Brietta the beautiful

by Ilikemutemath

Her father and mother died. Now she and her brother are having to care for their three other siblings, she works at a cruel woman's house to make money to feed her family. Challenges keep coming their way, she's hoping they can survive. But love may have other plans.

13. Brietta and Damian's Happy Ending

Brietta and Damian's happy ending...?

The changes in Point Of View (POV) should be clearly marked, I hope there's no confusion. :)

Warning... This chapter goes on forever... XD

Chapter 13

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I was outside most of the next morning, scrubbing Drizzela's dresses.

For the past several hours I had been wondering how so much change could have happened since Bertha first showed that invitation to me. That was the moment my life changed direction.

I had to think really hard to be able to remember how I had thought of Prince Damian then. I guess I had thought he was ignorant to all of us peasants, and disobedient to his parents. Now I would consider him to be one of my closest friends, strange how much your perspective on someone can change so easily, and in so little time.

"Brietta, Is that you? I'd given up hope on ever seeing that pretty smile 'round here again." I turned to find Mr. Sliven, the groundskeeper, limping towards me with a rake in his hand. Mr. Sliven was around the age of thirty, he was an Italian, and he spoke with a thick accent.

I gave him a hug, "Mr. Sliven! I missed you while I was gone. How have you been?" I asked him.

"Good enough." He said, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiled. "I've been hearing some rumors going around about you. Do you mind clearing up if they are true or not?" He asked, peering over his glasses at me.

I frowned, "No, I don't mind. What rumors?"

"Well… that Miss Drizzela, she was rambling on about how you picked up a man… Now, I do not usually believe everything I hear her say. But my sister and brother-in-law came for a stay. And my brother-in-law, he said he saw the young prince with a beautiful Eldemarian girl. And I say to myself, 'Fabian, I bet my life that your Brietta is that beautiful Eldemarian girl.' And then, you come to work this morning, and you look so happy! And I do not know if it is because of the Prince or not." He pursed his lips.

One thing that I loved about Mr. Sliven, he had a habit of rambling when he talked to people he cared about.

"The prince is my friend, so that rumor would be true. But he's not… We aren't together. It wouldn't work between us. He's the prince of Rhenia, I'm not even a full blooded Rhenian citizen…" I all but forgot that Mr. Sliven was there as I continued my never-ending argument with myself.

"Matters of the heart are never easy." Mr. Sliven said, patting my shoulder, "But I have found that by the time all of your thinking and pondering is over and done with, your love has drifted so far away that she does not even remember your name. And you have wasted any chance you ever had with her." I looked up into his sad eyes, he had lost someone before, that much was obvious. "Do not make the same mistake I did… Go speak to the Prince. If he does not love you, then you will go on living. But if he does love you, you will go on living… but with a new happiness in your life."

"Thank-you, next time I see him I'll speak to him about it. I just hope you are right about this." I said, already feeling the butterflies in my stomach.

~*H*~

Prince Damian's POV;

I woke the next morning with a peace that had eluded me for several weeks. Nothing was going to rid me of my happiness this day. Because that was the day I was going to tell my father and mother who my choice for marriage would be.

"Brietta Anderson." I loved knowing her name. I loved knowing who her family was. I loved the fact that I would be able to tell my parents everything about her. "Brietta Anderson, from the East district of Rhenia. She loves children, she works hard to make her brothers and sister happy. She cares deeply for those who are in need. She loves Jesus. She is half Rhenian, half Eldemarian. She is beautiful. She is perfect. I love her." I had been saying the same words over and over ever since I had left her house the night before. I couldn't believe that I had found her, but now that I had found her I wasn't letting go.

I began humming one of the songs I had heard pouring out of the doors when I had been hiding in the garden with Brietta. As I hummed the song I threw open my door and walked happily down the hall. I caught sight of Sarah and one of her ladies-in-waiting down one of the adjoining halls and I turned down it. "Madam, will you do me the honor of letting me have this dance?" I asked Sarah, bowing low.

She stared at me with bleary eyes, my little sister was not a morning person. "Maybe Tina will." She said, covering a yawn as she walked past me.

The maid squealed in surprise as I immediately stooped and scooped her into the dancing position, then began humming the same tune that I had earlier, just a little louder this time. I waltzed the girl back down the hall after Sarah. All the while she protested, I just replied with a chuckle.

"Damian, whatever are you doing to our poor Miss Tina?" My father said, coming from down the hall.

"We're dancing, father." I laughed, spinning down the corridor towards him.

"Your majesty! A little help!" The maid cried, trying to look dignified while holding onto me for her life.

"Don't listen to her, father. She actually enjoys this very much." I interrupted her.

Father laughed, "I'm sure she does." Then he walked on into the dining room, leaving me to dance the girl to death.

"Damian, let Tina be." My mother said from behind me.

I winced and gently lowered the maid the few inches to the ground. I flashed a bright smile before letting her go and turning to my mother and Sarah.

"Come to breakfast, dear." Mother said with a smile.

"Dami is better now, mama." Sarah whispered to our mother as I held the door for them.

"I believe you might be right about that. He seems quite healed doesn't he?" She asked, meeting my eyes as she walked past.

I sat at the dining table and tried my hardest not to be impatient... It wasn't my fault that my foot wouldn't stop tapping, I can't control these things.

There were some nobles that were joining us for breakfast, and I didn't particularly want other people knowing before Brietta herself knew, so I had to hold it off for a little while longer.

"Is there something you wanted to speak to us about, dear?" My mother asked, laying a hand on my knee to stop it from bouncing.

"Could I have an audience with you and Father after breakfast? I have something important to tell you both." I asked her in a whisper.

"Of course." She said with a smile.

"Thank you." I said with a relieved sigh, returning her smile.

Almost a whole hour later we sat in my father's study.

I took a deep breath, "Father, I agreed to attend my ball, and to at least mingle with some of the available women, I did not expect to find anyone that I thought I could spend my life with. But now I see that I was mistaken…" As I spoke I paced in front of the fireplace. I continued to pour out the speech that had been swimming around in my mind ever since I woke, then I finally just blurted out the words that wanted so bad to be free, "I have fallen in love with the most beautiful girl in the world. I would like you both to meet her, then possibly give us your blessing."

They were silent for a long while. Their silence made me more worried than anyone could possibly imagine. I began wondering if they had already made an agreement with the king of Eldemari that I would take his daughter's hand in marriage.

"Son… we would like nothing better." My father finally said with a smile.

With tears overflowing from her eyes, my mother said, "Your Brietta has quite a healthy reputation in Rhenia. Not one person that met her had anything bad to say about her."

My eyebrows rose, "You asked people about her?"

"No, not exactly. We sent scouts to meet her and her family members. Just a few people here and there, but they didn't invade her privacy in any way. Their report on her was amazing." Father explained.

I had to restrain myself from rolling my eyes at them, "Would you care to meet her in person? Or should I just keep her to myself? Since you seem to already know so much about her…"

"Hmm, that seems fine with me. What do you think, Dear?" My mother asked father.

"Mother! You cannot be serious, I didn't go through all this trouble for you to dismiss her." I said, half-incredulous, half laughingly.

"We will meet her. And even if she is ugly and rude we will love her. Because you love her, and we love you." My father said before standing and opening his arms for me.

I accepted his hug, then turned to my mother for hers.

"I'll be back in a few hours." I said, hurrying out the door of the study.

"Be sure to bring the adorable children I keep hearing about, also!" My mother called after me. "They're just as welcome as she is."

I was hurrying towards my Brietta, and my future was slowly being lowered into place, I just prayed love didn't have any more obstacles for me.

~*H*~

Brietta's POV;

Seriously, if I pass out again I am going to be so mad at myself. I thought as I pulled a heavy pan out of the hot oven. I hummed a slow tune today, I didn't want to over-stress myself, a faster tune would have made me feel like I had to go faster than my legs could carry me.

Lady Berggren and Drizzela had planned a large brunch, and just about every noble's wife was sitting on the veranda, along with all of their older sons.

I figured what Lady Berggren was trying to do was about the same as the king and queen did for Damian. She was playing mass matchmaker for Drizzela and Bertha. I knew Bertha actually had a good chance, she was attractive with her dark hair and her big brown eyes. But Drizzela… I guess if the man was desperate enough he could look past her flaws.

I carried yet another tray of pastries out to the large round table at the end of the veranda. The women flocked to it, "Oohing" and "Ahhing" over every little dainty piece of my edible art.

"Oh maid, can you be a dear and bring out more of those delightful chocolate thingies? And could you tell the cook that those are simply scrumptious?" An elegant elder lady asked me.

I hesitated, those had taken the longest out of the entire dessert that I had made, "I- It may take a little while, if you do not mind waiting. But I'm afraid I cannot tell the cook that… because I am the cook." I said with a soft smile at her. She had one of those faces you expected a loving grandmother to have.

"Why… aren't you a dear little thing! You made all of those little beauties yourself?" She asked loudly. As she did that the other noble women came over, patted my head, and complimented my baking skills.

I never felt more condemned. Strange what a patting on the head does to your pride.

"Of course we'll wait, you take all the time you need. If you don't mind I'd like another batch to take home. I'll pay for it. And do you think you could send that recipe to my cook? Here is the address." She said handing me a card.

I just nodded, trying to remember all she had asked.

I finished that batch faster than the last time, and I set half of it in a covered dish, placed the recipe carefully on top, and took it to the lady as she left.

Later I went into the gardens to cut fresh flowers for Bertha's room, and I found that girl in the garden with a man. They walked down one of the paths, arm in arm.

"Brietta! Come meet my new dear friend." Bertha called as she spotted me.

I walked slowly forward, "And who might this be?" I asked with a mischievous smile at Bertha.

"This is Edward, we danced at the ball. I didn't recognize him this morning, but he recognized me. Then during the brunch he kept dropping subtle hints to me. Isn't it romantic?" She said, and for once, she didn't squeal. She was totally love-struck.

"It is nice to meet you Edward." I said after rolling my eyes at Bertha.

"Nice to meet you too Brietta. I do believe that you turned me down at the ball though." He said with an impish grin.

"I'm sorry. I turned everyone down that asked. I was wearing heels for the first time in my life, and I don't particularly like balls… Again, I'm so sorry, it was nothing personal." I said, feeling bad.

"No, it is quite all right, if you hadn't, I never would have found this beautiful woman to dance with." He said, lifting the back of Bertha's hand to his mouth for a kiss. She blushed.

"Wow, I can see you two are pretty far gone, so I will just be on my way…" I said. But I don't think they heard me.

I chuckled all the way back to the house. They were acting so… dazed. It was funny.

It made me happy seeing Bertha happy, nothing could top that moment.

Before I even reached the door I heard the violent ringing of the bell that led to the den. I hurried in, but before I could open the den door Lady Berggren rushed out, almost knocking me over. "Where have you been? I have been ringing that blasted bell for almost a minute!"

"I'm sorry, what was it you needed?" I asked, ignoring her question.

"Bring some china in the good tea! We have a visitor!" She said, accidentally mixing her words. She was really in a panic. She never got this worked up.

"Yes ma'am, right away." I said calmly. She seemed to gain composure as she watched me calmly hurry away to do her bidding, just as I knew she would. I may not like these people very well, but I knew them better than they knew themselves.

I prepared the tea carefully in the china pot, I hated using the china, it really was beautiful, and I always worried that I would break it.

I mentally prepared myself before opening the door to the den; Someone of real importance was in there, and some of the snobby nobles that sometimes visited had sharp tongues, they liked lashing them at the help. Which was me in this case.

I turned the knob and entered, closing the door behind me before turning around.

I set the tray on the table by the mirror, and glanced over my shoulder to see how many cups I would need. I dropped the spoon I was holding, it landed in the pot with a loud clunk. Prince Damian was sitting across from Lady Berggren, his dark eyes were following my every movement.

I had to remind myself that it wasn't my business why he was there. I turned back around and finished pouring up the two cups. Then, taking a deep breath and composing my face, I took the cups over to the coffee table in between them. Then I went back and got the sugar bowl and set it also on the table.

"Will that be all, Lady Berggren?" I asked carefully. I hated that Damian was seeing me this way, it was a large blow to my pride.

I winced when I saw her expression, she was about to show off, and this was definitely not going to end well.

"Brietta, this is Prince Damian… You know, he has servants that are much, much faster than you are. And yet, he waits patiently for his tea, while you dilly dally around. Now, I'm sure you have something to say to him. Then after you make your apologies, I want you to rewash all of Drizzela's clothes, she says that they all smell like Bertha's detergent, and she absolutely abhors that smell." On the inside I was strangling the woman. My face was impassive on the outside, though my shoulders were very tense. Bertha's detergent was the same thing I had been using for Drizzela's for all the years I had worked there.

I slowly turned to Damian, not meeting his eyes, "I'm truly sorry, your highness. I hope that my actions will not affect Lady Berggren's appearance in your eyes."

"Brietta!" Lady Berggren said sharply, "You're in the presence of royalty… Bow!"

Still avoiding his eyes, I curtsied low. As I came back up I met his eyes, but I had to look away again. They were filled with utter sadness.

I spun and left the room swiftly, but once I shut the door, I broke into a full run. Tears fell in a steady stream down my face, if ever there was a chance for Damian and I to be together it had just been crushed severely. The sadness in his eyes spoke volumes, he was finally seeing that our statuses were infinitely different. I would probably never see him again after this. And that one glance, that last look into his eyes would be how I always remembered him.

~*H*~

Prince Damian's POV;

I watched angrily as Brietta exited the room. My eyes slowly trailed back to Berggren, my glare heating as I looked at her.

"Y- Your highness, I will make sure that- Ah, this never happens again. She will be punished, I assure you." She had taken my anger the wrong way, and her words only added to the flame. She had just thrown herself out of the frying pan and into the fire, which was quickly turning into lava.

I was actually seeing red, and trust me, that was not a good sign. I never lost my temper… ever. But when it came to Brietta, there was a switch that flipped inside of me, a protective switch. And I didn't know how to turn it off. One side of me was afraid for Berggren. And yet the other side wanted to crush her in every way possible.

"Brietta is resigning from her position in your staff. I would like you to pay her what you owe for this month and let her go. If you or your daughters so much as raise a finger towards her, you will find that your life and everyone you care abouts' life will be turned into a living hell. And believe me, I have the power to make you suffer much worse than what should be humanly possible." My jaw was clamped as I spoke, making every word a growl. And my fists were clenched tightly by my sides, I had to concentrate hard on not using them.

Berggren's face paled at every word, and by the end she was nodding in complete agreement, but she had collapsed into a chair. I guess I was pretty convincing.

I began walking towards the door, but was stopped by a weak voice coming from Berggren. "What will I do for meals and cleaning?" She asked, looking at me for answers.

I frowned, "What about your other workers?"

"I don't have any, Brietta has been my only staff for years."

"She cleaned this whole house and cooked all your meals by herself?" I asked. I was something completely past furious, nothing could make me more angry than I was right then, I had reached full capacity. Brietta had not only worked here in this hellhole by herself, but then at the end of the day she went home to her family and cared for them. She never ceased to amaze me.

I left the room, taking big strides as I went in search of Brietta. I didn't find her, but I did run into a couple that was entering through the back doors of the house.

"Hello, can I help you?" The girl asked me.

"No." I said curtly, "Wait, yes. Do you know where Brietta is?" Some of my anger was still boiling, and I said it a bit harsher than I meant to.

Her face went blank as I asked that, "No, I haven't seen her in a while. What do you need her for?" Her voice was almost a monotone.

I sighed and ran an agitated hand through my hair, "I think your mother may have upset her. And… I need to tell her something." I could feel my face heating with embarrassment at the last sentence.

The girl just crossed her arms across her chest and frowned at me.

Then the man beside her spoke up, "Bertha, this is Prince Damian, he's okay, he won't hurt her." I looked up to find one of the noble's sons who I had spent some time with a while back. I felt embarrassed that I didn't remember his name.

The girl looked doubtful. But with an encouraging look from the man, Bertha sighed and gave in, "She ran past us a few minutes ago… She's in the garden." She still looked doubtful, but she had moved out of the doorway so I could pass.

"Thank you. I'm glad there's someone that is protective of her." I said, shaking the man's hand and smiling at the girl before running out the door.

The gardens were very large, and it took me a while to find her.

She was sitting on the ground by a small fountain. Her golden curls were covering her face and her hands were wrapped around herself. Her whole body was shaking with sobs. It was the most miserable sight I had ever seen.

"Brietta?" I asked carefully.

She leaned forward more and buried her face in her skirts.

I moved to her side and sat down. I watched her for a moment, my heart breaking for her. I laid a gentle hand on her hair. Then as if they had their own will, my fingers started running through her curls. It felt just as soft as it looked. I suddenly noticed that her crying had stopped. Apparently my effort at comforting was not going unnoticed.

"I'm sorry for all that she said. I haven't met someone so vile in a long time." I said.

She looked up at me through her hair, "It wasn't her words that hurt me. My heart was hardened a long time ago to her anger." She said, her voice thick.

"What's the matter then?" I asked.

Her lip shuddered, "I have to tell you something." She said, flipping her hair away from her face and sitting up.

I nodded.

She took a deep breath, "I love you. I think I have since the night of the ball." I began to reply to her words, but she quickly interrupted me, " Let me finish. Please… I have come to see that no matter how I feel… it wouldn't ever work for us. Your place in life is so different from mine. Also, there is the issue of my brothers and sisters. I would never leave them, and I would never ask you to take on a whole family like this." She frowned and looked away, "I think it would be best if we aren't even friends. It's obvious that I'm attracted to you, and I wouldn't want your reputation as prince ruined."

I studied her, "Is this what you want?" As I asked this It felt as if I was ripping my heart in two. It was me this time, I was doing it. Not love, not Brietta. It was all me.

"I think it would be best." She repeated, not meeting my eyes.

I took her shoulders in my hands, I could feel tears behind my eyes, "Look at me. I want to know if it is what you want. Not what is best."

When she met my eyes she crumpled a little bit, then in a whisper she spoke, "What I want doesn't matter. It never has. I have to take care of my family, and this is the best… for them."

My chest tightened violently, I could feel her slipping away, "Please. Brietta, I love you. I want to be the one that cares for you. I want to care for your brothers and sisters. I want this responsibility. I have never wanted anything more than I want you. Please, I can't live without you. I want you to be with me for the rest of my life… I'm asking you to be my wife, Brietta." I ignored the tears that slipped past my guard. "Please. I'm begging you."

She took a shuddering breath, "You love me." She closed her eyes and smiled, "You love me."

"Yes!" I said, grabbing her hands and bringing them both to my lips, "Yes. I love you… so much." My voice cracked as I spoke.

"Damian." She whispered, "I love you too."

Relief washed over me, "You know… Since we both love each other…" I rubbed a finger across her jaw line, "Maybe we should get married." I said, "Just a suggestion…" I gave her a smile.

"Hmm…" She just frowned, pondering.

"Brietta, answer me." I said. I knew what her answer would be. It was the first time that I was sure of anything. But I was having fun with her right then. She was happy, and that made me feel lighter than air.

"You didn't ask a question." She said, her eyes wide with false innocence. "You suggested something in a sentence."

I growled, and tackled her, pinning her hands down with my right hand and tickling with my left. She squealed. "OK! Okay, I'll answer your sentence! It wasn't a question! Just stop! Stop tickling!" She said between peals of laughter.

I didn't let her go, I just sat on top of her, waiting for her answer.

Her face turned serious, and she met my eyes. I let go of her hands and rolled off, pulling her up to face me.

"Fine…" I said, "Brietta Anderson…" I studied her beautiful eyes for a moment before asking, "will you marry me?"

"Damian, I would love to." The way she said my name made my heart happily gallop off.

"That settles it then." I said, hooking a finger under her chin to pull her closer.

~*H*~

Brietta's POV;

We walked down the road, heading for my house. We spoke of how Damian had gone to Wesley before he came to me. Wess had given him his blessing, and told him where to find me. It was no little detail to me that Damian had asked permission for my hand.

When I was little, I had always dreamed of my future husband going to my father, but since he was not there, Wess was the next closest person that I would have wanted. His approval was important to me.

By the time we reached the house, the kids were already out of school for the day. I went ahead and announced it to them, knowing that Wess had known beforehand, and he wouldn't mind.

Damian got a hug from every one of my siblings, even the adopted ones.

Andrew, Stephen, Jesse, and Sarah were even excited for me. However, looking at those four reminded me that just a few hours ago I had been in love with more than one person. And the other person would be leaving soon, especially since I was not going to stop him.

I felt bad about choosing between the two. And in the end, I did choose the one that most girls would have chosen; which was the prince. I was confident that Jeremy would find the one God intended for him, it was close to impossible that there wouldn't be anyone later on than me that doesn't catch his eye. And he would most definitely be catching many a girl's eye with his charm and good looks.

Wesley came home not long after we got there and Jeremy walked in the door after him. Jeremy took one look at my hand, that was interlaced with Damian's, and he seemed to sigh in defeat. Although, seconds after he saw us, he was congratulating Damian and I on our engagement.

Later I went upstairs to find him gathering the children's things. I ended up shutting myself in my room while I gained control of my emotions. I sat with my back against the door, my hand covering my nose and mouth so no sobs would escape. It hurt to see him in such a hurry to get away… all because of me.

The doctor had come that morning and said that everyone that was injured was going to heal quickly. So that meant they were free to leave even before now, but I think Jeremy might have been staying longer for an alternate purpose other than getting some extra cash for their trip. But I had ruined that. And I truly did feel bad about that.

By the time I had controlled myself and cleaned my face, they were packed up and waiting by the door. Apparently the kids had insisted on saying goodbye to me. It was probably the easiest goodbye for me, I knew where they were going, and they knew I was definitely going to come visit them often.

It was almost a relief to see them walk down the road. My feelings weren't so confused when there was some distance between me and Jeremy.

I turned to Damian, he smiled broadly, "You ready to meet my parents?" He asked.

"No." I said, nervous.

"Okay… lets go." He said, taking my hand. Just that action was enough to make my heart go into rapid spasms.

~*H*~

Damian's Mother,

Queen Quymby Marissa's POV;

I had never seen Damian look so was radiant. He seemed far more grown up than ever before as he walked into the room. It was as if he found a piece of himself that was missing. The piece he had searched for in hunting, reading, adventuring, and also a little rebelling. None of that had satisfied the search.

The girl that held onto his hand was beautiful. The moment they walked through the door I could see why Damian had been attracted to her. She truly was perfect.

She had grace that could be mistaken for trained royalty. When she curtsied, it was like a delicate flower bowing in the wind. It was a marvel just to watch her, and I am sure, I did plenty of watching.

~*H*~

Brietta's POV;

"Hello, it's an honor to meet you both." I said softly, looking up at the King and Queen of Rhenia through shy eyelashes.

Damian's hand tightened around mine, and I relaxed some. He had been nervous when we announced to my younger siblings that we were engaged, he didn't know how they would react. But now it was my turn. And his family just so happened to be royalty.

The Queen breathed a sigh of relief, before stepping forwards and wrapping both arms around me. I laughed and hugged her back. She pulled away, holding me at arms length, "I have waited all of Damian's life to meet you. And as impossible as it seems, you are far better than I could have dreamed of."

I blushed under her soft words, "Thank-you, your highness. That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." I said, leaning forward and hugging her again, her hugs felt right. It was like I had a mother again, she was perfect.

The King stood and watched me for a minute, and then he suddenly swooped and pulled me up into a hug. "I have been praying so hard that my son would pick the right wife. You, Brietta, are an answer to both his mother's and my prayers." He whispered in my ear.

When he set me down there were tears in my eyes, "I'm sorry," I said, wiping at my eyes, "I've cried more in one day than I have in a very long time." When I said this Damian slipped an arm around my waist and gently kissed my temple. I smiled at how sweet the feeling was.

"This is good…" The King said in a thinking tone. "You are half Eldemarian, half Rhenian, correct?"

"Yes, your highness." I said.

"Oh, dear you can call me anything you would like, but would you mind not calling me your highness? It is a title that I only tolerate in the court when it's someone close to me." He said gently.

I nodded with an understanding smile.

"Yes, well. As I was saying before, this is good. You will solve most of our problems just by marrying Damian." He said. "The King of Eldemari will realize that our two kingdoms have coexisted peacefully right under our noses. You are proof of your parents' love. Your eyes are brown, and your hair is blond. I have not seen anyone like you in a very, very long time."

"The wars will stop?" Damian asked with an absent look.

"Yes. And there is a great possibility that she will also prevent future wars." The king said, a smile adorning his face.

Damian looked down at me, but spoke to his father, "I guess the Eldemarians are coming to our wedding then?" The way he said 'our wedding' made my pulse quicken, and I leaned into him.

He smiled at me; I could tell he liked the way it sounded also.

"Yes, it appears that way." The king said.

The Queen seemed to remember something suddenly, "Damian Alexander Lexington! You disobeyed me! I said for you to bring Brietta's siblings with you!" She exclaimed.

"Mother…" He smiled, "I did. They are in the blue room. I wanted you to meet Brietta first." He said, looking at her like it should have been obvious.

She gave him a look, "I absolutely must get my hands on them." She said, and I could see the excitement shine through her usual façade. "Jane," She said to one of the maids, "Could you send in the children from the blue room?"

"Yes madam, they are already on their way." She curtsied, stepping back into the shadows. I frowned, Damian really did have maids that were much faster than I was, and she was also prettier. I could not stop looking in the direction the maid was. Damian noticed this and his arm tightened around my waist.

The Queen and King walked across the room and sat on the seats by the fireplace. Damian and I followed, but as we walked, Damian leaned down to my ear and whispered, "I love you." All my worries and nervousness fell away at those three words.

The door opened and my family walked in, I felt pride swelling in my chest at the sight of them. They all walked with a powerful dignity that was even more distracting than their attractive faces. But also I suddenly realized how young Wess actually was. For the past few years I had only seen him as the man of the house, our support. But he was really only a kid still, not even out of his teens yet.

We spent a whole hour getting to know each other. My brothers and sisters fell in love with the king and queen, and vise verses. Anna and Edmund fit right in with the rest of us, just like it should have been.

I sighed happily and leaned my head onto Damian's shoulder. I had found true love. And I wasn't letting go.

~*H*~

It was the morning of the wedding, and everything was moving smoothly.

Everywhere you looked there were roses. I was already squeezed into my beautiful designer dress. The whole palace was decorated. And the wedding service was planned to perfection. I just had to convince myself that nothing would go wrong.

I was having a mini panic attack for the fourth time that morning. The whole kingdom would be watching me, not to mention both the Rhenian and Eldemarian royal families. I was a very flawed human being, and they were sure to find something wrong with me.

With shaking hands I picked up my bouquet. It was made of a dozen roses, but it had tiny little stems coming from it that had little harebell flowers hanging off. Harebell is the flower of Eldemari. It was my idea to include it in the bouquet. The Queen had been pleasantly surprised at my request, and she had agreed that it would be a wonderful idea.

I stepped towards the door where the maid was motioning me through, "We're taking you to the hair stylists now, miss." The maid said, walking me down the hall to a different room.

That is what I did the rest of the morning, I was ushered to different rooms, pampered and primped. Until finally, I stood outside of the closed chapel doors, the huge organ inside belting out beautiful music.

Wess suddenly appeared beside me, he was a breath of fresh air; I hadn't seen anyone I knew all morning. He was going to walk me down the isle.

He beamed proudly down at me, "You look amazing, Brietta." He said, not using my nickname.

"Thank you." I said, blinking back tears. "I love you, Wess." I said, feeling the need to assure him of that.

"Don't you dare make me cry." He said playfully, but I saw a suspicious moisture in the corner of his eye, "I love you too." He whispered.

The organ suddenly blared a new note, and the huge brown doors swung open. My eyes widened as everyone in the chapel stood simultaneously, making a rumbling noise. Their curious eyes turned to face the door… To face me.

I hooked my hand through Wess' arm. And we began our slow trek down the isle.

At first my eyes nervously skittered around the magnificent room, catching on peoples faces. But then I glanced to the alter, a smile slowly drifted onto my face at the welcome sight of Damian.

He looked stunning. His black suit making his hair and eyes look even darker than normal. His white teeth, revealed by an adoring smile, were a sharp contrast to his lightly tanned face. His eyebrows were raised slightly. And his eyes took in every inch of me. I wanted to quicken my pace, but I knew I shouldn't. We had practiced this three times, and I knew the wedding planner would have my head if I walked any faster than I was right then.

When I finally did reach him, I wanted to reach out immediately, but again, I knew I couldn't.

I endured the first half of the ceremony without touching him, as I so longed to do. Then the man beside us said the words that offered me freedom, "Please take hands."

As soon as he had scooped my hands into his, I was lost to the world. I didn't hear any more of what the man of the cloth said. Believe me, I tried to listen, but it was impossible. Once I realized that, I let myself study Damian's eyes. His beautiful dark eyes.

I somehow managed to say what I needed to say in all the right places, then I suddenly heard, "You may kiss the bride." The thrill that I got from those words was unexplainable.

Damian flashed a crooked smile, and began ever so slowly leaning down to my lips.

I impatiently grabbed his face between my palms, bringing his lips down to mine in a much quicker fashion. A rumble of laughter spilled from the crowd and filled the church, then applause. It was all a distant world to me as Damian pulled me closer. Lifting me up off the ground by my waist so he didn't have to lean down so far.

We pulled apart, both smiling hugely. Then the man that had made me happy several times that morning spoke again, "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Damian Alexander Lexington the first." Roaring applause erupted even before he finished speaking, people stood and watched us exit the chapel, hand in hand.

~*H*~

Prince Damian's POV;

As soon as the doors opened she took my breath away.

Her white dress made her skin look creamier. Her hair was lovely in the off the neck style, ringlets dancing gently about her face. The way the ringlets were positioned somehow brought extreme attention to her dark eyes; no doubt the stylists had planned that. They wanted the kingdom to see that she was one of us.

Her eyes caught on mine, and a slow smile appeared on her face. My heart leapt at that smile, it was meant for me, and me alone.

Brietta looked like she was out of it the whole ceremony. She was probably worrying too much what the crowd thought about what she did and didn't do. I was lucky, I had been in front of the whole kingdom more times that I could count, so I was used to it, and slightly comfortable.

The ceremony passed easily, and we were soon out of the room and walking towards the gardens. The guest's were already ahead of us, we had taken a alternate route, we were supposed to arrive after them to make an entrance together.

I glanced down at my new wife, she seemed a little pale, but I had to take into consideration that she had just been thrust into the world of a royal. Still, I couldn't help but ask, "What are you thinking?"

She smiled shyly up at me, "Just that I love you." She whispered.

I swooped and pulled Brietta into a hug, not being able to hold her close enough. "I love you too." I laughed, "Although, those words seem inadequate to what I'm feeling right now."

"I agree. But that's how God meant it to be. Love is more than just a feeling." She said, smiling.

My eyes warmed towards her, "I think I'm going to thoroughly enjoy being your husband."

A mischief suddenly lit in her eyes, "That sounds rather fun to me, also." She stood on her tiptoes, to where her face was right in front of mine. I could feel her breath on my chin. I began to wrap my arms around her waist, but she was suddenly gone. I narrowed my eyes at her as she gracefully ran towards the garden we were having the reception in.

I glanced back to make sure there wasn't anyone who would criticize me for running. Then I took off after her. I caught up to her easily, and scooped her up by the waist. "And where do you think you're going, Mrs. Lexington?" I whispered warmly, barely able to keep my lips from seeking hers.

She hid a smile, "I believe there's a celebration in our honor just ahead… You wouldn't keep your guests waiting, would you?"

In answer I gently tilted her chin with a finger, bringing her lips back to mine. Then I whispered against her lips, "You have no idea how happy I am to have you as my wife."

She smiled, her eyes sparkling, and took my hand, motioning for me to lead her through the garden. I obliged, and when we finally rounded the corner of the festivities, we were greeted with more than ten thousand people, they all turned towards us with large smiles on their faces.

I tightened my hold on Brietta's hand, I knew she would be fine, but I needed to know she supported me. I may have been comfortable in front of everyone, but that didn't change the fact that most of the royals and nobles that were there were going to criticize me or even Brietta.

I knew we could handle it though. As long as we remembered that God had a hand in bringing us together, and God would have a hand in keeping us together. Forever.

Princess Brietta's POV;

One year later…

Since the day I was married, I had thoroughly learned everything there was to being a ruler.

Four weeks ago I had finished my training, and had been called into the meeting room by the king. Damian was already there.

The king informed me that he was handing the throne over to Damian, and that if I chose, I could either stay in the status I already had, no pressure would be added if I did. Or I could move on with Damian and become queen.

When I looked at Damian, his eyes told me it was completely my choice. But I knew what he wanted. And I knew that I was capable of helping Damian rule. So I chose the harder path, and decided to be crowned Queen of Rhenia.

Now, I stood with Damian in front of all Rhenia again. I wasn't nervous this time. These were my people now.

Everyone that had spoken to me about the crowning ceremony had told me to prepare for a long boring ritual. And that the only exciting part was the second I felt the weight of the crown resting on my head.

It had been nearly an hour since the ceremony had started. I smiled at the King of Eldemari, who was sitting in the front row beside Nathaniel, Jacob, and Lyssy. The two kingdoms had become close allies in the past year, and Damian and I had become friends with all the Eldemarian royal family. It felt amazing to know they approved of me and of my future role in the kingdom.

I glanced in Wess' direction, he was standing in the line of soldiers at the edge of the chapel. He had gotten his wish of being a member of the guard. And he was currently courting my best friend, Isabella.

After the reading of the Rhenian law, Damian would be crowned. Then he would put my crown on my head, and proclaim me queen. That was my favorite part, that Damian got to crown me. It made me feel like he was officially saying, this is my wife, I believe with all my heart that she is the perfect choice to rule beside me.

The king said something, bringing me back to the present. Everyone stood while the law of Rhenia was read. I smiled, I knew every single word by heart now. I had heard it so many times during my training that it was permanently etched into my memory.

Then a boy came slowly up the isle, carrying a beautiful golden crown on a purple pillow. It was Damian's. A girl followed him, carrying a smaller one, studded with a few tiny sparkling rubies. This one was mine.

Damian's father told him to kneel, then he said a few words, and slowly lifted the crown from it's position on the pillow.

"Repeat after me…" The king said, "I, Prince Damian Alexander Lexington the first, do hereby pledge,"

Damian and I had written our own pledges, and they had been perfected by the Queen and King.

Damian repeated it.

"…To keep the law of Rhenia. To enforce punishment on the ones who break it, and reward the ones who honor it…"

It was quite a long oath, and I felt the weight of it on Damian's shoulders even from where I was standing. But Damian never showed any hesitation, and as he spoke his voice was strong and clear. The whole kingdom could see that he meant every single word he spoke.

When my turn came, my pledge wasn't to the country, but to Damian. I smiled as the former king read the words off the paper for me to repeat. I did have to promise not to betray the kingdom and all that good stuff, but the rest was me promising to support Damian in everything he did and to honor and love him. I would have done all of that anyway, but It felt right to be saying the words for all the kingdom to hear. Queen Marissa thought it a good idea when I had presented it to her, and she had added her own little touches here and there.

Damian came forward with my crown, when I met his eyes, it seemed he had been holding back tears. He smiled lovingly at me, and placed the crown gently in place. It was designed for my head, so it was a perfect fit. I beamed at the audience. They all had smiles on their faces, and some were even crying.

When Damian pulled me up from my knees, he placed a light kiss on my hair and whispered, "Thank you."

I nodded, knowing he had been touched by my choice of commitment.

Everyone in the audience suddenly stood. Then they all slowly sank to their knees and bowed to both me and Damian. My eyes went to the Eldemarian royal family, even they were on their knees. It was a symbol of their allegiance to us, and I knew how much it meant for them to humble themselves in this way.

Tears sprang to my eyes, I suddenly felt a warmth towards all these people. I felt like they were my children, though most of them were much older than me, and much more wise. I hid my face in Damian's shirt, gathering myself before smiling up at him in pure joy.

After the ceremony, we were mingling in the chapel. Hesitant to leave the happy occasion. I caught sight of familiar eyes watching me, nothing could have hid the surprise that crossed my face.

I weaved through the people that separated us, and when I finally reached him, I couldn't find my voice to speak.

"Hello, Brie." He smiled.

"Jeremy… how are you?" I asked hesitantly.

"I'm fine. And I can see how you're doing, so there's no need to ask about that." He grinned.

Maybe I had just imagined that he had also been in love with me a year ago. He seemed to have forgotten anything that had been romantic between us.

"I…" I wasn't sure what else to say.

Understanding passed across his face, "I'd like you to meet someone." He said, motioning to a woman around my age. "This is Miranda, my fiancé." He said with a happy smile.

"Hello. It's an honor to meet you, your highness." She curtsied.

As we talked for a bit I realized that she was very sweet, pretty, and polite… She was perfect for Jeremy. I couldn't help but be happy for them both.

~*H*~

"Mrs. Larson… I would really love to help you, but in this case what you're asking for isn't legal by any standards." Damian was dealing with a couple of women who often came to the castle with a complaint about the other.

"But all I'm asking is for you to-" The woman began.

"Mrs. Larson!" Damian didn't yell, but his voice could be heard clearly and with a startling authority. "I can't force Miss Potter to hand over her milk cow to you just because you two argue once in a while. You need to understand that I won't put up with this squabbling. If you really dislike her so much, you may move away from her, but other than that I do not have a solution for you. I would rather you didn't bring matters of this sort to me anymore, I don't have the time nor the patience to deal with it. You are dismissed."

Watching Damian get so stressed out made me hesitant to share my news with him. I didn't want to add worry for me onto his already packed schedule.

Damian came towards me, "They get worse every time they come." He said with a chuckle, leaning down to kiss me.

I smiled, maybe I should do it now. "I have something to tell you."

"Yes?" He asked, an eyebrow raising in curiosity.

"I-"

I was cut off by Damian's coordinator. "Your highness, I'm sorry to interrupt, but you haven't signed the decree I put on your desk. Noble Evanson needs you in the study for his association duties. Lord Knoland has an issue in his district that needs your attention as soon as possible-" He suddenly stopped speaking. I looked to Damian to find his hand held up, silencing the man.

"I will attend to those duties as soon as I find the time. Have Evanson look up that book I told him about, he'll know what to do from there. I need to speak with my wife…" He looked to me, then asked, "In private?"

I shook my head 'no' "Go ahead. It can wait until later to be said."

He frowned, "I can spare a minute or two, if you want to talk now."

I smiled, "I'm fine. I'm going to go have lunch with your mother. What I need to tell you will wait."

"If you're sure…" He said, I could tell his mind was already on the business he needed to take cafe of, but he didn't leave me until he was sure I was okay with it.

The lunch meeting was fun, I loved being with my mother-in-law. She always had wise words for me, and could see through my outer appearance to my feelings.

"Do you mind if I ask a rather personal question?" She asked, after a small bout of silence.

"Not at all." I replied.

She smiled at me, "Have you…" She paused and thought about something, "Are you with child, dear?"

My eyes widened and my hand went to my belly, "How did you know?"

"I'm so happy for you. I wasn't sure if my guess was right or not, but I just had to ask." She said, throwing her arms around me in a hug. "How did Damian take it when you told him?" She asked.

My shoulders slumped in exhaustion, "I haven't told him yet. I only found out this morning." I didn't meet her eyes when she let out a gasp.

"Oh sweetheart… He's been too busy, hasn't he?" She asked, rubbing her thumb over my cheek comfortingly.

I nodded, tears pricking my eyes, "He's been so stressed lately, I wasn't sure I should tell him yet." I closed my eyes, but it was too late, the tears squeezed out from under my eyelids and slipped down my cheeks.

"You dear thing. Damian won't be anymore stressed knowing that he's going to be a father. If anything it will help him. Right now he's just trying to take in the fact that he's taken over his father's job. As soon as you tell him this he'll have something to get excited about."

"Are you sure?" I asked, wiping away the tears.

"Tell him." She whispered.

I nodded.

~*H*~

Later that night Damian was dressing for bed, and I was trying to figure out how I should tell him, when he gave me the answer.

"What was it you were wanting to tell me earlier? I'm sorry for running off on you like that by the way." He said, his jaw widening in a yawn.

"Why don't you sit?" I said slowly. When we were both comfortable on the bed, my head leaning back against his chest, I began. "You know how I've been getting sick a lot lately? Well, I had a visit with the physician this morning like you suggested…"

He twisted around so he could see my face, worry clouding his eyes. "What is it?" He asked.

I cupped his face in my hand and used my thumb to smooth out the worried frown on his forehead, then I smiled at him, "He gave me some exciting news."

Confusion passed over his face.

I took his hand, "He told me that I'm about six weeks pregnant." I laid the hand on my stomach and covered it with my hand.

His eyes grew to the size of saucers, "Is he sure?"

"No doubt in his mind."

"I'm gonna be a father?" He whispered, and I could see excitement growing in his eyes.

I nodded.

"I'm gonna be a father!" He said again, but louder this time.

I laughed, overjoyed by his reaction.

"Can we tell people? I mean is it a secret?" He asked.

"I don't see any reason to keep it a secret… but just so you know, your mother already guessed." I admitted.

"That's great!" He said loudly. "She's always wanted grandkids."

He suddenly jumped up off the bed and threw open the door to our bedroom. He paused in the doorway and came back to me, giving me a long kiss before pulling me up with him and walking to the door.

We stood on the thresh hold for a second, before he suddenly yelled, "I'm gonna be a father!" It echoed down the halls.

I laughed "And I'm gonna be a mother!" I yelled also, laughing at our ridiculousness the whole time.

From somewhere down the hall came a laugh, then a voice that matched the laugh, "I'm going to be a grandmother!"

There was a silence, then Damian's father came around the corner at a swift pace, followed closely by my siblings. All their eyes were burning with questions. And all me and Damian had to do was nod once, before they were all jumping up and down and shouting things about uncles and grandparents.

It was the best moment I have ever experienced so far, and I got to share it with everyone I loved.

---

(A/N)

I'm sorry it took so long to update, but as you can see this was the longest chapter ever...

I honestly don't know how I'm going to top this... just so you know it might be forever until I update Jeremy's chapter.

This chap is over 10,000 words... I hope you like it. I put a load of work into this, It's gone way past just a hobby. ;)

turns out I lied in the last author's note, I said I'd post both chapters together,

but I just didn't have time to finish the 14th chapter in time to post it today along with this one.

I actually think I'm gonna trash what little I already have for it and start over... Suggestions for Jeremy's chapter, please? :)

Pokemonchen; Thanks... completely flew over my head. I'm not excited about finishing the next chap... I'm glad I have you though. :) I would leave you a longer note, but I know I'll just end up PMing you sometime soon, and I'll say the stuff then. :)

Keelykelly; She's gonna marry both ;) I'm really, really glad you like Damian. I wish I had a Damian... I like your profile pic, btw.

Booksnake; Thank-you for reviewing, and such a long sweet review it was :) I know, but I'm kinda relieved to have one less thing to stress about. I'm glad you like them both. You have no Idea how sad it is for me to have to say goodbye to Damian. He's my dream guy. I love writing about Brietta's life, it's a part of me now. I'm not sure what I'll do when I finish all my stories. Oh, and please PM me, I know I'll forget to once I have internet.

popalot; Thank-you, I'm sorry for the wait! I feel bad about how long passed between updates. Almost three months I think... And it has been even longer since I updated my other story... :O

Tori Faye; I'm sorry! D': I'm just a terrible person. I didn't mean to keep you in suspense for so long. I wanna say thanks to you, your reviews have made me happy every single time I get one from you.

If the wait gets a too long send me ideas or just and encouraging message... pretty much to let me know you're getting impatient.

I need discipline, so please get impatient.

Thanks to everyone who Followed, Favorited and Reviewed. YOU PEOPLE ARE SO AMAZING!

Please review, and don't hesitate even if this story is long finished,

I'm sure it will be nice to see that my story's still liked a long time from now.

I love every single one of you! Even the invisible ones. (Ones who don't review)

Anyway, everyone have a blessed day/week/month/year/life.

-Ilikemutemath,

A Classic Criminal.