Previously:
"It would make me the happiest queen and woman to become your wife King Damon."
She smiled and gasped as Damon opened the velvet box revealing a beautiful lapis lazuli ring circled by many sparkling diamonds.
He slipped it on her finger, stood, and grabbed her hand. They turned to the crowd and everyone erupted into cheers
Preparations
Elena and Damon stepped off the ledge hand and hand. This gave Elena enough time to glance at Stefan who looked absolutely mortified. This was upsetting to Elena because she hoped that Stefan was favoring Caroline. It looked that he was trying to win Elena's favor by showing favor to her ladies maid -Typical male behavior. She was happy though that Damon asked her to marry him. This would waylay Stefan's attempts at her hand. She pushed these thoughts out of her head and gazed up at Damon. He held a stern look of determination. Elena smiled up at him and out of the corner of his eye he glanced at her and pushed the sides of lips up. Elena smiled back at him and directed her gaze forward. Damon director her back to the castle through the crowds of screaming people. Everyone was chanting and screaming for her. It pleased her. These were happy noises not angry noises.
Once inside the castle walls Elena lead Damon to her study. She sat down on the couch and gestured for Damon to sit next to her.
"Damon do you truly wish to marry me or is this just to bind our countries together in treaty?"
"Elena, my lovely queen, It is not like me to speak of my feeling but, for you I will." He looked at her with a slightly unsure expression.
Elena nodded for him to continue. She wanted to know what was in his heart. For, she would not give her heart away to someone who was not worthy.
"I have known that I love you since the moment I walked into the throne room and you received me and I have known that I could not possibly live another day without you since the moment you took off on that horse of yours. Your grace, your elegance, and the kindness that seeps out of every part of you is what will keep me at your side until the end of days."
His blue eyes pierced into hers and he squeezed her hand to show the sincerity of his words.
Elena leaned into Damon and fixed her eyes on his. She kissed him with a soft kiss and whispered "As it shall be"
Damon smiled at her and grasped both her hands.
"When shall we be married?" he asked
"As soon as my people can get the preparations together it will be about a month hence. "
"Four weeks to long"
"I agree" Elena replied a smile.
"Now what shall I do about attending the theater with your lovely ladies maid?"
"Leave it to me. Damon. I have a plan hatching." Elena responded with a wide smile. The play would play in a day hence and she knew that a sudden change in escorts would cause gossip yet she knew that attending the play with Stefan would further his interests in her. She was sure now that he would not be a brutal husband and this comforted her. She saw no fault in her plan and knew that it would work. She was queen after all.
She would of course let her ladies maid know her plan so as not to hurt her.
"Damon, I wish you to know that you will not just be a figure head in this country. You will be someone of great importance. You will have a say in matters and your word will be my word. You will be king in my country as well as your own."
Damon looked absolutely shocked she knew this would come as a shock to him so she waited a moment for him to absorb the knowledge.
"We will be a team in marriage as well as rule."
Elena smiled and Damon leaned forward to kiss Elena. "Can I take the fact that you are ready to kiss me that you agree to these terms?"
Damon pulled back and looked into her eyes. "I will agree to your terms only if you agree to be queen in my country and rule by my side me as well."
"I agree. Shall we start planning our wedding then?"
"We shall. When we get married will you accompany me to Italy?"
"I shall. Our people should meet their new queen. We will sail over after we ride though Mystic Falls."
"Sounds perfect of course anytime I am with you everything is perfect."
"This is true." Elena responded and stood up to leave with a little longing in her to spend more time with Damon. She knew that she had to go to sleep if she would be fresh for the next day.
"May I escort you to your rooms Elena" Elena smiled her acceptance.
Although the entire way to her rooms was a blurs because while she felt that things would be perfect in her new life as a wife a tingle of doubt still presented itself to her. How would she make everyone in her life happy? She still had to be sure that Stefan did not still expect her to choose him. She would have to be sure that no doubt was left in his mind. She would marry Damon and unit Mystic Falls and Italy not only for love but for her country as well.
The next morning Elena woke up to the sun shining into her window. She turned in the bed and gazed out the window and took a moment to take in the magnificence that was her country. She could see far out her window and the beauty of her country never failed to take her breath away. She may love Damon, but her first loves would always be her people and country. She whispered a quick prayer of thanks to God and sat up in bed. Caroline was already preparing her for the day.
"Caroline come her for a moment please. Let Lady Anna finish preparing I need to speak with you a moment."
Caroline bowed and nodded to Anna. She approached Elena and looked at her in confusion.
"Please Lady Caroline sit next to me a moment."
"Yes, your grace." Caroline answered in a soft voice and sat next to her.
"Caroline I hope that you did not have your heart set on going to the theater with the King. I have found you a more suitable partner."
Caroline looked at Elena in shock a look of pure hurt graced the soft features of her face.
"If it pleases your grace" Caroline responded in a muted voice.
"My lady I hope that you trust me more than to be hurt." Elena responded tenderly and grasped her hand. She then whispered in her ear "I have a surprise for you. Trust me." Caroline responded with a nod and a secret smile.
"You are to be my Matron of Honor at the royal wedding if it pleases you Lady Caroline."
Caroline fell to her knees at this revelation and bowed her head "It would be a great honor your majesty."
Elena lay a hand on her shoulder and whispered to her "Rise and let it be known that it is my greatest hope that you may call me sister one day"
With that Elena stood and grasped Caroline's hand "My ladies I believe it is time I start the day. There is much to complete today."
The ladies giggled at this and began to dress Elena in a deep purple gown. They braided and twisted her hair so that it all sat neatly under the small velvet hat that she would wear for the day. When she was finished dressing she turned and smiled at Anna. "Thank you Lady Anna. Bring me the gown that I wore to the Joust and bring me a pair of my light blue gloves as well." Lady Anna quickly curtsied and went to do her bidding. She went to her jewel box and selected a pair of small diamond earring and an elaborate diamond necklace that was worn previously as well. When she was fished Lady Anna was back with the gloves and dress. She turned to Caroline and smiled.
"Lady Caroline this dress and gloves are a gift from me. I would also like to gift you with this jewelry to compliment the dress. Will you accept?"
Lady Caroline dropped to a deep curtsy with tears in her eyes. She knew that Elena gave her things that she wore before so they would be following consumption laws and it touched her heart that Elena would care this much about her. Lady Caroline would never be able to afford such extravagance as this as a Lady's Maid. "It would be my greatest honor."
"Lady Anna, prepare the dress for Lady Caroline to wear to the theater." Elena commanded. Anna bowed and set to work. She would perfume the gown and pull it over a dressing mannequin to keep the dress from wrinkling. She would put the jewelry in a box to keep it safe for Caroline. She smiled at Lady Anna and started out of the room.
"Come my ladies time to prepare for my wedding." Elena knew a long day of preparations were before her.
"Lady Caroline I take my tea and see everyone in this room."
"Right away your grace." Caroline bowed and left the room to inform the staff and her ladies maids scattered around the room. Elena sat on the small couch in the center of the room. It was a deep purple couch with dark wood trim. She choose this room specifically for this reason. She waited a moment while a swarm of people started to prepare the room. A young maid came into the room and lit the fire and another maid came with her tea. Elena thanked each person with a smile and dismissed them. Lady Caroline then re-entered the room with the royal seamstress in tow.
She bowed with a flourish and smiled nervously.
"Rise, Lady Marianna how are you this morning."
"Very well your grace. I trust you are well to. I wish to extend my congratulations on your impending marriage."
"Thank you Lady Marianna. It is my wish that my dress will be a golden color. I want red roses to be embroidered along the trim of the gown. Lady Caroline's dress will match mine in a smaller version. I will leave the rest of my Lady Maids dressed up to your discretion. It that understood? When will this be finished?"
"Yes your grace. It will take me three weeks to finish both. If it pleases you."
"That will be perfect. You are dismissed Lady Marianna."
"Lady Anna, escort Lady Marianna to Duke Jeremy to discuss details about cost."
Lady Anna curtsied and backed out of the room with Lady Marianna. Elena gave both the women a smile and nodded.
"I would like to see the Royal Butler and The Royal House Keeper now Lady Caroline."
"Yes your grace." Lady Caroline curtsied and left the room to send a maid to fetch both.
It took a few moments for Lady Anna to return as well as The Royal Butler and The Royal House Keeper. They both bowed and Elena gestured for them to rise.
Elena addressed the Royal Butler first. "Master Alaric when may we expect a menu for the royal wedding?" Elena asked kindly.
"One week, your grace, if it pleases you. Is there anything in particular you would like on the menu?"
"Roasted Duck." Elena replied with a tender smile.
"It shall be done."
"Master Alaric you will oversee the decorations for the castle as well as your normal duties. Furthermore, you will see Duke Jeremy about outfitting the male staff with new formal uniforms. If need be hire some to see to the decorations. "
"Yes your grace."
As an afterthought Elena added "Submit the menu to Lady Caroline for approval."
"Yes your grace."
Master Alaric bowed and stepped back while Elena spoke to Mistress Giselle.
"Mistress Jenna, I wish you to have my formal dinner ware cleaned and ready for the frivolities after the ceremony. Lady Anna will also escort you to see Duke Jeremy for funds to dress all the female staff with new formal uniforms."
"Yes your grace." Mistress Jenna responded throatily.
"You are all dismissed"
Mistress Giselle bowed and backed out of the room.
Elena sipped her tea and took a deep breath. "Lady Caroline I will see the Royal Head Grounds Keeper now."
Lady Caroline curtsied and headed to send the maid to fetch the Royal Head Grounds keeper.
Elena was able to finish her tea before the Royal Head Grounds Keeper arrived along with Lady Anna who looked a little pink cheeked. Elena gave Lady Anna a knowing smirk and addressed the Royal Head Grounds Keeper.
"Master Lucas you will see to the outdoor decorations. Work with Master Alaric and Mistress Jenna to be sure that everything matches. I wish that my horses be washed and ready as well. Be sure that the grounds are prepared for the extra guests as well. I wish that the grounds men have clean formal uniforms on the day of the wedding. See Duke Jeremy for finances. Lady Anna will escort you. That is all." Elena said in an efficient tone.
"Yes your majesty"
"You are dismissed"
"Lady Anna you are dismissed as well after you escort Master Lucas."
Lady Anna smiled and curtsied. They both backed out of the room. Elena sighed and stood. The rest of my ladies maids may have the rest of the afternoon off. Lady Caroline you will meet us in the royal chambers when the sun sets."
"Yes your majesty."
Her ladies maids bowed and exited the room. At this Elena briskly walked to the gardens. She knew that Stefan would be reading in the gardens.
As she walked to where her servants informed her he was sitting she stopped to take a quick look at him. He was sitting on one of the many benches reading a book. She took a deep breath and reminded herself to be gentle with him.
"Prince Stefan, I apologize for interrupting you."
Stefan looked up at her with a jerk. She surprised him. Elena knew what it was like to read a good book and had she not been the queen she would have been surprised many times.
"It is no problem your grace. To what occurrence do I owe your presence?"
"You have not congratulated me on my impending nuptials."
"I have not. I do extend my congratulations you will make my brother a luck man."
Elena nodded her thanks and fixed him with a very stern gaze. He started to look a little uncomfortable.
"You know this means you have no chance to win my hand."
"Rightly so, your grace." Stefan responded sadly.
"At the joust you showed favor to my ladies maid. Were you toying with her heart?"
"No your grace, she may pale in comparison to your beauty but her beauty is still great."
"What of her personality Prince Stefan." Elena added angrily. "When you accompanied her to the serve food and help the sick did you not notice her kindness, her gentleness, and even more so her heart. Did you not notice these things or were you too distracted by her beauty and your quest for power?" Elena questioned ferociously.
Stefan took a step back in surprise as Elena finished. "No your grace I did not fail to notice these things. I do apologize for my insult to your ladies maid."
"Know this now, Prince Stefan; you do not deserve the gift of her love. Yet, you are who she loves and you will give her back every single ounce of love she has the grace of bestowing you with. You will not break her heart as your Queen I command this of you. If you are foolish enough not to heed this warning heed this. If you break her heart it will be treated as treason."
Stefan paled at Elena's words and mutely nodded.
"Tonight you will attend the theater with my ladies maid in place of King Damon. This is a surprise meet us in front of the castle at sunset. You are dismissed."
With this Elena spun on her heals and headed back to the castle.
She arrived at her chambers where Lady Anna was waiting for Elena to help her dress for the theater.
"Lady Anna, I will allow you to choose what I will wear tonight."
Anna curtsied and disappeared to choose a dress for Elena to wear. Elena turned to her dressing table mirror and smiled. She felt like she accomplished many things this day.
Lady Anna returned with a light pink gown with white embroidered designs on the trim. She looked a little frightened that Elena would disapprove.
"This is perfect Lady Anna."
Anna visibly swelled with confidence with the praise. Lady Bonnie another of her Ladies maids began to quietly undress Elena while Anna pulled Elena's hair down to comb it.
Anna chattered away to Elena while she and Bonnie helped Elena dress for the play. Anna styled her hair so it flowed from the top of her head and down. She then wove flowers through it. Finally, she placed Elena's intricate diamond crown in front of her hair. The band wrapped around the front of her head and a comb held it just above her ears. The dress gave Elena a more girly feel.
Elena surveyed her ladies maids who were all dressed in more of their formal clothing. They were all ready to attend to Elena during the play. She nodded her assent and walked into the sitting area of her chambers. Caroline stood when Elena entered the room and gave her a nervous smile.
"You look beautiful Lady Caroline." Elena complimented and held out her hand. Caroline placed a glove hand in her and smiled.
"Thank you your grace."
Elena nodded at her foot man to open the doors and Elena head for the carriages.
As Elena lead Caroline to the carriages Elena glanced at Caroline who wore a look of confusion. The only two that stood in front of the carriages were King Damon and Prince Stefan.
"Lady Caroline may I present your date for the evening Prince Stefan."
"My lady it would be an honor for me if you would be so kind to allow me to escort you to the theater tonight." Prince Stefan nodded and handed her a single rose.
"It would be my honor" Lady Caroline replied a little breathless.
Elena nodded her approval to Prince Stefan and diverted her attention to Damon who smirked at her knowingly and grasped her hand.
"My Queen you look absolutely ravishing this night" and kissed her hand.
Elena smiled and responded "As do you my King."
Damon then helped Elena into the carriage. As she situated herself she looked back outside and watched as Stefan delicately helped Caroline into the carriage. Elena settled back with a satisfied sigh. She knew that her plan would work. What surprised her is that she never planned for it to work quite so well.
A/N Thank you all for reading my story. I want to give a special thank you to Margarita12 for her words of encouragement. Without her it may have taken another week to finish this chapter.
