CHAPTER 3
PRELUDE TO CHANGE
The view from the balcony provided Wolf with the ability to see if Wendell or
Tony were able to talk. Amid the mass of colour that formed the as the guests dance
which looked like a field of flowers blowing in the wind, Wolf saw Tony at Wendell's
side. He would seize his chance now.
Hurriedly he walked down the stirs that came up behind Wendell's thrown.
The music was loud now as it reached it's crescendo. Wolf tapped on Tony's
shoulder, "I need to speak with you" Wolf said privately. Tony looked perplexed but
nodded in agreement. Tony whispered in Wendell's ear then followed Wolf to the
balcony. Wolf and Tony leaned against the rail and looked at the guests as they
danced.
"So what's up!" said Tony.
Wolf paused for a moment as he collected his thoughts. Taking a deep breath,
he began,
"I want to marry Virginia."
Tony was not surprised by this but was taken back by Wolf's sincere approach.
"I know you want to marry her, but I am still not sure your the man for her. I
know that you love her and she you, so I can't deny that she won't be unhappy. I want
my grandchild to have a good father, one who is dependable. I believe you are
sufficient for the role. Wendell has told me that wolves are extremely loyal to their
mates and offspring. If you want my blessing, you have it." Tony smiled and put his
hand on Wolf's shoulder. "You make her so happy, more than she has been in a long
time. One of my reasons for my staying here was to allow Virginia to get to know you
and gain independence. If she did not want to marry you she would have made her
intentions clear already." Tony was still smiling. "Go for it."
Wolf was not expecting this but welcomed it. Tony was showing himself to be
more than just a protective father, he was becoming a friend.
"Thank you Tony, but I was really hoping to ask for your help. Virginia seems
saddened that we will not be married before the baby is born. As a result I would like
to have the ceremony take place soon. I need your help in organising it as you seem
close to Wendell now. Could you ask him to perform the ceremony?. It would mean
so much to both Virginia and myself if he could. Lastly I would like you to be my
best man. You have become the closest thing to a friend I have ever gotten."
Tony was amazed by this. He was actually rather flattered by this gesture and
the fact Wolf considered him a friend. How could he say no!.
"Of course I will. I would be honoured to be your best man. You know that I
can organise the best stag night you will ever see. As for Wendell, no problem, he will
do it without question. He has taken quite a shine to the both of you and his
experience with Virginia meant that he owes at least that much to her. Plus how can
he say no to his best general?"
Wolf was overjoyed by this news. This conversation was going better than all
expectations. Wolf would marry his Virginia soon and in style. She will be ecstatic
when she hears this.
"That would be great. Please ask Wendell when we can have it. Oh cripes! I'm
so excited." Wolf was beaming as he said this with overlaying emotions swarming
around him. He grabbed Tony and hugged him.
"Hey come on now, I must go and tell Wendell. He will be very happy with
this news. I'll tell him now." Tony said as he struggled out of Wolf's grasp. He
straightened his uniform and made his way towards the stairs.
"Oh and Tony, what is a stag party. Does it have real stag at it." Wolf said
excitedly.
"Possibly." Tony said only now realising that Wolf might have interpreted it
as such.
"Yummy, I love stag." Wolf said almost drueling at the prospect of having
some fresh stag.
Tony left, going down the stairs and up to the king. Wolf was almost jumping
with excitement. Virginia would be so happy, he couldn't wait to tell. He would do so
tomorrow at breakfast. "Mmmmmm breakfast." Wolf said beginning to feel hungry,
but his excitement was overwhelming.
Below, Wolf could see Tony talk to Wendell and his reaction. Wendell looked
up at the balcony where Wolf was standing and smiled. Wolf gave a small wave back.
Then Wendell stood up and signalled to the musicians to stop playing. As soon as the
music stopped the crowd remained still and looked towards Wendell expectantly.
Wendell raised his hands and spoke.
"Friends and members of the court. It is my great pleasure to announce to you
the royal marriage of my good friends, Virginia and Wolf. This will take place in five
days from now and I now declare that time to be one of celebration throughout all the
kingdoms." Wendell was smiling at Wolf again but was unable to see Wolf's panic at
his announcement.
Virginia would not like this, after all she will be the last person to know about
her own wedding. Below the crowd clapped then began talking among each other.
The music began again and mirrored the joyous mood Wolf was now in. Wolf turned
and left, leaving the guest to dance more. He himself yearned to be in Virginia
presence once again and headed of towards their room, tail wagging behind him.
Virginia woke up to the smell of wasted candles and sweet flowers. She rolled
on to her side and sure enough, found Wolf resting comfortably. She stared at him for
a while then decided to get up. As she did so he stirred and she was afraid he would
wake. Luckily he just turned over and fell back into sleep. Tempted to open the
curtains she opted to go to the bathroom first and perhaps have a bath. Firstly she
wanted to order some breakfast for them and fumbled around for the kitchen bell. She
knew what she wanted and for Wolf, any sort of meat product would suffice. Wolf did
after all love his breakfasts of which he had many each day. Today she would order
some bacon for him and a side helping of lamb, oh heck, every meat product on the
menu. Finally finding the bell, she pulled on it and waited, admiring the room as she
did so. Paintings adorned the room depicting what she believed were the five queen's.
She became mesmerised by the picture of snow white. When Virginia had met her she
looked beautiful anyway, but this picture displayed a woman of such attractiveness
that the two would not look alike. She had often wondered what things these queen's
knew that allowed them to unite the kingdoms. She had talked with Cinderella after
her mother had died and she had seemed very intelligent but was obviously becoming
affected by her old age. That was another aspect of the queen's that made them so
magical, their age. Most of them had live for over 150 years, more than anyone In her
world had done. Cinderella alone was said to be around 250 years old. Would they
live so long she began to wonder?.
As she lay in deep thought, a gentle knock at the door signalled the arrival of the
waiters with their food. She would have no need to wake Wolf as the smell would do
the job even better. The waiters placed the food on the table in the centre of the room.
Virginia thanked them and they left. Virginia sat down and began by pouring herself a
nice cup of hot tea. It was too bad that they had no coffee here, granted she would not
drink anyway as a result of her pregnancy. After a few minutes Wolf arose and came
following his nose. He had tousled hair and a nasty five o'clock shadow. He came
around behind her chair and put his hands on her shoulders, bending down to give her
a kiss on the cheek. She returned this kiss and he sat down.
"Morning my little lamb, how do you feel?" said Wolf as he began to gather
an increasing amount of food on his plate.
"I'm feeling great. A little bit groggy but altogether fine. I had a great sleep
and the little chap has I believe not woken up himself. When did you go to bed, I hope
you didn't stay up too long." Virginia said sipping her tea.
Wolf was already making headway through his meal and was quietly
munching his food. Wolf thought that now would be the best time to tell Virginia the
news before someone else did. Taking one last swallow of his food he stopped.
Taking her hand in his own and gazing into her eyes began,
"Virginia my darling. I have some great news to tell you."
"Well what is it then." Said Virginia as she became infected by Wolfs
excitement.
"I asked King Wendell if he would be able to marry us and he agreed, isn't
that great?" Wolf was beginning to feel that she may not like the idea, but would not
stop now.
Virginia was very elated with the news and hugged Wolf.
"That's great. I'm so happy. Wolf I love you so much." Virginia was finally
beginning to feel that her life was going somewhere. She was getting married to the
most caring and sensitive man she had ever known, and was having a child that she
knew would be special. Now the story was complete and she would be wed by her
friend the king.
"Come we must tell my father, he will be most pleased." She was now
dragging Wolf out of his seat. He was reluctant to do so and needed to explain to her
why.
"I have already spoken to Tony and he has given us his blessing. I also asked
him to be my best man."
Virginia was puzzled that Wolf had already chosen to talk to her father, and
was further elated in her fathers response. But she wondered about him being Wolf's
best man.
"How can my father be your best man, he has to lead me down the aisle.?" She
said seriously hoping not to offend Wolf to much.
Wolf had already anticipated this and was prepared.
"Don't worry. He can perform both duties at the same time. Indeed it will be
beneficial to the ceremony." Wolf explained.
Virginia realised that Wolf had already thought this out and she respected his
decision as the right one.
"I guess that it would. To be honest I'm surprised that you chose my father. I
know Wendell could not as he is performing it, so could you not
ask………………….!" Her silence answered her question. She had not realised that
Wolf had no one to ask other than these two. She felt stupid for not understanding
this. She now knew that she would have to share her father and Tony would have to
perform both duties. Actually her father would feel important having to perform the
two jobs. Wolf just nodded in response.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know that you had no one to ask." She apologised.
"Don't worry. I have never been close to other people as much as I have with
you, Tony and Wendell. I always distrusted humans, until I met you. I'm just glad that
I'm going to marry my true love." Wolf responded without putting Virginia down.
"Look we can share him, okay?" Virginia asked.
"Great. Now I can eat the stag that Tony is getting for me for my stag night. it
sounds delicious and a perfect wedding present." Wolf said with eagerness. Virginia
laughed at Wolfs misinterpretation.
"What?" asked Wolf puzzled by Virginia's response.
"Oh nothing. A New York joke." She answered.
"Oh and there is something else, something you may not like so much." Wolf
said rather sheepishly.
"Why, what is it? You can tell me anything now." Virginia was apprehensive
and a little bit afraid of what he had to say.
"Well, King Wendell has scheduled the ceremony for four days from now."
Wolf winced and closed his eyes awaiting her backlash.
"FOUR DAYS!. Is he crazy? I have so much planning to do and I need a dress
and……….oh my god, I'm getting married in four days. Oh Wolf."
She grabbed him again. Wolf opened his eyes.
"So your not angry?." Wolf asked.
"Of course not. I am getting married to the best husband a woman could want
in a castle in a magical world. It's like a dream come true. "Virginia said full of
excitement and emotions. life was now verging on perfect.
Wolf was practically jumping around with joy as Virginia tidied away their
clothing. She was just as excited as Wolf was but was wary of having a wedding in
the fourth kingdom. Pausing for a moment, Virginia went out onto the window
balcony to look at the scenery. In front of her was the great expanse of the fourth
kingdom, which stretched as far as the eye could see and then some. Virginia's
thoughts were interrupted by the hustle and bustle of carriages below her as they went
to the forecourt. She wondered what the reason for this flurry of activity was for. It hit
her like a bolt from above and she went into full panic mode.
"They're all here for my wedding!." Virginia whispered to herself. Wolf came
out to her.
"Did you say something my dear?" Wolf said. His hearing was amazing as he
could here her from inside, even above the noise of the carriages. She was still
panicking.
"Wolf. All these people have come for our wedding, haven't they?. "She
asked.
"Well Wendell did say that it was a royal wedding, so only naturally people
are excited and royal guests from all the nine kingdoms are coming. Why, does that
bother you?. oh Huff Puff, I should have told Wendell not to but I didn't think he
would. Stupid Wolf, stupid." Wolf was beginning to fret believing he had displeased
his Virginia. She needed to set his mind at ease as Wolf was always beating himself
up. It pained Virginia to see him like this.
"No Wolf, it's not that bad, it's just overwhelming. Your plan is perfect, but
all I want is to marry the man I love, you." Virginia was finding herself wanting to
just take Wolf and leave everything behind. She smiled at him and ran her fingers
through his hair. He perked up a little and smiled back. Virginia gave him a kiss and
Wolf grabbed her and gave her a long passionate kiss. This lasted for an eternity that
stretched into both their futures. The world meant nothing to them now, only the
moment mattered now, this one supreme moment. Wolf still had the ability to ignite
her heart and leave her lingering in the moment. They separated like a strip of paper
being torn, each not complete without the other part.
For the next hour the two lovers stood together watching the events going on.
They really paid no attention to anything except each other. For the first time since
they returned, they had some quality time alone together and the both enjoyed the
chance to do so. The moment was crystallised by the beautiful sonnet that her ring
was singing. They two lovers looked out onto the lands, seeing their future as husband
and wife, and as parents. They spoke little as words were not necessary, they had
developed their own language, one only they spoke and understood.
Their moment was only broken by the arrival of a servant to tell them that
King Wendell wanted to speak to them. They both, arm in arm, went to the kings
throne room where Wendell usually was found. Here there was decorations being
hung up and in the centre of this fashion maelstrom was Tony. The room was awash
with white drapes and red carpets.
"Dad, what are you up to?" Virginia asked her father as she watched in
amazement as her dream began to become reality.
Tony had not noticed their entrance as he was far to busy directing the
decorators who were not used to Tony's 'radical designs' and were finding it difficult
to translate Tony's ideas into reality.
"How's my little girl doing," Tony said as he stretched his hands out, "So
what do you think?"
Virginia had fallen I love with the room and its decorations. She was ecstatic
with her fathers approach.
"It's amazing. It's so beautiful. Thanks dad." Virginia said as she gave Tony a
big hug. Tony was overjoyed with Virginia being so happy. He was glad that she liked
his plans and he knew she would like the finished product.
"Yes, Tony, thanks for all your help." Wolf said fighting the temptation to hug
Tony himself. Wolf was already starting to see that this wedding would truly be
spectacular. Virginia would have the best wedding ceremony ever held in the 9
kingdoms.
"Well, wait until you see it with the flowers. It will blow you away" Tony said
as he gestured at some of the samples he had on a table. This acted as a temporary
desk for him. Scattered across it were various seating plans and guest lists. Virginia
was shocked by the amount of quests.
"Oh my god! 435 people are coming. But I don't know any of them."
Tony had anticipated this response and had formulated a response.
"That figure is only temporary and Wendell still has yet to give me anymore,
so I'm only expecting about 400." Tony said as if it were only natural to have so
many guests.
"What!" Virginia shrieked.
"It is after all a royal wedding. This is sort of amount is expected and
expected. Wendell is obligated to invite all members of the court as well as in other
kingdoms." Tony replied.
Virginia shrugged it of. The important thing was that she was finally going to
marry Wolf. The fact that she had to do so in front of so much people bothered her.
She was already getting nervous/
"Don't worry my fair Virginia, I shall be with you every step of the way."
Wolf spoke. He too was nervous but would put on a brave face for her.
"See Virginia, it will be just fine. No hitches, I promise." Tony said.
"Fine then. If you promise." Virginia responded.
"Here let me show you some of the flowers I'm going to use." Tony said,
picking up a bunch and handing them to Virginia.
"These flowers are incredible. I've never seen such beautiful colours on
flowers before." Virginia said as she smelt a flower that resembled a purple rose. It
smelt like a cherry or at least that was the closest to it as Virginia could describe.
Virginia then began to wonder for what reason her father was doing this.
"So dad, why are you really doing this?" Virginia asked Tony.
Tony was almost insulted by this but took the remark in his stride.
"Well, my baby is only going to get married once and I will be damned if its
not going to special. Plus I am the brides father and have certain obligations. I'm not
going to let these clowns ruin your big day." Tony said in a hushed tone. He was
proud of his plans and his daughter.
"And I really want to show these guys that we New Yorkers can really throw a
party. Wendell will rue the day he argued against me. Oh yes." Tony said with severe
pride.
Virginia found it humorous that he was taking it so personal. She just believed
her dad had seen to many television weddings and wanted to maze the court with his
'original' designs.
"These people don't know what their in for" she joked.
For the next 20 minutes her father showed them in extreme detail and on many
occasions had acted as a translator to Wolf about her fathers creative genius. After a
while Tony had become so involved with his paperwork that the two lovers decided to
leave.
"Sorry to interrupt your work but I had hoped to see the gardens sometime
today." Virginia said with a slight sarcastic tone. Luckily for them her father realised
this almost immediately and did not seem that offended by it.
"Well I am so sorry to be holding you up but I thought you might be remotely
interested in your own wedding." Tony said flailing his arms and acting mad. This
disguise quickly disintegrated into a big smile. "I understand completely and realise
that I do become rather boring. Now go and leave or you may become trapped here
forever." Tony joked.
"Lets go now my love as I fear he may be speaking the truth." Wolf mused.
Virginia smiled and was glad to see that her father and Wolf were getting along
finally.
"Thanks for understanding dad. Don't worry, we will drop by on our away
back and you can resume. Bye." Virginia said before she and Wolf slowly left.
PRELUDE TO CHANGE
The view from the balcony provided Wolf with the ability to see if Wendell or
Tony were able to talk. Amid the mass of colour that formed the as the guests dance
which looked like a field of flowers blowing in the wind, Wolf saw Tony at Wendell's
side. He would seize his chance now.
Hurriedly he walked down the stirs that came up behind Wendell's thrown.
The music was loud now as it reached it's crescendo. Wolf tapped on Tony's
shoulder, "I need to speak with you" Wolf said privately. Tony looked perplexed but
nodded in agreement. Tony whispered in Wendell's ear then followed Wolf to the
balcony. Wolf and Tony leaned against the rail and looked at the guests as they
danced.
"So what's up!" said Tony.
Wolf paused for a moment as he collected his thoughts. Taking a deep breath,
he began,
"I want to marry Virginia."
Tony was not surprised by this but was taken back by Wolf's sincere approach.
"I know you want to marry her, but I am still not sure your the man for her. I
know that you love her and she you, so I can't deny that she won't be unhappy. I want
my grandchild to have a good father, one who is dependable. I believe you are
sufficient for the role. Wendell has told me that wolves are extremely loyal to their
mates and offspring. If you want my blessing, you have it." Tony smiled and put his
hand on Wolf's shoulder. "You make her so happy, more than she has been in a long
time. One of my reasons for my staying here was to allow Virginia to get to know you
and gain independence. If she did not want to marry you she would have made her
intentions clear already." Tony was still smiling. "Go for it."
Wolf was not expecting this but welcomed it. Tony was showing himself to be
more than just a protective father, he was becoming a friend.
"Thank you Tony, but I was really hoping to ask for your help. Virginia seems
saddened that we will not be married before the baby is born. As a result I would like
to have the ceremony take place soon. I need your help in organising it as you seem
close to Wendell now. Could you ask him to perform the ceremony?. It would mean
so much to both Virginia and myself if he could. Lastly I would like you to be my
best man. You have become the closest thing to a friend I have ever gotten."
Tony was amazed by this. He was actually rather flattered by this gesture and
the fact Wolf considered him a friend. How could he say no!.
"Of course I will. I would be honoured to be your best man. You know that I
can organise the best stag night you will ever see. As for Wendell, no problem, he will
do it without question. He has taken quite a shine to the both of you and his
experience with Virginia meant that he owes at least that much to her. Plus how can
he say no to his best general?"
Wolf was overjoyed by this news. This conversation was going better than all
expectations. Wolf would marry his Virginia soon and in style. She will be ecstatic
when she hears this.
"That would be great. Please ask Wendell when we can have it. Oh cripes! I'm
so excited." Wolf was beaming as he said this with overlaying emotions swarming
around him. He grabbed Tony and hugged him.
"Hey come on now, I must go and tell Wendell. He will be very happy with
this news. I'll tell him now." Tony said as he struggled out of Wolf's grasp. He
straightened his uniform and made his way towards the stairs.
"Oh and Tony, what is a stag party. Does it have real stag at it." Wolf said
excitedly.
"Possibly." Tony said only now realising that Wolf might have interpreted it
as such.
"Yummy, I love stag." Wolf said almost drueling at the prospect of having
some fresh stag.
Tony left, going down the stairs and up to the king. Wolf was almost jumping
with excitement. Virginia would be so happy, he couldn't wait to tell. He would do so
tomorrow at breakfast. "Mmmmmm breakfast." Wolf said beginning to feel hungry,
but his excitement was overwhelming.
Below, Wolf could see Tony talk to Wendell and his reaction. Wendell looked
up at the balcony where Wolf was standing and smiled. Wolf gave a small wave back.
Then Wendell stood up and signalled to the musicians to stop playing. As soon as the
music stopped the crowd remained still and looked towards Wendell expectantly.
Wendell raised his hands and spoke.
"Friends and members of the court. It is my great pleasure to announce to you
the royal marriage of my good friends, Virginia and Wolf. This will take place in five
days from now and I now declare that time to be one of celebration throughout all the
kingdoms." Wendell was smiling at Wolf again but was unable to see Wolf's panic at
his announcement.
Virginia would not like this, after all she will be the last person to know about
her own wedding. Below the crowd clapped then began talking among each other.
The music began again and mirrored the joyous mood Wolf was now in. Wolf turned
and left, leaving the guest to dance more. He himself yearned to be in Virginia
presence once again and headed of towards their room, tail wagging behind him.
Virginia woke up to the smell of wasted candles and sweet flowers. She rolled
on to her side and sure enough, found Wolf resting comfortably. She stared at him for
a while then decided to get up. As she did so he stirred and she was afraid he would
wake. Luckily he just turned over and fell back into sleep. Tempted to open the
curtains she opted to go to the bathroom first and perhaps have a bath. Firstly she
wanted to order some breakfast for them and fumbled around for the kitchen bell. She
knew what she wanted and for Wolf, any sort of meat product would suffice. Wolf did
after all love his breakfasts of which he had many each day. Today she would order
some bacon for him and a side helping of lamb, oh heck, every meat product on the
menu. Finally finding the bell, she pulled on it and waited, admiring the room as she
did so. Paintings adorned the room depicting what she believed were the five queen's.
She became mesmerised by the picture of snow white. When Virginia had met her she
looked beautiful anyway, but this picture displayed a woman of such attractiveness
that the two would not look alike. She had often wondered what things these queen's
knew that allowed them to unite the kingdoms. She had talked with Cinderella after
her mother had died and she had seemed very intelligent but was obviously becoming
affected by her old age. That was another aspect of the queen's that made them so
magical, their age. Most of them had live for over 150 years, more than anyone In her
world had done. Cinderella alone was said to be around 250 years old. Would they
live so long she began to wonder?.
As she lay in deep thought, a gentle knock at the door signalled the arrival of the
waiters with their food. She would have no need to wake Wolf as the smell would do
the job even better. The waiters placed the food on the table in the centre of the room.
Virginia thanked them and they left. Virginia sat down and began by pouring herself a
nice cup of hot tea. It was too bad that they had no coffee here, granted she would not
drink anyway as a result of her pregnancy. After a few minutes Wolf arose and came
following his nose. He had tousled hair and a nasty five o'clock shadow. He came
around behind her chair and put his hands on her shoulders, bending down to give her
a kiss on the cheek. She returned this kiss and he sat down.
"Morning my little lamb, how do you feel?" said Wolf as he began to gather
an increasing amount of food on his plate.
"I'm feeling great. A little bit groggy but altogether fine. I had a great sleep
and the little chap has I believe not woken up himself. When did you go to bed, I hope
you didn't stay up too long." Virginia said sipping her tea.
Wolf was already making headway through his meal and was quietly
munching his food. Wolf thought that now would be the best time to tell Virginia the
news before someone else did. Taking one last swallow of his food he stopped.
Taking her hand in his own and gazing into her eyes began,
"Virginia my darling. I have some great news to tell you."
"Well what is it then." Said Virginia as she became infected by Wolfs
excitement.
"I asked King Wendell if he would be able to marry us and he agreed, isn't
that great?" Wolf was beginning to feel that she may not like the idea, but would not
stop now.
Virginia was very elated with the news and hugged Wolf.
"That's great. I'm so happy. Wolf I love you so much." Virginia was finally
beginning to feel that her life was going somewhere. She was getting married to the
most caring and sensitive man she had ever known, and was having a child that she
knew would be special. Now the story was complete and she would be wed by her
friend the king.
"Come we must tell my father, he will be most pleased." She was now
dragging Wolf out of his seat. He was reluctant to do so and needed to explain to her
why.
"I have already spoken to Tony and he has given us his blessing. I also asked
him to be my best man."
Virginia was puzzled that Wolf had already chosen to talk to her father, and
was further elated in her fathers response. But she wondered about him being Wolf's
best man.
"How can my father be your best man, he has to lead me down the aisle.?" She
said seriously hoping not to offend Wolf to much.
Wolf had already anticipated this and was prepared.
"Don't worry. He can perform both duties at the same time. Indeed it will be
beneficial to the ceremony." Wolf explained.
Virginia realised that Wolf had already thought this out and she respected his
decision as the right one.
"I guess that it would. To be honest I'm surprised that you chose my father. I
know Wendell could not as he is performing it, so could you not
ask………………….!" Her silence answered her question. She had not realised that
Wolf had no one to ask other than these two. She felt stupid for not understanding
this. She now knew that she would have to share her father and Tony would have to
perform both duties. Actually her father would feel important having to perform the
two jobs. Wolf just nodded in response.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know that you had no one to ask." She apologised.
"Don't worry. I have never been close to other people as much as I have with
you, Tony and Wendell. I always distrusted humans, until I met you. I'm just glad that
I'm going to marry my true love." Wolf responded without putting Virginia down.
"Look we can share him, okay?" Virginia asked.
"Great. Now I can eat the stag that Tony is getting for me for my stag night. it
sounds delicious and a perfect wedding present." Wolf said with eagerness. Virginia
laughed at Wolfs misinterpretation.
"What?" asked Wolf puzzled by Virginia's response.
"Oh nothing. A New York joke." She answered.
"Oh and there is something else, something you may not like so much." Wolf
said rather sheepishly.
"Why, what is it? You can tell me anything now." Virginia was apprehensive
and a little bit afraid of what he had to say.
"Well, King Wendell has scheduled the ceremony for four days from now."
Wolf winced and closed his eyes awaiting her backlash.
"FOUR DAYS!. Is he crazy? I have so much planning to do and I need a dress
and……….oh my god, I'm getting married in four days. Oh Wolf."
She grabbed him again. Wolf opened his eyes.
"So your not angry?." Wolf asked.
"Of course not. I am getting married to the best husband a woman could want
in a castle in a magical world. It's like a dream come true. "Virginia said full of
excitement and emotions. life was now verging on perfect.
Wolf was practically jumping around with joy as Virginia tidied away their
clothing. She was just as excited as Wolf was but was wary of having a wedding in
the fourth kingdom. Pausing for a moment, Virginia went out onto the window
balcony to look at the scenery. In front of her was the great expanse of the fourth
kingdom, which stretched as far as the eye could see and then some. Virginia's
thoughts were interrupted by the hustle and bustle of carriages below her as they went
to the forecourt. She wondered what the reason for this flurry of activity was for. It hit
her like a bolt from above and she went into full panic mode.
"They're all here for my wedding!." Virginia whispered to herself. Wolf came
out to her.
"Did you say something my dear?" Wolf said. His hearing was amazing as he
could here her from inside, even above the noise of the carriages. She was still
panicking.
"Wolf. All these people have come for our wedding, haven't they?. "She
asked.
"Well Wendell did say that it was a royal wedding, so only naturally people
are excited and royal guests from all the nine kingdoms are coming. Why, does that
bother you?. oh Huff Puff, I should have told Wendell not to but I didn't think he
would. Stupid Wolf, stupid." Wolf was beginning to fret believing he had displeased
his Virginia. She needed to set his mind at ease as Wolf was always beating himself
up. It pained Virginia to see him like this.
"No Wolf, it's not that bad, it's just overwhelming. Your plan is perfect, but
all I want is to marry the man I love, you." Virginia was finding herself wanting to
just take Wolf and leave everything behind. She smiled at him and ran her fingers
through his hair. He perked up a little and smiled back. Virginia gave him a kiss and
Wolf grabbed her and gave her a long passionate kiss. This lasted for an eternity that
stretched into both their futures. The world meant nothing to them now, only the
moment mattered now, this one supreme moment. Wolf still had the ability to ignite
her heart and leave her lingering in the moment. They separated like a strip of paper
being torn, each not complete without the other part.
For the next hour the two lovers stood together watching the events going on.
They really paid no attention to anything except each other. For the first time since
they returned, they had some quality time alone together and the both enjoyed the
chance to do so. The moment was crystallised by the beautiful sonnet that her ring
was singing. They two lovers looked out onto the lands, seeing their future as husband
and wife, and as parents. They spoke little as words were not necessary, they had
developed their own language, one only they spoke and understood.
Their moment was only broken by the arrival of a servant to tell them that
King Wendell wanted to speak to them. They both, arm in arm, went to the kings
throne room where Wendell usually was found. Here there was decorations being
hung up and in the centre of this fashion maelstrom was Tony. The room was awash
with white drapes and red carpets.
"Dad, what are you up to?" Virginia asked her father as she watched in
amazement as her dream began to become reality.
Tony had not noticed their entrance as he was far to busy directing the
decorators who were not used to Tony's 'radical designs' and were finding it difficult
to translate Tony's ideas into reality.
"How's my little girl doing," Tony said as he stretched his hands out, "So
what do you think?"
Virginia had fallen I love with the room and its decorations. She was ecstatic
with her fathers approach.
"It's amazing. It's so beautiful. Thanks dad." Virginia said as she gave Tony a
big hug. Tony was overjoyed with Virginia being so happy. He was glad that she liked
his plans and he knew she would like the finished product.
"Yes, Tony, thanks for all your help." Wolf said fighting the temptation to hug
Tony himself. Wolf was already starting to see that this wedding would truly be
spectacular. Virginia would have the best wedding ceremony ever held in the 9
kingdoms.
"Well, wait until you see it with the flowers. It will blow you away" Tony said
as he gestured at some of the samples he had on a table. This acted as a temporary
desk for him. Scattered across it were various seating plans and guest lists. Virginia
was shocked by the amount of quests.
"Oh my god! 435 people are coming. But I don't know any of them."
Tony had anticipated this response and had formulated a response.
"That figure is only temporary and Wendell still has yet to give me anymore,
so I'm only expecting about 400." Tony said as if it were only natural to have so
many guests.
"What!" Virginia shrieked.
"It is after all a royal wedding. This is sort of amount is expected and
expected. Wendell is obligated to invite all members of the court as well as in other
kingdoms." Tony replied.
Virginia shrugged it of. The important thing was that she was finally going to
marry Wolf. The fact that she had to do so in front of so much people bothered her.
She was already getting nervous/
"Don't worry my fair Virginia, I shall be with you every step of the way."
Wolf spoke. He too was nervous but would put on a brave face for her.
"See Virginia, it will be just fine. No hitches, I promise." Tony said.
"Fine then. If you promise." Virginia responded.
"Here let me show you some of the flowers I'm going to use." Tony said,
picking up a bunch and handing them to Virginia.
"These flowers are incredible. I've never seen such beautiful colours on
flowers before." Virginia said as she smelt a flower that resembled a purple rose. It
smelt like a cherry or at least that was the closest to it as Virginia could describe.
Virginia then began to wonder for what reason her father was doing this.
"So dad, why are you really doing this?" Virginia asked Tony.
Tony was almost insulted by this but took the remark in his stride.
"Well, my baby is only going to get married once and I will be damned if its
not going to special. Plus I am the brides father and have certain obligations. I'm not
going to let these clowns ruin your big day." Tony said in a hushed tone. He was
proud of his plans and his daughter.
"And I really want to show these guys that we New Yorkers can really throw a
party. Wendell will rue the day he argued against me. Oh yes." Tony said with severe
pride.
Virginia found it humorous that he was taking it so personal. She just believed
her dad had seen to many television weddings and wanted to maze the court with his
'original' designs.
"These people don't know what their in for" she joked.
For the next 20 minutes her father showed them in extreme detail and on many
occasions had acted as a translator to Wolf about her fathers creative genius. After a
while Tony had become so involved with his paperwork that the two lovers decided to
leave.
"Sorry to interrupt your work but I had hoped to see the gardens sometime
today." Virginia said with a slight sarcastic tone. Luckily for them her father realised
this almost immediately and did not seem that offended by it.
"Well I am so sorry to be holding you up but I thought you might be remotely
interested in your own wedding." Tony said flailing his arms and acting mad. This
disguise quickly disintegrated into a big smile. "I understand completely and realise
that I do become rather boring. Now go and leave or you may become trapped here
forever." Tony joked.
"Lets go now my love as I fear he may be speaking the truth." Wolf mused.
Virginia smiled and was glad to see that her father and Wolf were getting along
finally.
"Thanks for understanding dad. Don't worry, we will drop by on our away
back and you can resume. Bye." Virginia said before she and Wolf slowly left.