Every morning for two weeks after the night of the ball, Charles and I spent together. First, we'd have breakfast in his chambers. Then, we'd get dressed and go out to the archery range, and Charles would watch me practice as he sat and drank the aged wine he'd stolen from his mother's chambers.
One morning we were joined by Bash, Mary, and Francis. Bash, I learned soon after the ball, was Charles's older half-brother. We had also grown accustomed to each other over the past few weeks of knowing each other because he was teaching me how to fight better in combat, seeing as he's the king's guard. I, along with my family, always valued the ability to fight- among men or women.
"Charles, Delara, splendid, you're both here!" Catherine exclaimed, as she walked onto the archery range with a look of intent on her face.
"And you've stolen my wine. Again. Well- anyway, we must set your wedding date. The nobles are starting to get irritated at the fact that it is taking so long. Not to mention the fact that you're part of another faith- for the time being."
"Yes but-" I was interrupted.
"I was thinking, it should be during mid-October. Not too long from now but long enough. We have prepared everything for you, but it's only you who needs to prepare now. Both of you. Mentally." Catherine mused.
"Well get back to... whatever it is you were doing. Oh and Delara, dear, we have a dress fitting later this evening. Good day," she said and strutted away.
I did sometimes hate Catherine, but she was right. We needed to hurry up and get married to secure our reign.
That evening I visited Catherine's chambers with my ladies. It was about the same size as mine, but with more of her possessions inside.
"Ah Delara, we've been waiting. Come- here's your dress." She said happily and pointed at a mannequin.
It was stunning. It was an all-silk, neck-high dress with silver stones at the collar. There was an iridescent piece of material around the skirt, which was being held up by a silver belt with stones identical to the collar.
"Catherine- er- I don't know what to say"
"No words are needed, just put it on." She smiled.
My ladies helped me out of the dress that I was already wearing, then helped me step into the marvel of a gown that had just been presented to me. After a couple of minutes of trying to get it to fit perfectly, it was finally on and I was absolutely astonished.
"Catherine, thank you," I said, awestruck.
"Only the best, for the future Queen Consort of France." She emphasized the word consort and for a moment I thought I saw a glint of jealousy in her eyes.
"You look beautiful!" Naya and Sahara both stated.
"I would even marry you," said Elena, which caused everyone to erupt into laughter.
"Yes- Delara- you -look- stun-ning," Cindy said over her giggles. She was always like that, that's what I liked about her.
"Yes ladies, absolutely breathtaking. Now, would you leave us for a moment, I would like to talk to my future daughter-in-law alone." Catherine asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty." They mused in unison and exited.
"Now Delara, I must warn you- if you do anything to hurt my son, anything at all and I will make sure you suffer the consequences. I may like you, but I will always favor my kids over you. Understood?" She said, then gave me a death glare.
"I do, Catherine. I can't imagine what your kids mean to you, as I have none myself, but I know what it feels like to be hurt by someone close to you." I said respectfully.
My father Darius I, who was the king of Persia, had fallen terribly ill weeks before I was to set off for France. That was why everything was rushed.
The marriage alliance meant that I could take over as Queen of Persia after my Father died so that my illegitimate brother wouldn't have to change the line of succession which would have caused civil war. It also meant I would produce legitimate heirs to the throne who were direct descendants of my father and had control over not one, but two armies, the French and the Persians.
"You just remember this conversation, Delara. I wouldn't want to remind you of it in a worse manner." Catherine warned.
I felt a shiver down my spine. What had she meant by that?
"That won't be necessary," I said, smiling over my fear.
I was not going to show her that I was intimidated. Not in the slightest bit.
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