Alone

The castle bells rang. Rose's heart fluttered with anticipation. Still tucked away in the bridal suite, the princess knew that her entrance would be any moment. 

The guests were in their seats. The decorations were all in place. Music was softly playing in anticipation of the big moment to come. 

Rose knew these things because she had covertly peeked into the throne room with Caitlyn and her other attendants. The look had been brief, mostly because all the ladies were giggling while looking for their own beaus among the guests. 

Only Lady Caitlyn remained calm, mostly because her heart was already claimed.

Sir Ashton was one of Ethyn's attendants. He would come to the front at the last moment with the groom. 

So now Rose waited as the idle chatter went on around her. 

"That's the bells!" One bridesmaid chirped. 

Another primped at her luxurious quaff, "Is my hair alright? I want it to be perfect for Alvin." 

"I do not envy whoever's wedding is after this one. They will never be able to live up to it!" a third chimed in.

"I am looking forward to the food." The fourth smacked her lips. 

"You would," the second teased lightheartedly.

"Hey!" the fourth held up her hand and the shining diamond on it. "I already have a ring. Ralphie likes my curves!" 

Paying no mind to the gossip, Rose began to pace. The lace of her dress fluttered as she mumbled the words of her vows quietly. 

"Are you alright?" Caitlyn asked quietly.

"I am just a little anxious," the princess went back to her mumbling and pacing.

The calm that she had felt when Ethyn left her had slowly faded as the moment of truth drew near. Her heart knew everything would be just as it was meant to be, but her body did not seem to share the same sentiment.

Thus she had decided to focus her nervous energy on pacing and reciting her lines.

The matron of honor tilted her head toward the chittering. "I can send the ladies out into the hall if you like." 

Realizing she was looking crazy, Rose stopped her aimless walking and shook her head. "They are already unhappy that I kept them away from me as long as I did. No need to banish them on my account. The ceremony will start shortly. I'll be less anxious when everything gets going."

"I am sorry…" Caitlyn let the words slip out barely above a whisper.

"For what?" The princess clutched her bouquet. Had something gone wrong that she didn't know about? "Did the cook drop the cake?"

"What?" Caitlyn looked startled. "No! Why would you even think a thing like that?" She tapped on the wooden table nearby even though she was not superstitious.

"You said you were sorry…" Rose insisted.

"I did? I hadn't meant for that to be aloud." The lady in waiting looked away. "I am sorry I cannot calm you nor can I bring you anyone that can just now."

"You think I am worried about my brother?" Rose spoke halfway between a question and a statement. "I would love to have him here, of course. But I am fine, really. I am sure he has a good reason for being gone and is doing his best to get here. I shall not worry about what I cannot change...anyway, he still has a little time." 

"Indeed he does," Caitlyn put on a brave face. 

A few moments later, that little time expired. A soft knock at the door alerted all in the room that it was time for the ceremony to begin.

They all fussed over Rose for a moment to make sure she looked perfect and then, with her coaxing, filed out of the door in front of the pristine princess.

The doors of the throne room were shut, ready to be thrown open by guards when the music reached its peak.

The girls giggled softly as they got in the proper order. Their lilac gowns rustled softly as they adjusted their bouquets of flowers to the right height at the waist. 

At the back of the line, Rose chewed her lip. She wished that there had been a backup plan for if her brother suddenly got called away. 

Though the thought of such an event had never occurred to her. The princess knew as soon as her eyes met Ethyn's that she would be fine, but just now a momentary sense of longing overcame her.

"Hanna, if you can hear me, I could really use your help. Silver has gone missing and I need him here. Could you help him?"

Rose thought she felt a current of air cross her face, but realized it was just Caitlyn fanning herself with her bouquet. The princess sighed.

'What should I do?'

There was possibly still time to call the king and ask him to walk with her. He had insisted it be Silver's duty, but in the Guardian's absence, Rhodri was sure to oblige. 

Was the king already at the front of the throne room? There was only one way to find out. 

Rose opened her mouth to have someone get a message to the king when the doors opened wide. Hidden behind the bridesmaids, Rose got a full view of the hall. 

The thrones had been moved aside to make room for the auspicious event. A wedding arch stood in their places.

Rhodri, Ethyn, Sir Ashton, and a few others were situated on the dais in a military line. Each attendant looked handsome either in a grey tunic or shining silver armor. 

Outshining them all, standing next to the king was a gentleman worthy of the story-book title, Prince. His auburn hair was swept back from his face, revealing hints of ruby at the roots.

His shining green eyes gleamed. Rather than royal robes, the prince had opted for a white and gold tunic to match his bride. On his head, a handsome coronet sat regally announcing the Heir of Birle. 

In the bridal suite, the princess had been too distracted by other things to study her groom's appearance. Now, in the colorful light of the throne room, Rose was able to appreciate the man in his full glory.

'Ethyn is the most handsome man I have ever seen,' the bride beamed. 'I am the most fortunate woman in the world.' 

Caitlyn suddenly blocked her view, pulling Rose from her reverie. 

"No one is supposed to see you yet," the lady reminded her mistress. 

After all the attendants filed down the aisle, the doors closed once more, leaving only the matron of honor and bride waiting outside. 

"You were supposed to go with them!" Rose squealed softly. 

"Let those girls have their attention. I am not leaving until just before the bridal march begins. I know it is unorthodox, but I will even walk with you if you don't want to go alone." 

"You are very kind," Rose thanked her friend. "But I will have to decline. Go have your own moment of glory. You look positively divine." 

With a dip of her head, Caitlyn nodded. "Keep your chin up," the lady reminded the princess, demonstrating on herself. 

Taking a deep breath, Caitlyn went to knock lightly on the door. Her hand froze in midair. The entire world disappeared.

Rose was alone.