It had been two months since Emilio had proposed to Eve and she had accepted his proposal. Since that day, Eve and Emilio had been working on the wedding from both ends while they were in their own countries. Eve was worried that at any moment her uncle would find out about the wedding and put an end to it before Eve had a chance to walk up the aisle. Aside from herself, Mary was the only member of Eve's family who knew of the wedding. It was the day before Eve was to leave for Spain and all she had to do now was set up the final pieces of her plan.
Eve was currently in her room packing what she needed for the wedding and would return for the rest of her things when she returned from her honeymoon, and to let the rest of her family know that she had gotten married. When Eve heard a knock on her door, she froze and became worried that it was her uncle.
"Eve, it's Mary," She said on the other side of the door. Eve walks over to the door and lets Mary in before closing it. Mary turns to her cousin and asks, "How is the wedding planning?"
"It is going rather well considering Emilio and I are in two separate countries," Eve replied with a nervous chuckle, "But I know that everything is going to be wonderful. I just hope nothing is causing a fuss."
"Eve, it is a royal wedding of the Crown Prince, there is bound to be some fuss," Mary told her, "They do want to make sure that everything is perfect for when their future Queen arrives. I have told Mama and Papa that we will be leaving very early tomorrow morning for our trip to France so they will not suspect a thing of either of us being absent so early in the morning. I have also informed Anna of our 'trip' and she will be coming with us."
"Thank you, Mary."
"Have you had a dress made and sent it up to Spain?"
"Oh, I did not have a dress made," Eve replied, "I have my mother's wedding dress. Some of the nuns and women at the church helped with it. So much love went into designing and making this dress for my mother and I want to feel that love when I wear it."
"You're quite the sentimentalist, Eve," Mary told her as she sat down on the chair to Eve's vanity.
"You're supposed to be sentimental with a wedding happening soon," She said.
"Are you still sure you do not want Papa or anyone else there?"
"No," Eve answered, "Because Uncle Robert will find out through one of them if he does not attend and he will forbid the wedding. I have the tickets for you, Anna, and me, Mary. Emilio told me that there will be somewhat of a committee to welcome us when we reach Spain's shores."
"No doubt the entirety of Spain will be there to welcome their future Queen," Mary teased her, "I understand that there are some traditions when it comes to a Spanish wedding, do you know any?"
"Yes, I do," She replied, "I believe some are the groom who gives the bride 13 gold coins to promise to provide for the bride and their family and the acceptance of them symbolizes the bride's trust in her soon-to-be-husband. A Mantilla is a formal headdress made of intricate lace worn by the bride, typically shorter than a traditional veil, worn over the head and shoulders, often over a high comb called a peineta. Her Majesty said that she would like to contribute to my wedding attire by giving me her mantilla which she had custom-made by making it a drop mantilla veil and that it will be attached to a tiara instead of a comb. Another one is that The bride hands out small pins, to be worn the wrong way up, to the single women in attendance throughout the wedding feast. According to Spanish wedding ceremony customs, it is believed that if the pin is lost in the course of the reception, the woman will get married soon."
"Those are some rather interesting traditions," Mary commented, "Have you and Emilio given any thought to children now that you are soon to be wed?"
"We have given it some thought considering he is to be king," Eve answered, "I do want a big family, but not too big so Emilio and I will be able to handle them. My whole life has been somewhat of a fairy tale. I was born and raised in another class and world before coming here when my parents died, raised as a noblewoman, and now-"
"You are marrying a prince and will become the future queen," She finished.
"I can only imagine what my parents would say and think about all of this."
Mary stood up from the chair and walks toward Eve, "They would be very happy for you, Eve. after all, you have suffered in this life, you deserve a happy ending more than any of us."
"Thank you, Mary," Eve hugged her cousin.
Mary soon left Eve's room, leaving Eve with Cassandra the only two in the room. Eve continued packing what she would need as Cassandra lay on the bed watching her owner. After packing, Eve went to the hospital to inform Dr. Clarkson that she will be away for a while and did not know when she would be back.
That night at dinner, everyone was asking Eve and Mary what they would do in France. The two replied that they would mostly visit museums, tour the countryside, shop, etc. Robert had said that he was just glad that Eve was not seeing Emilio and Eve knew that if her uncle truly knew what was going on he would burst.
Once dinner was over, Eve and Mary retired right after since they would be waking before the sun would be barely up. Eve could barely sleep when she was in bed since her head was filled with a million thoughts. She thought about everything in her life, how it all led up to this point, that soon she would be married, will she be ready to be Queen, etc. Eventually, she fell asleep and would not wake up until it was time for her to get ready before leaving with Mary, Cassandra, and Anna. Once everyone was ready, the four left Downton and were the only ones who truly knew the real destination of the journey. As the train departed from the station, the three of them talked about Eve's wedding details as they sat in their train compartment during the whole train ride. After the train, the three women and the dog boarded the ferry to take them to Spain and lead them to their adjoining bedrooms.
After getting everything unpacked that would need to be unpacked, the three women and the dog walked around the ferry to admire the view before sitting down and getting something to eat. Once Eve was finished with her meal, she had a telegram sent to Emilio saying that she was on the ferry and was on the way. Later on, in Eve's room, Anna, Mary, and Eve continued to talk about her wedding details more and more with each passing hour. Eve told Anna and Mary everything that they wanted to know about the wedding from what she knew.
"Do you know what church the wedding will be in, Miss?" Anna inquired.
"It will be held at San Jerónimo el Real or St. Jerome the Royal," Eve replied, "Emilio wrote to me saying that it is quite beautiful."
"Are you nervous, Miss?"
"I suppose like any bride, I am," She answered, "I think it is more excitement about what is to come than nervousness. Though there are some things that I am quite frightened of."
"Oh," Mary said, "Like what?"
"Will I be a good wife, mother, especially a Queen," Eve listed, "I never truly expected to be the center of attention when I walk in the room, to have everyone bow and curtsy to me, or for everyone to sit or stand when I do. I'm afraid that everyone will say that their prince made a mistake by marrying me the moment I make a mistake."
"Eve, you will be marvelous as a wife, mother, and Queen," Mary told her, "Anyone who has ever known you has said that you are kind, compassionate, understanding, brave, intelligent, and so much. I can say with the highest confidence that you will be the greatest Queen that Spain will ever know and your firstborn child will become a great monarch as their parents."
"I agree with Lady Mary, Miss," Anna spoke, "I have seen you act with such kindness and understanding that you would make a great ruler."
"Thank you," Eve said to them with a smile on her face.
Once the day was finished, they all retired to their rooms. Eve lay awake on her bed while Cassandra was sound asleep at the foot of the bed. She could not comprehend that by morning they will reach the shores of Spain and that by the day after that she will be married to Emilio and be a Princess, and in the future a Queen.
Soon the morning came, and with it, the sun and they would be on the shores of Spain in just a couple of hours. After everyone had gotten ready, they stepped out onto the deck and watched as they got closer and closer to the shores. Once they were close enough, they could see people gathered on the shore and boats close to the shore. Every person was cheering on the arrival of their future Queen, they were cheering for Eve.
They could also see a yacht in the distance getting closer and when it was close enough they could see it was baring the flag of Spain. It was at that moment, that Eve knew Emilio was coming to meet her. Soon enough, Eve knew she was right when the yacht stopped beside the ferry. A boarding ramp was placed securely between the two before Eve, Cassandra, Mary, and Anna boarded the yacht. Eve was the first to board, and when Eve was close enough Emilio extended his hand and helped his fiancee onto the yacht.
"I have missed you, Principessa," Emilio hold his fiancee.
"As have I," Eve responded.
Before sharing a quick kiss, the two smiled at each other and heard a few people say 'aww' and applaud their showing of love. When the kiss was over, they were still holding each other's hands. The yacht went back into motion after everyone and everything needed was brought aboard. Emilio introduced Eve to a few of those on the yacht who were members of Cortes Generales, the Spanish Parliament, and friends of Emilio, along with other members of the Spanish Government that were on the yacht. The King and Queen, Emilio's parents, approached the two.
"It is so good to see you again, Miss De La Cruz," Maria greeted Eve.
"It is good to see you again too, your Majesties," She returned to the King and Queen with a curtsey. Maria and Eve share a kiss on each cheek and Eve did the same with Alejandro.
"Emilio was quite excited when we received the telegraph that you were arriving on our shores," Alejandro spoke.
"Padre, please," Emilio muttered in embarrassment. Eve motioned for Mary and Anna, holding Cassandra's leash, to come forward.
"Your Majesties, this is my cousin Lady Mary Crawley, her lady's maid Anna Bates, and this is Cassandra my loyal friend," Eve introduced them to the king and queen as she took hold of Cassandra's leash. Cassandra bows to the king and queen for a moment.
"Your Majesties," Mary said as she and Anna curtseyed to them, "Thank you for having us."
"You are welcome," Maria told them before turning to Eve, "Once we arrive at the palace, I want to introduce you to the servants, and then once everything is set up in your room, I want to go over a few things. Emilio and his father will not be present, so it will just be you, me, your cousin, her lady's maid, and Cassandra. And when we are done, my son, his majesty, and I will introduce you to some members of our staff."
"That sounds excellent, ma'am," Eve responded.
As they were getting closer to the shores of Spain, Emilio, his parents, and Eve waved to the people. The people of Spain cheered and waved as the yacht carrying their future Queen was sailing into port. Eve could not believe that all these people, an entire country were cheering at her arrival. She was thinking that she was in some sort of dream and at any moment she would wake up and be in her bed at Downton, but that moment never came. It is all real.
When the yacht was docked, a few guards stood by the ramp on the ground. Emilio's parents were the first to walk down the ramp, hand in hand. Emilio and Eve followed and were still holding their hands. Mary, Anna, and Cassandra walked down the ramp and were followed by the other guests who were the last to walk down the ramp. As they waved to the people, a boy and a girl approached Eve and Emilio before they presented a bouquet of Roses, Tudor Roses, and Carnations. The boy bows his head and the girl courtesy to Eve and Emilio.
"Hola, your Highnesses, my name is Marco and this is my sister Elena," The boy spoke, "We give you this bouquet to welcome you to Spain, Ma'am," Marco and his sister handed Eve the bouquet which she accepts, "The flowers in the bouquet represent those of the countries. Rose is for America, Tudor Rose is for England, and Carnation is for Spain."
"Thank you very much, Marco, Elena," Eve said.
"Your welcome," The two siblings said with a bow and curtsy before going back to their parents.
The King and Queen stepped into a motorcar that was waiting for them. Before Emilio and Eve stepped into a separate one for them, she grabbed ahold of Cassandra's leash. Mary and Anna stepped into the third motorcar before they left the port. As the motorcars drove through the city, Emilio and Eve waved to the people as they waved back at them.
Eve turned to Emilio, "I still cannot believe that this is happening to me. I keep expecting this to all be a dream and to wake up at any moment."
"It is all real, Principessa," Emilio lifts her hand to his lips and kisses it. The two shared a smile before sharing a quick kiss. Eventually, the motorcars reached the courtyard of the Royal Palace. Eve could see that the Royal Household staff was lined up as the staff of Downton had done when a guest of arriving. One by one the footmen opened the motorcar doors to let them out. The King and Queen were first, followed by Emilio, Eve, and Cassandra, and then Mary and Anna.
"Miss De La Cruz, this is Señor Hernández, he is in charge of all operations and management of the departments of the Royal Household. He is my most senior personal political adviser and reports directly to me. The head of the household is the primary channel of communication between tI and the various departments of the state administration. He advises me on all issues about constitutional, foreign, political, and military affairs," Alejandro introduced and Senor Hernández bowed his head. The king then continued to the next man for introductions.
"Señor Sanchez is the Secretary-General is the Deputy Head of my Household and responsible for the coordination of all its services. The General Secretariat is divided into units, and he forms the Household's management team: The Planning & Coordination Cabinet is the support unit for both the Head of the Household and the Secretary-General, with assistance and immediate collaboration tasks in the fulfillment of the duties assigned to them."
"The Office of H.M. The Queen's Secretary carries out the study, preparation, and implementation of all matters related to H.M. The Queen's activities, as well as those of Their Royal Highnesses The Infantas. The Security Service is responsible for the Royal Family's immediate security. The Press and Communications office maintains contact with professionals from the media, informing them of the official activities of the Royal Family, as well as their contents and organization. The Protocol office prepares and manages all aspects of the protocol of the Royal Family's different activities, both in Spain and abroad. And The Administration, Infrastructure, and Services section manage the financial and budgetary side, as well as matters of the Household's staff.
"This is Colonel Fernández. He is in charge of my Military Staff and is primarily responsible for assisting me in the performance of my duties as the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Spanish Armed Forces. He is also responsible, along with the Security Service, for the maintenance of security at all Royal Palaces. The Royal Guard is part of the military household."
The King and Queen then introduced Eve to Señor Pérez the butler, Señora Torres the housekeeper, Señora Lopez the cook, Rosa, who would be Eve's lady's maid, and the rest of the royal household staff before they went inside the royal palace.
"I will show Eve, her cousin, her cousin's lady's maid, and Cassandra up to where Eve will be staying until the wedding," Maria told her husband and son, "I will help Eve get settled and then show the other's where they will be staying"
"Very well, Emilio and I will be in the garden. We will see you there later for breakfast," Alejandro said before they parted ways.
As they walked through the palace to the rooms, Eve admired everything she saw because she had never seen anything so beautiful and grand in her life. Once again, she could not believe that soon this palace would be her home. Eve wonders how she will be able to handle the duties of a princess and, one day, a queen. She knew that from the moment that she arrived in Spain that its people would have already known what they expect of her. But the one thing that everyone would expect most of her is to provide the kingdom with an heir. Eventually, they arrived at the door to Eve's room. Rosa opened it for them before stepping inside and closing the door once everyone else was inside.
The room that would be Eve's until she was married was elegant in every way a room could be. The walls are a lovely light cream color with red currents on the windows. The rug on the floor had several colors that made an interesting design. The bed had a pole frame and the sheets were red. There was a nightstand, a dresser, a full-length mirror, and a vanity as well.
"This was once my room before I was married to Emilio's father," Maria informed her, "My mother-in-law, may God rest her soul, had told me that any bride who stays in this room before her wedding would have a happy life with her husband. At first, I thought it was just a story, but she then told me that she and many other past queens of Spain, who had lived in this room, had happy marriages with their husbands. She told me that it is an unofficial tradition."
"And now you will be part of that tradition, Eve," Mary spoke.
"Thank you for allowing me to take part in this honored tradition, ma'am," Eve said.
"Think nothing of it, my dear. I am grateful that my son has found a woman whose love he is worthy of," Maria told Eve, "Tonight after the celebration, we will make sure that your mother's wedding gown will fit you and see if there are any necessary alterations to be made. Along with anything else you wish to know about the wedding."
"Of course, ma'am."
There was a knock on the door and Rosa walked to the door before opening it just a crack to see who it was.
"It is Señora Torres," Rosa informed them before letting Señora Torres walk into the room.
"Buenos Dias, su Majestad," Señora Torres greeted with a curtsey, "I wanted to inform you that Señorita De La Cruz's and her guest's luggage have arrived and the footmen will be bringing them up shortly."
"Thank you, Señora Torres," Maria said, "How are things with the preparations for the wedding?"
"Very well, ma'am," She replied, "Everything is on schedule. The menu is set and Señora Lopez has everything she will need to prepare the food, the florist will arrive with the flowers the morning of the wedding, everything is set with the church, and the guards are ready, along with many others."
"Excellent," The queen commented, "Could you show Lady Mary and her Lady's Maid Anna to their rooms?"
"Of course, ma'am," Señora Torres answered.
Mary and Anna left the room to follow Señora Torres, so it was now Maria, Eve, Rosa, and Cassandra in the room. Maria and Eve continued to talk about the wedding as they and Rosa unpacked Eve's luggage when it arrived. The last thing unpacked was Eve's wedding dress. Maria gasped in astonishment at the beauty of the dress.
The dress had a white lace high neck neckline with long sleeves, which had appliques and bowknot embellishment, a white under-bodice, a white pleated silk faille cummerbund, and a natural waist. The skirt of the dress was made of white matte satin with a ball gown silhouette, a floor-length hemline, and a chapel train.
"Oh, this is beautiful," Maria commented at the sight of the wedding dress, "Your mother must have looked beautiful in it, and now, you will too. My maid will bring my mantilla tonight when you wear the dress for the fitting to see how everything looks."
"Thank you, ma'am," Eve said, "I still can not believe that this is happening."
"I understand, my dear. I felt the same way when I was marrying Emilio's father. But believe me when I tell you that you are going to experience one of the greatest milestones that life has to offer. And I hope that one day, you will have this talk with your daughter."
They all left the room and walked down the halls with Mary and Anna to the gardens for breakfast with Emilio and his father. At breakfast, details were discussed, and varied many topics concerning the wedding, including the protocol, what will need to be done before and after the wedding, the honeymoon, etc.
"Have you two decided on a location for the honeymoon?" Maria inquired.
"We have decided to honeymoon on Mallorca for a while and then we will stay in Sighisoara before coming home," Emilio answered.
"But only for a short while," Eve added, "I will return to Downton to gather some of the things that I did not already bring with me."
"Such a shame your family will not be able to attend the wedding," Maria mentioned, "Can you tell us why they won't be able to?"
"Of course, ma'am. There is an event at Grantham Village, which includes Downton Abbey, that requires my family to attend," Eve replied with a lie, "The event is an annual tradition in the Village that has been in place since the third Earl of Grantham."
"Would you like the king to escort you up the aisle?" She suggested to her.
"I would be honored," Alejandro spoke before Eve could answer.
"Are you sure, your majesty?" Eve asked him.
"Nothing would give me more pleasure than walking my son's bride, and the future mother of my grandchildren, up the aisle to him," He replied.
"Thank you, sir," She said to him.
"You're welcome."
That night, Eve was in her room wearing her mother's wedding dress and the queen's drop manila veil, which was a drop veil with lace edges, as a seamstress took note of every inch of the dress for any alterations. The queen, Mary, Anna, and Rosa were also in attendance.
"I think you look beautiful, Eve," Mary commented, "I can only imagine the look on Emilio's face when he first sees you."
"I agree with your cousin," Maria said, "You are the most beautiful bride I have ever seen. Your necklace is also quite beautiful. Emilio told me that it had been passed down in your father's family and that he had given it to your mother as a gift. It is quite romantic."
"Thank you, ma'am," Eve said before turning around to the full-length mirror as the seamstress instructed her to do so.
"Your madre's wedding dress seems to fit you perfectly, Señorita De La Cruz," The Seamstress told her, "I will only need to make two or three minor alterations that would be done in an hour or two."
"Excellent," Maria said. She stood from her seat and walked toward Eve, "Everything is coming together quite nicely. Just a few more things and then everything will be ready for the wedding."
"It is all rather quite exciting," Eve smiled, "I'm afraid that this is all a dream and that any moment I will wake up."
"I understand, my dear. I was like at before my wedding. I was to marry a man with who I had fallen completely in love and I was frightened that I could awaken to find out it was all but a dream," She told Eve with a smile, "But do not worry, this is real."
"Thank you, ma'am."
Eve was helped out of her mother's dress by Rosa and put on the clothes she had before. The Seamstress left the room with the dress to do the alterations.
"Eve, your guests from St. Mary's will be arriving in the morning and a couple of hours before the wedding," Maria informed her, "They will stay somewhere nice for a while to change if necessary and then be taken to the church for the wedding."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Who did you invite, Eve," Mary inquired.
"A few priests, nuns, and friends I stayed in touch with after moving to Downton," She replied, "They were there for me in the first few years of my life and I want them to be there as I start a new journey in life."
"That is beautiful, milady," Anna commented.
"Thank you, Anna," Eve responded.
"I suppose we should go now Anna," Mary said as she stood up, "We must let Eve get prepared for her wedding. Good night, Eve."
"Good night," She said before Mary and Anna left the room.
"I'll go too," Maria said, "I have to get some things done for the wedding. Sweet dreams."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"Your welcome, dear," Maria left the room.
Eve, Cassandra, and Rosa were now the only ones in the room.
"I want you to understand that should I be hesitant for your help, Rosa, it is only because I never had a lady's maid. I have always done things myself with the occasional help from Anna, but other than that I did everything," Eve explained, "But seeing as now that I am going to be part of a royal family, I need to look the part."
"Of course, Señorita De La Cruz," Rosa spoke.
Eve sat down and looked at her reflection in the vanity's mirror.
"Would you like to tell me a little about yourself so that way we will not be strangers?" Eve suggested.
"I am the youngest of four siblings and one of two girls," She began, "My padre is a solicitor and he had met my madre when they were children. My brothers also became solicitors and work at the same firm as our padre. My sister has married a few months ago to a doctor she was introduced to him by an old classmate."
"And what about you? Why did you decide to become a lady's maid?" Eve inquired.
"I suppose I was always curious about the insides of palaces like this one, Señorita," Rosa replied, "To walk the halls where many great kings and queens have walked. To help them be the greatness that they are for the people."
"That is quite beautiful," She commented.
"Gracias, Señorita."
The two continued to talk about each other's lives before Rosa left. Eve walked over to the bedroom window and looked out at the city before her. She could not help but wonder, once again, if this is all but a dream and when she wakes up tomorrow, she is in her bed at Downton. Eve walked over to the bed and got underneath the covers. Cassandra jumped up on the bed and lay down at the foot of the bed. Eve stared up at the ceiling before going to sleep.
Morning arrived and it was the day of the wedding. Eve had been awake for only a few minutes before Rosa came into and opened her curtains after placing a tray of breakfast on the desk.
"Buenas Dias, Señorita," Rosa greeted.
"Buenas Dias, Rosa," Eve returned.
"Your dress arrived half an hour ago," She informed Eve. Rosa grabbed the tray and places it on Eve's lap, "It will be brought up in a few minutes, along with the shoes and el velo de la Reina. And the prince wanted me to give you this," Rosa handed Eve a letter.
"Thank you, Rosa," Eve takes the letter and opens it before reading its contents in her head.
"My darling, Principessa. I wish I could have greeted you this morning, but I have been informed that seeing the bride before the wedding is bad luck. I want you to know that by us marrying you are making me the happiest man in the world. I know that the future we will share will be a bright and happy one. I know that God will bless us with that future and with many children. I want you to know that I do not care if we have a boy or girl, only that all of our children are happy and healthy. I love you, Principessa."
Eve placed the letter on her nightstand and began eating her breakfast. A few minutes have she had finished her breakfast and was sitting at her desk, there was a knock on the door. Rosa opened it and two maids walked into the room, one with the wedding dress and the other with the shoes. The two places carefully place the on the bed before they curtsy and then left the room.
Eve stood up from the desk and walked over to the bed. She admired her mother's wedding dress and could feel her mother's presence with her. Rosa helped Eve into the wedding dress before Eve sat down in front of the vanity for Rosa to do her hair in an updo bun. When there was a knock on Eve's door, Rosa stopped what she was doing and opened the door. Maria, who was carrying the tiara drop manila veil, Mary, who was carrying a bouquet, and Anna walked in already for the wedding.
"Oh, Querida, you look beautiful," Maria commented before she carefully placed the tiara and veil on the bed.
"Her Majesty is quite right, Eve," Mary agreed.
"Thank you, both of you," Eve said.
"I better get going or the motorcar will leave without me," Maria said, "I will see you at the church. Adios."
"Adios," Eve returned before Maria left the room. She turned back to the mirror, "I do hope everything is fine."
"It is, milady," Anna told her, "I had a talk with one of the maids and she said that everything is going great."
"That is good to hear."
When Rosa was done doing Eve's hair, she walked over to the bed grabbed the tiara drop manila veil before placing it on Eve's head.
"You are truly a princess, Eve," Mary commented before she hands Eve the bouquet, "Emilio wanted to use the same flowers as the bouquet Marco and Elena had given you when you first arrived in Spain."
"Thank you, Mary," Eve takes the bouquet, "Emilio had written a letter to me this morning and had Rosa give it to me. It was very romantic."
"We better get going, Milady," Anna spoke.
"Anna's right. If we don't leave now, everyone will think Eve is a runaway bride," Mary said.
"You are right, Mary," Eve stood up from the chair. Rosa straightened out her dress before they left the room. It was Mary, Anna, Rosa, and Eve who followed behind them. With each step Eve took, she realized that what she had feared for so long was a dream and is now becoming reality. As she walked down the grand staircase she reached, Eve saw a face she never would have expected to see that day. Her uncle standing in the palace and dressed in a morning coat.
"Surprised to see me," Robert smiled at his niece as he took note of her surprised expression.
"What are you doing here?" Eve inquired.
"I'm here to give my niece away on her wedding day," He replied, "Mary told everyone of your plan and who Emilio is. She also told me that you didn't want to tell me because you wanted me to approve of Emilio because of his heart, not his crown."
"Why? You had always been so against me and Emilio," She said.
Robert sighs before speaking, "After Mary told us everything, I could not help but feel a sense of Deja Vu. You had done the same thing your mother did all those years ago. She left her family to marry the man she loved and never saw them again. I never saw my little sister again until her funeral. I do not want history to go that far as to repeat itself. When I first saw you, Eve, I promised my sister that I would protect and raise you as my own. You may be my niece by blood, but I raised you as a daughter. And, I feel it as my duty to give you away on your wedding day," He offers her his arm, "Shall we?"
"Thank you, Uncle Robert," Eve smiled as she took his arm and they walked out of the royal palace.
Robert helped his niece step into the carriage that would take them to the church. Cheers from the people of Spain, who gathered at the gates of the palace to see the future queen. Eve waved at the people, who waved small flags of Spain, as the carriage left the palace and continued to as the carriage maneuvered its way through the streets.
Soon, the carriage arrived at the church. One of the footmen at the church opened the door for them and Robert helped Eve down. Rosa straightened her dress before going inside the church with the footman.
Robert turned to his niece, "Are you ready?"
"I am," Eve replied.
With that word, Robert and Eve began their walk into the church. The moment they entered the church, everyone in attendance stood up from their seats and music started to play. Eve saw royals from different countries in attendance, along with family and friends. Eve looked at her side and saw all of her family and friends. She saw faces she had not seen since she was a child, since the war, or had only seen a few days ago.
Eve smiled at them before her eyes landed on Emilio, standing by the Archbishop, at the end of the end. When Emilio first spotted Eve walking up the aisle, he had to stop himself from running down the aisle and twirling around with her in his arms. He looked at her with such love in his eyes and she did the same with him. Soon enough, the two reached the end of the aisle. Robert kissed his niece on the cheek before stepping back. Eve saw a table not too far off to the side with five lit candles and a picture of her parents, Javier and Marianne. Once the song is over, the Archbishop leads everyone in the sign of the cross.
"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," The Archbishop said as he made the sign of the cross.
"Amen," Everyone in the church replied as they made the sign of the cross.
"Will, you, all of you, do everything in your power to guide, nourish, encourage, support, and sustain this marriage?"
"We Will!"
"Be seated"
While Emilio and Eve stand at the altar, everyone else sits back down in the pews.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses to join together Eve Violeta Crawley De La Cruz and Emilio Luca Romano De Santis in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, institute of God, signifying unto us the mystical union which exist between Christ and his Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with his presence in Cana of Galilee. Therefore, if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him speak now, else hereafter forever hold his peace."
Eve became overwhelmed with worry that anyone, specifically her uncle, would speak out, but the worry passed when no one spoke. The archbishop then continued with the ceremony.
"It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Emilio Luca Romano De Santis and Eve Violeta Crawley De La Cruz, have you come here to enter into Marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly? Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live? Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?"
The Bride and Groom respond, "I am"
"In the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Almighty God, hear our prayers for Eve and Emilio who have come here today to be united in the sacrament of marriage. Increase their faith in each other and through them bless your world, the Church, and all Creation. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever."
"I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God before whom the secrets of all hearts are disclosed, that having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to make, you do now declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other. Be well assured that if these solemn vows are kept inviolate, as God's Word demands, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do the will of your heavenly Father, God will bless your marriage, will grant you fulfillment in it, and will establish your home in peace."
"Emilio, wilt thou have Eve to be thy wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all others. Keep thee only unto her so long as ye both shall live?"
"I will," Emilio replied.
"Eve, wilt thou have Emilio to be thy wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Wilt thou love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and forsaking all other keep thee only unto him so long as ye both shall live?"
"I will," Eve replied.
"Since it is your intention to enter into the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands, and declare your consent before God and his Church," The Archbishop instructed.
"I, Emilio, take you Eve have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you, and to honor you all the days of my life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," Emilio said.
"I, Eve, take you Emilio to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part. I promise to be faithful to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you, and to honor you all the days of my life. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," Eve said.
"The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to all, the uniting of this man and this woman in holy matrimony, through the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord. Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide in thy peace, and continue in thy favor; through Jesus Christ our Lord," The Archbishop spoke.
"In token and pledge of our loyalty, friendship, and love, with this ring, I thee wed, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," Emilio places the wedding ring on Eve's ring finger, "Eve Violeta Crawley De La Cruz, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
"In token and pledge of our loyalty, friendship, and love, with this ring, I thee wed, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit," Eve places the wedding ring on Emilio's ring finger, "Emilio Luca Romano De Santis, receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
A man brings out a golden box and brings it to the Archbishop who places the golden coins in the box. Cora steps up and holds Eve's bouquet for the next part of the ceremony, las arras matrimoniales.
"The symbolism of the 13 gold coins in this ceremony is that the Groom recognizes his responsibility as a provider, and pledges his ability to support and care for his wife. Acceptance by the bride means taking that trust and confidence unconditionally with total dedication and prudence. As I count out the 13 coins and place them in the groom's hands they also represent different values that the couple desire to share between themselves," The Archbishop begins to count out the thirteen gold coins Emilio, "Love, harmony, cooperation, commitment, peace, happiness, trust, respect, caring, wisdom, joy, wholeness, and nurturing. May these coins be a symbol of this couple's mutual love, fidelity, and trust."
"I, Emilio, give you Eve, these 13 coins as a symbol of my unquestionable trust and confidence I place in you as my beloved wife. As we unite our lives today I share all material responsibility with you," Emilio pours the coins into Eve's cupped hands and places the box on top as a symbol of his unquestionable trust, confidence, and pledge to provide financially for them.
"I, Eve, accept these coins and assure you of my total love and dedication in looking after you, your possessions, and my unconditional love," Eve spoke.
"In exchanging these coins, Emilio and Eve are essentially saying, "What's mine is yours and what's yours is mine." I bless these coins knowing that they are also symbolic of the unlimited good the universe has in store for this loving couple. I accept this for Emilio and Eve, and so it is, Amen," The Archbishop said.
Eve pours the coins into the box and gives them to her Aunt in exchange for her bouquet.
"Now that we have experienced this sacrament, in the words of Scripture and the exchange of vows, let us present these prayerful petitions to Almighty God."
"Lord hear our prayer," Everyone responded.
"For all world leaders that they may be effective in achieving peace and justice, let us pray to the Lord."
"Lord hear our prayer."
"For married persons that they may continue to give, be able to forgive, and find happiness deepen with the passing of each day, let us pray to the Lord."
"Lord hear our prayer."
"For Eve and Emilio, now beginning their life together, that they may have divine assistance at every moment, the constant support of friends, the rich blessing of children, a warm love reaching out to others, and good health until a ripe old age, let us pray to the Lord."
"Lord hear our prayer."
"For those sick, especially. For the lonely, discouraged, or oppressed that they may be strengthened by God's help and aided by us, let us pray to the Lord."
"Lord hear our prayer."
"For those who have died, especially. The loved ones of all present at this wedding, that they may enjoy perfect happiness and total fulfillment in Eternal life, let us pray to the Lord."
"Lord hear our prayer."
"For these personal needs that we mention now in silence... let us pray to the Lord."
"Lord hear our prayer."
"My dear friends, let us turn to the Lord and pray that the Lord will bless with Eternal Grace this woman now married in Christ to this man and that the Lord will unite in love the couple he has joined in this holy bond. Lord, grant that as they begin to live this sacrament they may share with each other the gifts of your love and become one in heart and mind as witness to your presence in their marriage. Help them create a home together. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. For as much as Eve and Emilio have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and there to have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by the joining of hands and by giving and receiving rings: I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together let no one put asunder. Let us pray as Jesus has taught us to pray."
"Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the glory, and the power forever. Amen," All those in the church spoke.
"Will you seal your vows with a kiss?" The Archbishop said. Emilio lifts Eve's veil over her head and the two of them look deeply into each other's eyes. Emilio places his hand on the back of Eve's head and back, while she places a hand on his cheek before they kissed. Applause erupted and filled the church. When the kiss ended, Emilio and Eve smiled at each other. "It is my great honor to introduce to you this day, their first day, Prince Emilio and Princess Eve as husband and wife!" The Archbishop announced.
All those sitting stood up as Eve and Emilio turned to them and walked down the aisle. The bells of the church rang to signal they are husband and wife to the people of Spain. When they step outside the church door, Eve and Emilio were met by the cheers of the people, who were throwing rose petals at them. Eve and Emilio walked down the steps of the church and into the carriage before it drove back to the palace after they stopped at the Basilica.
"Mi querida Principessa," Emilio said as they turned to each other, "It was so hard for me not to run down that aisle and spin with you in m arms."
"I missed you too," Eve told him. Emilio leans in and the two of them share a kiss, "I must confess that until only moments ago, I was terrified that this was all a dream and that when I awoke, I would be in my bed at Downton."
Emilio places his hand on Eve's face and looks at her so lovingly before saying, "I too had that fear, but seeing you at the altar made me believe that all of this is real. But if this were a dream then I never wish to wake up."
"You have such a way with words."
The two newlyweds shared another kiss, but this one had a little more passion.
The carriage arrived at the church, Eve and Emilio were greeted by the priest of the Basilica. Eve then walked inside the church to the image of the Virgin of Atocha, a traditional patron of Spanish Royalty, and placed her bouquet before the image.
Eve and Emilio returned to the carriage and left for the royal palace. Soon, the carriage arrived at the royal palace. A footman opened the door and Emilio was the first to step out of the carriage before offering his hand to assist Eve out of the carriage, she announced two walked into the palace and were met by their families. Eve and Emilio were congratulated by them before they all went up to the balcony. The couple and their families greeted the large crowd gathered in the Plaza de Oriente from the balcony of the Royal Palace.
The cheers from the people were loud as they saw their future king and queen, but they became louder when the newlyweds shared a tender kiss and a loving embrace. The newlyweds and their families then left the balcony to have the royal portrait before joining the other guests for the wedding banquet. When they arrived at the wedding banquet, the guests were all seated at their tables and applauded as the newlyweds entered the room after their presence was announced. At the table for the bride and groom, Emilio's parents sat on his left side, and Eve's Aunt and Uncle sat on her right side.
One by one a guest from the wedding gives Emilio and Eve a gift as a sign of thanks for inviting them to their wedding. The cake was soon brought out and the newlyweds left their table before walking toward the cake to cut it. When the two arrived at the cake, a footman handed the couple a sword. Emilio and Eve each used a hand to grab ahold of the hilt before slicing it into the cake.
A while after the two had returned to their table and everyone had a slice of cake, the king tapped his glass with his spoon as he stood up gaining the attention of everyone in the room.
"I would like to make a toast, " Alejandro began, "I want to congratulate my son and my daughter-in-law and to wish them a long and happy life together as my wife and I have. I stand here before you, not as a king, but as a father celebrating his son and daughter-in-law's wedding day. I stand here as a humble man and I ask God to bless you both with the life that many have been blessed with. I ask all of you here today to pray to God and to ask him to bless these two. I ask you, Emilio and Eve, that you both will always think of Spain with love and devotion, the best of your efforts to the Spaniards, to join their hopes, share their illusions and be able to always fuse with their feelings and difficulties, with the certainty that you are inspired by the passion to serve this great, diverse and plural country, and to be proud."
Emilio stands up and replies, expressing his great happiness, "We will always think of Spain and that our whole life will be dedicated to the welfare of the Spaniards," Emilio looks down at Eve and offers his hand. She accepts and he helps her up to stand beside him, "My wife and I, swear that we will do anything and everything in our power for Spain."
Everyone in the room stood up from their seats and applauded the words from the king and his son. After hours of celebrating the royal wedding, it was now time for the couple to depart for their honeymoon. Eve was currently in her room packing everything she needed with the help of Rosa. Eve's aunt, grandmothers, cousins, and mother-in-law were also in her room.
"We'll take care of Cassandra while you are away, my dear," Cora told her niece as she petted Cassandra's head.
"Thank you very much, Aunt Cora," Eve responded. She stopped what she was doing for a moment and looked at her family, "I do hope that none of you are mad at me for not telling any of you about this except for Mary and Anna."
"Of course not, dear," She said, "Mary told us everything and we completely understand why you did it. Though I must admit, when Mary first told us everything we were all a little shocked, we then began to understand and we wanted to be there for you on your wedding day."
"It was certainly the best royal wedding that I have ever attended and I hope that any future royal weddings I attend will meet my expectations," Martha spoke.
"Your life has been a fairytale come true, Eve," Sybil told her cousin, "And I just know that it will become even more so as time goes on."
"Thank you, Sybil," Eve said, "I am so glad that all of you were able to make it."
"If all of you do not mind," Violet began, "I would like a moment alone with my granddaughter. There is something I wish to speak with her."
"Of course," Cora said. Everyone left and now Eve and Violet were the only ones in the room.
"What is it that you wanted to speak alone about?" Eve inquired.
"My dear," Violet signed before motioning Eve to sit on the vanity chair next to her, "You have reminded me of your mother in any possible way by taking the same interests she did and with every passing year. I still remember the last time I ever saw her alive. She had just told us that she was going to marry your father, a man with no title of a lower social class, another race, and a catholic. Your grandfather, the late lord of Grantham, cut her off and cast her out. He even forbid Robert, Rosamund, and I from ever speaking to her. When I heard that she had died, I was utterly distraught and was never the same, until I met you. When I learned that my daughter had given my name as your middle name, I felt as though she still loved me even though I did nothing while her father cast her, our flesh and blood, out into the world. I regret that I never lift a finger while my husband shut out our youngest daughter."
Eve noticed a tear forming in her grandmother's eye and said, "Did you love you very much. When I was younger, she would tell me stories about Downton Abbey and her family. I am sure that my mother would never want you to dwell on the past and miss the future. I love you, Granny, and nothing is ever going to change that."
Violet smiled at her granddaughter, "Thank you, my dear. The golden rose hairpin that you always wear was given to me when I was a bit younger than you and I passed it onto your mother as a gift for her coming out as my mother did with me. I always saw it as a symbol of a young girl blossoming into womanhood. I never gave it to your aunt Rosamund because I already had something else to give her and she was my late husband's favorite daughter, and your mother was mine. I love you, dearest. Never forget that."
"I will not," She said. The two hugged for a moment before Eve grabbed her suitcases and they left the room.
Eve and Emilio met in the hall and handed their luggage to Miguel, Emilio's valet, and Rosa for them to take to the motorcar. The couple then walked down the staircase, where the remaining guest met them. The couple was congratulated and wished a happy marriage by the guests. Once outside, Emilio and Eve got into the motorcar to leave for their honeymoon. They waved goodbye to their friends and family until they could no longer see them.
Emilio turns to Eve and pulls her in for a passionate kiss. The kiss would end when the two needed to breathe.
"Where did that come from?" Eve questioned with a grin on her face whilst catching her breath.
"Now that I am your husband, I am expected to perform my husbandly duties," Emilio replied with a Chesire grin before kissing Eve once more, "I am forever yours, Principessa."
"As I am yours, Príncipe," Eve smiled as she kissed her husband.
I would like to dedicate this chapter to WinterStella1943 (Wattpad) for acting as my historical advisor for all that she has done in helping me write this chapter.