Hey! So, this story will probably be coming to an end. Not now! Of course not, but, probably in a couple of chapters, but yeah. (: Okay, ENJOY! :D
Chapter 9
I woke up, a warm arm wrapped around my waist. I lifted my head up and saw Eli, his eyes closed, still asleep. I smiled and laid my head back on his chest. I lifted my hand up and stared at my ring, remembering the wonderful events of last night. He's mine. I'm his. I couldn't ask for anything else.
Eli stirred and I looked up at him, twirling my ring around my fingers under the covers. He slowly opened his eyes, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. I giggled and greeted him with a slow kiss. He smiled into the kiss and I pulled away.
"Morning, sweetheart" he whispered. I smiled, and blushed.
"Morning, husband" I joked with him. He laughed, his voice vibrant.
"I like the sound of that" he whispered. He slithered his hand up my back and pulled me to his chest, pressing his incredibly soft lips to mine. His tongue traced my bottom lip and I opened my mouth to him. His tongue dominate my mouth, as he soft hands ran down my waist. He jerked us over, and suddenly I was on top of him. I giggled, breaking the kiss and Eli smirked at me. He opened his brilliant green eyes and smirked at me. He rubbed circles around my waist and I smiled, leaning back in for a kiss. We kissed passionately for a while, my fingers threading themselves in his hair. We pulled away from each other reluctantly and I smiled at him.
"We have a wedding to plan" I whispered to him. He laughed once.
"Indeed we do, Princess" he said. I smiled and removed myself from him. I got up and dressed for the day in a light blue elbow length dress. Eli got up as well, stretching and I couldn't keep my eyes from the defined V-shape around the band of his boxers. I blushed at the thoughts that flashed across my mind, and went to open my windows.
"Ready?" he asked me. I turned around to find him in his works pants and I a white long-sleeved t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up. I smiled and nodded, grabbing his hand. We walked down the stairs to the breakfast table where Father was sitting with list of papers and two servants around him.
"Good! The lovely couple is awake!" he smiled brightly. I blushed and we took a seat across from him. "We have tons of wedding plans to arrange. Okay, so place?" Father said, looking up at me. I turned to Eli and he stared at me.
"Garden?" I said, more as a question. Dad nodded and wrote a couple of words and checked something. Off.
"Okay, the Chef as already started on the cake and all the reception food. The Seamstress is already working on your dress and the white carpet and all that fun stuff. I have some workers working on an flower arch that will be placed above the priest, and I have flowers being ordered as we speak" he rushed out, his words mushing together.
"Dad...have you slept since last night?" I asked him, a smile on my face.
"Eh...not really, to be honest. Your Mother is still asleep, but I was so excited I just had to get started" he said, his talking fast. I laughed lightly and Dad continued to ask me questions about the wedding. By lunch, we all were exhausted, but we had a good portion of the wedding planned out. I looked at Eli, once we were done for the day and he smiled at me.
"Get ready, Princess" he whispered to me.
The next week was absolutely hectic. There was always noise or scuffles being heard throughout the house at anytime of night. People where running like crazy, trying to get ready for the wedding that was taking place in just a couple of days. I was fairly calm as I got fitted for my dress and Eli and I taste-tested food. The Palace was hectic and I couldn't handle it, I just couldn't. I searched for Eli, telling him I was gonna go for a walk, but couldn't find him so I left. I went to the horse stables and grabbed Romeo. I hopped on and rode past the meadows, to the small river. I got off Romeo and grabbed his rope in my head. I sat down and rested my hands in the plush grass, crossing my legs. The water was beautiful. The sun was high, making the water sparkle and the wind made ripples across the water, enchanting me. I watched the water, and the flowers sway in the wind. This is when I really love living out here, in nature. It's very peaceful. I ran my fingers through the grass, pulling up some flowers. I opened my hand and watched the wind pick them up, taking them away.
"Escaping you duties, Princess" a high-pitched voice said. I turned, and almost choked on my spit.
"Imogen" I whispered. She smirked. I stood up, turning Romeo to the front. I clutched his rope and scooted closer to him. "What are you doing here?" I asked here.
"Why I came for the wedding, of course" she said, her voice innocent. I stared at her, my eyebrows raised.
"How did you know?" I asked her, my eyes turning to slits. She laughed, her hand folding over her stomach.
"Oh, Clare. Sweet, innocent, Clare. I've been here since early this morning" she said, waving her hand dismissively. "Eli let me in" she said. My eyes widened, and my heart stopped. She stared at me, realization coming over her. "Wait...he didn't tell you?" she asked, holding in her laughter. I looked at her.
"Tell me what?" I said softly. She continued to laugh, tears streaming down her eyes. I grew angry. "Tell. Me. What?" I growled. She stopped laughed, wiping away her tears.
"Sweetie, he's cheating on you. With me" she stated.
"Your lying" I said. She laughed again.
"Honey, where did you think he was when you couldn't find him, earlier today?" she asked. "Preparing for the wedding? Ha!" I started shaking and my vision blurred. "It was actually a nice feeling. I've missed him. I've missed his hands all over my body, his soft lips trailing the length of my neck. And that body of his...Ooh" she trailed off, biting her lower lip.
"I don't believe you" I whispered, my voice barely audible. She giggled.
"Oh believe it, sweetie. Your done" she said. "Well, I better go. I have places to be" she winked at me. "Toodles!" she said, walking away.
She was gone for a good 10 minutes before I could move. I didn't want to believe her...but what if she's right? What if he really is cheating on me...
"He wouldn't" I told myself. "He wouldn't" I sat down, crossing my legs. I could feel the tears in my eyes and as much as I didn't want to cry, I still did. Romeo sat down, and laid his head lightly against mine. I cried harder, not knowing exactly what I was crying about. I mean, I wasn't for sure if Eli really was cheating, but still. Just the thought of it hurt. It killed me. My head began to hurt from all the crying but I couldn't stop. I didn't want to cry. For Christ Sake's, I'm getting married in 2 days! If anything I should be angry and frustrated yelling at people, not crying my eyes out with a horse. I sighed and Romeo grunted, and his head perked up.
"Clare! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Eli yelled, as Lucy came closer. I quickly wiped my tears and sniffled. Eli hopped off the horse and came to me. I kept my head down as Eli joined me on the grass. "Clare..." he said and grabbed my face gently, turning me towards him. "Babe, whats wrong?" he asked, wiping the remaining tears away.
"Where were you today, after we finished the meeting with Dad?" I asked, ignoring his question.
"I had to get fitted for the tux, I was upstairs in the sewing room with Holly J and your mom" he answered. I stayed silent.
"Clare?"
"Are you cheating on me with Imogen" I blurted out. Eli stared at me, his eyes wide. Then he began to laugh, tears coming down his face. I stood up, outraged. "Your laughing!" I yelled at him. He stopped laughing and looked up at me, realizing I was angry. I grunted and walked off, furious.
"Clare! Wait!" Eli yelled at me. I started to run and my feet pounded against the soft grass. I ran faster, my legs pumping and suddenly I was flying. I pounded into the ground, Eli on top off me.
"You tackled me?" I yelled at him. "You fucking tackled me!" he grunted above me as I tried to get free of his hard grip.
"You wouldn't stop running away from me, so yes, I tackled you!" he told me. "Now, stay...still!" I finally gave up and let him pin my arms down against the soft grass. He panted above me and shifted slightly.
"Imogen threw herself at me. I pushed her off and cussed her out" he whispered to me. "Ask Holly J. She heard it all through the door" I looked up at him, seeing nothing but the truth. He wasn't lying. I was just insecure. I looked up at him, and smiled.
"Sorry" I whispered, leaning up to peck his lips. He smiled into the kiss and we pulled away. "I love you. She just...and I was so...ugh!" I groaned.
"Babe, it's okay. It's okay. She's just jealous and I hate to see that she got to you before your wedding. You should be happy!" he told me.
"I am!" I argued. "I just..." I shrugged. "I don't know" I whispered, my voice low. Eli smirked at me, and pressed his lips against mine. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him closer. He thrust his tongue in my mouth, exploring. I groaned softly, feeling his erection on my thigh. I smiled and brought him closer.
"Hmm, I love you" he whispered between kisses. I smiled, arching my neck to him.
"I love you more" I replied.
"Ha, yeah right" he argued.
"Yeah, right" I said, giggled. "I'm glad you agree with me" I smiled as I listened to his enchanting laugh.
"Alright, alright. You win" he surrendered. I smiled.
"Good" I smirked at him and leaned up for a kiss.
We got up and went back to our horses, and took a ride. We rode down the river and back up laughing and talking, discussing wedding details, and everything else ahead in our path. We stayed out for hours and finally we headed back when the sun started to set. We put our horses away and walked in the doors, greeted my multiple servants.
"What type of flowers did you want?" one said.
"Chocolate or Vanilla? Both?" another chimed.
"How big do you want the arch?"
"What time are we having the wedding?"a voice squeaked.
"How many dishes do you want at the reception?"
"Hey! What about music?" Ali chirped, a smile spreading across her face. I smiled at her and my Father came through the door. His hair was messy and his eyes eyes had dark circles underneath his eyes. I walked to him, placing my hands on either side of his face.
"Dad. Sleep!" I told him. He laughed and shook his head dismissively.
"Oh, sweetie I'm fine" he assured. "The dress is done—as your tux Eli—, the flower arch is done, the white carpet is done and all the decorations are done and ready to be put up tomorrow before the wedding. The flowers came in earlier this morning, and I told the Kingdom just a few hours ago. Everything is ready for tomorrow" he said, sighing. I smiled at him and hugged him. "All you have to do is wake up tomorrow and say "I do". Everything else is already taken care of" I smiled and went back to Eli. He grabbed both my hands and we faced each other.
"Are you nervous?" he asked me. I chuckled softly.
"Just a little" I responded, truthfully. "You?"
He nodded. "Just a little" he quoted me. I smiled and pressed my lips up to his. He kissed back enthusiastic and we pulled away, hearing the reaction of the servants.
We spent the rest of the day making last minute arrangements to the wedding plans. We helped set up the benches for the guests out in the garden and we also helped place the arch. Perry lights were strung around every tree within 20 feet. It was an evening wedding and the it would most likely be dark during the receptions. Tables were set further out towards the river for the dinner and a large white tent was over the food table and the seating tables. We went back inside and helped fold napkins and place the dishes in their spots. We pulled off flower petals to spread over the white tablecloths and the white carpet I'm walking across. We listened to and approved the music and we finished planning the wedding to the minute.
Around 9, Eli and I finally said good night to everyone and we went up to my room, getting ready for bed. I crawled into bed and soon, Eli joined me. I snuggled closer to him and he wrapped his arms around me.
"Are you ready for tomorrow?" I asked him. He laughed.
"But of course!" he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. I pushed him playfully and he smirked at me. He pulled me closer and I laid my head on his chest.
"I love you" I whispered, after sometime of silence. He smiled and pressed his lips in my hair, letting them linger.
"Hmm, I love you too babe. I love you too" he whispered. We didn't say anything after that. We didn't need to. Everything had already been said. We were both ready for whatever life throws at us. And tomorrow, we will be officially ready.
Someone's lips traced over my forehead, down my check and to the corners of my mouth. A hand brushed my hair from my face and I slowly opened my eyes to find Eli.
"Morning soon-to-be Mrs. Goldsworthy" he whispered. I smiled and blushed.
"I like the sound of that" I whispered back, kissing his lips. "Good morning" Someone knocked on our door and my Dad walked in. I smiled at him, slightly embarrassed he caught me and Eli in the same bed. I know we are getting married today, but still.
"Why are you still in bed?" My Dad playfully shouted at us. "Up! Up! Up! We have a wedding to get ready for!" he walked out, clapping his hand. I giggled softly and Eli smirked as we got up to get dressed. I dress comfortably in shorts and a tank tap since I would be changing her in a few hours. I looked at the clock and it read 11:17. The wedding starts at 4. I stretched and walked to the seamstress's room with Eli in tow.
"No way!" she yelled. "Eli, it's tradition. The groom can't see the bride until the wedding. It's bad luck!" she said. I looked at Eli and laughed at his pouted face. I leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek. I trailed over to his ear.
"You can have me all to yourself tonight" I whispered in his ear. I pulled away and giggled at his face. His eyes were wide and darkened, his mouth slightly open, and his cheeks held a slight blush. I kissed him once on the lips and retreated into her room, waving.
Kill me now. I have spent hours on end in this chair and were not even halfway done with my make-up, let alone hair! I groaned as my Mom picked up the creamer again, and began to apply it to my face.
"Honey, stay still! You move more than a clock!" she scolded me. I smiled.
"Are you done yet?" I whined. She laughed.
"Your getting married today and you still whine" she said, a small smile on her lips. "Holly J! Fiona!" she called. "Can you start on her hair. I want a nice up do" she put down the cream and model what she wanted on my hair. "The combs will go here" she lifted my hair and placed her hands on the underside of my head. " and the hair will be piled on top of her head. Around the curve of the bun the flower crown will be placed neatly and be held by these combs. The veil will hang off the those combs as well" she said some other junk, but I wasn't listening. I tuned her out and let them transform me.
Finally, my Mom patted my shoulder and turned me around to look in the huge mirror. I gasped as I looked at the unrecognizable creature sitting in the chair.
"Whoa..." I whispered. Who was she? "It's...me?" My Mom laughed, her hand folding over her stomach.
"Of course it is!" she told me, fixing a stray hair. "Let's get you in your dress!" she clapped and rushed me to the closet. She pulled out a beautiful dress, with an embroidered corset and gorgoues skirt with swirls, little sparkles showing here and there when it moved. It was strapless and went to the floor, shimmering in a white waterfall.
"Jesus..." I whispered. "It's...it's beautiful!" I gushed, tears coming to my eyes.
"No!" Mom yelled. "Do NOT cry! If you cry then you'll ruin your make up, then I'll cry, then you'll cry even harder. Don't cry!" she said, laughing a bit. I laughed as well, and waited for the tears to dry and go back up in my head...or wherever they go. Mom unzipped the dress and slowly pulled it out. Mom and I eased it over my hair—with the help of Holly J, Fiona, and Ali—and I looked at myself in the mirror as my mom placed the combs, crown, and veil in my hair. I smiled as my Mom finished, stepping back. I admired myself. The gown was gorgeous and my make-up and hair just added to the affect.
"How do you feel?" My mom asked. I laughed and looked at the flower crown on my head.
"Like a Princess" I whispered, honestly. "For the first time in my life, I feel like a Princess" My Mom smiled, and began to teary-eyed. "Mom..." I whispered. She sniffed and carefully hugged me. I hugged back and Fiona handed me my flowers.
"It's 3:55. Let's roll" Fiona said. I smiled at her and thanked them both. I walked down the stairs to meet my Dad, dressed in his best tux. He saw me, and his jaw dropped.
"Beautiful" he whispered simply. I blushed and smiled, placing my arm in his. We began walking, Holly J and Fiona dropping rose petals behind us. As we came closer to the garden, the smell of flowers and the music increased. My breathing started to get heavy and Dad squeezed my arm. We walked just to where a tree hid us, and Dad looked down at me.
"Are you ready?" he asked me, tears in his eyes.
"Of course" I said to him, smiling, and we walked out.
SORRY! I'm so sorry for the delay. I'm in marching band and we had practice everyday last week, a game on Friday and a competition ALL DAY in Missouri Saturday. I planned on finishing this chapter Thursday, reviewing it Friday and posting it but as you can see...that didn't exactly happen. I'm so sorry I couldn't make this longer, but I've made you guys wait a long time! Moving on, You guys rock! Really! I hope you liked this chapter. And yes for, Imogen will crash the wedding...SPOILER ALERT! Haha, a little late but y'know! (: I like this chapter. And the next one—their wedding—will be lots of detail and will probably be the last chapter if not, the second to last. :( Yeah, it's pretty sad...but I have ideas for one-shots that are floating up a storm in my head so be on the look-out! (: Haha!
Reviews? Suggestions? (: