Rebirth (A Remington Leith AU)

Chapter 5

I don't remember much after the wedding ceremony, but I could never forget the reception after when everyone gathered together at a fancy hall to celebrate our official status as a married couple. It was all happening so fast for me, I felt bad that I couldn't take it in well since I knew many people here only wanted to express their joy to me and Prince Remington. My own mother wasn't even able to have a wedding of her own, so I was unable to celebrate my own properly, especially when I've only met my husband the exact day our wedding happens. Guests of the party stepped forward occasionally to offer us gifts and wishes, and I could only smile to hide how horrible I felt that I couldn't accept them properly. I couldn't remember the last time I imagined what my wedding would be like before this, but I'm fairly certain I did not think I would be playing the role of someone who isn't me and I wouldn't be marrying someone I've never even met. I let my thoughts invade my head until Remington gestured for one of his guards to come closer to him.

He mentioned to him, "I need a moment with my wife to discuss our plans for our future honeymoon. I would appreciate it if were left to our privacy and no one interrupt us. Stay here to keep order and the guests enjoy their time here." The guard nodded as he stood firmly where he was, and then Remington motioned for me to follow him as he got out of his seat and reached his hand out for me to take. As I did, he led me far from the party and into what seemed to be the wine cellar of the reception hall. As we got inside, he locked the door from the inside and then started to walk up to me, an unreadable expression on his face that made me scared he might do something to me. I was backed up against the wall and he leaned his arm on it next to me so his face was basically inches from mine, my heart beating so fast at how close we were. Dread filled my veins at what might happened when after a few seconds, I heard him say...

"You're not Princess Lillian, are you?"

My eyes widened at his statement as he waited for an answer from me, but I was much too terrified to tell him he was right. He must have noticed as he confessed, "I'm not gonna hurt or expose you if that's true. I only ask because I've met her once when we were getting betrothed, but that was the only time. You act much differently from her and I'm not saying I'm disappointed or upset you aren't her, but something must've happened for you to take her place. I apologize if you're disappointed about how this went for you, but I understand that we're doing this to help our kingdoms. I hope that, despite our awkward and rushed marriage, you'll offer me a chance to treat you like a good husband and a worthy contender for your heart." I was in shock of what I was hearing. Remington finally backed away a little to put a respectable distance between us and kneeled in front of me.

"I'd like to properly introduce myself to you", he stated as he bowed his head before me, "I am Prince Remington Leith, second son to Queen Stephanie and next in line as ruler of this kingdom. May I have the name of my new bride and secondary potential ruler of our kingdom?" He looked up at me waiting for my response, and I was so amazed by his actions, I finally felt secure enough to tell him, "Luella Aramina, Your Highness. But if you want, you can call me Lulu." He stood back on his feet and flashed a beautiful grin as he took my hand in his and declared, "Lulu. What a beautiful name you have. I promise to call you by your true name whenever it's just us. And, please...", he pressed his lips onto my hand and glanced back up at me, "...call me Remington. It's an absolute pleasure to meet you." That made my face flush into a crimson color as I tried to hide it from Remington, and I could hear him chuckle under his breath, the sound sending flutters to my chest.

We finally went back to the party and Remington held my hand all the way back, my smile never leaving my face even as we sat back down at our table and I found myself finally able to enjoy the reception. "Princess Lillian!", a guest called out to me before they brought over a small gift to give me and then say to me, "It's something to give you luck for your marriage with Prince Remington. I'm sending many wishes to both of you!" I smiled and told them thank you for everything and they walked away looking like they were happy to meet me. We were asked if we wanted to dance together, but Remington told them we were both tired and wanted to save our energy for tomorrow's plans. He then leaned closer to me and whispered to me, "The truth is, I want to dance with you when you're ready and you trust me with all your being. I'm looking forward to that day when you're ready."  He winked at me and my mind raced at how Remington was so patient to wait for me until I knew I could trust him with a dance.

When the reception was finally over, we were brought back to the castle where Remington prepared to lead me up to where our bed chambers were. As we walked into his home, I took note of how beautiful and exquisite his castle looked inside and out, and for a moment, I imagined my new life as a princess here and hoping I could still make the best of it even though it was unfamiliar to me. Before we even stepped foot on the stairs, Remington did the unexpected when he swooped me off of my feet and carried me up the steps, I was astonished by how strong he was. When we finally got up there, he put me down on the bed and then began to undress himself. I couldn't help but notice his impressive figure and how his skin was littered with art that I've never seen before. Remington noticed me staring and I looked away to avoid being embarrassed, but then he walked closer to me and leaned over to let me have a closer look. "They're called tattoos", he explained, "they're made of ink and I wanted to have a type of art on my body so I'd recognize myself as more than a noble figure. Do you like them?"

His question was hard to answer right away since I tried not to stare too much even though they looked so pretty to me, "Y-Yes, Remington. I think they're rather...beautiful. On you, I mean, um...Are you gonna...?" He looked confused at first then his eyebrows raised up in understanding as he insisted, "I'm not gonna force you to do anything tonight. I want to win your heart first before that, and we have more than enough time. It's been a long day for us, but probably more so for you. Let's just get some sleep and I promise to help you adjust to your new life here, no matter how long it takes." I was relieved he wouldn't push anything I wasn't ready for and he climbed into bed first before I got in and laid across from him. "If you feel scared or lonely", he mentioned while holding his hand out to me on the bed, "Don't hesitate to hold onto me so you know I'm always here for you." I took his offer as I fell asleep holding his hand, "Good night, Remington...", a new feeling arising in me as he whispered back in a sweet tone, "Good night, Lulu..."