I stared into the mirror as I tried to find something pretty about myself but all I could think about was how sad it was that such a pretty dress had to be wasted on me. “I swear your black hair just ruins the dress,” Delilah my lady-in-waiting sighed “It makes the blue look faded, and your eyes don't help at all.” I nodded not wanting to hear more about how I looked. Father chose the dress because he said that it matched my beautiful eyes and made me look as radiant and strong as a Valkyrie, but I knew that he just wanted to make me feel better.

“I hope that my new husband will love me.” I wished under my breath. “He won't you'll scare him away like you always have.” Delilah snapped as she pulled my hair. “I swear, you can be such a pain when you want to. You know how this will all end but don't worry my brother will take you in once your husband grows bored.” “SILENCE!” Both Delilah and I jumped as my father threw open my door. “Please, Dane don't be too harsh on Delilah she's needed.” Mother begged in her small voice when she didn't want everyone to know that her and father disagreed again. “I will not have you talk down to my Eleanor again. After today you will have a new job. I have just met Eleanor's new lady-in-waiting and she at least is excited to meet my beloved daughter.”

Mother looked away and Delilah stared in horror. “But Eleanor needs me! She won't make it you know how she is.” “Get out!” Father ordered, raising his hand to let everyone know that he was about to call the guards. Delilah ran out giving mother one last desperate look. “No Catherine I will not reconsider.” “But what about the other nobility what will they think?” “We are their king and queen they will know that they can't just do what they want. But enough of that today is a happy day, our sweet and loved Eleanor is about to be wed!” Father smiled at me. “I told you that you would look beautiful in that dress my sweet.” I nodded not wanting to hear another lecture about how beautiful I was again.

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Mother smiled, "You do look beautiful my butterfly." then left not wanting to get into another argument about how Delilah was like family and start another fight; Father sighed, “I will miss you my sweet, but I hope you realize that as princess it is needed to end a war.” “I do father, and in truth I can't wait to see my new family and home, maybe I'll fit better in there then...” I stopped myself seeing my father's sad smile in the reflection. “They will love you. Now are you ready?” I nodded and father kissed my head. “Then come, let's get this wedding started.”

I felt excitement and fear as I walk arm in arm with father who had smothered his smile so that he could look the part of the stern and brooding king that everyone came to love and fear. The music started as we entered the throne room and for the first time I saw the most handsome man I had ever seen, his skin like bronze and his eyes and hair like the earth with a strong jaw and a golden suit that showed his muscles, I had no idea how I had gotten so lucky. I was so mesmerized by him that when father handed me over, I almost didn't hear his whisper. “Take care of her or I will show you my fury.” We both turned to Father Jack who started the wedding vows, but I was more interested in what my new husband was whispering to me. “You look beautiful, I don't think that I've seen such a pale beauty.” “I didn't think such a handsome man such as you existed.” He smiled. “I suppose we're both full of surprises.” “To love and cherish,” Father Jack raised his voice to get us back to paying attention to the vows. “Do you take princess Eleanor Winter to be your queen to love and cherish till death do you part?” “I do.” "And do you take Grand Duke Edwin Bellmere to be your king to love and cherish till death do you part?” “I do.” “Then kiss the bride.” Edwin leaned in and gently pressed his lips against mine, I melted a little and hoped for happiness.