie said. "You will have something sacred and private, just for you both. And the big wedding can be for all the people."

"Her ex did something like that. She won't trust me." Erik said.

"She will trust all of us, though. We can help." Auggie said.

"Indeed, cousin." Sebastian said.

Erik took a moment and thought about it.

"You're right. This is exactly what she deserves. And should have. Let's make the arrangements." Erik said.

Auggie and Bash nodded and Erik smiled. He was going to give her the only gift he truly could. Himself.