A collaborative effort
949 Words
I had no idea how, but Zinnia had gotten Marquis and Frederick to agree to a collaboration. It was a feat in itself. However, while Zinnia saw her plan coming to fruition I could only see hours of bickering I'd have to deal with.
From petty things like which shade of green to use, to complex things like whether the accents should be embroidered or made of lace.
I swore the two couldn't agree on anything, and I often had to intervene to ensure we made even an ounce of progress.
And that was just about the bridesmaid's dresses, the wedding dress was an even bigger argument. One wanted to do traditional white, and the other didn't. One wants a long veil, the other short. One a long fancy train, the other a tiara.
It was enough to drive any person to drink.
And enough to give the famously composed Lady in waiting, me, a migraine.
As I stood in a magnificent garden, I found myself pouting. The garden was full of beautiful flowers such as roses, lilies, petunias, and daffodils, blooming in a vibrant array of colors. Songbirds, hummingbirds, and butterflies fluttered around gracefully. It should have been a relaxing and refreshing experience, but unfortunately, two royal designers were causing a commotion.
"I think the theme should be pastel pink," said Francois.
"No, yellow!" argued Marquis.
"Why yellow?" questioned Francois. "Do you want the bridesmaids to look like bumblebees?"
"No," replied Marquis. "I want them to wear a sunny yellow, like the beautiful sunlight that gives Bellavue's plants life!"
I couldn't understand why these two had to come with us to the wedding venue, but apparently, it would help with their inspiration. So here I was, forced to witness their petty rivalry once again.
As the designers continued to argue, I tried to distance myself from them.
I turned my head to a blue baby's breath growing in a nearby flowerbed, tilting my head as if I were interested in it. I shuffled to the side, farther away from them, hoping they would get the hint and leave me alone. I stared at the little blossom until the conversation was faintly behind me before heading toward the princess to join in an interaction that had to be more enjoyable than being stuck with Francois and Marquis.
"Ah, Zinnia, are you finalizing the menu? I hope there's dessert," I joked as I came into range.
She beamed at me happily as if I had joined at just the right time. "I was just trying to find a replacement for my first choice, as it seems mango won't be in season to serve mango sherbet. But serving any type of cake when there's already cake seems uninspired."
I hummed to myself as I thought. I loved desserts, as Princess Zinnia knew, and if anyone had ideas for sugary snacks, it would be me.
I'd close my eyes for a moment, in silent inquisition. What type of desserts went with an outside wedding? Smoothies would be too messy, ice cream just seemed like a scapegoat for the sorbet" I sighed before shrugging "Maybe creampuffs or creme brulee?" I responded haphazardly, still trying to come up with a more interesting decision.
As I spoke to her, she tilted her head slightly and looked at me with curiosity. When I mentioned the phrase "cream puffs", her eyes lit up with excitement and she leaned in, eager to hear more. Her expression was one of interest and intrigue, as if she was already imagining the delicious pastries in her mind. "Tell me more," she said with a smile, her anticipation growing with each passing.
I'd shift in my spot, not expecting her to take my first suggestion so seriously.
"Well, we could take a twist on traditional cream puffs but using flavored creams. Light flavors accompany the airy pastry of the puff. Like honey lavender, strawberry and cream, lemon ricotta, and vanilla green tea. I also think those flavors would empathize the joining of our horticultural kingdom with Xantus's agricultural kingdom"
I honestly had just rambled, thinking up something on the spot. Although it wasn't hard, creampuffs were one of my favorite desserts. And while I felt bad for pretty much daydreaming of exotic flavors of my favorite food, Zinnia looked absolutely inspired. She gasped happily before clasping my hands in hers. "Oh Jiya, my beautiful Jiya! That's amazing, you possibly just saved my life." She'd planted a soft kiss on my forehead before releasing me to nod to the caterer "Please go ahead with Jiya 's suggestion. Other than that we'll proceed with the previously agreed menu"
I'd watch the caterer scribble down the details before walking away, and once they were out of earshot I'd murmur to the princess. "Are you sure that's okay? I was just making stuff up, you don't have to use that idea for your wedding"
Zinnia however would just smile gently "I love it when you make things up. Besides, you're my lady in waiting. I'm allowed to indulge you with a cream puff buffet if that's what I please"
I'd chuckle and gently push her away from me. "You're a horrible influence! You know how I get around creampuffs"
To which she'd just grin "Maybe it's all part of my plan to make sure you don't run away before the reception~"
The rest of the visit to the venue seemed peaceful after that. Marquis and Frederick seemed to pinpoint a muse. Zinnia had finished her arrangements, and I finally got to enjoy nature and birdsong.
It may have started troublesome but we all went home in good spirits and less panicked about the ever-approaching Royal wedding.
- Writer
