Chapter 12: Chapter 12

It was a neighbor's wedding. The first and only wedding I'd been to. It was simple and emotional. The decor was quite elegant. The event took place in their small backyard. I remember the exchanges that were made and how I'd always imagined mine. Mine would be simple too with the man I love. Maybe a little extravagance, there would be lots of food and laughter. A perfect little ceremony just like my neighbors'.

However, that would not be the case for me. Ever.

I let my eyes dance over my wedding dress dressed on a mannequin. It was of white satin with a deep flounce of honiton lace. The train woven in silver and white brocade was embroidered with roses and thistles, a small lace veil fastened with a diamond rose of York. It is very beautiful. My perfect size.

Tomorrow, I would be married. The thought frightened me. I was not ready. I always thought I would be a great person before thinking of marriage. I've barely finished high school.

I tore my gaze from the dress and peered out the window. If only I could fly away from it all. Sighing, I noticed the garden of flowers and saw a moving figure bent over them. Who was that? The figure raised his head.. err her head. She looked old. Who could that be?

I left my room and went outside.

"Excuse me?" I call out but she doesn't hear. I move closer and crouch "Hello?"

"Hello dear." She looked at me with unusual blue eyes. I knew her from somewhere but where? She held a trowel and a vase. A watering can was at her side.

"Do you need help? I garden too."

"Of course the insides need the beauty of these flowers. What's the use of making only the outer parts beautiful if the insides are dull of colours?"

"That's very true. My mother always says you gotta clean inside out. Same goes for beautifying."

"Your mother is a very wise woman."

I assisted​ her with the flowers pruning and watering them.

"Your dress is stained with mud. I am so sorry."

"Oh don't be. I hate the dress anyway. So stuffy. A little mud doesn't kill. Gardening is fun."

She chuckled and pat my cheek. "You are going to change this palace. My husband chose right."

"What-?"

"Annabelle!" I groaned. Her voice is already so familiar to me. I bet I can hear it over a stampede.

I whirled and bowed to the Queen. When I raised my head, I watched her approach with the lovely Prince. Mark the sarcasm.

"Where have you been? Why is your dress stained with mud? Aren't you-?" She paused her rant taking notice of the granny beside me. She bowed in courtesy, so did the Prince.

Wait, what-?! Is she bowing to me or granny here?

"Grandmother Penelope," He said.

Wait what-?!

"I am disappointed in you, Nolan.  You haven't come to see me in a week."

What-? What is going on?

"Dowager, what are you doing out here?" The queen asked eyeing me.

What did I do? What the hell was going on?

"Just doing a little gardening when our future crown princess showed up. I approve of her. A girl that can get down and dirty is to my taste." To me, "We'll be seeing a lot more of each other soon." Scathing a tune, she took the potted vase away.

Did I just pass an unspoken test?

The queen and Crown Prince exchanged a look.

"Come with me," The Queen said going back up to my chambers.

Wish I had magical powers.

Later in my bedroom alone, I sat at the vanity table. It was very quiet and all that could be heard was my own voice.

Memorizing my speech for the wedding, I wound my hair up.

"And-" and I've forgotten.. again. The wedding was going to be a disaster. I couldn't even remember my lines.

"Ugh." I held my head in my hands, sighed in frustration and got to my feet. The smirking face of Nolan came into view terrifying me.

"Ah!" I fell flat on my butt. There he was, still smiling. How long had he been there? What was he doing here? When did he come in?

"What is wrong with you?" I got up from the floor and wiped my butt.

"You should quit what you are trying to do."

"Speak English." I sat back down eyeing him warily.

"Impressing the dowager."

"I didn't even know she was your grandma."

"Of course you didn't." He rolled his eyes.

"What do you want from me?"

"If you want to be a princess, be clean and presentable."

"Your granny didn't complain."

"But I am. You are going to be my wife and you have to do what I say."

"And if I say no?"

"You won't want to say no."

"You ain't my mother. You don't tell me what to do."

"We shall see," He walked to the door.

"Oh, and next time knock."

"You don't tell me what to do." He left without closing the door behind him.

Did he just use my words against me? Not cool.

I lifted myself from the chair and locked the door.

I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth spilling profanities. The queen would be enraged if she heard me now but I'm past caring.

Someone knock on my door. What is it this time?

Toothbrush in hand, I opened​ the door scowling.

"Hey, Anna."

Everything else felt a million miles away. I didn't even hear my toothbrush crash to the floor. Everything in me was fixated at him.

"Henry."