Chapter 4: Wedding Day
It had been six weeks since Adam's coronation. Now that he was king there were many more duties to take on. Trade agreements needed to be worked out, public appearances needed to be made in the small towns that surrounded the kingdom, and the wedding was coming up fast.
Adam was currently sitting in front of the fireplace. The fire was nearly gone, but it provided just enough light to see the haunting shadows in the room. It was nearly two in the morning. No one knew he was awake. He had snuck downstairs quietly after all the staff had turned in. He was just staring into the dying fire thinking about all the things he needed to do. Sleepless nights were not new to him; he just hadn't had them since he was the beast.
The wedding was to be in five days and Adam was worried about Belle. Once she was his wife, she would have her own coronation to become queen. She had been studying with Cogsworth nearly as much as he had and they hadn't seen much of each other. She kept on a brave face, but he could see behind her eyes, the fear and hesitation she felt.
Adam sighed and rubbed his hands over his face. Another matter weighed on his mind; their wedding night. He had no clue what to do, how to please Belle. He had read through plenty of books in his own library, even finding one about the anatomy of the human body. Looking at the sketches of the female genitals had just confused him more. He was too embarrassed to seek out help from any of the older staff. He almost spoke to Mrs. Potts, but chickened out at the last minute. Adam knew she would never judge him, but he was too proud to ask for help.
"What am I going to do?" he muttered to himself.
"Master?" the unmistakable voice of his mâitre'd came from the entrance of the room.
Adam peered around the chair and saw the tall man standing near the shelf by the doors. "I thought you were asleep, Your Majesty," he said with a bow.
"I can't sleep," Adam replied.
"Are you worried about the Mademoiselle?" he asked stepping closer.
Adam thought for a moment. This man had been known to chase after every female member of the staff for years, even after he had been transformed into a candelabra. It was now or never, he said mentally. "Yes, in a way."
"Would you like to talk about it?" Lumière asked tentatively.
"I would," Adam said.
The servant walked to stand in front of the chair. It was hard to his face in the dim light of the room, but Adam preferred it this way. His embarrassment was not as evident now.
"I am nervous about my wedding night," he said. "I know nothing in the way of women, but I have read that the first time for a woman can be quite painful. I do not wish to hurt her in any way."
Lumière was silent for a moment. He cleared his throat, "I see, Master. Well, I have been with a few women to say the least, and I have found that they must be stroked just the right way for them to enjoy the moment as well."
"What do you mean?" Adam asked curious and relieved the man had agreed to help him.
"Ah, well, you see," Lumière stumbled over his words. "A woman must be warmed up, shall we say, before the love making may occur. Stroking her skin, will allow her to calm and for her to trust you. Her breast is a sensitive part of the body and will most likely bring her pleasure if touched delicately, or kissed. Kissing her not just on her lips but on her neck and anywhere else you see fit. Really, once you begin, your instincts will lead you. And above all else, her womanhood must be touched last. Too soon, may turn her off or make her uncomfortable."
How will I know if it is too soon?" Adam asked feeling heated.
"She will let you know, either telling you in words or body language. If she does not speak, but is panting or making small sounds and her body is heated, that is the right time."
"And the act of lovemaking? How do I make sure I do not hurt Belle?"
"That, I am afraid, cannot be helped," Lumière said shaking his head. "A woman's first time will be painful but the best you can do is turn her body on enough to make the pleasure outweigh the pain."
"Thank you, Lumière," Adam smiled but he knew his servant probably couldn't see it.
"Of course, Sir," he said. "Do you need anything else?"
"No, no," Adam waved him off. He stood and stretched before leaving the sitting room and heading back to his chamber. He fell asleep fairly quickly, although he had been a little hot and bothered.
xxXxx
It was two days before the wedding. Belle was having her final fitting with Joanne. The stout woman hurried around her in circles placing pins in random spots, lifting her skirts, and turning Belle the way she wanted her to stand. Finally, Joanne stepped back. She looked her over for a moment and then nodded.
"Yes, that will do just fine," she smiled at her work. "I'll help you get out of the dress so I can make the final alterations."
"All right," Belle said as Joanne began to unlace the back of the dress. It took nearly ten minutes to completely loosen the dress enough, shimmy out of the extra underskirts, undo the corset and change into her day dress. Belle gave a sigh of relief when the fitting was complete and took a seat on the settee.
"Everything all right, Dear?" Joanne asked as she placed the champagne colored wedding gown over the mannequin.
"Yes," Belle answered. "It's just so overwhelming."
"I can take a few petticoats out if you like," Joanne said.
"No, no, the dress is perfect," Belle smiled. "It's everything else." She shook her head lightly. "How many people will be attending the wedding?"
"Over three hundred, I believe," Joanne answered as she got to work on the dress.
Belle groaned, "Will there always be so many eyes prying?"
Joanne turned away from her work and sat on the settee next to Belle. She put her arm around her shoulders, "Unfortunately it comes with the title and the living quarters."
"It's just, I've been thinking," Belle began.
"Oh, dear," Joanne sat back a look on shock on her heavily makeuped features. "You're not going to back out of marrying the master are you?"
"No, of course not, I love him dearly," Belle said. "It's just…I've read in nearly every book about French nobility that on the wedding night…the guests watch. I just, I could never…"
"Oh, my dear, the King would never allow it," Joanne said looking at the scared and embarrassed girl. "You have nothing to worry about."
Belle's shoulders dropped in relief, a small smile forming on her lips. Joanne stood and went to the small wardrobe in the corner of the room.
"Speaking of the wedding night," Joanne pulled a shimmering garment from the rack. "I've made something for you." She presented a shimmering knee-length nightgown, embellished with silver lace on the hem and bodice.
Belle stared at it in awe for a moment. Was she really expected to wear something like this on their wedding night? She reached a tentative hand forward. He fingers grazed cool smooth silk. Her cheeks instantly began to flush at the thought of Adam seeing her in something like this.
"Ahh, your future husband would love to see you in this. I'm sure of it," Joanne grinned devilishly.
"Looking at this nightgown I am both excited and nervous," Belle said quietly.
"Brilliant," the designer laughed heartily.
Belle sat back on the settee, folding her hands in her lap and hanging her head slightly. How was she supposed to please Adam on their wedding night without making a complete fool of herself? She didn't know much in the ways of men, and most everything she knew about copulating she read in books.
"What's wrong?" Joanna asked worried.
"How," Belle paused trying to think of the right words. "How do I please him without looking foolish?"
"Oh, my dear," Joanne laughed. "Men are simple creatures. All you have to do is appear in front of the King wearing this, kiss him a bit, and he will take the lead."
"You're sure?" Belle asked hesitantly.
"I assure you, seeing his wife in this daring number will bring the beast back, if you know what I mean," Joanne said emphasizing the nightgown.
Belle nodded still looking nervous.
Joanne sighed, "Truly, my dear, you do not know how much of an effect you have on him. You have nothing to worry about."
"Thank you," Belle smiled. "For everything. The wedding gown is perfect."
"You're welcome," she smiled triumphantly. "I believe you are to meet with Cogsworth next?"
"I am," Belle said standing and leaving the room.
xxXxx
This was it; the morning of the wedding. Belle was too nervous to eat anything. Adam was too antsy to sit still. Lumière had assured the King that his bride was doing very well aside from being a bit nervous of how many guests would be watching them say their vows. Mrs. Potts had told Belle not to worry. It's the same as the coronation, just look at the King and everything else will fade away.
Adam stood at the alter, the castle staff directly in front of him along with his uncle and a few other French nobility. He looked to the other side of the aisle and saw the town's folk and neighboring aristocrats mixed together. He had wondered how that happened. He was sure the nobility attending the wedding surely wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere close to the common people.
When the music started, Adam's heart sped up. They had opted to have the wedding outdoors to accommodate all of their guests. Everyone stood when Belle arrived. Unfortunately it blocked his view for a few moments before she made it to the aisle holding her father's arm.
The King felt his heart stop for a moment. Belle looked radiant. The champagne ball gown embroidered with lace and crystals hugged her figure from the waist up and pushed out on the lower half. The sleeves were lace cuffs on her shoulders showing her creamy white skin. A champagne colored veil hid the more delicate features of her face from him. When she reached the alter, her father lifted the veil and kissed her cheek. Adam stepped down to take her hand and Maurice placed both of his around the couple's.
"Who gives this woman in marriage?" the priest asked.
"I do," Maurice said proudly before taking his seat.
The priest began to welcome everyone to the marriage of Adam Charles Louis Matisse Thibault, King of Provence and Belle Aimée Marchant.
"You look beautiful," Adam told her. "The most beautiful bride there ever was."
Belle blushed and smiled staring him in the eyes. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you, too," Adam whispered back stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.
The priest had them recite their vows and exchange rings. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
Adam didn't waste any time taking her lips as his. There was so much love and passion in the kiss that a few spectators cleared their throats. There was even a whistle from somewhere in the crowd. When they broke apart, all three hundred guests gave a roar of an applause. The newlyweds practically skipped down the aisle and into the castle.
Lumière, Cogsworth and a few other staff ushered everyone into the ballroom for the wedding feast. The ballroom had been beautifully decorated with fresh cut roses, Chantilly lace, and golden candelabras. The town's folk were in awe of the elaborate and ornate room. The nobility found it in good taste.
When everyone had taken their seats after congratulating the bride and groom one-by-one, the dinner staff served dinner. Wild boar, roasted duck, asparagus, beets, and luscious gravy exited the kitchens in record time to feed everyone.
Belle hadn't realized how hungry she was, having not eaten anything all day. Adam ate with such etiquette compared to the beast. Belle wished she could eat more, but the corset did not allow her to. She had somewhat of a dismayed looked on her face. It didn't escape Adam's eyes.
"What's wrong, my love?" he asked concerned.
"I am still hungry," she said.
Adam chuckled, "Then eat more. Shall I get Lumière's attention?"
"No," she said touching the bodice of the dress. "I cannot eat anymore. This corset will not let me."
Adam's brow furrowed as if he were trying to figure out how to fix the problem. He smiled triumphantly and got Lumière's attention.
"Yes, Your Majesty?" he asked.
Adam leaned close to the servant and spoke quietly. Lumière's eyes flashed momentarily on Belle before he hurried off. Joanne quietly and quickly escorted Belle into a private room before she could ask what Adam told her to do.
"The master says your corset is too tight," Joanne said. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know until I began eating," Belle said as the laces of the ball gown were loosened. The bodice of the wedding gown was pulled down to Belle's waist.
Joanne chuckled as she loosened the laces of the corset and retied it. "Is that better?"
Belle let out a long breath, "Much better, thank you."
Joanne laced up the wedding gown again and escorted Belle back to the ballroom. She took her seat next to Adam once more where a fresh plate of food was waiting for her.
"Better?" Adam asked.
Belle nodded, "Thank you."
"Of course, Love," he smiled. "Eat as much as you like."
Belle dug in to her second plate. When she had finished she finally felt comfortably full. It seemed everyone else had finished as well. Cogsworth signaled to the newlyweds that it was time for their first dance. Adam stood and offered Belle his arm. She stood as well and followed him to the center of the ballroom.
The string quintet stuck up a waltz and Belle and her husband were swept away by the music and each other. They were so in love, so happy. When the music ended, the guests clapped and joined the dance floor as well.
The party continued until sunset, at which point all the guests wished the happy couple congratulations once more and exited the castle. The last guest to pay their respects was Adam's uncle.
"Congratulations Nephew," he smiled.
"Thank you, Uncle," Adam said knowing the smile was fake.
He turned to Belle, "You look absolutely radiant, my dear." He took her hand and kissed it lightly. "He does not deserve a woman as beautiful and kind hearted such as yourself."
"I beg to differ," Belle spoke up. "I find your nephew to be quite charming, intelligent, and strong. And I am glad he is nothing like you."
Adam couldn't believe his ears. Was his wife, his Belle, really saying such things to another king? Adam looked at his uncle and a smile tugged at his lips. The King of Languedoc look absolutely stunned. His mouth hung open with words with would not form.
He snapped his mouth shut, his face darkening, "Well, I say! I have never been spoken to in such a way and I will not tolerate it." He raised his hand with an open palm but before he even let his hand swing, Adam had a tight grip on his wrist.
"You will not, nor will you ever lay a hand on my queen!" Adam growled. The beast was showing through. "You do not have the right to speak to her in such a way. She is a very intelligent young woman with more respect and kindness in her little finger than you have in your entire body."
King Charles ripped his wrist out of Adam's grip and rubbed it. "This will not be the last you see of me, dear nephew," he said in a low threatening voice. He turned on his heel and was practically shoved out the door by Cogsworth and Lumière.
"Are you all right?" Adam asked Belle.
"Yes," she said. "Oh Adam, I shouldn't have said anything."
"No, you were right to say something. He was insulting you and you stood up for yourself as well as me. I thank you for that," Adam kissed her cheek lightly.
"He's very rude," she said.
"He is indeed, and I am afraid I must take his words as a promise," Adam sighed. "I don't think that was the last we'll see of him."
Belle kissed his lips lightly and wound her fingers between his. "Shall we?" she asked with a deep blush on her face her bottom lip sandwiched between her teeth.
Adam got the hint right away and gave her a toothy grin, "We shall."