Ring of Power

Chapter 27: Preparations

     Emerald woke the next morning before the sun began to rise over the horizon.  She sat up in bed and as her feet touched the floor a swift knock came at the door seconds before it opened.  Emerald blinked in surprise as a short, stout woman burst into her room, beaming with a smile brighter than the sun.
     "I am Edna and have been assigned to help you with your gown and other accessories for your big day.  Now come, miss.  It is time to fit your gown." Edna grabbed her arm and pulled her out of bed, bouncing with excitement as Emerald was struggling to regain her balance.   
     Emerald hoped Xavier was not in the hallway as the door opened to reveal her in her night gown.  She sighed in relief as the hall was empty and then she was dragged left and right so fast she couldn't get her bearing.  Finally, they stopped in front of a small door and Edna lightly tapped on it before she pushed it open. 
      An older woman stood in front of a beautiful wedding gown as three younger girls held it up and helped with the alterations.  The white gown had royal purple lace around the bottom and was held up by bunches of flowers pinned to the silk.  As Emerald moved around to where the woman was now watching her, she gasped as she saw the top half.  The white was covered in diamonds and laced with shimmering silver and gold.  At the waste where the corset met the skirt, emerald bands of silk were weaved into the fabric.
     Edna jumped up and down at the look on Emerald's face.  As the sun peaked through the window the dress sparkled in the morning light.  The cool morning breeze caused the dress to shift and flow, tiny lights dancing on the walls from the diamonds in the corset. 
     "It is ready for you to try on My Lady." The older woman said, gesturing toward a small room on her left.
      Emerald entered the small room as Edna followed close behind with the dress.  Edna helped her slip on the gown and began lacing the corset.  Emerald stepped from the room and the young helpers gasped as she did. 
      Stepping up to the small mirror in the centre of the room, Emerald's jaw dropped.  The dress looked beautiful in the light; she could not wait until the wedding.  The woman walked around her, pulling at the dress and inspecting it.  She placed some pins in the bottom and had Emerald put on white heels.  She readjusted the pins and nodded, seeming happy with her work.  Emerald removed the magnificent dress and once again donned her night gown.  She stepped out into the bigger room and the older woman hung the dress and grabbed a spool of thread. 
     "Come back in an hour to try it on once more."  She said, already getting to work on the alterations.
Emerald nodded and before she knew it, she felt Edna's hand wrap around her wrist as she was pulled toward their next destination. 

      Xavier woke to the heavy tapping at his door, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes and bade the person to come in.  A tall man with dark hair and a graying beard walked into his chambers.  He strode over to the bed and waited for Xavier to stand. 
     "I am Avar.  I am here to escort you to the fitting for your wedding, Sir." He said with a bow, and before Xavier could open his mouth Avar turned on his heel and left the room.
     Xavier followed him, jogging to catch up with Avar.  He was wearing a lose shirt and boxers.  His cheeks flushed as he thought about running into Emerald, but she was nowhere to be found and soon enough they were entering a small side room.
     Hanging on the mirror was a black tux with a royal purple vest and tie and a white button up shirt.  The black jacket had emerald lace around the bottom and at the ends of the sleeves.  The cufflinks were gold and shined in the sunlight. 
     An old woman entered the room and bowed.  She pointed to the suit and motioned for him to try it on.  He took off his shirt and began to put on the suit.  Once it was on, the woman made her rounds around him and pulled at the suit, seeing how it fit.  She nodded and smiled up at Xavier.
     "Perfect." She said.
     Xavier removed the suit and thanked the woman for her time, then he followed Avar to their next destination.

     As the sun moved across the horizon, both Emerald and Xavier were rushed around the castle separately.  Trying on their apparel and deciding on colours, food, flowers, and more.  Servants bustled around the castle, decorating the courtyard and placing chairs in rows upon rows to seat the nobles and lords of Akayon.  They knew that time was running out and they scrambled to finish the preparations in time for the wedding.  Finally, as the day began to draw to a close, both were returned to their rooms.
     Emerald entered her chambers and sat on her bed, leaning her head back against the cool stone wall.  The day was long but by tomorrow it would all be worth it when she married Xavier.  A smile creased her lips and she looked at the door as a soft knock was heard.  The door opened and Xavier entered her chambers, she sat up and he jumped onto the bed next to her.  Before she could greet him, his lips met hers and she was lost in his loving kiss.  When he pulled back their eyes met and they smiled. 
They talked of the day's events and the wonderful progress of the preparations on such short notice.  They talked of the upcoming wedding and how they longed for the sun to rise the next day. 
     Finally, they bid each other goodnight and went off to bed, each one's mind was full of thoughts concerning their big day to come.