Chapter 6
Princess Genevieve
Princess Genevieve stared at herself in the mirror. It was nearly time for the wedding of her sister. The nine sisters who still lived in the palace were to wear matching gowns for the occasion. Genevieve knew that her sister would have preferred more color, but it was traditional that the bridesmaids match. The lavender gown she wore made her already feel like a queen.
As the heir to the throne, she wore a simple golden crown on her hair. Derek wore a darker shade of purple than she or her sisters, and his crown was more extensive, but it still wasn't as large as the King's. His crown seemed a bit big for his head, and he constantly had to reposition it so that it wouldn't fall.
Since learning of King Laurent's sudden death, the castle had been somber, but Genevieve was glad to see that Courtney was happy with Prince Levi. Not only was she optimistic, but Fallon seemed more pleased as well…depending on the day, some parts of the day, she would act worried or seem to be in thought.
She spoke more openly with Prince Levi at the dinner table. Genevieve didn't understand this, but she was delighted if her sister was even a little bit happier.
"All right," said Derek, fixing his crown for the umpteenth time, "let me remember how these royal weddings go." He said as he wondered.
"First, they exchange the vows…And then we have the feast," Genevieve said.
"Afterwards, to ensure their union is complete, the bride and groom must sign a document pledging themselves to one another. Don't you remember our wedding?" Asked Genevieve.
"I remember the cake and how beautiful you looked," he said, smiling. She rolled her eyes and smiled as she stood up on her tippy toes to give her husband a quick kiss. The two exited their room and watched as all the chefs, florists, and servants ran around to ensure everything was in order.
It was the union of a King and Queen; after all, everything had to be perfect; even Genevieve's cat, Twyla, had been fitted with a new crystal collar for the occasion. They reached the grand hall where the wedding would be taking place and entered.
The grand hall was circular, held up by many pillars, and decorated with marble statues of angels around the walls. The ceiling was made of glass and created the most beautiful stained glass window. There was a large dais with an altar for royal unions. Above them was a large balcony in case events had more people attend that could fit.
Genevieve had a feeling that the balcony would be filled for the wedding. All the statues had been covered in white silks and banners for the occasion. A bouquet of flowers was placed every few paces around the room. Genevieve spotted her sisters standing up on the dais. They each held their own bundles of flowers and wore identical dresses.
The royal cleric who would conduct the ceremony spoke with Edaline as they waited. Meanwhile, Fallon clutched her flowers and smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"I am to join my sisters," Genevieve said to Derek.
"And I am to be a witness to the vows," Derek replied, gesturing at a particular spot for him. "Your father will escort Courtney down the aisle. Prince Levi will be waiting at the altar. I know all this." Finished Derek.
"Of course you do. I'm so nervous. I want Courtney to have the best wedding the kingdom's ever seen." Genevieve walked up the steps and joined her sisters. Isla handed her a bouquet of roses.
Usually, they would have lined up in order, but as King Randolph had named Genevieve and Derek the rulers, she was the first. After she was Edaline, Fallon, and so on.
"How's Court?" Genevieve whispered to Edaline.
"Nervous, but otherwise doing well," Edaline answered.
Genevieve let out a sigh and wished to say something to Fallon, but she could think of nothing to tell her sister for the first time in her life. She still didn't understand what was wrong with Fallon. Her sister was generally so lively and upbeat.
She seemed ready to go down to her grave now, even though she flashed the others a confident smile. Genevieve's thoughts were interrupted when scores of people entered the grand hall and took their seats.
As Genevieve had suspected, the floor filled first, and then the people filled the balcony. All that was heard was the chatter of people; she waved and greeted some that approached her.
Since the wedding was about to start, she soon and everyone else knew she could not move from her place. Suddenly, everyone turned when the orchestra started playing.