It took several moments of searching through her memory before Rosalyn finally rediscovered the music room. She didn't come here often during her stay in the palace, since she didn't know how to play any instruments. Adrien was sitting in front of the piano playing a beautiful tune. "I just might have to hire you to play the music at my wedding," she teased when she entered the room.
"Is that so? I am honored at your consideration of my musical talent to be used for such a special occasion. However, I must decline. I am certain I will have a wedding of my own that day to attend. None the less congratulations on your engagement!" Adrien spoke, looking away from the piano keys so his eyes could meet hers. There was a playful smile on his lips.
His fingers continued to play the melody of his mind in quieter tones, while he spoke, "The groom is a very lucky fellow. I am certain your heart is as kind as your words are. I hope he is worthy of you."
"I hope the same of you and your bride. She must be a very special woman to have earned the favor the king. Most believed such a thing was impossible." Rose smiled briefly before casting her gaze to the floor. She reached up and started to play with the ends of her hair, seeming nervous.
"All wedding speak aside... Adrien, I want to apologize for the way I acted this morning. I did not mean to upset you in any way. I know last night I said I would let you help me through my troubles, but I feel as if I would be a burden to you. As a king, there are so many more important things you have to worry about. I shouldn't have to be one of them."
"Most believe a lot of things are impossible. With her, I like to believe anything is possible. That's just how special she is to me." He spoke back, noticing her fingers playing with the ends of her brunette locks of hair he cast his gaze back to the piano once more, hoping to ease.
Adrien stopped playing after Rosalyn completed speaking and carefully approached her, taking one of her hands in his. "As a King I do have duties and obligations. But as your betrothed and soon to be husband, the utmost important person in my life will be you. I hope it will always be you. If you are well, then I am well, which makes for a well ruled kingdom. You could never be a burden to me Rose. No matter come what may. We will get threw it together, just like we always have."
Rosalyn looked up at Adrien and nodded. They would get through it, like they always had. They had been through so much together. So much hurt and fear. "I'm sure you know I had a nightmare this morning. It had to deal with the run-in I had with Sienna."
She paused for a moment, trying to think of how to explain her dream. Everything about it was so absurd, yet felt so real. Especially the presence of Gustave and her father, both long passed. Even in the dream, Rose knew they were deceased, but Gustave's spiteful glower sent chills up her spine, and her father's words comforted her enough to pull her from the dream. "The villagers accused me of witchcraft, all of them. Gustave was there...he drug me to the center of town and bound me to a stake..." Rosalyn's voice caught in her throat, but she pushed on. "They burned me...and then my father was there. His hands were freezing and he recited a line from a poem: 'Look, look at me, come wake up for still here I'll be.'"
Rose knew the nightmare wouldn't make much sense to the king. It was something she couldn't even make sense of, therefore she had a hard time conveying it. She just needed him to understand why she had acted the way she did.
Much of what Rosalyn said didn't make much sense to Adrien. Surely, she had no more reason to worry about the villagers or their gossip. They would be wed in two months time. These fears were reaching her in sleep and effecting her usual demeanor. It was as if seeing a radiant flower wilt before his eyes. Despite proper etiquette, if keeping her safe meant keeping her within the walls of the castle until that day came he would. Surely the village would gossip but once she was queen they would cease their murmurings. For after that she would have the power to remove their heads if necessary.
"Awe. So the poem I recited did reach you in your fevered dream. I can't say I understand your fears. But I will do what I can or what you can tell me to do to ease your conscious on the matter. All I know is you aren't yourself. And all my power as a king or as a man cannot seem to help you obtain the Rosalyn I often saw when in my company. I don't want you to pretend all is well. Because quite frankly, pretense my have worked for others in your past, but it will not work for me. I will do whatever is necessary to keep you safe." Adrien told her, choosing his words carefully, taking a hold of her left hand in his, admiring the rings upon their fingers.
She knew her fear was irrational, but it was a fear nonetheless. But Adrien was willing to do anything he could to help ease her. A small smile crossed her lips as he took her hand in his. The two months standing before them could not, and would not pass soon enough.
Rosalyn stepped forward and placed a gentle kiss on the king's forehead. With her free hand, she reached up and played with the end of his ponytail. "Thank you, Adrien. Words can not express how thankful I am that you are in my life."
The days of winter passed by in what felt to be a slow pace for Adrien. With each passing day it grew closer and closer to what he figured would be the best day of his life. His union to Rosalyn Beaumont. Long were the hours that he spent confirming decorations, food, attire, flowers, etc. Everything had to be perfect, for he wanted to give her the wedding that every young girl surely dreamed about and desired when it was their turn to marry the person they fall in love with.
Adrien initially had chosen a design from Maddy for his attire that had him wear a elongated waistcoat that extended down to his knees, a long sleeved tunic, a high collared vest, trousers, and boots. Every piece she had designed with embroidery on the hems, sleeves, shoulders, and vest clasps. What he had not expected was the attire to be in white/creme and gold embroidery. He had expected black and gold embroidery. He felt almost as ridiculous as the day Maddy made him wear the blue attire with the gold embroidery; the day he and Rose shared their first dance. Like that, although he was hesitant he trusted Maddy's skill and instincts for this and permitted the color to be as she deemed best.
Not soon enough the snow melted away and the flowers of spring were in bloom. Adrien and Rose along with the castle staff had prepared all that they could for the joyous occasion to come. The entire castle inside and the grounds outside almost looked unrecognizable. It was a wonderland of lily flowers and complimentary fabric. Rose corsages were worn by those who were deemed 'close' to either the bride or the King. A Chaplain had traveled to preside over the union as Pere Rob kindly declined. Adrien figured this to be because of the unsteady history the Father suspected of the past. None the less Adrien was grateful that Pere Rob 'accidentally' had no proof that Rose's first marriage ever took place. In the sight of God, yes. But in documentation, no.
The day of the wedding Adrien was NOT permitted to see Rose at all. He was escorted always by Colin and Lothair, to make sure he didn't go anywhere near the East Wing where Maddy and Mrs. Pom had their full attention on Rose's every need until the clock struck high noon and it was time. Everyone was dressed in formal attire. Even the staff had new attire for the occasion. "Master, it's time." Colin answered and Adrien looked at his reflection one last time and with his two trusted associates by his side the three men made their way to the throne room.
Members of the counsel, lords of the lands, and deacons who accompanied the Chaplin for the wedding filled the hall. Several members of the staff who were deemed 'close' were there as well. Maestro Caden was ready to play beautiful Canon in D when Rose would make her appearance. There was two seats on the front row for Maddy and Mrs. Pom to join Mr. Pom. Adrien found that odd. Where was Chandler? Shouldn't he be here with the rings?! Surely they wouldn't dismiss the lad from this event. Adrien was certain Rose would want the boy to attend. She had a great fondness for the child, and in a way so did Adrien. Adrien was certain he told Mrs. Pom he wanted the boy to be the ring bearer. Colin dismissed himself to take a seat. Lothair stayed at Adrien's side. Adrien took a deep breath feeling nervous as he stood at the front of the walking isle. The Chaplin dressed in white behind the pulpit.
Too many nervous thoughts clouded his mind and made his stomach turn. He was suddenly grateful he had eaten very little breakfast in his room that day. A moment later all the heads in the room turned when the doorman tapped his staff upon the floor. "All arise." He spoke loud and the doors were opened, revealing the most beautiful sight Adrien had ever seen in his entire life. It was Rose dressed in a all white gown. Lace encompassed the gown, but designed in intricate floral patterns that made the lace alone into sleeves. The fabric and lace fanned out into a exquisite array that was just the right amount of flair for her tender soul.
Chandler wearing a black and gold waistcoat, vest, trousers, and boots stood at her side. Maestro Caden began to play and the two began to walk down the isle. Maddy and Mrs. Pom carried the skirt of the dress. Rose's hair was not down or halfway up like she usually wore it. But braided in a beautiful ensemble that he suspected, Maddy did on purpose as it would accommodate presenting the crown of a queen that the Chaplin had on a cushion for the union ceremony. Adrien's smile couldn't even compare to how he felt, seeing Rose in that moment. It was a sight he would never forget.
Days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months. After the winter storm subsided and the snow cleared, Rosalyn found herself traveling to the palace nearly every day. She and Chip would sit in the library for his lessons, then she would be whisked away to deal with tasks concerning their wedding. She heard no more gossip from the villagers, though she did still experience the occasional nightmare.
But as winter broke and spring bloomed, her mind became cluttered with plans for the wedding. Everything was to be perfect, from the flower arrangements to the attire and decor. And perfect is what it was.
When the day finally came, butterflies erupted in Rosalyn's stomach. She was not nervous or scared, but excited. Excited to start a new chapter in her life, one with Adrien.
As she sat in the East Wing preparing for the ceremony, she recalled her first time in this room. Lothair had escorted her from the ballroom and locked her away in here. She remembered seeing her father begging to take her place, for the king to free her. That night she had no idea what would become of her. No idea that she would eventually be marrying the king.
Rose was interrpted from her memories when Maddy took her hand and spoke to her. "You're ready, Miss Rosalyn. And might I say you are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen," the woman said. She smiled and gave Rosalyn's hand a light squeeze.
"Thank you, Maddy, and you too, Mrs. Pom, for everything. Lord only knows where I would be without you two wonderful women," Rose said. When she stepped out of the East Wing, Chandler was waiting outside the door, dressed in a black and gold suit. "You are the most handsome young lad I've ever seen."
Chandler blushed and held his arm out to her. "Thank you, Miss Rosalyn. You look very pretty," he stated and escorted the bride to the throne room.
Rosalyn took a deep breath to settle her stomach and moments later, the large wooden doors opened, revealing the throne room. Flowers decorated either side of the aisle, and everyone stood with their eyes on her. Her gaze fell on her very soon to be husband and a wide smile spread across her lips. Adrien was more handsome now than ever, thought he was always handsome.
Chandler led her down the aisle, and when they reached the pulpit, the young lad placed a soft kiss on Rosalyn's hand, then stepped off the side to take a seat next to his father. Mrs. Pom and Maddy followed suit and the rest of the crowd took their seats.
Rosalyn smiled at Adrien, a look of love and adoration in her eyes. Together they turned towards the pulpit and the Chaplin began the ceremony.
Adrien barely heard the words of the Chaplin as he addressed the congregation. He couldn't take his eyes of Rosalyn. Their hands held each others as the ceremony went on.
Adrien's gaze pulled away for but a moment when he caught sight of a Raven perched ever so contently behind one of window panes. He wasn't surprised the Enchantress would attend the ceremony. She had a fondness for meddling in his affairs.
He turned his gaze back to Rosalyn and soon the time arrived when they placed the rings on each others fingers. Chandler eagerly pulled the rings out of his vest pocket and bestowed them to Adrien who went first and placed the ring back upon her left hand. She did the same for his. Normally he would be asked to be her lawfully wedded husband with the traditional vow but he requested the Chaplin to allow them to say their own vows, before saying the 'I do's'.
"Rose, meeting you was fate. Despite my my flaws, becoming my friend was your choice. Falling in love with you was something I had no control over. I, Adrien DeLavergne, take you, Rosalyn Beaumont, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to love unconditionally, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, and as my Queen for the kingdom of Amouria. And when death separates us in this life, may our love stay strong and renewed when we meet again in the next life and for ever more."
He gave her hands a reassuring squeeze and waited for her to speak her vows.
Chandler approached and handed the couple each other's rings. Adrien slid her wedding band onto her finger where it sat snugly against her engagement ring. Then she took his hand and put his ring on.
When Adrien said his vows, her heart melted. They were absolutely perfect, and she would remember them forever, like a poem repeating over and over in her mind. When his vows came to a halt and he squeezed her hands, she knew it was her turn to recite hers. She just hoped he would be just as happy with her's as she was with his.
Rosalyn smiled and began speaking. "I choose you, Adrien, to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you and trusting who you will become. I feel like everything in my life had led me towards you. My choices, heartbreak, regrets. Everything. And standing here with you, my past seems worth it. I promise I will respect and honor you, not only as my king, but as my husband. I, Rosalyn Beaumont, take you, Adrien DeLavergne, to be my husband. To have and to hold, in tears and in laughter, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish from this day forward. In this world, and the next."
With their vows said and rings exchanged the chaplin began to speak, "By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife." He removed the queen's crown from the cushion upon which it was and placed it upon Rosalyn's head.
"Ladies and gentlemen, arise." The chaplin ordered. The congregation rose and the couple looked out to the congregation. "May I present, King Adrien DeLavergne and Queen Rosalyn DeLavergne. Long may they reign."
"Long may they reign!" The crowd chanted and the final words of the Chaplin spoke was to Adrien, "Your Majesty, you may kiss your bride." Adrien's chest was full of joyful anticipation as his eyes beheld the beautiful soul in her eyes and his elegant wife before him.
With their hands still clasped and his eye full of admiration and anticipation, he leaned in and placed his lips against her own in a half affectionate and half passionate kiss. The congregation erupted into shouts of jubilation, clapping, and cheers.
His hand raised to caress her cheek and gently travel up her jawline, coming to a stop at the nape of her neck. When they parted their hands kept hold and turned into a escorted arm side by side embrace to walk down the isle as husband and wife. Mrs. Pom was clearly crying joyful tears as she clasped onto a white handkerchief that she dabbed her eyes with.
Lothair gave his Master a warm smile. As the two walked every person bowed their posture in deep respect for the two royals. It was after that Adrien led Rose through the gardens. Lily's everywhere in magnificent bloom. They paused for some time to sit down in the gazebo so that a painter could craft the image upon canvas.
It was there during their wait he whispered the words, "I love you, Rose." Into her ear. When the artist had enough to work with they continued their venture through the rest of the garden.
A carriage with equally extravagant decore awaited for them when their walk through the garden was complete. A footman assisted with opening the door and Adrien helped Rose inside before he entered himself. The door was closed and within was a basket of divine edible delights from Chef Boone and imported goods to satisfy any nourishment or thirst needs they may have until they reached their destination.
Adrien could hardly keep his eyes off Rosalyn. She was a sight that he never wanted to forget. He wanted to always remember this day and everything about it. He placed a kiss upon her brow, "I love you, Rose. I don't think I could live long enough to say those words enough to convey how much I do."
The crown placed atop her head was not only heavy in weight, but also responsibility. During the past few months, she had hardly thought about becoming the king's queen. She was more encompassed in the thought of becoming Adrien's wife.King Adrien DeLavergne and Queen Rosalyn DeLavergne.The name Queen Rosalyn frightened her to a degree, but she knew with the surname DeLavergne she would never have to face something alone unless she wished.
Her attention was brought back to Adrien when the Chaplin announced he could kiss his bride. No matter how many times the two shared a kiss, she would always feel her heart flutter. When their lips connected, the room around them seemed to slow slow to a halt. It reminded her of the dance they had shared when the king was still a beast. The moment they fell in love.
Cheers and clapping filled her ears again when they parted. Rosalyn smiled at the king, her husband, and turned back to the congregation of people. She took Adrien's arm and they departed the throne room. They went to the gardens where they had their portrait taken. Rose imagined her father sitting behind the canvas instead of the artist. She would have given anything for him to share this day with her.
Once they were no longer needed by the painted, Adrien lead her to a carriage adorned with flowers, and they were off to...Rosalyn didn't know where they were going. "I love you too, Adrien... But where are we going?"
"We are going on an adventure for our honeymoon. The neighboring kingdom of Fleurence prides itself in having the most spectacular flower festival in the world in spring time." Adrien answered her with a knowing grin.
He hadn't seen the flower festival of Fleurence since he was a lad attending such events with his mother. Back then he didn't care for it all that much, but it got him out of the castle and a chance to see her smile. So, he willingly accompanied her as she would travel both near and far to a new flower festival every year.
The carriage seemed to become more stable in movement. Indicating they had exited the forested area of Amouria and were traveling in more open country. Where the road was a dirt path, but not interrupted with tree roots or fallen branches like the somewhat unpredictable forest road.
Adrien switched places in the carriage. He went from sitting across from his wife to sitting beside her, so she could relax against him with ease. "It will be some time before we arrive to our destination. All we can do for now is eat, drink, and rest."
The flower festival? Her father had traveled there many times, selling his music boxes and other trinkets and art. Rosalyn had never accompanied him though. He wished for her to stay behind and look after things, so she reluctantly did so. It had always been a dream of hers to go to the festival, especially after seeing the extravagant flowers her father brought back for her.
Adrien moved to sit beside her and they settled in together for the long ride to the neighboring kingdom. Rose had never been outside of Amouria, unless it had been when she was an infant, far before her memory stretched. Her heart beat in anticipation as they waited to arrive at their destination.