Preparations

When Rhodri first offered the wedding dress to Rose after her official engagement, the princess had initially refused. She did not want to hurt her father by wearing something that had been intended for Rhodri's betrothed.

But the king was so kind and persistent, that the princess could not help but accept the generous gift.

Now, running her fingers across the delicate lace, Rose knew that she had made the right choice. Looking in the mirror, she could almost see her mother looking back at her, and the sensation was very comforting.

Beside Rose, Caitlyn tightened the lacing of the embroidered bodice once more. "How is that?"

"I cannot breathe, so it is probably perfect," Rose smiled despite her words.

One look at her reflection told her how becoming the silhouette was. She would be drawing many eyes today to her feminine form, but there was only one set that she cared about.

"Do you think Ethyn will like it?" Rose asked shyly. The pink in her cheeks made her skin glow softly.

Caitlyn stepped back and folded her hands. She stood next to the king as they both surveyed the lady's handiwork.

"I think the prince would be a fool if he didn't ask you to marry him all over again," Lady Cait nodded decisively.

'He has already done once secretly and once publicly. I suppose the third time is the charm.' Rose felt her heart flutter.

She touched the crown on her head. It had always felt quite foreign to have the ornament to which she thought she had no claim. But now, with this marriage, the title was inescapable.

However Rose found that she did not resent that fact. For Ethyn, she would do anything.

And just now, Rose had to admit that she looked like a queen.

"Thank you for all your help, Cait. I feel bad that you had to postpone your honeymoon on my account," Rose looked pained for a moment, but Caitlyn waved off her concern.

"Sir Ashton and I were in agreement that we would wait until after your wedding to take our tour of the countryside. A week is not very long to wait and it has given us some time to set up our home before we leave." It was Caitlyn's turn to blush.

The knight had taken no time to request the lady's hand upon his return from the border. It did the princess's heart good to see Lady Cait well-matched.

The king had given the newlyweds a home near the castle as a wedding gift. That way Caitlyn could still visit the palace as much as both women wanted.

"I am a little offended," Caitlyn pouted, "that you think you could have this blessed day without me."

"Indeed we could not," the king bowed his head to the young woman, "Thank the Maker that you and your knight are so generous with your time."

"If you were not here, who would be my maid of honor?" Rose blew out her cheeks as she spied Cait's plain day-dress. "But not in that gown. Go and change, my lady. I am sure I can find someone else to help me before the ceremony if I should need it."

"Very good, Your Highness. I shall return as quickly as I can," Caitlyn promised with a curtsy.

"Take your time. You deserve to look beautiful as well," the princess shooed the other woman out of the room. "And I dismiss you as well!" Rose pointed at the king as she looked down her nose. "Your attendants are probably frantic thinking about how they will get you ready in time."

Rhodri chuckled. "No one will be looking at me. I may be officiating the wedding, but I will eat my robe if anyone can drag their eyes away from you and Ethyn."

Rose clicked her tongue. "Flattery will get you everywhere, but this time I must insist."

"Are you sure you will be alright?" The king furrowed his brow. "I don't want to leave you alone. I was hoping…"

The man trailed off, causing Rose to sigh.

"You were hoping I would have my brother here to keep me company, I know. Has anyone heard from him?" The princess tried to keep a neutral expression.

Rhodri shook his head. "Not yet. I had a servant find Mayor Conall among the guests. He told me Silver went on a mission yesterday but the mayor assured me that he would be back in time."

"The note I received from him this morning said the same. Silver promised to hurry and I believe him. He will be here." Taking a deep breath, the princess smiled and returned to her original request. "Now go and get ready. I will see you at the altar."

"Are you certain? I can have my attendants bring all my things here…" The king stopped short as his daughter brushed her hand in his direction.

"Shoo! I will call a servant for anything I need." Rose helped her father out of his seat despite his protests.

Opening the door, the princess waved off Philip who was stationed attentively at the door next to Cole.

"At ease," she assured them.

Another figure passed behind them, joining the king as he exited the suite.

"What do you think, Captain?" The king patted the second man on the shoulder. "My little girl is getting married!"

"I think that in the annals of history, there will never be a lovelier, kinder, or more radiant bride." Rabert beamed with pride as if it was his own child being married. "I am very blessed to bear witness to this event."

"We are just glad you are well again," Rose dipped her head at the Captain of the guard. "A year is far too long to have been without your wisdom."

Rabert had only recently been restored to full duty. Even then, that duty had been light. The Captain had brushed with death a half dozen times before turning the corner to healing.

Outside of Rose and Ethyn, Rabert was the closest thing that the king had to family. His recovery had healed something in Rhodri's heart that he had not realized was broken.

"I hear the Guardian has been doing many of my duties in my absence. I owe him a lot," Rabert peeked inside the room and furrowed his brow.

Rose understood. "I will pass him your gratitude when I see him. Now, if you'll excuse me!"

Shutting the door, the princess leaned against the wood for support. Without someone to distract and direct her thoughts, they went in a thousand directions at once.

What was Ethyn doing just now? Had the flowers all been properly placed in the throne room? Did she remember to send a reminder to the cook that Sir Ultrian was allergic to potatoes?

How many people had come to her nuptials? She had seen the carriages briefly that morning. Already the grass between the inner and outer curtain was becoming filled. Rose wondered how many of these people she would actually know. Many were foreign dignitaries.

The guests would be allowed to be seated soon. Then the wedding party would take their places. Then… then…

Rose took a deep breath. Panic rose into her throat.

'Where is Sean?!'

Just then a knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. With a sigh of relief, she flung open the door.

"Brother, I—oh!" The princess slammed the door.

Silver hadn't been on the other side of the door. On the contrary…

It had been the last person she expected to see.