Many months later, when King Harold and especially Princess Lillian had recuperated from their loss; a date was set for their betrothal ceremony. Fitting well into his new role, he had not only finished his father's business, but he had also started a new book of deeds.
The courtyard of the kingdom was filled with people and abundantly decorated. With a smile on his face, King Harold eagerly looked out at the crowd that quietly and respectfully waited for the main event. He sat on the single throne placed before the crowd, at the center of the middlemost aisle. Everything was perfect. Soon his bride-to-be would glide across the carpet to him, wearing a lovely gown; and they would engage in the ritual that would bind them as man and wife.
His left hand cupped the pole of a gilded staff. His right hand lay flat on the thick arm rest of the throne; empty, waiting to receive the satin pillow on which would be placed the crown of his bride.
The sound of laughter and voices came to him on the wind. It was most definitely a time of joy. Though the grief of losing their firstborn would be forever, he looked forward to sharing his life with her. It had been decided that she would move into his palace, precisely one week from tonight; to allow her the time to pack.
And all he had to do was be honest, and he wouldn't become a frog. It would hopefully serve him well during his reign, and keep him honorable.
His eyes were soon drawn to a feminine silhouette lurking within the doorway that separated the patio from the interior of the kingdom. Barely able to distinguish her regalia, King Harold stood and approached the edge of the platform, tapping the staff to silently request the attention of his guests.
The courtyard fell quickly silent.
"Men, women, and children; tonight we thank you for your attendance, on the day of our union. Let me now present to you Princess Lillian Pendragon, my bride and your new queen!"
The crowd all stood, twisting their heads to glimpse the mysterious maiden who still lurked motionlessly in the shadows.
With all attention off of him, King Harold motioned for his bride to join him on the platform. After another brief hesitation, another shadow joined hers; and then they came stumbling out together, Princess Lillian limping and leaning heavily on the arm of her mother-in-law. The crowd was silent, watching her.
King Harold's eyes slowly roamed down to the hemline of her dress; where instead of seeing the toes of her left foot poke out, he saw her ankle.
His mother walked Princess Lillian up to the platform, and when King Harold helped her the rest of the way onstage, his mother turned and glided silently back into the kingdom, as if she did not want to witness her only child getting married.
King Harold waited for the crowd to turn their attention from his mother back to the ceremony. When he had all or most of their attention, he accepted the crown, lifting it slowly off the satin pillow. Then he turned back to his bride, who grabbed the arm of a nearby guard, startling him. Standing on her good foot, she leaned forward and wobbled only slightly as King Harold placed the crown of the bride atop her head.
The crowd erupted into applause and Queen Lillian stood, smiling out at the many guests.
"Welcome to the family, my beautiful wife," King Harold was saying.
"And you to mine, my...beautiful husband," Queen Lillian said, wobbling again. She grabbed onto his shoulders and gave a short, breathless laugh. "I need to sit."
Without further comment, King Harold pulled her arm over his shoulders, put his hand on her furthest hip, and helped her hop to the throne. "Entertain them," he said, and turned away.
"What...How? Where are you..."
King Harold heard the anxiety in her voice, and did some fast thinking. He tapped his staff again. "My people have assembled enough food for all of you. Enjoy." He motioned to the left side of the courtyard, where several uniformed butlers swarmed a table, pulling pots off of big helpings of food.
With the guests distracted, he handed the staff to his new bride. "I'm sure it makes a good cane," he said, and walked quickly down the aisle, leaving her sitting cluelessly on the throne, sputtering at his fleeing figure.