Sienna was numb. Her fingers laced into the beading of the dress, feeling the shape of her body against the fabric, but she felt nothing. No remorse, no excitement, not even an opinion about her look. People kept telling her that she was beautiful, but she felt nothing. She was an ordinary daisy in a field of roses. They had colored her petals red, but she still felt out of place. Her conscious mind had left her body like a ghost who had been torn away, but her eyes still blinked and her heart still beat.
Without any resistance from Sienna, the woman had pinned up her hair into an intricate bun and braided her hair together around it. Beads and lace were woven in and out of the braids. Flowers were pinned to the outside. Once the hair was done, they slid the dress over her body. It was long and graceful. It hugged her hips and it fell like rainwater from her left shoulder downward to her heart. It reminded Sienna of a rainbow of diamonds. The diamond and beading was very pristine and elegant. It was simple, at a glance, and then more personal and tasteful up close. The heels underneath were simple, strapped, and very short. No one would be walking Sienna down the aisle, so it was important that there was no risk of her falling.
Once everything was secured, Paige was behind Sienna. She smiled in the reflection, not seeing the warmth gone from Sienna's eyes, and clipped the veil into place at the base of the bun. With careful hands, Paige then fluffed it out and around her shoulders. The picture of elegance, Sienna was now ready to be made a princess.
"You're beautiful," Lori said.
Sienna turned to Lori. Her hair had been pulled back, but it was in a half-up, half down curled hairdo. Lori's eyes seemed bright and alive under the curls. The magenta dress wasn't her style, but it fit nicely over her body. The Queen had suggested a long sleeve alternative, but Lori had denied that request. Instead, Paige and Lori wore lovely magenta dresses with a pull in the fabric to their right hip, giving the illusion of waves. It fit Sienna's look nicely, but the color contrasted enough that they were separate entities.
"Nervous?" Sienna asked.
"Me?" Lori scoffed. "I am not the one getting married. I never imagined standing here. This might be the happiest day of my life."
Sienna tried to smile, but it died on her lips.
"Don't worry," Lori rubbed her arms. "I am going to be behind you one-hundred percent of the way, Princess."
Sienna didn't even flinch. My lady, majesty, or princess-it didn't matter anymore. It was just a title. Whether it came from the Queen or it came from James, it just felt like an excuse not to acknowledge that Sienna had a life before this. She was the princess now, they had decided. There was no reason to discuss anything about who Sienna Carlton might have been or who she could have become.
"All ready?" Carol asked, appearing in the doorway.
"Yes, she is," Paige said, fluffing the veil up and over Sienna's face. "Tell the orchestra the bride is entering the chapel."
The chapel was decorated in ice crystals and lace. Being short notice, the Queen had scrapped the decorations from previous royal marriages and had them refurbished on short notice. A dazzling chandelier of crystals was hung above their heads with lace adornments leading down and across the chapel in all directions. The light that streamed in through the stain-glass windows would reflect inside the crystal and sparkle in all directions, with almost a disco ball effect but with a thousand, tiny pinpricks of light.
Paige was sent down the aisle first. Someone had dotted her cheeks pink and applied an extra coat of foundation across her face. She was pretty in pink. Lori leaned in, squeezed Sienna's hand, and then took Leonardo's arm. The two gave Sienna one last reassuring wave before they disappeared behind Paige.
Sienna held her breath. This was it. No going back now.
"Ready, my dear?" Carol asked, offering her a large bouquet of white roses with lovely pink rose accents. "It's your turn."
Sienna entered the room and a piano hit an abrupt key. It wasn't musical, but surprising. The crowd rose and turned toward Sienna. The Queen and King hadn't lied; a few royals sat here and there. Sienna's grandmother sat by herself. The rest of the pews were empty. By small wedding, they had meant ten. Maybe. The Queen gushed, her face caked in makeup but still red underneath her coated foundation. The King leaned easily into her side, trying to get a good look at Sienna but struggling to hold his own. The Queen lifted her arm and supported him, but a pained look flashed across her face.
For a moment, all Sienna could think of was helping them both. She stepped forward, toward them, until she remembered Matt. Tall and handsome in a black suit with a white vest, he stood at the end of the aisle. A pink rose sat over his breast.
This is the very last moment of Sienna Carlton, her mind said. The words raced to her lips, but she couldn't speak them aloud. Her old life was going to be erased. There would be no more long days at the bakery, no coming home to her stepmom in a drunken rage, no more relapses for Lori, and from here, life could only get better for Paige. Gram wouldn't have to worry about Sienna anymore. In two words, Sienna would promise her life in exchange for a secure future. It was not only secure for her, but for the next generation to inhabit this kingdom. She was promising to protect the throne from those who did not deserve it and wanted to abuse it.
I will be Queen, Sienna realized.
She took a gentle step forward and the single key the piano had played before trailed into a bridal march. It filled the tiny room with an array of sounds and Sienna took another step. Matt smiled, bitterly sad, as she approached. Obviously he was relieved she hadn't run off screaming. They were in this together, after all.
As she neared the stage, Lori and Leonardo appeared on either side of her. They linked arms lifted her onto the stage, Leonardo's mouth coming close to Sienna's ear.
"Thank you."
On the other side, Lori's smile burned Sienna's back. Lori gave her a gentle nudge to the back and returned to her spot at the side of the bride. Sienna walked forward and took Matt's hands in her own.
This is it.
Plain, ordinary Sienna Carlton is going to become Her Majesty, Princess Sienna, wife to Prince Matthew of the Realm, next in line to the throne.
Matt's fingers gently rubbed the back of her hand. He was trying to reassure her without words, but it just made her feel even more empty. She couldn't feel the comfort in his touch. What was she? A zombie? Was she really so dead inside? Why did it feel like everything in her life had shut off completely?
"I'm here," Matt said, softly. "I will always be here."
He wouldn't be, though. Sienna knew. She was just a part of his team, an extra player, and Matt's heart and love would always belong to his family or some man Sienna wouldn't know the name of. People would whisper, some would pity her, and some wouldn't care. Matt was a King. What did it matter? He would treat her just fine.
The priest began prayer. Sienna bowed her head, the first tears beginning to make their way to the surface. She didn't dare look up. Her mind was too chaotic to pray. She kept repeating her name over and over again, Sienna Carlton. It had no meaning; why couldn't she stop thinking it?
I am not weak. I can do this.
The priest stopped, and, addressing Matt, began the process of the vows. Matt said them flawlessly, his voice carrying throughout the hall. No one would doubt his devotion. A true Prince, a kind soul, eager to be married. The priest turned to Sienna.
I can't do this.
He asked her to speak, but her throat went dry. She tried to say something, anything, but merely squeaked. The priest smiled and the room laughed. It was a kind, curious sort of laugh. A room full of adults watching two innocent children exchange holy vows.
"It is alright to be nervous, my dear," the priest said. "I will tell you the vows, and you just repeat them to me. Is that alright?"
"Yes," Sienna sighed. "I apologize."
"No apology needed, my lady," the priest said. "Every woman has some hesitation before taking this step. Take a minute if you need it."
"I am fine," Sienna insisted.
"Then if you will repeat after me-"
The doors crashed open. The wedding party turned to face the doors and Matt grabbed Sienna, pulling her into his chest protectively.
Next to Matt, Sienna heard Leonardo mutter, "Camryn?"
Sienna pushed away from Matt and spun around. Camryn had ripped open the chapel doors and was storming down the aisle. No one moved to stop her. She was unofficial royalty, they all knew that. She had the right to be here, but that wasn't news to the public. She had not been specifically invited. Yet, here she was, dressed in a fine, skintight black dress that hugged her beautiful frame and showed the fury behind her movements. Camryn went straight to the alter, and when she got there, she went straight for Matt. Her hand came up before anyone could realize what was happening and she struck Matt.
"You monster!" she shrieked.
Silence followed. No one dared to move. Sienna could feel her breath thundering in her throat, seconds away from another breakdown. What was happening? She looked between Camryn and Matthew, their eyes connected in a silent stare down. They were challenging each other.
"Camryn," Leonardo hissed. "What are you doing here?"
"I am fixing this," Camryn said. "Matthew, Sienna can't marry you. She can't live a lie by your side. I cannot believe you let this happen. What kind of Prince puts one of his people through this?"
"Camryn, you are making a mistake," Matt said.
Camryn shook her head and faced Sienna. "No, she is." Camryn turned towards the doors she had entered through. "I brought her happily ever after."
Sienna felt her head grow faint. Her stomach dropped and she felt her knees buckle. Sweat washed down her back, chilling her spine.
Please, no.
There he was. His shirt untucked, his pants coated in flour, a bit of a beard started on his stubbly chin-he was a wreck. It was her fault. How could she have done this to him? The Frank she loved, the Frank she cherished; she had torn out his heart and left him with no answers. How could she have expected him to move on? She had asked him to hate her, but how could he with such mixed emotions?
I am so sorry.
"This is Sienna's love, Matthew," Camryn said. "Just like you, she has someone she loves. How could you both abandon the people you cherish most? You would never be able to live with yourselves."
And there he was, right next to Frank. James, dressed in a suit and tie, was standing next to Frank in the chapel.
"Step down," Camryn commanded. "Let Leonardo be King. He's ready. Step down and be with the people you love."
"You are not capable of being Queen!" Matt snapped. "How can some party girl take the throne when she is afraid of taking a title?"
"I will step up! I will be your bloody Princess!" Camryn yelled. "I knew I would always receive the title. I am sorry I didn't jump for it. I am ready now! I will be Queen, I will marry Leonardo, and I will watch Sienna Carlton walk out of this chapel as a single, unchained lady!"
Sienna dropped to her knees. Matt and Camryn started screaming at each other, so they didn't even notice. James and Frank did. They rushed to the stage, batting away confused guards, and Frank swooped her off her feet. James pulled out his pocket square and dabbed at her face.
"Sorry, I am always a damsel with you around," Sienna said through her tears. James wiped those away, too.
"My lady, I don't mind," James said. "You take it easy. We are going to take care of you."
Life came back to Sienna's heart. She could feel the warmth of Frank's arms around her and James's gentle fingertips against her cheeks. They were like a fresh breath of air in the cell she had trapped herself inside. Strength came flooding back. She steadied herself and tried to stand. Frank held her in place.
"You don't have to fight this battle," Frank said. "Let the royal family hash this out."
"I am two words away from being the royal family," she said, her hand reaching up to caress his face. "Let me stop this once and for all."
Frank was stunned. His arms fell away from her. She stood, touched his cheek, and smiled. James looked appalled. Sienna fluffed her dress, the long train following her, and she stepped between Matt and Camryn.
"I cannot, in good conscience, let this affair proceed," she said to the room. Both Camryn and Matt froze. "I don't think we are a good fit to rule this country, Matthew. We can't even be honest with ourselves. We can't lead a nation based on lies. I know you want to help your family, and you can. But not this way. You need to let Leonardo take the throne. It is your birthright, but there is more for you out there." She motioned to James. "I think it's time you let everyone in on it."
Matt stepped back. Everyone in the room was staring at him. He let his eyes take in each face, each confused expression. His parents were holding each other. Gram was on the edge of her seat, demanding answers. Frank sat on the floor, totally out of his comfort zone. He held Matt's gaze longer than the rest.
"Please," he said. "Please, let me take her home."
Matt didn't respond. Instead, he looked out to his father. The King, looking old and withered, offed his son a small smile. His mother looked beyond words and in tears, but the King bowed his head. It was like a heavy weight lifted from the room. He had given Matthew his permission. Matt was like a little boy and his father has just released him from his commitment.
"Mom, Dad," Matt said carefully, stiffening his shoulders. "I am sorry if I have disappointed you, but I cannot take the throne. I am not traditional marriage material, which will not sit well with our allies. I ask you to let me relinquish my position and marry the man I love."
The Queen burst into tears.
"Son," the King said. "You could never disappointment us. You are released from your title and all responsibilities. Please, do what you want with your life."
Sienna nearly collapsed again. Matt swept her up in a huge embrace, kissed the sides of her face, and deposited her into Frank's willing arms. Then, just like that, he scooped up James. It was bittersweet, as James was clearly pissed off. But he began to melt. Matt carried him out of the chapel.
Leonardo moved to the center of the stage as his brother left.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it would appear this wedding will need to be postponed to next week. Minor changes will be made to the invitation, such as the names of the bride and groom. Once the corrections have been made, we will promptly deliver them and we hope you will return with us to the chapel at that time." Leonardo winked at Sienna. "And, if some of you wish to never return, we are perfectly fine with that."
Camryn jumped into Leonardo's arms.
Sienna turned to face her sisters. Paige and Lori were both stars truck, confused by the scene that had just unfolded before them.
"So...you're not getting married?" Paige asked.
"Not yet," Sienna said. "I would like to get to know the person first."
"He was...gay?" Lori was still trying to digest what she had learned.
"In return for your silence, I think we can guarantee a new home for all of you, complete coverage of your medical expenses, and an education," Leonardo said. "I believe that's what my brother promised you, wasn't it?"
Paige and Lori gaped at Sienna.
"You were going to get married in exchange for stuff for us?!" Paige shrieked.
"You're AN IDIOT!" Lori screamed.
Sienna tried to laugh. "I didn't know what else to do."
Camryn nearly screamed. "Next time, you let us get married!" She said. "I don't care what Matthew thinks, Leonardo and I were prepared for this role. All he had to do was let it fall to us!"
"I am sorry," Sienna said.
"I am glad you are!" Camryn shrieked. "Now take that poor boy home! You have some explaining to do!"
Sienna turned to Frank. "Yes," she said. "I do."