Melancholy

19

"What's going on here?" My father, the King came towards where I stood waving goodbye at Eugene who look solemn and ut I am not wromh I also saw some fire in those eyes as if he want to kill me but too bad he can't! Or else he would have to face Ares, my Ares!

"Where is he going?" My father asked when he saw Eugene leaving the castle grounds with his family who only reached early in the morning for the Ceremony. I felt a little bad for them if not much!

"He is going back, father! As you can see" I shrugged nonchalantly and when I met my father's gaze. He was seething in anger.

"What's the meaning of all this? The Ceremony is going to take place in an hour and now that the groom is gone... how can that be possible?" My father voice laced with anger but he was trying hard to contain the anger infront of everyone.

"I am still getting married today, if that's what you are worried for!" I said calmly and is saw my mother coming out with her ref angry face. I think I finally able to bring out her anger infront of everyone, long gone the peaceful and calm Queen.

"What am I hearing Leonora?" She yelled at me.

"How should I know what you have heard?" I feigned innocence.

"Princess Leonora marie Windsor!" She sid my full name which was a warning to not only with her or else there would be consequences.

"Leonora tell me what's going on in your mind?" My father asked with what little patience he had and I decided not to test that.

"Father!" I said as I held his hand on mine.

"You were right, I knew you weren't happy with my decision of marrying Prince Eugene. I know I was being selfish but I have made my decision now. I will go with your choice, I know you have chosen the best for me. I couldn't see it before but now I see it!" I said.

"What are you talking about Leonora?" My mother asked.

"What I am saying is that.." I paused when I saw Ares coming towards us with a soft smile as his gaze met me. I too smiled back like a shy little girl. My father followed my gaze as well as my mother and both of their faces beamed with recognition.

"Is that.. did you really? Oh thanks heaven... this girl has come to her senses" my mother said a silent pray not without belittling me but for once I let go of her remark.

"My king! My Queen!" He greeted both of them then he turn towards me.

"My princess!" He said softly with a small smile, his eyes were shining. I curtsied!

"I am happy for both of you!" My father said with a side grin as he kissed my forhead and patted Ares's back.

"Come on, now. Its time for you to get ready. We don't have much time!" My mother said excitedly as she pulled me with her to my room.

For an hour the maids worked on me getting me ready for Ares, my future husband. It all feels like a dream, I don't know why I was rejecting those feelings for him. May be If I had accepted them long ago, I could have been happier. The peace I feel inside me right now is something else. Its like I have find my other half, he was here all along yet I was blinded with rage and jealousy.

I was in love with him all this time, I only realized it now. Sometimes you realised so late that you are in love. Those feelings of love already bloomed in your heart and you only feel it when you are ready.

As my name was announced I walked across the aisle with my father on left side. I was adorning a beautiful white gown with a long tail. The dress was so beautiful, my mother really outdone here as she was the one who got it ready for me. Ares was in his Army Uniform beaming with a smile. He was looking at me the while time I walked towards him.

I saw his mother Clara, standing on the right side. She had tears in her eyes as she looked at me. She smiled at me and mouthed 'you look beautiful'. I smiled back at her.

Then my father gave my hand in Ares's telling him to always take care of me knowing very well that he doesn't have to say that. Anyone in this room can see in his eyes how much he loves me. Still he promised my father that he would love me and cherish me for life.

The priest started the ceremony as both of us lost in each other's eyes. I can't believe I am acting like this, like a love stricken puppy. As I looked on the other side my gaze met with Agatha, she was looking at Ares with longing and I felt bad for her. She loved him maybe she still love him. When she saw me looking at her she looked away and left.

Ares pressed my hand lightly to grab my attention. When I looked at him he asked me what happened but I shook my head giving him a smile. Priest ask me I I take Ares as my Husband to which I say

"I do"

Then he asked Ares and he said his I do which finally sealed us together. I think back to yesterday night when I took promise from him that he will let me rule as my own will and I will have all the rights. I know it wasn't necessary but for me it was, I have been taught since childhood that I am to be a Queen. Its my dream to rule this kingdom.

I want to prove them all that I can be a Good Queen who will love her people and do everything for them. I want to prove it to my mother that I am much more than a spoiled princess. I am capable of being a ruler.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife!" Priest announced and everyone clapped for us. Then our parents came and wished us. I could see my fathers happiness on his face as he was looking at Ares.

"Welcome to the family!" He told him.