Hazel's Royal Plight

Chapter 19

I took a seat on the heath by the dying fire. I looked at Elaine, she held up her hands and said, "I know what you are thinking, but It is not that bright yet."

"It just keeps getting brighter." I was excited, nervous and a bundle of nerves. Elaine handed me a cup of tea. "Thank you."

"Come on keys make breakfast. It will keep yourself busy, and give you sobering to do." Elaine said with a smile.

"Ok, but you are not cooking."

"Of course not. I will be cleaning." Elaine laughed. "I can't cook you saw what I did last night. All those salty burnt tarts."

I laughed at the memory she gave me. She really can't cook. I decided to make sweet rolls, jelly rolls, and make a fruit salad. It was simple, but took my mind off Jasper finding me. The necklace grew brighter slowly, the kitchen became so bright I almost thought I was outside.

"The glow is coming from the kicked your majesty." I heard Devon form or dude the kitchen door. I looked at Elaine, she smiled and motion me to breath. I took a deep breath. Breakfast was made and ready to be served.

The door to the kitchen opened. I held my breath. I kept my back to the those who entered, I washed the dishes I used to make the rolls.

"Poppy?" I heard, but not understanding. I turned to see Devon standing next to Jasper. Jasper had a goofy grin on, like he found his treasure, then it left his face as he looked me over.

"Hazel? Why are you dressed like that?" Jasper asked.

"The is Poppy, the maid your Father found in the meadow years ago." Said Devon. "I don't understand, did she steal the necklace from your Hazel?"

"She couldn't have." Jasper looked at me. "Hazel? Let me asks again. Why are you dressed like that?"

"It's a long story that involves so much." I answered pulling the fur hood off my head. My long black hair fell down my back giving me away and answering all questions that hung in the air.

"I can't wait, to hear all about it." Jasper took my hand in his, "Princess Hazel, or Kitchen Maid Poppy, will you be my queen?"

"You don't mind?" I asked looking to my furs.

"I did not fall in love with your clothes. I fell in love with you." Jasper leaned his head close to mine. He rested his forehead on mine, "Guess what.... I found you."

"Yes you did. I guess I should stop running now." I answered back closing my eyes. Jasper leaned in closer,I felt his breath on my lips, he landed in and captured my lips in his. I kissed him back, my hand touching his chest. I felt each breath he took. This was the kiss I have always dreamed about. The one I pinned for years ago.

***
A month later I found myself in a wedding dress staring at a mirror. It was a white rounded neck, empire dress with pearls scattered about the bottom and the train, not one pearl was above the empire waist. There was a one inch pearl string of clustered pearls around my empire waist. The sleeves were long and split at the elbows. Right before the split was another string of cluster pearls, with scattered pearls below on the open sleeve.

Around my neck I wore the family tradition, the blue forget me not necklace. There were three Forget Me Not flowers attached to short chain, that ended just below my collar bone. The bracelet was filled with with with Forget Me Not flowers that went all around my wrist. On my finger was one Forget Me Not flower. The day Queen Lily had married she added earrings to the set something she was very fond of.

For my veil I chose not to have one. In place I made a garland with calla lilies and forget me nots. It tied the dress and the jewels altogether. Most of the servers could not understand why calla lilies. For they grow like weeds here, but they came to understand that they are my favorite flower.

For my shoes I chose to borrow a pair from the Queen. She had so many white shoes to choose from. I found a pair of slippers that were a perfect flat. These were made for dancing in.

I smiled at the beauty I saw standing before me. Then I realized I would see Jasper in few moments and we would be married. My nerves were all on high alert. "Princess Hazel, remember to breath."

I took a deep breath again, "Thank you, Elaine."

I turned back to the me in the mirror. "I have not seen that strange girl in so many years."

"Yes I can't imagine," Said Elaine as she pulled at the train one last time making sure the pearls were in place. "Are you ready?"

"I am." I said as I walked towards the door, towards the beginning of our Happily Ever After.