To Love A Princess

Chapter Twenty

Isabelle’s Point Of View

I felt more than relieved after I got everything off of my chest. I didn’t realize how much I’d been holding in until now, and I still felt as if there was so much more to say. But what else could I possibly say? That since I feel so alone, it makes me want to run away and never come back?  Or that I wish that I was born as a commoner? Either way, I’d still have problems. My problems wouldn’t necessarily shrink or disappear, but I wouldn’t have to deal with these kinds of issues. 

“Are you okay?” Damen asked, pulling me out my thoughts. 

“Yeah I’m fine,” I lied. 

“Isabelle what’s wrong?” he asked, this time stopping in his tracks. 

“Damen I said it’s nothing, really,” I responded. “Come one because you still have to write your vows and I don’t want to be the reason why they’re not done in time.”

He groaned. “Can’t you just write them for me?”

“No.”

“You’re no fun.” 

“I’d beg to differ.” 

“Sure you would.” 

“Can you just go write already?” 

“Dang Isabelle you’re really kicking me to the curb like that?” 

“I’m just saying you need to go write your vows. I said some nice things about you so I expect the same.” 

“Alright alright I’ll do it. Don’t have to be so mean.” 

I rolled my eyes and led him to the stables, where he had his horse in one of the stalls. When we had walked out, we hadn’t realized how much time had actually passed and it was dark outside. The stables had a couple of lanterns for the horses and I turned them on, relieving the stable boy of his only job for the night. I watched as he got the horse and led it out into the open, then climbed on. 

“Don’t bring your butt back over. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” I told him only half jokingly. 

He chuckled. “I guess I’ll just see you at the altar if that’s the case.” 

“Yeah, I guess so. I can’t wait to see you looking like an actual person for once.”

“And I can’t wait to see you dressed up for once.”

“I feel like the engagement party was enough.”

“You’re wrong. You should dress up more often. I think big ballgowns and everything really suits you.”

“Are you really trying to tell me how I should dress?” 

He went quiet. I placed my hand on my hip waiting for a response. “Well?” 

He scratched the back of his neck. “I’ll see you at the altar.”

With that being said, he pulled on the reins and took off. I shook my head and made my way back inside. In less than three days, Damen and I would be married if things go horribly wrong with Olivia. I have a plan for Saturday, and it’s a pretty solid plan. Despite the fact that complications can get in the way to make the plans go off course, I’m hoping that they don’t. I just hope that my dad understands that I have to do what I have to do in order to be happy like he was with mom…  

********

I walked down the aisle and immediately spotted Olivia standing opposite to Damen. She wore this dusty rose dress that had a short train, but still could easily be stepped on if people weren't watching where they walked. The sleeves reached her wrists and they were made of satin, with a second layer that was made of lace. Her hair was styled into a neat bun that had glitter all over it. She held a bouquet of white roses that was smaller than mine, and her eyes were on me. Everyone else's attention was on me, but only hers mattered because I only had eyes for her. 

The musician played the traditional "Here Comes The Bride" song on the piano as I walked, and then faded out as I approached the steps. My father right by my side, helping me up the stairs and then kissing my forehead, handing me off to Damen. My dad shed a tear but wiped it away, trying to put on an act to make it seem like he doesn't cry. And despite the fact that this is an arranged marriage, I think every father will cry when it comes to handing their daughter to the man she's supposed to marry. 

Damen took my hand from my father's, as I gave Olivia my flowers, feeling confident that my plan would work. Damen looked at me and smiled, and I smiled back in response. The music stopped and everyone took their seats. 

"Dearly beloved," the priest began. "We are gathered here today to witness a marriage between our beloved Princess Isabelle Vivian Reynolds, and Prince Damen Fitzpatrick Wentworth. Now it is from my understanding that the couple has written their own vows. So Princess Isabelle, you may proceed."

I let out a shaky breath and squeezed his hands a little bit. "Damen, you and I have been through a lot together and separately. And I can't imagine going through anything else without you by my side. I want you to know that from now on, your burdens are my burdens. As your wife, I promise to love you forever, until death do us part." 

"Damen," the priest said. 

"Isabelle, I promise to be there for you, and be whatever it is you need me to be. A shoulder to cry on, a best friend, a protector, a lover, and everything under the sun. I promise to wipe your tears and make you smile right after, to love you on your good days, and love you more on your bad days. I promise that my love for you will never fade and that I will remain true to you. Always and forever." 

"If anyone can find any reason as to why these two shouldn't be married, speak now or forever hold your peace." 

No one said anthing. I silently prayed that Olivia would say something, but she didn't. My heart dropped and I knew this was it. I no longer have a chance in winning her over. 

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." 

Damen wrapped his arms around my waist and dipped me, placing a soft kiss on my lips. The crowd clapped and cheered and I felt him pull me close to him. 

"I meant what I said," he whispered in my ear. "I do love you and I really want to be with you. And now I am. I'm so happy to call you my wife."

I jumped up, panting, searching the room to see if what had just happened was real. My heart was racing and once I realized it was just a dream, my nerves began to settle. I wasn't sure what caused that dream, no, not a dream. A nightmare. Damen and I are on the same page about this whole thing. We have a plan that can't fail. I looked over to the window and saw the sun begin to rise, giving off some sort of light in the room. The candles had burned out hours ago. I placed a hand over my heart and felt it beating rapidly. It wasn't real. Just a nightmare. I took a few deep breaths in and out, until I felt a little better. An exhausted sigh escaped from my lips, as a sudden realization hit me. The sunrise means it's a new day. And a new day means the wedding is coming quickly. Now, there's only two days left...