Renisannce Romance

Wedding

    The time came for Saphirra's wedding day.  She looked at herself in the long mirror.  Her maids were buttoning the back of her dress that was all white buttons and lace.  The front of her dress came up to her neck with sheer fabric and a v neck.  The dress was lace and rhinestones from top the bottom.  It hugged her waist and showed her figure before flaring out at the bottom.  The train would be long enough to cover the entire aisle in the church when she walked.  

    Her curls were pulled halfway up with braids and twists holding it.  They placed rhinestone clips in her hair to hold it together.  She wore diamond earrings and a diamond bracelet.  her cheeks were tinted with pink blush and her eyes had silver makeup making them look wider.  They ran a light pink over her lips as she stepped into her shoes.  They were white heels with lace covering them.  

    Claire carried over a crown with blue sapphires in it to place on her head.  She smiled as her eyes met the Princess.  She stepped back to admire her work and began to cry.  "You look so beautiful Your Highness.  There couldn't be a more lovely bride than yourself." Avianna and the Queen looked on with tears in both their eyes.  "It's going to be such a beautiful wedding.  The sun is shining and the kingdom is full of excitement.  Everyone cannot wait for the ceremony.  We will give you some time to yourself."

    They smiled as they left the room.  She looked in the mirror and frowned at her reflection before hearing a knock on her door.  She opened it, but no one was there.  She heard the knock again and turned around to see Rhett on her balcony.  He walked in holding a bouquet of flowers with pearls all over them.  "Every bride needs a bouquet on her wedding day."  She smiled and thanked him.  "What brings you here?"  "I just wanted to see you and make sure you were alright.  You look breathtaking."  She blushed, "I am almost a married lady I suppose."  The look she gave him was one of longing and almost begging him to take her away with him.

    "I wanted to ask you, why are you getting married now?  I thought you didn't want to have your wedding until the winter months?"  She thought about if she should tell him the truth about the baby, but decided against it.  "I just was ready to get married and Christopher's mother is quite ill, she wanted to be here for this."  He nodded in understanding, "I wanted to be the first to tell you that I'm getting married as well to Twilia.  She has really been there for me during my time of need, I think she'll make an excellent wife,' he said trying to convince himself.  "Oh, that is wonderful.  You two will be very happy together I am certain."  

    There was a knock at the door, "Princess, it's time," Alexander called.  "I'll see you out there Princess."  Rhett placed a lingering kiss on her forehead before she looked into his eyes and kissed him one last time.  Their arms wrapped around each other's bodies as they passionately melted into one another.  He pulled back and smiled, "Goodbye Love."  He turned to walk away, "Oh and Rhett? You look very handsome in your uniform."  He nodded before disappearing off of the balcony.

    She took a deep breath, this was it, time to follow through with her commitments.

*****

    Saphirra stood outside of the cathedral doors and waited for the music to start.  She paced in a small circle as she waited and her father walked up.  "Are you ready my dear?"  "I suppose I am Father."  "What troubles you darling?  I can see in your eyes something is not right."  She sighed, "Father we know that sometimes our duty and doing what is right requires sacrifice.  Sometimes that sacrifice changes us, but we have to do it regardless."  "You are wise beyond your years darling, you will make a wonderful queen.  I know you do not desire all of this and I wish I could advise you to run and follow your heart, however your mother would not allow it," he chuckled.  "He will be a wonderful husband and love you endlessly and I suppose that's all I can ask as a father for someone who adores my little girl."  She smiled and kissed his cheek as the guards knocked on the door telling them it was time to open. She smiled as the double doors opened to the large church and took in the crowd smiling at her.

    She walked down the aisle slowly nodding at each guest as she walked by.  She got to the third row from the front when she saw Rhett and Twilia smiling at her.  Both of their smiles look forced as if something was behind them.  She found her feet stopping completely before her father nudged her to keep going.  It was barely noticeable, but Twilia and Rhett both saw it as well as his father.  Rhett's smiled dropped from his face as she walked on and her hand was placed in Christopher's.

    Christopher wore an all white uniform with gold buttons and gold detail.  He smiled brightly as he walked her up the stairs to the priest.  She looked up at her mother and sister.  Her sister smiled, but did not look pleased while her mother beamed with pride.  The priest motioned for everyone to be seated and began his speech.

    They spoke their vows and the priest announced it was time to kiss the bride.  He cupped her face and pulled her to him as they kissed.  "I now present to you, The future King and Queen of Alinthi, Prince Christopher and Princess Saphirra, husband and wife."  The crowd erupted into cheers as they walked back down the aisle.  She didn't meet Rhett's eyes as she walked.  Twillia looked at her with pity as she politely clapped and Rhett did not move.  He felt emptiness and pain all at once.  This was it, she was married, she was no longer his.