Chapter 4:
*Ida's POV*
Saturday afternoon, James and I begin to get ready for the royal ball. Black fabric covers white fabric similar form of a coat and being tied by ribbons in the front under the bust. Long sleeves hang down to my knees as black flats cover my feet.
I place my long hair into a braid tied with two white ribbons. Simple makeup around my eyes and a little on my lips. One by one, the jewelry are placed on me. Once done, my hands join together for a simple prayer for tonight to be a good night.
"You're so beautiful my wife," James says in my neck as he wrap his arms around my waist behind me.
"And you're handsome my husband," I smiled, embracing his hold.
"Ready to go darling?"
"I'm ready if you are."
"Let's go then, our carriage ride is here."
James escorts me to the carriage and letting me inside first. He joins me in and soon we head towards the palace.
"Last night," I speak up with a smile, "Uncle Jack communicated with me."
"Oh really? What did you two talk about?"
"We mainly talk about the last two weeks here and he saw visions of our wedding."
"Was he upset of not walking you down the aisle?"
"I'm afraid so, but him seeing the visions has him feel like he did walk me down the aisle."
"Was it everything you always wanted?" he asked, sounding a little worried.
I smiled to him, "it was small and simple just like I always wanted."
"Really?"
I nod my head.
"I'm so happy," he smiles big.
My smile grew more for him as we meet for a kiss.
Soon we have arrived to the most largest castle that I have ever seen. My ocean eyes grew wide at the sight.
"My thoughts matched yours my love when I first saw the castle," my husband chuckles at my surprised look.
"I never knew a castle can be this big," I said, looking at him, now starting to feel nervous.
"Are you nervous Ida?"
"A little, Royal Port didn't have any royal families."
"True, but it will be alright my sweet little Ida," he gently places his hand on my cheek, smiling softly to me.
I smile softly back, holding his hand. He's the sweetest husband ever and I am so glad to be with him.
James exists the carriage first so he can help me out. My hands hold onto his arm while escorting me into the castle. Doors open letting each pair of guests to enter. I came to notice that each pair happens to be like a member of the Royal Navy like James escorting a lady like me. Now my shyness and nervousness raise up more.
"It's okay my love," James smiles down to me softly, holding my hand with his free hand.
"Okay," I smiled back softly, placing my head on his arm.
The ballroom was huge. Everyone fills up the space, either socializing or dancing. My husband leads us to another part of the area. I think he is looking for a good spot for us to be at hopefully for the rest of the night because of my shyness, but I don't think he will do that. Soon we settle down at a nice little location in the ballroom, away from everyone.
"Are you thirsty Ida?" my husband asked me.
"Yes I am," I smiled to him.
"Stay here and I will return I promise," he kisses my cheek before leaving to another location.
I smiled a little more, shaking my head. Well it's not exactly I had in mind, but it's still good.
"Umm hello," an unfamiliar female voice speaks to me.
My head turns to see a young woman around my age, greeting to me. She's about my height, maybe a little taller, wearing a fancy dress similar to mine, but with red and white. Her dark blond/brown hair is pulled up in a bun with a few strands curl framing her pretty peach coloured face. Similar makeup painted her face just like mine. Brown eyes are filled with life and soul. A positive energy surrounds her.
"Hello," I greeted shyly with a smile, "how are you this evening?"
"I am doing well," she smiles back, "and yourself?"
"I am doing well. You were invited here as well?"
"Yes, well my husband is part of the Royal Navy."
"Really? My husband is part of the Royal Navy as well."
"Who's your husband?"
"Commodore James Norrington."
"Awe, he's the new commodore and he deserves it."
"Thank you, who's yours?"
"Lieutenant Randall Lockwood."
"I think I have met your husband before."
"I see, oh! My name is Briar," she smiles more, feeling more comfortable.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Ida," I smiled back, feeling comfortable as well.
"Nice to meet you as well Ida."
"Oh Ida, I got some water for you," James speaks, coming over to us with the drink.
"Thank you James," I accepted it, "James, this is Briar Lockwood. Briar, this is my husband Commodore James Norrington."
"Lieutenant Lockwood's lady?"
"Yes you're correct."
"Your husband is a very nice man," he comments with a smile.
"Oh yes, we are known as the nice Christian couple."
Briar and I talk so more before our husbands take us to the dancefloor.
"You and Mrs. Lockwood seem to be becoming good friends."
"Yes it's rather amazing to have a female companion to talk to that I can actually relate to."
"In fact, it is her husband that has got me into Christianity here in London."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, maybe some time after tonight we can invite over for lunch to get to know them better," he suggests with a smile.
"Really?" I smiled, gleaming a little.
"I don't see why not since Randel is my first friend here."
"You're the sweetest," I giggled a little, placing my head on his chest.
"Not as sweet as you my beautiful sea goddess," he says, kissing the top of my head.
"Dinner is served!" a member of the royal court announces.
We follow everyone to the dining room. Each group are escorted to a certain place of the long table. One member of the royal court leads my husband and I to the two chairs next to King George II himself. Thankfully, James gets to sit closer to the King than I.
The food unfortunately was the kinds I don't particularly like, but I can tolerate with. My head lowers in the meal prayer before eating. Slowly, but surely each piece of food gets eaten. I focus on my food while sounds of chattering arose.
Soon my small stomach becomes full. Taking slow, small sips of my drink is mainly what I did for the rest of the dinner since I didn't wish to be rude for his majesty even though it's obvious there are still lots of food left on my plate.
Before I can even know it, it's the end of the night, well it's getting late. James notice how tired of I am becoming.
"Let's go home my love," he smiles to me, offering his arm to escort me.
"Okay my dearest," I smiled back, accepting it.
Just like before, my husband will let me in the carriage ride first before him. We decided to sit next to each other so we can cuddle. I gently place my head on his shoulder, not wanting to fall asleep, but I can feel my hair gently being stroked.
"Sleep my sweet little Ida," James whispers to me softly, "you had a long night."
"Okay," I replied, closing my eyes with a soft smile.
