When we came to my chambers Pendragon was on the bed and Belle hugged me which I let my tears fall. For I had finally gotten to my new home but it didn't feel like home and I remembered Delilah's words about how I would not be wanted and after I was able to breath again I asked the only thing that I could think, “What was lady Emily like?” “Not a nice person, she believed that she deserved the world and even though Grand Duke Edwin's father loved her as if she was his own she had many that she flitted with and Lord Edwin was never one of them so many of us were relieved when your father wrote that he would only accept piece through marriage.” I did not know that it was my father's idea but I nodded thinking on how hard he wanted Delilah away from me. “Now come my lady we must make you the most beautiful woman in the ball.”
Belle worked tirelessly as I petted my dear Pendragon and reminded myself that if she could make herself at home then I could make it to the ball and back. I was dressed in reds and oranges which I felt made me look puffy and out of place in such a large dress I could not believe that there was ten layers to one dress and I wondered if my imperfections would be on display but I followed Belle to the ball room and put on the same face as I had worn on the feast. Edwin was by my side in moments and smiled, “You look stunning.” I smiled and took his arm as he swept me across the flood in one fluid movement to the center and the music started, I knew that I could dance it was one of the things that I was good at and Edwin seemed to keep his eyes on mine which I almost lost myself in if it wasn't for all the others around us pulling me from the moment.
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.
After our dance everyone joined and I felt smothered but Edwin led me to the refreshment table. “Here, this should help but I cannot wait to dance with you again.” He kissed my cheek which surprised me and I finally took all my courage and asked. “Do you regret this marriage?” Edwin looked surprised for only a moment then smiled. “Of course not, though I don't know you well and I fear that you don't know me yet we will learn to care for each other.” I nodded, “I don't regret it, if that helps.” He nodded and for most of the ball I ate pastries and danced with Edwin every now and then. At midnight everyone bowed and curtsied and left the palace leaving me weary and ready for bed when Edwin turned to me. “Ask me anything and I will do my best to answer.” I nodded and spoke. “Tell me about your life with your father."
He told me how his father was strict but fair as a ruler but had no time for him even when he was engaged to the woman who had all his time so he knew very little of his father and swore that he would never be the same. “That must have been hard.” I whispered thinking of how close I was with my father. “I knew nothing else, but now I have a duty like he did, and I swear that I will be there for you and when we have a child I will be there for them.” I blushed thinking about it and hoped that that was a long ways away. We sat down and began to learn more about each other as the servants cleaned around us.