Sofia the First: The Rise of Rulers

Chapter Twenty: Vivian

Chapter Twenty

Vivian

I'm getting married to the love of my life. Not exactly how I would have pictured it, but at least it's something. James looks gorgeous. His hair is extra curly today, which I love. We are holding hands. Thank god mine aren't sweating. My fingers are on fire, my palms burning. This isn't the first time we've held hands, we did when we went to the village together, but this time is different. More tense. Maybe it's because we're about to be husband and wife.

"I do," James says. Oh shit, I need to start paying attention.

"And do you, Princess Vivian of Zumeria take Prince James of Enchancia to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." I squeak. Why did I have to say it like that?

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Fuck, I forgot about this part. Do I lean in? Does he lean in? Dammit, dammit, dammit. He quickly leans in and crashes into my lips. Our mouths pressed against each other, lips parted. His hands move to my hair. I move mine to his sweet, sharp jawline. I forget about the wedding, the hundreds of people watching us, and the fact that this is my first kiss with anyone ever. I'm not sure who makes the first move, but I'm suddenly gasping for air. What the hell just happened?

I look at him and his cheeks are flushed. I'm sure mine are a dozen times worse. My hands are shaking, but he takes my arm and we walk down the aisle together. We get into the carriage and I'm grateful we are sitting on opposite sides. I need some time at least slightly separated to think about the last few minutes.

How long was that kiss? Was it as long as it felt like? He's a really good kisser. Do you think he'll do it again? Probably not, it was just a one-time thing. Did it last a long time because I was supposed to pull away? Shit, that's so embarrassing. Now he probably thinks I'm a freak, not to mention he practically had to drag me out of there.

Our knees are touching. Now that's all I can focus on. I won't move mine and he's not moving his. Is that good, or am I being too touchy again? Maybe I need to give him some space to breathe. I can't really do that now because we are at our own wedding, but tonight I'll absolutely offer to sleep in another room. I don't want to though. I miss the indescribable feeling I had when we were sharing the bed in the bakery. It was weird, but comforting to know my favorite person in the world was sleeping two inches away from me. I was a little disappointed he didn't take his shirt off like I assume he usually does, but I understand why he did it. He's a gentleman after all.

I look over at James. His head is turned and he looks lost in his own thoughts. "We're um, almost to the reception," I say nervously.

"We are. What are we supposed to do when we get there?"

"Well, we get out and walk to the ballroom. Then, we have our first dance, then Sofia, Desmond, Cleo, and I think your friend Conner will make speeches, then the rest of the dances, then talking with people, then cutting the cake, then we leave."

"Right. I'm lucky to have someone who knows what she's doing." The butterflies start exploding in my stomach.

The carriage stops and James takes my hand to help me out. "Why thank you."

"Of course m'lady." My feet hit the pavement and he doesn't let go of my hand. I guess that's good because he's kind of holding on tight. Not hurting me or anything, but gripping firmly. I take a deep breath. "Are you nervous?" He asks.

"Kind of. Crowds overwhelm me sometimes, especially when they are all looking at me."

"Don't worry. The only reason they're looking at you is because you're. Beautiful." Woah. He's never said anything like that to me before. Then he does something even more unexpected. He kisses my hand. Shivers shoot up my arm and down my spine. Then he leads me to the door. We walk in and as I expected, everyone turns to look at me. It was easy to ignore them while I was walking down the aisle because I could just look at James. With him by my side, it's harder to stare at him without looking like a freak.