Owl in the Daylight

Chapter 8

The whole kingdom was bustling since dawn in preparation for their princess' coming-of-age and wedding ceremony. Stalls were lining up the streets, selling merchandise in commemoration of the festive event. Vibrant decorations hang along the residents' walls and the sweet scent of flowers in the air.

The palace was no different. Signy was being polished from hair to toe. After being scrubbed in a warm aromatic bath, she was being assisted in dressing up by her ladies-in-waiting under the scrutiny of Ms. Roslin.

"Is this just right, Princess?" said Olivia, one of her trusted aides, as they tighten her corset.

"I think that's enough," she would be able to breathe and eat with this. She glanced at Ms. Roslin on the corner of her eye, "How's father and Audwin?"

Ms. Roslin sighed, "The king is beside himself. He can barely finish a sentence without tearing up." Then she shook her head, "And your groom is lingering by your door at this very moment."

"What, why? He should be getting dressed!" Signy exclaimed, whilst being seated for hair and make up. She just donned her iridescent bridal gown.

"He's already done. He said he'd rather stand outside your room to pass the time and swat away annoying flies until the ceremony."

"Flies?" Puzzled, she thought "I haven't seen any flies in the palace though."

Shrugging off the weird remark, she continued preparing.

***

Audwin was excited not because of the wedding itself, but because he'd finally get to take Signy out of this suffocating castle. He knew how much she wanted to live freely since she was a child.

That he could relate to.

He was about to finish the buttons of his vest when he heard that Signy's previous suitors had arrived. He felt irritated but also smug. He was the chosen one after all.

"Where's Signy?" he asked the man who was supposed to assist him. He forgot his name.

"She's still in her room, Sir."

Sporting an amused smile for being called Sir, he fastened his cuff links and headed for the door. "No man should see her first before me," he muttered under his breath.

Opening the door, he strode towards Signy's room where he easily spotted an annoying fly carrying a bouquet of pink peonies.

"And what, pray tell, is your business with my bride?" Audwin inquired as he beamed, stopping the said fly in its tracks.

"Audwin. I was just about to give my sincere congratulations to the princess," the man greeted politely in acknowlegement.

Audwin grinned magnanimously, "I suppose I can do you a favor and pass on your message to her. I'm just about to see her myself." He took the bouquet from the disbelieving man.

"B-but I shall greet her myself! I am her childhood friend after all," the indignant Honore blurted out. He's the eldest son of the state minister and was known to have dedicated a song in Signy's honor.

"Then I will tell her that as well," not losing his smile, he grasped the shoulder of the other man and steered him away.

Honore was left confused as he was being escorted by the groom. Well, I guess I can greet her at the reception.

"Honore!" a booming voice called. "I take it you've already seen the princess," an overly energetic man carrying a gleaming crossbow stomped toward them.

"Not yet. But I will at the reception," Honore firmly stated, giving Audwin a side long glance.

"Ha! I brought this exquisite crossbow as a gift for the princess. I should giv--," Prince Ferdinand trailed off as he finally noticed the man beside Honore. Hi eyes widened, all blood draining from his face as he stutters, "--g-give it to her later too!" He stepped back and hastily scampered away without looking back.

Honore could only stare at the fleeing figure in confusion. What's gotten into him?

"Aren't you worried about your friend?" Audwin said flatly. "Poor man looks sick."

"I should go check on him then."

"You do that," Audwin's head already moving back to Signy and swatting other persistent flies that go near her.

***

Stopping in front of the giant double door, Signy took a deep breath. Everything seemed to proceed smoothly. Despite Audwin lingering outside her room, he didn't barge in and kept his promise to see her at the altar.

Though he did send in a bouquet of pink peonies, saying it came from a friend. He forgot who.

Signy glanced endearingly at King Edward XII who was discreetly dabbing the corner of his eye, and patted his arm. "Thank you, Father," she whispered softly, not only for walking her down the aisle but for respecting her choices.

He gave up hiding his tears and held her hands tightly, "My precious daughter. Know that I will always always wish for your happiness."

"I know," Signy held back her own tears and gently hugged the king.

He sniffed and mumbled, "Your veil will wrinkle--"

Signy giggled and released him. Laying her hand on his arm, she faced forward as the doors gradually open and the tune of the march begin.

Vaguely seeing all the guests watching her, her eyes instinctively found the one person who matters most in the room.

A radiant smile slowly bloomed on her lovely face.

◇◇◇

Dedicated to @mariepersephone, for her enthusiasm ☆