Ch. 4: Oh, Happy Day
"Princess? Princess, wake up," Isabelle says, lightly pushing at my shoulder, "I've sent other servants to wake your ladies and help them get dressed. They should be in any moment."
"Thank you, Isabelle," I sit up. She hands me a glass of water, and I sip it as she goes to my dressing room and pulls out my underclothes. I stand, and she helps me into them. My ladies enter as Isabelle laces my corset.
"Has the gown arrived yet?" Jeanne asks.
"Yes, madame, it's in the closet. The Princess hasn't seen it yet, though." The three of them go to look at it, and I hear them excitedly talking about how wonderful it is. "You ready, Princess?"
"I am," I lie. Seeing the dress makes it real. I want it to be real, it's just all happening so quickly. Isabelle disappears into the closet, and returns with the gown. The stark white dress truly is stunning, with a skirt round and wide enough to fit all five women in the room underneath it. The whole thing is overlain with lace. The upper chest and shoulders are covered by lace as well. Isabelle pins my hair up and covers the hand-shaped bruise on my cheek, and finally adds my tiara. I turn to look at my ladies, and see that they are all wearing emerald dresses (in different styles) to match my tiara.
"It's time, Caroline," Isabelle smiles. I walk out the door, following closely behind my ladies. We stop when we reach the ballroom, standing behind a line of people. At the front, I see Louis. He turns to see me, but his father stops him.
Finally, the doors open, and the orchestra begins to play, and the line files in. First, my parents and Louis's father, followed by my brothers, the King Francis and Queen Mary (who I have yet to meet), my ladies, and myself. We all walk toward the front of the room, where the Pope stands. Louis is standing nearest him, while the French and Pertian nobility look on. Our families stand closest to the aisle.
I wasn't really nervous until I saw Louis. My heart begins to pound, my legs quiver. I apparently lingered in the back for just a moment to long, as Isabelle, who was holding the door, cleared her throat. I begin what seems like an eternal trek down my wedding aisle. I know I should focus on my fiance, but I can't help but notice that either side of the walkway is sprinkled with deep, red rose petals. I turn my head to face our respective nobilities, his on the left, and mine on the right. They all seem indifferent. At the end of the aisle, just before the steps, stands Louis's father on the left. He smiles, though his eyes tell a story of regret. I shoot him an apologetic smile, and he nods in understanding. I face my own family, next. My brothers look at me as if I'm lost. So young to realize that our father will do anything he wants if they upset him. My mother, next to them, is stone-faced as usual, save for an uncharacteristic tear dripping out. She immediately wipes it, and gives me a small smile. My father, finally. Beaming from eye to eye, he stares fervently at me. You'd never notice that he wasn't entirely ecstatic. I look into his soul, and feel him daring me to make a mistake so he can punish me. At long last, I reach the steps. I glide up gracefully, and stand in front of the man to be my husband. He takes my hands, and the Pope begins his words.
"Congratulations!"
"About time you wed, Prince Conde!"
"It was a beautiful ceremony."
"So, will you begin trying for children immediately?"
These and their variations are all we here for the rest of the night. Louis and I stand together, dance together, sit together, even hold hands. Still, both of us stay completely silent in regard to the other. Eventually, the guests leave and the servants begin to leave. My ladies retire to their beds, our families close behind. As if saving the best for last, the King and Queen of France (and Scotland) approach us, just before we go to bed.
"Congratulations, cousin," Francis announces. I curtsy as they approach, "Thank you, Princess Conde, but this is a casual setting. There is no need." I nod at him, but am speechless. It's the first time all night I've heard my new name. Princess Caroline Conde of Pert. Now I'm in line for the French throne as well, albeit distantly. In fact, unless an entire family dies, I'll never sit upon the French throne. I return to the conversation.
"I am impressed with your Father, Louis. The ceremony was absolutely breathtaking," Mary tells him. I didn't know Charles had any hand in the wedding, but I must remember to thank him.
"Thank you," Louis starts, then looks down to me, leaning sleepily against his shoulder, "It means very much to me that the two of you could attend our wedding. I do think Caroline and I should retire," he smiles, "I fear she might fall asleep standing."
"Oh, we understand perfectly. A wedding is hard work," Mary interjects.
"Conde, I'm sorry, but I must ask that the two of you come with Mary and I," Francis whispers, suddenly concerned. I jolt upright, fear penetrating me. Louis rubs the small of my back.
"Is something wrong, Francis?" he asks.
"Just, please. I promise you'll both be better off knowing." Francis leads us out the ballroom doors, where servants stand with coats for the four of us. Louis makes sure mine is wrapped tightly around me before even looking at his. Outside, there are two horses.
"I apologize that we'll have to ride, I forgot to commission a carriage for the night," Francis explained. In the dark, I notice Francis and Mary smiling excitedly at one another. They're up to something. Louis helps me onto the horse, then climbs on and sits behind me. I know it's unladylike to ride anything but sidesaddle, but it's just so uncomfortable. I don't notice I've done anything abnormal until I feel the horse's fur on my thighs, and Louis chuckles at me.
"The Queen did it, too," he whispers in my ear, assuring me that I'm not doing anything to embarrass him. He wraps his arms around me and takes the reigns, and we follow Francis and Mary into the dark.
We must not have ridden for more than twenty minutes, but I managed to doze off. I awake just as the horses stop, and see only blackness. We dismount, and I lean into Louis's warm chest, waiting for the King and Queen to say something. They walk to us, and we stand in silence for a moment, all of us looking the same direction into the nothingness.
"I wish we could be here in the daytime, the dark really doesn't do it justice," Mary announces, and I look up at Louis, confused.
"Look closely," he tells me, "your eyes will adjust in a moment." I squint, and squint, and squint. Finally, after what seems like uncomfortable ages, I see it. Unable to speak, I gasp and cover my mouth.
Before us, about half a mile away, stands a palace. Not really a palace, per se, but a giant house. I now understand why Mary wishes it were daytime, because I can't make out any details of what I am sure is the most beautiful home I've ever seen.
"The property has this house, and just about a mile off to the West is a vineyard, and a stable to the East. A few miles South, there are four smaller houses to use as you wish," Francis begins, "we made the announcement this morning that if any servants wanted to jump ship, they could. They'll arrive in the morning. It's only six of them, but the two of you don't strike me as people who'd want many more."
"Thank you, cousin," Louis says, placing a hand on the King's shoulder, "And you too, Mary. I'm sure you had a hand in this."
"Just repaying a debt," Francis announces, "I hope that when the two of you must decide whether to live here or in Pert, you choose here. At least until your coronation."
"Well, when you look at the potential living arrangements in Pert, this is definitely a first choice," I mumble tiredly.
"Alright. We'll leave you, now," Francis smiles, helping Mary onto the horse, "Caroline, your ladies will arrive in the morning, soon after the servants. I do believe your family is coming to announce their return to Pert, as well. Conde, your father will come the next day."
"Why isn't he coming tomorrow?" I ask, stupidly.
"Your father," Louis tells me, pulling me close to him. Of course it's my father's fault Charles won't see his son tomorrow.
"I'll see the two of you soon?" Francis wonders.
"Of course. Thank you, again. From both of us," Louis says. I'm thankful he spoke for both of us, I hardly have enough energy to wave. Louis leads me to the front door. I somehow am still having trouble seeing in the dark. Louis must spend so much time in it, for I swear he can see perfectly at this point. He pushes open the door to reveal a huge, dark foyer. I barely see the outline of two spiral staircases mirroring one another. I yelp when Louis picks me up.
"Sorry," he smiles, "Figured I should carry my wife over the threshold. Even if she can't see it." I giggle, and he steps into our new home. I haven't had any time to think about whether or not we'll live here or in Pert, but as soon as Louis puts me down, I know. I'll live here forever. I don't care about the law. I'll give my brother my crown before I leave this place, and I haven't even seen it. Louis lights a candle, and only confirms my feelings. He sees me marveling at the room, and comes to stand next to me.
"We can explore in the morning," he assures me, "Mary said our bedroom is up the stairs and in the West." I nod, and we walk, arms linked, up the stairs. As soon as we enter the bedroom, I am both fascinated by the detailed beauty and overtaken by exhaustion. Without thinking, I slip out of my clothes and lay them over the back of the chair. I turn to Louis, and notice him staring. My whole body turns red with embarrassment. I quickly go to and climb into our large bed. Louis follows suit, stripping and lying next to me.
Yay, another long one! R&R, lovelies!:)