A Seemingly Royal Wedding(2)

Esmeralda stared as the curious onlookers stopped in their tracks to admire the bride of the duke while the ladies' envious stares followed her.They had all been shocked when her wedding to the most sought-after duke who readily rejected the princess of Eldoria was announced.

"My lady,"the maids bowed their heads as they had been clearly waiting for her in the scorching sun.They rushed to help her out of the carriage.

"You are late,my lady.The royal court is starting to talk." A tall maid remarked,helping her wear a bracelet the queen had wanted to give her herself.But she had come late.

They guided Esmeralda inside the palace where she was greeted with the elegantly decorated halls befitting the wedding of a royal.The great dancers of Britannia hang around poles as they twirled and spun around and the crystal glasses painted the environment with more sparkles and glistening.She couldn't believe her eyes.

Esmeralda was overwhelmed as she walked into the grand hall to meet several elegantly dressed people from different kingdoms who had come to see the wedding of the queen's great nephew.

At the altar stood the duke,looking regal and composed in his blue and white attire.Esmeralda smiled innocently at him, expecting him to turn away but he smiled back.

"You look breathtakingly beautiful." He commented as he let Esmeralda place a hand in his,kissing her knuckles.

"You will make a fine duchess."

She shyly looked away although she was dancing inwardly like a child.The duke had noticed her and even went to the extent of taking her hands in his.This day was going to be imprinted forever in her mind.

The exchange of vows between Esmeralda and the duke was met with roaring cheers and applause by the attendees and those who had been eagerly waiting to taste the food.

"I am very proud of you my dear." Lady Beatrice said,holding her son by the chin.

"And I?" A soft voice cut in their conversation only to reveal the great Queen of Britannia.

"Queen Esther",the three dipped into a deep curtsy."Your Grace,"she replied, smiling at Esmeralda.

"May I have a word with the bride?"

Esmeralda felt a flutter of nervousness as she escorted the queen outside the grand palace gardens.

"Have I done something to displease you Your Majesty?"

The Queen let out a gentle laugh."Quite the opposite my dear.I have heard so much about you and I must say I am impressed."

"Things about me?"Her eyes widened.Was it her many scandals?

"Yes,my dear.I am even happy the duke married you.You are too beautiful."Esmeralda beamed with pride.The queen paused,turning to look at her with a steady gaze ."I have known the duke since his childhood,for I helped nurtured him.He has a mother's care and love from me and I have seen him grow into a serious,introverted,cold young man,but I can already see you've made him come out of his shell."She said,placing a hand on hers.

Her smile faded.Everyone knew and had heard of the rumours that circulated Lysine about the duke's mother.She had been absent since his birth and only cared about staying young and enjoying life that she let the duke suffer the hands of depression at a young age.

Lady Ophelia engaged in numerous affairs with other suitors as she claimed her husband lost his right to give her an heir after her birth to the young duke.The countless conflicts between the couple caused their divorce in court as Sir.Richard constantly harassed his wife after she came home late and failed to fulfill her duties as a mother.

On one occasion,Sir.Richard lost his temper and hit her in front of their servants causing her to almost lose her life.Their fairytale relationship took a turn and they ended up in court for divorce battling over who would take care of the young duke,but the father doubted his paternity as he feared the duke was not his child.The paternity test never came out as Lady Ophelia lost her life the next day.

The young duke had been the subject of gossip.Most people in Lysine feared to socialize with him as they feared he would be abusive as his father was and would also influence their children to be like him.He was sent to Lady Beatrice,his father's second wife who had treated him like any mother would treat their child.None of the people in Britannia knew about his backstory in Lysine except the fortunate who travelled there to trade.

All was soon forgotten after he became the only heir to several estates of his father and countless businesses that belonged to his late mother.People came back as fast as they had left him,wanting to socialize with him.To him,his only close friends were Reginald and Nigel and he sometimes wished he would have been born to Lady Beatrice instead of ending up in the arms of the scandalous woman.For that,he hated scandalous women and hated Esmeralda the more when she found out about her numerous scandals and the her new scandal with Olive.

Esmeralda sighed."I fear I do not know what shell you speak of as he keeps shutting me out and always appears rude."

"Is that not what attracts the young girls of today?A cold hearted handsome man?With time he would open up to you and then you will provide him with his heir to continue his legacy."The queen smiled.

Esmeralda nodded."I guess so Your Majesty.Then,with your permission,I wish to look for the duke now." She said,bowing to the queen before excusing herself to find her husband.

"Penelope,"she called out to her bloated sister who was busily stuffing her mouth with the sweets."Where is the duke?"

"I saw him leave with someone.I thought you were the one." Penelope responded, describing the attire and facial expression of the person."She had no makeup." She added.

"Lady Azalea,"she sighed, disappointed she had to make her way to the duke's estate and spend her honeymoon alone.