𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐝...

Chapter Fifty Four

The days passed very quickly and we announced mine and Cregan's engagement after two days from the coronation and said that we'll be wed faster than tradition so the guests will be able to attend the wedding without going to their lands and returning back in a few days for the wedding so they stayed upon our requests.

The stress and anticipation were killing along with the preparation arrangements. I had a lot of help and very well-known assistant to prepare for the wedding and whom didn't need my help but I couldn't mind my business. Cregan, Benjen, Alexander, Matthew, and James have always forced me to take a ride on my dragons to keep my mind off of things and tried keeping me busy but I was always dropping dead-asleep onto my bed after all the running around.

The night before my wedding came and I did not see anyone apart from the Lord Commander because of tradition in my Valyrian customs. No one sees the bride to be on the night before marriage. I was going off my mind just imagining the worst case-scenarios that would occur just before the day I waited for so long. Anxiety were keeping me busy and crazy but I owe a big appreciation to Benjen because he kept on coming in and checking on me as well as reassuring me that everything is under control and the wedding plans are going along. It is also tradition that the weds-to-be have to go on a tour around the realm and meet with the high lords and ladies of the Great Houses but sense they all are in Kings Landing and we just were done with a civil war that made us circle the entire kingdom, we decided to skip that hassle and just wed before the eyes of thousands and it'll be over.

"I can hear you pacing, your Majesty. You need sleep to get ready for the morrow" Benjen advised from behind the doors to my royal chambers. I opened the door and rested my head on the frames of the door and inhaled deeply. "I don't know what's wrong! I wasn't this worried about the coronation and the ascent why am I so stressed, nervous and scared?" I titled my head to look at my Lord Commander. He chuckled and shook his head, "you're just as bad as Cregan right now don't worry... of course you are feeling like this. This is your wedding day with the man you love and who loves you very deeply. I think stress and fear comes with the package of getting married" Benjen stated. "God I want to enjoy tomorrow but I want all this to be done. The high lords and ladies to the lands and castles and all those people running around just out of the castle. It is stressful as it is with everyone resident of the Red Keep now I got to worry about lords and ladies. I don't want all this to take away from my own wedding's happiness and joy" I sighed. "It won't. I won't let anything happen and do not worry your Grace. On the morrow when you are wearing all white and walking to your husband-to-be, all your worries will fade away and you will be the happiest woman alive as he will be the luckiest man ever walked in our world... you just need sleep" Ben gave me a warning look as I mouthed thank you, closed the door, and then threw myself onto the bed.

***

The doors of my chambers flung wide open as I just was about to rise from my bed. "You did not sleep?" Lady Jeyne Arryn stared at me shockingly. "No I did I just was about to call for my ladies to get me read- what is happening here?" I was confused on why were the lady of the Vale and the women from our Pentosi guests were in my chambers instead of my maids. "Well these ladies and I started talking this morning and since we are the closet to you by blood and friendship, we decided that we will not let strangers, your maids, be the ones getting your ready and prepped for your big day... your wedding supposed to be you surrounded by all the people that you love and whom loves you and would kill to see you happy" Lady Arryn spoke and a smile slowly appeared on my face, happy to hear those words. "It would be my honor for you all to be the ones helping me today. I am ever grateful for your offer because I was terrified to death of being around strangers on this day especially" I inhaled deeply. "We'll you heard her everyone... some grab the hot water for the bath, some bring food, water, and wine it's going to be a long day, some go check on the dress, and some go check on the groom and make sure he's not planning on doing a stupid haircut on the most important day in his life" Jeyne ordered and everyone started to move in different directions. "Oh Dana can you be the one checking on Cregan? You are the most honest when it comes to looks and don't be afraid to tell him that'll strangle him if he did anything stupid... and warn my sworn guards and Lord Commander as well" I shouted as she left the chambers nodded. I turned to women huddling around me. "Now what?" I asked, confused. "Now we get rid of that god awful smell on you" Reem stated disgusted. "That's not me! It's the smell of my dragons, I went to see them yesterday" I furrowed my eyebrows, acting hurt. "Well let's hope that it doesn't stick" Wadha guided me to the bath. And then we started getting ready while chatting, laughing as we shared stories, eating and drinking wine. It was a beautiful afternoon.