I Do?

"Today's the day, kid!" Shrek tried to brighten the mood a little.

"Yeah," Artie laughed nervously, "A week is a pretty short amount of time."

For the most part Artie had spent the week tearing his hair out. He attempted to make meeting after meeting but was rejected most times. He had been able to gather an update meeting and tried to subtly ask about what should happen if the wedding really didn't go ahead – they wouldn't really kick him out, right? They had told him what they had said before, the crown would be passed over to his cousin. He had also desperately tried to frame it differently to his aunt, suggesting Elena maybe wouldn't want to marry yet, but apparently Elena had been incredibly enthusiastic and involved with the wedding planning. His aunt had only reassured him that she was very ready, even though it may seem like she was nervous. Artie could tell that she was. She had briefly been very close to him before distancing herself again. She avoided him using the wedding planning, insisting that he didn't need to join her. That also ruining his plans to try and sabotage the wedding day itself.

The only thing he could do was hide things from his therapist and hope Elena's dad had to leave early. Neither was particularly successful. The therapist had grown increasingly pushy with questions, increasing Arthur's sessions to every day. And Elena's father had arrived the previous night. Artie felt like he hadn't slept all week.

Artie felt a nudge in his ankle. He looked down, Donkey captured his attention, "What about the other girl?" his spoke quietly out of the side of his mouth.

The king quickly looked at the ogre, who was oblivious to their secret conversation, the children keeping his attention away.

Puss leapt upon Artie's shoulder, "Do you really choose the princess?" he whispered.

No, Artie thought, dejectedly. He never really chose Elena, and he never would. But it wasn't like he had any choice. Abbey had grown increasingly despondent, to the point where their friends were beginning to notice something was wrong. Not that either of them could explain anything. What few exchanges the pair had, Abbey's urgency and frustration faded into ambivalence and sadness. Artie knew why, while he at least had an illusion of control, Abbey had nothing. She could only listen to his reassurances and yet here he was stood in a room, looking at the outfit he was to be married in. He didn't blame her at all. He still told her he wouldn't give up. Even after the wedding. Artie didn't plan to rest until everyone was happy.

Artie brushed the cat off of his shoulder, he shook his head at them, turning away. He didn't need their attention if they weren't going to help him put a stop to everything.

There was a welcome knock on the door. Anything to take his attention away and make the animals stop talking. Artie cleared his throat, "Come in." For a second, Artie didn't recognise the man who took a step into the room. His dark eyes swept over Artie, but landed on Shrek, brow furrowing. Though, as the man's gaze landed back on the young king, recognition swept over him, "King George!" he forced a smile onto his face.

His almost father-in-law, stared once again at the other parties in the room before silently beckoning Artie out of the room. Arthur did exactly as he was told. Not giving a second glance before hurrying out of the room. "Hello, Your Majesty, I-"

"No, no," the man interrupted him, "You don't need to call me that."

Artie hesitated for a moment, waiting for further instruction but there was none, "Uh, sir," he offered. The king gave a nod of approval. "I hope your night was well received." Artie felt like his lips were on automatic mode. It was what he said to every royal or noble who stayed. It was scripted, it was safe.

"Of course," he chuckled, stroking a little at his beard, "Your kingdom is amazing to see in person. But I'm sure you know that," he raised an eyebrow, laughing. Artie hesitantly laughed along, nodding. But the king soon phased the laughter out, turning serious, "You know, son," he began what he came there for. Artie gulped at the word he used, trying not to tremble. "I was a little hesitant when I learned about everything, what happened on the ship, the involvement of the ogres, the special oddities about this family," despite his words a smile slipped onto his lips, "Oh I was in half a mind to pull my daughter back, disallow it. But she was incredibly complimentary of everything and everyone in her letters. It seems you and your strange family have made quite the impression on her," he nodded his approval, "I like that. You've given my daughter a new perspective, a sense of open-mindedness she never would have received at home. That's something that will last a lifetime and make a better reign."

Artie forced a smile onto his face, "Yes, I-I believe it will. She-Elena really embraced it," he couldn't help but think of all the looks of discomfort on her face whenever she watched Shrek and Fiona together. Their conversations, her lack of understanding. Artie wasn't sure what she wrote in what few letters she had been able to send to her father, but he questioned the truth to them.

"I'm very grateful for what you've done for her," the man smiled, "She likes you. That's enough for me."

Her reasoning then hit Artie; Elena was trying to make her father like him. She was trying to reassure her father that all was well and despite everything he should be happy for her. Perhaps in a little over-compensatory way. Artie found himself a little shocked.

"In any case, I'm here to give you this," the man held his hand out to the young adult, there was a ring sitting in his palm, "It was her mothers. Her mother would have wanted her to have it," he spoke emotional words without any emotion crossing his face, to the point of seeming numb. Artie carefully took the ring, inspecting it. It was beautiful, the gold was intricately patterned with tiny diamonds placed throughout. "Take whatever ring you have for her and give it to someone else," the man then paused, amusement flashing across his features, "Of course, not personally," he burst into laughter, "If you did that, there would certainly be consequences, eh?" the king nudged him.

Artie laughed, trying to not sound as terrified as he actually was, "This is incredible," Artie found some words so that he could stop forcing the laughter, "She'll love it."

"Of course she will," he spoke matter-of-factly, "I shall see you when you're standing at the altar, Arthur. I'm sure we can organise some time together before I leave," George suddenly appeared to be awkward himself, "I'd like to get to know you, but unfortunately I have commitments that need my attention," the man took a breath, "Still, I will be able to see my little girl's first day as queen. What more could a father want?" he winked at him.

"Right, I look forward to it, sir," Artie smiled at him.

The king began to move away but suddenly stopped, "Oh, I feel like I need to give the obligatory, don't hurt my daughter speech, but I'm sure I don't need to." His words were genuine.

Artie laughed nervously, "Not at all."

The pair exchanged awkward goodbyes and Artie was left alone in the hallway. Despite the stressor having disappeared, Artie felt more strangled for breath than before. He carefully opened his hand, looking at the ring. The weight of the situation hit him again. Elena becoming queen of Far Far Away was big for them too. Her family were likely to be more excited than she was. It was often a goal for king's to marry their daughters to other kings. It was how strong allies were made. It was all politics. Artie had never agreed with it. He'd never thought about the relevance with his own invitation. He'd always been so wrapped up in his own thoughts. The ring was beautiful, he was telling the truth in saying Elena would love it. But he was sure her mother wouldn't want him to be the one giving it to her.


Fiona watched her daughter watching the princess in the pretty dress. Felicia was enraptured by the gown. She looked wordlessly at her mother, pointing a little. Fiona nodded, smiling at her. She stayed quiet, not wanting to make Elena self-conscious. Fiona turned her attention to the tiny tiara sat on the cushion. It almost made her want to cry. It wasn't the same tiara that she wore as a small child, Felicia's dimensions being bigger than hers at the same age. But they had taken the jewels from Fiona's childhood crown, now in the tiara sat in front of her. It would be the first time her daughter wore it. Originally, the crowning ceremony and the ball for the children was going to be first. But with the hurried nature of the wedding, it had to wait. The wedding being the first royal function her children attended at all. With a little amusement, she wondered how Shrek was getting on trying to dress their sons in their royal attire. Her husband had protested them wearing it at all, but Fiona wanted them to. Even if it was just for the ceremony. They could make decisions for themselves when they were older, she'd make the most of every year she had the control. Felicia had been excited to wear the flower girl dress. She had twirled in the mirror for a small while before complaining about how uncomfortable it was.

"You look very beautiful, Elena."

Fiona was surprised to hear her daughter speaking softly. She turned, Felicia had disappeared into the room with the bride.

"You look like a princess in a storybook. Like one I have at home."

Fiona was about to join them when she heard Elena's reply, "Thank you... You look pretty too. The dress is beautiful."

"I love it," her daughter gushed, lying.

Fiona looked through the doorway to see the little ogress twirl, hesitantly giggling at the princess. Elena did a twirl herself in the wedding dress, Felicia gasping and jumping on the spot, looking back at her mother in excitement. The dress was beautiful. Fiona was amazed it was made so quickly. The white skirt was slim but it was embroidered with golden thread, dancing patterns grew smaller the further up the skirt they went. Elena laughed giddily, looking back to the mirror, touching the curlers that were held fast in her hair, making sure they were still in place.

"Mommy, I want a dress just like that, when I'm all grown up!" she jumped on the spot, running over to her own dressing room, "To go with my tiara. Grandma is taking so long," Felicia disappeared to gaze at the crown again. Lillian was making sure the decorations were in place and the guests were comfortable, she wanted Fiona to wait before the tiara was placed on the child's head.

"I remember being a child watching all the girls in their ballgowns," Elena smiled a little, catching Fiona's attention. "Mother used to tell me that one day another little girl would look at me in the same way."

"I don't suppose you ever expected it to be this little girl," Fiona couldn't help but laugh a little. She felt a little sorry for the princess. What with Elena's only family being male, there was no one to accompany her getting ready. After the news of the commotion over the water, her guest list shrank to only the essential people. With that, Fiona and her mischievous daughter were the bride's only company.

Fiona watched the princess's face fall a little as she beheld herself in the mirror, "The dress is so beautiful," she smiled again.

The ogress took a breath, hesitating, but the words came out before she could stop them, "I remember that... thinking I looked beautiful in the wedding dress, but dreading the actual wedding."

Elena's expression froze, she blinked at the Fiona in the mirror, "I- I don't..."

"It's okay," Fiona gently cut off her stammering, "You'll be fine, things always work out in the end."

The words seemed to soothe her. A wry smile crept up upon the girl's lips, "After everything that's happened, I think I believe that."

"Mommy! Is grandma here yet?"

Fiona's attention was unwillingly forced away, as always, "No, sweetie, be patient."

"Why is she taking so long? Mommy? She's taking forever and ever and ever and ever..." patience was not one of Felicia's strengths, "and ever and ever..."

"Where are your shoes?" Fiona tried to distract her child, "Go find them. Don't pull at your dress like that... Felicia." Fiona could feel the tension rising within her. She took a breath, watching her daughter run about the dressing room.

"...Fiona?"

Elena's voice surprised the ogress, "Yes?"

When she looked back to Elena, the princess's eyes were shining with tears. She blinked them back. "What if it doesn't work out?"

Fiona paused, giving a quick glance back to her daughter. Shrek had saved her from everything not working out at that wedding. He'd done it a couple of times over the years. Fiona didn't think Elena had someone like that to save her. "Then it's up to you," she spoke truthfully. Things had worked out on the ship because of her. That pride flourished a little inside of her. "You'll be fine, one way or another," Fiona wasn't sure if her words were working, but she believed them. Her eyes drifted back to the little ogress, crouched in a corner, poking her finger into a bunch of dust on the floor, "One day you'll have children," the ogress allowed herself to smile, "And no matter what, you'll be thankful of everything that led to their existence."

Elena nodded, she took a breath to say something else but Lillian entering the room silenced her.

A small team of people filled the room. The main stylist, Raul, Fiona recalled, commented on the tears in Elena's eyes.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she laughed hesitantly, "I'm just so excited." The princess wouldn't meet Fiona's gaze.

"It's time!" Lillian smiled, hurrying into the dressing room that belonged to the little ogre, "Felicia, this tiara is something that will be kept in your name for a long time," the grandmother took her granddaughter's hand. The child widened her eyes. Fiona realised that while her childhood crown was taken apart to make Felicia's, the reign for her immediately family would stop. Unless Artie didn't have children, Fiona's own linage would fade out of royalty completely. Thus, Felicia's childhood tiara would stay together.

"Let's hope you don't ruin it, hm?" Fiona couldn't help but laugh a little, as she lifted Felicia into the chair. The child shook her head, Fiona having to physically still her to begin brushing the knots out of her hair. Lillian had almost insisted that Felicia have the same treatment as Fiona when she was little; a team of stylists pulling and spraying at her hair and face. There wasn't a lot that Fiona insisted against her mother, but this was something. After thorough complaints from the little ogress, Fiona finally managed to pull the top half of Felicia's hair into two braids, securing the tiara into place. She smiled, tying the braids together with the ribbon that her daughter always had in her hair. "And you don't take this out okay? Otherwise your tiara might fall and you might lose it."

"And I'll be in big trouble," the child observed, finally being able to look up to her mother. Her face was flushed, betraying a little distaste for the procedure.

"Yes, you will," she confirmed stonily. Despite her words, Fiona's face lit up as she looked at her daughter's reflection.

"Oh my little darling, look at you!" Lillian finally gushed. She took her perfume and sprayed it above Felicia's head, letting it fall upon the princess before Fiona could say anything. The child coughed, her face screwing up in disgust.

Fiona couldn't help but giggle. "Felicia look!" she pointed to the mirror, distracting the child.

The girl did, her expression lighting up, "I have a tiara, just like mommy's," she jabbed a finger into the mirror, pointing at Fiona's reflection.

"Yes, darling, you're the Princess of Far Far Away," Lillian smiled at her, "Just like your mother."

They nodded encouragingly at her, the spectacle of the crown distracting the little ogress from the uncomfortable nature of the dress. Fiona suddenly became aware of the other princess watching them coo over the child. Elena's hair rollers had been removed and her hair had been pulled to one side, like usual, except this time with a beautiful crystal clasp. The stylists had been cooing over her beauty, wishing her luck. But it wasn't the same. Fiona suddenly felt terrible for not being wholly positive to Elena, like her own mother would have been.

The team of people left the room. Fiona watched them go, waiting to be left alone with the princess to pry into what she wanted to say before. The ogress wasn't sure what she wanted the outcome to be, she supposed it wouldn't matter, so long as everyone ended up happy. However, not everyone left the room. It was then that Fiona noticed the maid Artie was friends with hovering at the back of the room. She held a broom, though she was staring intently at the flower arrangement that always sat there, picking at the drooping flowers.

"Abbey!" Fiona beckoned her in. To Fiona's judgement, Elena seemed like a typical royal in most ways. The ogress wasn't sure if she had been introduced to Artie's friends, nor was she sure Elena would find it normal. Still, Fiona was keen to help. If the princess could accept her family, then some castle staff as friends wouldn't be too much of a stretch.

The maid walked slowly over to them, holding the broom in both hands. She even appeared to be trembling. Fiona smiled kindly at her, hoping to ease the tension. "Elena, this is Abbey," Elena turned, the girls' eyes meeting, "Abbey is Artie's friend," Fiona tried her best to sound open and encouraging.

"Your Highnesses," Abbey spoke in a small voice, dipping into a curtsy. She looked to the ground, only glancing at the princess before her.

Elena smiled hesitantly, "I know. It's nice to meet you, Artie told me about you."

"Oh, did he?" Abbey blinked, forcing a smile, "That's... that's... mhm," she nodded, quickly turning away. She began quietly sweeping the residue makeup and fallen hairs from the ground around them, her head down.

Fiona's brow creased, "I'm surprised Artie didn't invite you and your friends to the wedding," she tried to pick up conversation.

Abbey looked up to the ogress, glancing self-consciously again to the bride, "We never expected to be allowed," she shrugged noncommittally, "It's okay."

"Let me just speak with mom," Fiona offered, "It might be a little late for the wedding. But the reception, I'm sure you-"

"It's fine," the maid cut her off, "...Princess. It's absolutely fine. We're used to it," she bit her lip, hurriedly continuing with her task.

Fiona wordlessly looked to Elena; she was curiously watching the girl.

"Mommy! Look I found a bug."

Abbey's head snapped up, she scurried through the doorway into the room with Felicia, "Hey little Princess, where is it?" she spoke overly cheerily, "I'll get that for you."

"No, don't get it. It's mine, I found it."

Fiona met Elena's gaze, "Are you okay?" she asked quietly.

Elena hesitated for a moment before twitching her lips into a smile, "I think so, yes."

The door to the dressing area was promptly opened, silencing everyone, "It's time. Your father is waiting, Your Highness," they addressed Elena.

She nodded, looking gravely to the ground for a moment. Elena stepped down and they followed her to the door. Lillian held her hand out for Felicia to take but the child ignored it, hesitantly approaching the bride instead. She held out her hand to the princess. Elena paused for a moment, hand withdrawn away from her, but reset her smile, gently taking the ogress's hand and leaving the room. Fiona allowed herself one more look inside as she followed the group. Abbey had paused in front of the mirrors where Elena once stood. She saw Fiona's reflection looking at her and she continued to sweep.


Artie scanned the crowd for Abbey, for any of his friends. They knew they weren't allowed to come. They had been fine with it, as they always were. Still, there was a glimmer of hope that maybe one of them would come. Maybe Abbey would have told them everything and together as a group they could stand in the way of the wedding.

None of them were there. Only unfamiliar faces or those he didn't want to see. The king was struggling to stand still as he watched everyone, a lot of eyes were on him. He intermittently shifted his weight between each leg, just to do something, clutching onto the sides of his stark white tunic. He'd already been reprimanded for it. It could crease the fabric, things had to remain perfect for the photos. Artie had lost the will to care. His attention was suddenly distracted by the sight of Fiona hurriedly entered through a side door, over to her husband and sons, Lillian gently following. She smiled at him, he forced a smile back. If his cousin and aunt had arrived that only meant one thing-

"All stand for the entrance of the bride."

The words were gentle but they still made him jump. He looked to the open doors; they were letting in a breeze to cool the warm room. But it only made the wait excruciating, each second no one appeared the more his heart raced. The beginning of the bridal march made him cringe. Everyone's heads turned to the entrance, waiting for the bride to make her appearance. Artie took slow breaths, allowing his face to fall for only a moment.

A shadow flickered across the doorway, it paused the king's breath. But it wasn't long before he realised it was much too small, and the ears too different for it to be anyone he was waiting for. Artie released his breath as Felicia appeared in the doorway. She looked wide eyed at everyone watching her before she locked eyes with her mother and smiled sweetly. She walked down the aisle, much too slowly for Artie's liking, throwing fistfuls of petals from the basket she held. The crowd responded with a mixture of amusement and shock. Her eyes were then on him, she giggled at him, he smiled back at her. It was almost a welcome distraction. But her rejoining her family meant it was the bride's turn.

On cue, Elena and her father were entering the chapel. She held onto the crook of his elbow, both their identical eyes staring at him. Artie did his best to smile, he wasn't sure of the outcome. The way the light filtered through the doors, it was reminiscent of when he first saw her. He couldn't deny she was beautiful. Unlike back then, he wanted to look away, but the opposing king's gaze didn't wander from him. Artie tried to keep them in sight, even though Elena's eyes were darting to different parts of the audience. Both all at once and after an excruciatingly long time, they reached the bottom of the steps. The sick feeling crawled its way up Artie's throat as Elena parted from her father and delicately joined him at the altar. They smiled weakly at each other as the priest began the ceremony.

Artie couldn't take in anything as he absently went between looking at the priest, glancing at Elena and adverting his gaze to the pillar just behind her. It was awkward to keep his eyes locked on hers, but the audience couldn't know that. He could tell she was feeling the tension too. They held each other's hands. His were just as sweaty as the day they met though she didn't react, her own skin clammy. His thoughts were rushing through his mind without abandon. The feeling was similar to when he asked her to marry him. He wondered if he'd faint again. He wondered if that was a good way to halt the wedding. He dejectedly told himself that was a stupid and humiliating solution. He wondered if it would still be worth it. Despite everything, he tried to be conscious of the expression on his face. He didn't want it to fall or look scared or anything less than happy. Everyone was watching. Elena didn't seem as bothered about this. Though she had a small, perfect smile set upon her lips, her eyes were worried. He questioned whether his were the same.

Artie felt shocked when the priest said the words he was waiting for. The ones Donkey quoted every time he told his cousins' story, "Speak now or forever hold your peace."

Speak now. He almost did. But that's when he saw her, she was behind that pillar, she was staring at him intensely. At first he thought she was going to speak. He wasn't sure if he wanted her to or not. Her face was expectant, she was waiting for him to say something. But he didn't. He mutely stared at her, the words lodged in his throat. The priest moved on, speaking about the vows. He looked down, away from her. He could feel all of the eyes on him. He couldn't. He couldn't let the kingdom down. He couldn't let his family down. He couldn't let this girl, who had travelled away from her kingdom, who was almost killed for no reason but association with him, down. But he was letting Abbey down. He was letting this beautiful girl, who he was pretty sure he loved, down instead. The priest was looking at him. He met his gaze.

"Do you, King Arthur Pendragon of Far Far Away, take this maiden, Princess Elena Riverty of Far Out, as your lawfully wedded wife?"

Elena was looking at him. His eyes twitched from her to Abbey and back again. He could feel the sweat begin to bead on his forehead. No, he wanted to say, no I do not because I love someone else. He had planned that. He was going to say it. He should say it.

"I do." He didn't.

He looked over to the pillar. She was still staring at him. Her expression had changed. Of course it had changed. She turned and disappeared from his view. He wanted to go after her, he wanted to chase her and kiss her again. But he was rooted to the spot. His thoughts were broken as he saw Shrek begin to look over his shoulder to where Artie's gaze still lay. He dragged his eyes back to his bride. The question had been reversed, and posed to her.

She searched his eyes. He saw a tear spill over her eyelid and fall over her cheek. She opened her mouth and let out a quiet sob. The priest smiled gently, some of the audience cooing. They assumed she was crying with joy. If only they knew the truth. "I..." she spoke shakily, "I do," she let out another sob. He held onto her hands tighter. Her eyes suddenly widened almost in fear, she pulled her hands away just as the priest began to speak again. "Wait," she spoke over him, "Wait... no. I don't. I change my mind. Can I do that?" she asked the priest, who looked in horror at her, "My answer is no," she met Artie's gaze, "I'm sorry," she whispered.


AN: Don't say yes, run away now... Old-school Taylor Swift anyone?