The Dark Princess {OUAT AU}

Chapter 13

"I can't wait to be married to you. Then I'll finally have you all to myself. But we sadly won't be king and queen." Killian frowns. Valerie bites her lip to stop her plan from falling from her lips.

"Yes, sadly." Is all she tells him. The rest of the night is spent celebrating, dancing and eating the night away. The last of the guests don't leave until the sun is rising again and Killian scoops up a danced out princess.

"You're taking her to her room?" Miranda asks and Killian nods, careful not to jostle her.

"I will make sure she is tucked safely into bed, Your Majesty." He assures her and the queen moves out of the way so he can exit the ballroom. He takes her all the way up the tower and puts her on the bed, tucking her in. She's still in her birthday gown but he's certain she won't really mind. Instead her gently pulls the pins out of her hair and the heels off her feet.

"Goodnight, my love." Killian whispers before pressing his slightly chapped lips to her forehead. He slips out of her room and closes the door behind him. Valerie sleeps the entire day away, only waking two days later a little after sunrise. She gets up and rubs her eyes, feeling extremely well rested. Valerie peels off her wrinkled gown and summons herself a bath.

~~~

Three months later...

Valerie wakes with a start, her mind quickly realizing why she's so jumpy.

"Wedding day." She whispers to herself. Today is her wedding day and her head turns towards the dress left on the mannequin. It's flowing white skirt and tight top screams princess. She can't believe her luck of getting to marry her one of her best friends. She tears her gaze away from the stunning dress to look out the window. The day is already sunny and the sky is clear. The ground has had a new dusting of snow and the air smells fresh and clean. Valerie crawls out of bed and creates herself a warm bath. The soothing water makes her body tingle and she sighs happily, leaning her head back against the rim. She takes her time in the bath and it's when she's done and wrapping herself in a robe that she hears the knock on the door.

"Come in." She calls out, finishes the tie and looking up. Her mother walks through the door, and she has three maids in tow.

"Good morning Valerie! Are you ready for your big day?" She smiles, too chipper to actually be Queen Miranda.

"Yes, I'm very excited. I'm ready to be wed." Valerie declares.

"Then let's get you ready." Miranda says, and the maid swarm around her like bees. They set her down in front of the mirror and get to work on her long, dark hair. They braid and twist and curl and pin until her hair is stunningly intricate. It took them too long in Valerie's opinion and her stomach starts to grumble.

"I'm hungry." Valerie complains, her voice low like a growl. She has a deep scowl that mars her pretty face and a maid rushes out to get a servant to bring food for her.

"We are going to do your make-up once you have finished eating, Your Highness." The woman said when she places a tray in front of Valerie and Valerie nods. She eats quickly but quietly, not allowing her mother an opportunity to scold her.

"Okay, I'm finished." Valerie says, holding the tray up in the air. It is whisked from her hand quickly and then she's spun around in order for them to start on her make-up. They finish is slightly quicker than her hair and she is pleased with the ending result. Her eyes look bigger and they sparkle against the dark blue and grays along with black eyeliner and some mascara. Her lips have been painted red and her face is all sharp lines with a light blush on her cheeks. She looks almost different, older than her seventeen years.