The Two of Us

The Wedding

Alice closed her eyes. Today was the day.

This morning, she struggled to leave her room without a tear-stained face. She had to be strong for the next five hours. The next two hours was going to be all about congratulating, dancing, drinking and feasting.

Edmund was standing beside her, his hand squeezing hers. He wanted to know that he was there for her. He knew it was going to be tough for Alice, and there was nothing he could do.

Peter was standing at the front of the hall, a priest standing beside him. He looked tired, almost like he was going to collapse any moment. He gave away the appearance of a greedy, money-hungry King. Alice couldn't look at him. He didn't look disgustingㅡ all the memories she shared with him just kept coming back.

The music started playing. Alice held her breath. Elizabeth walked into the room, a number of people gasping at the beauty of her dress. Alice couldn't help but stare. It was trueㅡ the dress did look beautiful.

Elizabeth walked down the aisle slowly, the flower girls tossing petals as they strode down the aisle. Alice let out a heavy breath. Edmund's grip on her hand tightened. He whispered words of encouragement to her every now and then. He was worried she'd break into tears after a second.

The ceremony went on. Alice tried to distract herself from thinking and feeling too much during the wedding. It was long and painful for her, but she knew that the ceremony wouldn't last forever.

After a painful hour, it was finally over. Everyone was cheering, shouting a congratulations. Alice felt happy for Elizabeth. She seemed love Peter a lot. She was grateful that Peter did marry a great woman, not a terrible one. Although, Alice did feel replaced.

Alice finally found Susan after the ceremony. Susan pulled her into a tight hug. Neither of them said a thing.

"I wish there was something I could do, Alice. I really do."

Alice smiled slightly. "Well, I guess it's up to me to find myself a husband. It's been hard, going through this, but I need to keep moving forward, don't I?"

Susan could only smile, encouraging her. "Of course. You'll have the advantage today. There are many royals around here for the ceremony."

The two girls laughed.

"You're beautiful, Alice. You'll find your man in no time."

Alice sighed. She had only been joking when she said this to Susan, but her friend seemed to be completely serious. Perhaps it were the right time to find a husband. Perhaps now was the right time to move on from Peter.

* * *

The celebrations went on. Peter was nowhere to be found, but Alice did not let that bother her. Just as she told Susan, she went around to mingle with other royals.

She spoke to many Kings, who were both single and very wealthy. Susan was rightㅡ Alice was indeed beautiful, and has attracted quite a lot of the Kings, but she wanted to find someone she could fall in love with. Like she did with Peter.

It was four hours after the wedding ceremony when Alice had left the ballroom to catch a breath outside in the Castle Garden. She rested her elbows on the parapet, gazing up at the stars. They were beautiful. She stood up straight when she noticed a figure appear by her side.

"What's a pretty lady doing alone at a time like this? You're missing out on the party happening inside."

The man's voice was creepy, and made Alice feel uncomfortable. "I needed some air, that's all." She kept her responses short but clear, hoping her conversation with this man would soon come to an end.

Alice shrieked when she felt the man place his hands on her waist. He held her closer, as she struggled to free herself.

"Get your hands off me!"

"I don't think the lady enjoys your company, unfortunately."

An unfamiliar voice called out from behind the two of them. The man didn't stop trying to make Alice feel uncomfortable. The stranger stepped into the situation, grabbing the man by the arms, pulling him away from Alice. "I am King Charles of Terusia. I wouldn't try anything, if I were you. Before you run off, though, I believe the lady deserves an apology."

Alice spun around to see the man who had saved her. He was, indeed, handsome. He had dark hair, but eyes as blue as the sky on a clear summer's day.

The pervert quickly bowed to Alice, muttering a 'sorry'. He ran off before anything else could happen.

Alice turned to her hero. "Thank you."

He smiled, his bright eyes glistening in the moonlight. "It's no problem. Are you alright?"

Alice nodded. "I am now, thanks to you."

"Maybe you should get back inside, where it's bright and much more safe." He smiled, gesturing towards the entrance, as Alice smiled before walking back into the ballroom.

The pair parted ways shortly, but there was something about this man that made Alice feel like she wanted to see him again. His eyes. His smile. The calm, gentle tone in his voice that made her feel like she was safe. He reminded her of Peter.