Penderella-Ch 14
The next several weeks past by as Penelope, Jennifer and Emily adjusted to their new living arrangements and engagements, Penelope was so excited because Derek had arranged for Fran and the rest of their servants to join her at the castle. Fran was now with Penelope all the time and the two couldn't be happier to be back together.
Fran had been with Penelope since the day she was born and she had been with her mother and father since they had gotten married so there wasn't much that she didn't know about her. JJ, Emily and Penelope continued to grow closer as they worked together to plan their weddings, Emily looked up at Penelope and said, "it's just to bad that we can't all get married at the same time".
JJ grinned and said, "why can't we"?, Penelope opened her mouth to say something when there was a knock at her door, she said, "come in", the door opened to reveal the grooms to be. Derek walked over and kissed her on the cheek and said, "hello malady, how are you feeling"?, she smiled and said, "perfect my love, perfect and you"?, he sat down beside her and said, "better now that I am with you".
Aaron smiled at Emily and said, "Spencer and I have arranged for a picnic in the gardens that is if you two are interested", they laughed and JJ said, "of course we are interested". Derek said, "my beautiful princess and I also have some plans of our own but how about we all have an early dinner later"?, they looked at each other and then at Derek and nodded their heads yes.
After the other two couples were gone Penelope said, "sire I need to speak to you", he looked at her and said, "is something wrong, are you ill"?, she laughed and said, "no dearest". He put his hand on hers and said, "what do you need to speak to me about"?, she said, "about our forth coming wedding", he nervously said, "have you changed your mind, do you not want to marry me"?, she quickly put him at ease and said, "no my love I haven't changed my mind".
He smiled as she said, "JJ, Em and myself were talking and we wondered if we could all be married in the same ceremony"?, he said, "that isn't usually the way weddings are handled here in the castle". Penelope nodded her head and said, "I understand", he put his finger under her chin and slowly raised it up so that she was looking him in the face.
He said, "but if that is what my future queen wants then that is what she shall have", Penelope threw her arms around him and said, "really"?, he kissed her cheek and said, "yes really". Penelope squeeze his hand and said, "we have all gotten so close and we are sisters after all and", he put his finger on her lips and said, "I love the idea of getting married with my two best friends Penelope".
She sighed and said, "I love you your highness, I truly do", he caressed her cheek and said, "and I love you my future queen", he then slowly leaned in and pressed his lips against hers. They reluctantly pulled apart when there was a knock at the door, Derek said, "who is it"?, the queen laughed and said, "it is I, your mother".
Derek said, "come in mother", the door opened and Ashley stepped inside and said, "Penelope may I have a word"?, she nodded her head yes and said, "of course your highness". Ashley said, "please call me Ashley or mother", Penelope smiled and said, "I haven't had a mother in a long long time", Ashley said, "I would be proud and honored to be called your mother".
Derek stood up and kissed his bride and mother both on the cheek and said, "I will be back shortly my love", before turning and heading out of Penelopes bed chambers. Ashley then sat down on the bed and said, "how are you dear"?, she said, "I'm wonderful", Ashley grinned and said, "good, good", Penelope said,
"is something wrong"?, Ashley shook her head and said, "I was just wondering if you need any help with your wedding arrangements"?, she said, "I could use your advise on my flowers, if you don't mind".
Ashley shook her head and smiled as the two sat and talked about flowers for their wedding, Ashley wanted her future daughter in law and the future queen of their kingdom to have whatever she wanted on her special day. Derek knocked on Penelopes door about an hour later and when he opened the door he couldn't help but smile when he saw the two most important women in his life laughing and talking about the wedding.
He at down beside Penelope and said, "I was hoping that I could steal my future bride away for some lunch"?, Ashley grinned and said, "have a good lunch and I will talk to you two later". They both grinned and smiled as they watched the queen walking out of the room, when the door closed Derek caressed Penelopes cheek and said, "I've missed you my queen".
She sighed happily and said, "I've missed you to", he leaned in and pressed his lips gently against her lips and when they pulled apart he whispered, "are you hungry"?, she said, "I'm famished". He stood up and held out his hand and said, "I have a surprise for us outside on our varanda", she looped her arm through his as he led her from the room.
When they stepped outside she said, "oohhhh Derek, it's beautiful", they were surrounded by beautiful flowers and the table in front of them was covered with delicious food. He pulled out her chair and after she sat down he sat down beside her and the happy couple spent the afternoon just enjoying each others company.