Previously in Chapter 2:
"No and I'm afraid he'll be terribly upset, but if he knew he would interfere. Just like he did with Gabriella; besides I would rather not include him until I'm sure she will be my wife." Although he was surprised that she chose to wear the ring. When Andrew finished his bath he put on his night pants and crawled under the cotton sheets. With Gabriella he had satin and silk because she loved the way it felt against her skin, but the satins and silks made him sweat uncontrollably. As he thought of his previous life with his deceased wife he closed his eyes and granted his mind and body a peaceful oblivion.
Chapter 3: A Year's Patience and Then Some
One year later in Antwerp….
It was the longest year of Tabitha's life. She never believed that waiting until she turned eighteen would be so stressful. She couldn't eat like she normally did because she had to keep her weight stable between her last birthday and her wedding day and she had to learn how to ride side-saddle because it was expected of a princess. She never cared for learning how to ride side-saddle and believed that she should ride just as the men do. It never bothered her or her parents, but now that she's getting married she had to learn. Tabitha was a terrible student mostly because she didn't care about riding side-saddle and she didn't have the patience for it. She normally she loved getting measured for dresses so she could see how much she's grown, but this time she loathed it. She finally couldn't stand it and saddled up her horse and rode to Cambridge. She hadn't seen Marie in a while and was dying to see their son, Arthur, again.
At Cambridge….
"Hello Tabitha." greeted King Philippe.
"Hello Philippe. How is everyone?" she replied. She politely made idle conversation with Philippe until Marie came downstairs. At the sound of approaching footsteps and an infant laugh Marie materialized. As she approached Philippe and Tabitha she placed a kiss on her husband's lips and greeted Tabitha with half a hug.
"Tabitha it's so good to see you. It's been a while." she said.
"It has." said Tabitha. As the women began to catch up on the past few months Philippe made himself scarce. He had to get ready for his guests, they would arrive soon. "I'm so glad I decided to come. I've missed you and little Arthur." As Marie handed her son to Tabitha she settled into the couch across from them. As Tabitha cooed and made silly faces at her god-son Marie thought of how natural it seemed for Tabitha to be a mother. After Tabitha's birthday celebration last year she had visited Marie a few days later and told her everything that had happened. She discovered that Tabitha didn't seem as objective to the idea of marriage to Andrew. And for that she was grateful. She couldn't wait to tell the girl that they would practically be sisters. At that thought she smiled.
"So Tabitha. What have you been doing in preparation for your big days?"
"Days?" said Tabitha. "Oh, my birthday and wedding. Well it's been stressful. I had to learn how to ride side saddle. Father says that all princesses must represent their kingdom and riding side-saddle is part of that representation. Henry was teaching me."
"Was teaching you? What did you do?"
"I was highly objective of riding side-saddle considering the fact that I could already ride astride."
Marie laughed and said, "That poor man. I wonder if he'll ever get married after dealing with you."
"He probably won't, but if he had listened to me then everything would have been fine. After a few months I was able to ride side-saddle though I doubt that I will. Anyway I was denied the majority of my favorite foods this entire year. Mother says you can pig out after you're married. Besides, what man wants to feed a pig now and a horse later?" Marie's laugher and rang through the quiet room. "Are you sure you can't be in my wedding? You know that you're my best friend."
"I wish I could but I can't, I promised Philippe that after we had Arthur we would spend our entire first year with him. But don't worry I'll be there to support you and so will my parents."
"I know your parents will be there. I recently saw your mother, my mother, and their friends. They were helping with the wedding so that I wouldn't stress myself out. The only thing I remember picking out is bridesmaid's designs and colors. I do get included in the major decisions though. But everything else I leave to mother and her friends. I have to tell you Marie that your father is still quite handsome."
"Oh please don't go there. But your father is quite nice himself. All that white hair. Don't you find it odd that all of our parent's friends have handsome husbands?"
"That is weird. Maybe it just means that we were born in the wrong year."
"Hush your mouth! I couldn't see myself marrying my father. It would be…I can't even finish that sentence."
"Well anyway. I'm having a get together of all my bridesmaids and good friends. It'll be a few days of fun in the sun and rest and relaxation."
"Well you take your fun and rest with relaxation." said Marie. "Tabitha, you know that once you get married things will change."
"I know, but that's what I'm afraid of. I don't want things to change. I want to be near you, my friends, our mothers, and their handsome husbands." With that said Tabitha and Marie burst into laughter and reminisced for the rest of the day. Arthur was taken upstairs to the nursery considering he had fallen asleep in Tabitha's arms. While Marie was telling Tabitha about the things Philippe did before they were married the object of discussion came in. The two women instantly became quiet.
"At the sudden silence in here I will assume that you both were talking about me?" said Philippe. The two women burst into laughter and once they had regained their composure Philippe began to tell Marie that their guests were here. As Philippe began to go and retrieve their guests from the outside hall Tabitha broke the silence.
"I guess I should go. It's almost time for dinner."
As Tabitha stood to rise Marie said, "Wait Tabitha. Why don't you stay the night and join us for dinner? I have no idea who the guest is and if it's one of Philippe's boring business men then I will relish your company. Besides it's not safe for you to ride back in the dark alone. Who knows what could happen to you. And with your wedding three months away you might as well stay. Once you're a queen we'll hardly see each other."
"Alright but let me forward a missive to my parents."
"Good, you still have clothes here from the last time. All I have to do is have to do is send someone up to make sure everything is in order." Marie always made sure the rooms were in top shape in case her or Philippe had unexpected overnight guests. As Marie set into motion Tabitha's overnight stay Philippe came back with his guests in tow.
"Sorry to interrupt you ladies, but these are our guests." said Philippe. Tabitha just stared at the man and thought this is going to be a long night.