3

Chapter Three:

Princess Esme's POV:

I watch out the window of my bed chambers as coach after coach enters through the castle gates, making their way to the front entrance. I pace back and forth nervously as I watch as my ladies exit. Three women my age, a blonde, a ginger and a raven haired woman. They are easily recognized by their red dresses. I watch as they laugh, walking side by side as they make their way inside the castle. The coach pulls away and another takes its place.

The next is my parents.

My parents, King Arthur and Queen Sybil were dragon riders themselves, a skill only a handful of families had nowadays.

At first I am curious as to why they did not arrive on dragonback.

As soon as my eyes catch sight of my mother, I know instantly.

A woman in her early thirties, it was clear she is with child.

I am stunned by this.

She had ten children already.

Although kept quiet, it was possible to avoid such a condition.

Hurt that she hadn't shared this news, I walk away from the window. Turning to look towards the bell, I take a deep breath knowing that as soon as I ring it, everything will change.

Today is, after all, my wedding day.

A knock raps upon my door.

"Come." I say

The door opens and Lady Eleanor enters.

Lady Eleanor enters, curtsying before me.

"The day has arrived, Princess Esme! Are you excited?" She asks

My heart only continues to race away.

I begin to feel faint.

"Of course. What bride doesn't dream of her wedding day?" I reply half heartedly

Lady Eleanor steps closer, her blue eyes scanning my face concerned as she brushes her blonde hair from her eyes.

"What is it?"

"I am feeling quite a mix of emotions if I am to be honest." I tell her not moving from the window

"From what I have seen that is not uncommon."

She takes my hand, gently guiding me away.

I give her a sideways glance.

"They were marrying lords and did not have to rule a kingdom." I remind her

"That is true. Forgive me, I mean no offense. I have known you many years, Princess Esme. I believe with my whole heart that you will be a good Queen."

I smile.

"I am honored to hear you say this."

I begin to pace back and forth again.

"Forgive me, it is just nerves."

"What has you so worried?"

I shake my head.

"My future is so uncertain..."

"As is the life for any royal." Lady Eleanor says gently

I sigh, sitting down on the couch.

Lady Eleanor places a comforting hand upon my upper back.

"What would your mother say?"

I let out another sigh.

"She would tell me to do whatever it takes to secure my power."

"And?"

I give my friend a small smile.

"And my support."

There is another knock upon the door.

We turn to face it.

"Come."

My other ladies, Lady Joan, a red headed beauty with brown eyes and Lady Agnes, a raven haired delight with green eyes enter the room, just as excited as Lady Eleanor had been. We all begin to make small talk discussing the future ceremony as we prepare. My ladies waste no time, Lady Joan gets to work styling my hair while Lady Agnes sets it upon herself to start laying out the luxurious jewels from their chests, laying them upon the table on display for me. The chatter turns to silence when Lady Eleanor brings out the dress. We all stare in awe at the gorgeous outfit.

The black dress is elegant looking, a mixture of soft black fabric, lace and diamonds. The lace cascades down the flowing black fabric like vines. The chest area is aligned with small diamonds, clearly meant to draw attention to my cleavage. I try to pay that no mind, knowing that as a royal, I must display the image of strength, elegance, grace and power. This dress showed this to utter perfection. The dress has a fitted bodice that cinches at the waist before flowing into a full, sweeping skirt. The only item missing, the long train that will be attached right before the ceremony. I will look every bit the Princess I am.

"Have you seen anyone else enter the castle thus far?" I ask the women

"Your parents, of course. They've been off discussing with Xavier's parents all morning, making last minute arrangements." Lady Agnes informs me as she and Lady Eleanor help me step into my dress.

"I wonder what the decor will look like." Lady Joan says joyfully as they carefully slide it up my body.

They pull tight and the dress becomes more snug against my dress. They ask if I can breathe well and they loosen it slightly.

I feel them make minor adjustments every so often as they weave the ribbon into place. I'm relieved my hair is up out of the way already. They tie it in place then walk over to the front, fully taking me in.

"I heard of your late night flight with the Prince. I trust it went well?" Lady Agnes asks

"It went very well. We flew out over the sea and just enjoyed each other's company." I tell her

The door opens again and my ladies curtsy.

I turn to see my beaming parents.

"Thank you for your help. Go ahead to your chambers and ready yourselves." I tell my ladies

They turn to me, curtsying again before exiting.

I take this moment to catch my breath.

Nothing would be the same after this moment.

I open the door.

My sworn knight, Caerel bows respectfully.

"If I may say so, you look every bit a royal, Your Grace."

I smile.

"Thank you, sir."

He gestures for us to make our way.

"Shall we?"

Together we fall in step, he beside me scanning for any sign of danger. The grey castle walls are filled with portraits of the royals who came before. In the stillness, I feel as though if I listen long enough, I can hear their footsteps reverberating through the narrow stone halls. They had walked along these halls, same as I. Turning down the long corridor, past the kitchen, lounge room and a chamber pot room, I gaze out at the view before me.

Black flags hang on the walls, an embroidered two headed snake sewn in with black fabric, the symbol of their kingdom. My own was a red flag with a black raven, the symbol of Eldora.

We stop along the rooms down the stairs from my own. I knock upon two of the doors. As I wait, I take in more of the scenery. Cobwebs cling to corners, swaying gently from the breeze from the open windows inside the castle.

My ladies exit from the rooms, each wearing a red dress.

Their dresses are floor length, flowy with embroidered jewels.

We all embrace, happy.

"Have you any word from my parents?" I ask them

"They await in the throne room." Lady Joan says

"Everything is ready." Lady Agnes says, her green eyes watering.

I wrap her in another hug.

"I'm happy for you. I wish you a prosperous and peaceful life." She says

"I wish the same for you. For all of you."

I feel my breath catch in my chest as we weave our way through the stone halls. Then we take the final right turn and reach the door.

I roll my shoulders back, taking a deep breath and holding my head high. I can hear the commotion behind the door.

Then it opens and a trumpet begins to play.

"Announcing Princess Esme, Princess of the Silvermoor Empire, Daughter of King Arthur and Queen Sybil, Rulers of the Silvermoor Empire." An announcer yells

The sound of violins begin to play.

I look out to see a wonderful display.

Large wooden tables are aligned in the back of the room. The walls are adorned with torches, the kingdom's flag and exquisite tapestries that paints a history of valor, war, love and loss from instances from weddings, to festivals to the first crowning of the royals. High vaulted ceilings soar overhead, adorned with designs.

The group of nobles were  split. The crowd in front of me on either side of the aisle is full of a mix of family and nobles. At the end of the aisle was Prince Xavier and King Ronan. Behind them, an array of hundreds of lit candles. Candles also light the aisle.

Everything was sparkling and glowing.

It was beautiful.

I step forward.

Everything is about to change forever.

I'm a bride today.

A wife tomorrow.

Someday a Queen.

Someday a Mother.

As I make my way down the aisle, a vision of a future flows through my mind. An image of myself, pregnant walking through a field of flowers alongside Prince Xavier.

I continue moving closer.

Everyone bows their head as I pass.

A sign of respect to the bride.

I see the two of us running after a young child through the castle in a game of chase.

The two of us on horseback together.

Dancing at court.

I stand before Prince Xavier.

He smiles as I curtsy.

I smile back, feeling my nerves melt away.

Then I move to stand across from him.

"It is my honor to bring us all here today in the royal ceremony between Princess Esme and Prince Xavier. This Union will strengthen the alliance between the Silvermoor Empire and the Valgo Isles. Long may they reign!" King Ronan says addressing everyone

Then, turning his attention to just myself and his son, he begins the ceremony. He tells his son it is his turn to exchange his vows.

Prince Xavier faces me, eyes bright as he repeats the words on his page of parchment he pulled moments ago from his pocket.

"In the presence of our families and the noble families of the court, I, Prince Xavier, pledge my heart and sword to you, Princess Esme, on this blessed day. I solemnly promise to protect and honor you for all eternity. I vow to be your shield, defending you from all harm that may come your way." Prince Xavier vows

I smile, my stomach still knotted as I try to breathe.

He's a kind man.

Everything will be alright.

He's vowed to protect me.

He will.

Of course he will.

I turn around to Lady Agnes who hands me my own paper.

"In the presence of our family and the noble families of the court, I, Princess Esme stand before you, Prince Xavier, pledging my undying devotion. As we embark on this magnificent journey intertwined in the tapestry of time, I promise to honor and cherish you, my gallant prince, with every breath I take."

"I now give you Prince Xavier, future King of the Valgo Isles and Princess Esme, your future Queen! May they keep the bond between us strong for decades to come! Long may they reign!" King Ronan decrees

"Long may they reign!" The crowd chants in agreement

I turn back to Prince Xavier.

He too looks out at the crowd, no doubt envisioning his own future. Taking my hand in his own, we make our way down the aisle as the onlookers bow their heads again.

Everyone makes their way from the throne room down the hall to the massive dining hall. Music begins to play as we enter. The people in attendance break off, either moving towards the dance floor or the tables. People begin to pair off and dance. Others talk in groups or individually. I look around but do not see any of my ladies. Following his lead, we make our way to our own tables beside the King and Queen. Servants of the castle begin to make their way out of the kitchen carrying plates and trays of food, setting them down on the table, bowing and disappearing again. Others make their way over carrying pitchers filling the cups.

Perhaps peace will be restored between our kingdoms after all.