In Favour |Clara Walseworth|

Princess ~ Chapter 5

Germany, 1817.

It took only four months to arrange the grand royal wedding, and soon the church was filled with noble guests who arrived from distant countries, each adorned in their finest attire. The air was thick with anticipation and the scent of fresh blooms, as Clara found herself drawn into this whirlwind of elegance and tradition.

During this time, Clara had taken up residence in the royal palace, where she frequently dined with Prince Leopold and Princess Emilia. Their evenings together were filled with laughter and lively conversation over dinner and tea, the soft glow of candlelight creating an intimate atmosphere. Yet, despite the warmth of their company, Clara rarely encountered Frederick, the future heir, or his wife, Ana, who remained somewhat enigmatic figures in her life. She was told there life was in a distant estate a few miles away from the royal palace and that it always will be until Frederick was made king. It was William, the charming younger brother, who provided her with moments of solace amid the regal bustle. Their quiet conversations, often held in the lush gardens of the palace, allowed Clara to escape the weight of her new responsibilities, if only for a brief time.

The past couple of months had blurred into a whirlwind of lessons on etiquette and refinement, each lesson steeping her deeper into the intricacies of royal protocol. Clara was thrust into a world she had only ever dreamed of, where every gesture was scrutinized and every word measured. The lavish balls and formal gatherings required her to navigate a maze of social expectations, each event demanding a performance of grace and poise. As she learned to master the delicate art of conversation and the subtle nuances of courtly behavior, Clara often reflected on the life she had left behind. There was no turning back now; she was bound to this new reality, one where the past felt like a distant memory, overshadowed by the grandeur and complexity of the royal court. Each day, she strived to adapt, to become a fitting part of this world—yet a part of her longed for the simplicity of her former life, where the pressures of nobility did not weigh heavily on her heart.

Clara stood just outside the grand doors of the chapel, her heart heavy as she watched the flurry of activity around her. The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the meticulously arranged flowers and the elegant decorations that adorned the entrance. Guests laughed and chatted, their excitement palpable as they awaited the ceremony to begin. But as Clara adjusted her veil, her thoughts drifted away from the joyous occasion. Her family was absent.

Eden had sent her a heartfelt letter, filled with joy and anticipation for the birth of her first child with few joyful wishes from Benedict too. She had expressed her sadness at not being able to attend Clara's wedding, but the circumstances were unavoidable. Clara had always known that her sister's pregnancy would come with challenges, but the reality of it struck her harder than she had expected. It felt unfair that her sister, who had always been her closest confidante, couldn't be there to witness this pivotal moment in her life.

As for Gerard, the absence weighed even more heavily on Clara's heart. Aunt Polly had insisted that he would not be invited, though Clara had no idea why. Gerard had always been a source of strength for her; his support had seen her through so many trials. She could not understand why Polly would keep him away from such an important event, and it gnawed at her insides.

"Clara, my dear!" Aunt Polly's sharp voice broke through her thoughts, cutting through the crowd like a blade. She approached with an air of urgency, her dress rustling around her as she glanced around, ensuring everything was in order. "We must get you inside! The guests are waiting!" ."Yes, Aunt Polly," Clara replied, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She took a deep breath, willing her emotions to settle. Today was supposed to be a celebration, yet the absence of her family left a hollow ache within her.