Chapter 17: The Stranger

The kingdom of Clarines was in a deep depth of pressure. Their second Prince will be marrying the Lady Shirayuki. Today had been marked as a national holiday. The people were really happy. Not only because their Prince was getting married, but they wouldn't have to worry about going to work.

Flags were raised at the flag tower, at early dawn till midnight. The castle had been decorated with colorful colors. Every corner could be felt by joy and excitement. Even the couples themselves could feel the same, but with anxious. The bells were been set, ready to ring.

Visitors had already arrived. Some were still on their way. The visitors' invitation cards were sent to different nations. Over hundreds of invitation were sent out. And had thousands of replies. The visitors' number was growing so much, the royal cabinet was starting to suspect if the wedding visitors are really visiting for the wedding. Or maybe, they are just visiting to see the beautiful red-haired maiden.

The red-haired maiden was fast asleep herself, forgetting her wedding to her beloved is today.

*

Someone has been knocking on the door for the last minutes. Anytime I want to answer, I feel like there's something dragging me back. The knocking had suddenly stopped, instead, I could feel sun rays under my closed eyelids.

"Miss! Seriously, if you don't wake up, I won't have any choice but to pour water on you."

I heard someone. Oh, Cora.

"Cora, what is wrong? You've never awakened me up this early." I asked gently putting my hands on my eyes trying to avoid the sunlight.

"Are you seriously asking?" She asked sighing. "Well if you really want to know, today is your wedding day with the future Grand Prince Zen of Clarines." She added closing the curtains a bit.

I suddenly woke up from my dreams and sat on the bed. Today! Today is the day! Now I can feel panic and uneasiness. Less than hours I would be married and become a princess of one of the most developed countries.

But wait! Yesterday, I remember sleeping on the couch, not on the bed. Kiki must've taken the opportunity and carried me here. I sighed.

"So, what do I do now?" I asked Cora.

"Firstly, get your bath and take your breakfast. After that, we will go to the dressing room, for your dress, makeup and everything." Cora said removing the blankets from my body and I quickly nodded.

I made my way to the washroom. I removed my sleeping gadgets to where it belongs to and stepped into a hot water.

After minutes of bathing, trying to get clean and seconds of Cora shouting for me to hurry up, I was done. I looked at the mirror one last time and took a deep breath.

On my way to the dining room, the guards and maids were looking at me dazzlingly. Some were even smiling at me. I couldn't help but smile back. And I remembered Lady Adela's instruction: Don't smile back at them, no matter what! I'm not even a princess yet and I've already broken a rule.

I was served a special meal. A meal served for brides, so they won't go hungry till hours. And once more and for the last time, I ate breakfast in peace and in silence.

Walking some minutes, we finally reached the dressing room. Cora knocked few times before we were permitted to walk in.

The room was huge. It had a large mirror, couches, chairs, flowers, chandeliers, table, a fitting room, mirror stands and even a washroom.

I could remember some face that was standing looking at me smiling, Maya. It also looked like the woman standing beside her. It's probably her assistant, she was talking about.

She gently waved at me and motioned me to sit on a chair. I gently walked towards her and took my seat, facing the large width mirror and its stand. In front of me was different types of make-up and hairstyle accessories.

"So, we will start with your hair. After that, we will do your make-up." Maya said looking at me from the mirror. I nodded my head.

She started with brushing my hair straight and putting some lotions in it.

I didn't want to witness anymore, so I gently closed my eyes.

After minutes of chatting and laughing the door was knocked. I quickly opened my eyes and averted my eyes towards it. It was the seamstresses.

She peeked through the door. "Can I come in?"

"Of course!" Maya and Cora said at the same time.

She nodded her head and came in with a dress in her hands. Her other assistants were also holding dresses, that three was holding one dress and others the same.

The seamstress and her assistants gently dangled the dresses on wall hangers. The dresses were so heavy, we were afraid it would break the wall hanger. But fortunately, that didn't happen.

"Since you're still busy, we will come back later." The seamstress said leaving the room, her assistants following. I nodded smiling.

I went back to my formal posture. After a while, I could feel someone touching my hands.

"I will now be doing your manicure." Maya's assistant gently said. I smiled at her, assuring her.

My hair was still in process. My nails were being done. Cora was now helping Maya with my hair. We were informed by some of the guards how many hours we have left till the ceremony.

That's when the pressure was starting to build. I haven't got any email. After my manicure, hairstyle, and make-up, I won't have a choice but to choose someone else.

"I'm now done with your hair, M'lady," Maya informed. "So, I will now be doing your make-up."

I opened my eyes and saw my wedding hairstyle. Very beautiful. "It's stunning," I said.

"Don't get happy yet. We still haven't done your makeup." Maya said smiling at me from the mirror. "And don't worry, I will be using the light not the heavy," Maya assured

I nodded my head. Maya started proceeding her work. My hairstyle was done in a high bun. Decorated with crystals. My hair was done in a bun because a bun fitted perfectly for the Grand princess's tiara.

The guard had come in again to tell us about the time. I was getting sweaty seconds by seconds. I was starting to feel red on my cheeks, because of the nervousness.

"Done." Maya's assistant said admiring her work.

I muttered thank you on my mouth. She gently smiled at me. I averted my eyes to the mirror. My make-up was still in the middle of completing.

"Could you close your eyes, please?" Maya requested. "I need to apply this." She said appointing to something I don't even know. I just closed my eyes as she told me.

Afterwards, she was done. I opened my eyes. I looked even more different than I looked when she first did my make-up.

Maya had a bit of sad facial expression. "I'm sorry if you think it's heavy." She apologized.

"It's okay. I really like it very much." I confirmed. I could feel her exhaling air of relieving from her body.

"So next is your dress. To be honest, I'm really nervous about changing your styles three times. Three dresses, three make-ups, three hairstyles..." Cora said uncomfortably.

"Well, it's okay for me. Because the Queen also changed her dresses, hairstyles... three times. So, I've gotten used to it." Maya said comforting Cora.

We started talking again, waiting for the seamstresses. When another guard came in again, telling us about the time again.

"Also, the bride has a visitor. The visitor would like to meet her now and alone." He added before closing the door.

We all looked at each other, disagreeably. Then the door opened, viewing Kiki.

"Don't worry, the visitor is clean. He won't do any harm." Kiki said. "Just in case something happens, just scream. I will come right away. I'm right around the corner. And by the way, you look beautiful, Shirayuki." Kiki said again before vanishing completely, smiling.

Cora, Maya and Maya's assistant left. I turned back to look at the mirror, admiring Maya's work. It's really beautiful. I really love the light makeup.

"Hello, beautiful Scarlet."

A voice said beside me. I know this voice. I know this voice, very well. For some reason, I couldn't turn. I froze. Tears were starting to fall down on cheeks. Why now? I finally got the courage to face him. My eyes widened.
*

A/N:
Hey, guys! It's been a while. Like what I said, I will be busy. So updates will be slow.

The bun Shirayuki is having for her wedding is not the bun you're imagining. This is a different bun, but since I don't know the name and also too lazy to search, that's why I just named it a bun. Simple, right?

I would love it very much if you could tell me who this new guy could be.

Hope you enjoyed;)