Royal Escape

Chapter 9

"Beautiful, as a soon-to-be Queen should be." Misty finished pinning my long waves of dark hair back and looked at me.

I knew she was only trying to cheer me up, but the more she tried, the more broken I became. Because I knew the outcome for my fate.

"Thank you." I looked at my reflection but I didn't feel beautiful like Misty said I was. I felt odious and vile. Just by looking at myself, I could picture exactly how my life was going to be for the rest of my life.

Torturous. Ghastly. Repressed.

Just thinking about it made a lump form in my throat.

"She'd be even more beautiful if she smiled." I heard a familiar voice and turned around. Ian stood there in the door way with a crooked grin on his lips.

"Ian." I whispered as I felt the emotions from our last encounter hit me in the chest like a ton of bricks.

Ian took careful steps closer toward me as Misty took this opportunity to excuse herself from my chambers.

"I didn't think I'd ever see you like this." Ian spoke softly as his finger tips hovered at my cheek. He never actually touched me, but his attempt was enough to make my heart hurt even more.

"In a wedding dress, you mean? You should have known it would happen eventually, Ian. We've always known it would come." I smiled half-heartedly​ at him. Ian shook his head and sighed softly.

"Not just that." His eyes narrowed slightly as he gazed into my eyes. "I'm talking about how lonely and broken you look. I never wanted you to feel this way." Ian's hand dropped to his side but he didn't move away from me.

"You know, I always planned to move up enough in my position to marry you. I know it sounds silly now, especially since you're going to be wed before dusk. But I wanted to save you from all of this. I remember how much you despised marriage. I wanted to marry you so then you could be free of all of the consequences of it. I'm sorry I couldn't make it in time, Gwen." Ian's hands fisted at his side's.

"Ian, I-" I stumbled with my words and cleared my throat before continuing. "You wouldn't of been able to save me either way." I reached for his hand and squeezed it gently. "You'll always be the closest friend I've ever had. I appreciate everything you've done for me."

Ian squeezed my hand back and smiled at me.

"It's time, little one." My mother stood in the door way, her golden hair fell upon her shoulders gracefully. She extended her hand to me and I eagerly accepted it.

We didn't speak as we gazed at each other; no words were needed at this point.

"What a beautiful bride you are, my dear." My mother squeezed my hand and smiled at me.

"I got it from you, mother. Everything I am, everything I'll become, is from you." I held my chin higher even though I just wanted to run away. "I won't let Verena down."

"I know you won't, my dear child. For you are extraordinary. You are more befitting of the title Queen than myself." Mother kissed my forehead lovingly before placing my tiara on my head.

Mother placed the veil over my eyes and held my hand to guide me down the stairwell. At the bottom, Quentin stood there.

"Absolutely stunning. Just as I expected my soon to be bride to look. I expected nothing less." Quentin snatched my hand from my mother's and pulled me against him. "Are you ready to begin your life with me?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. Quentin's eyes narrowed and his grip tightened on me.

"Speak with words, Gwendoline. I won't tolerate disrespect."

I heard the leather of Ian's gloved hand stretch as his hand clenched.

"Yes, your majesty." I spoke quietly, afraid of any further humiliation.

"Good. Now get ready to walk down the aisle. I'll be waiting for you." Quentin leaned foreward and whispered loud enough for only my ears, "Be prepared for our conformation of our marriage as well. I look foreward to it."

Quentin walked away and I almost collapsed where I stood if it wasn't for Ian and my mother coming to my rescue to hold me up.

"What did that vile creature say to you, my sweet?" Mother's eyes held so much hatred for Quentin.

"I'll kill him if he touches you like that again." Ian's words were like venom.

But neither of them could pull me out of my head, for I knew what was in store for me. I knew the truth.

That no one could save me now. I was all alone in this fight and nothing could stop this nightmare from ending.

Ian squeezed my arm in reassurance but I felt numb all over.

"That won't be necessary." My voice came out stronger than I thought it would as I peeled myself away from them and turned to face Ian and mother.

"I want you both to promise me something before I do this." I felt the lump returning but I ignored it.

"I want you to not worry about me. Just keep Verena safe however you can." I looked up at the ceiling in hopes of keeping my tears from falling. "And if we are to part in the near future, send me some stories to read. I always knew I wouldn't have a happily ever after, but I still hoped I was wrong."

Ian was the first to come forward with his fist over his heart.

"We can't be apart. I still owe you a night out, remember?" Ian's eyes shadowed my reflection.

"Of course." I laughed lightheartedly.

"I am your mother, my dear. I will always be there when you need me most." My mother's eyes teared up but she held her composure.

"I sure hope so, mother." With that being said, I turned towards my fatal future that lied behind the double doors.

"We'll see you inside, little one." My mother and Ian departed behind the doors as I stood there in thought.

This was it. My final moments as a free woman. For so long I dreamed of being free from these chains but now I realize that there are far worse fates than what I have known.

I stood there in wonder as I pondered over my self pity.

It shouldn't be this way.

"Gwendoline." I heard a stern voice from behind me. I turned to see my father standing before me with his best attire on.

"Father." I addressed him calmly. "Forgive me. I was just about to depart inside, I-I was just taking a moment to-"

"I know that you know the truth, Gwendoline." My father spoke before I could finish.

I stared wide eyed at him.

"Before you speak, let me get something off my chest. Will you spare me the time?" Father gestured for me to follow him outside.

"I know more than what you think. I know about your little late night escapes with Ian. I know about what Quentin has said to you. I know that you be cried yourself to sleep these past few nights. And I'm sorry for causing you so much pain." Father sighed and looked up at the morning sunrise.

"You and your mother are so alike it's uncanny. That wild free spirit inside that keeps you angry at the world for doing you wrong." Father laughed lightly and looked at me. "But you also have a desire to do better for your kingdom. I praise you for that, Gwendoline."

"But, this arrangement isn't what Verena needs." Father turned serious all of a sudden. "I never intended for you to be married off like this. I don't know how, but I will try to stop this. I'm trying, Gwendoline. I know I haven't always been the best father to you, but you are still my only daughter. I do care for you more than words can describe."

"Everything I've done, I've done for a reason. So trust in me." Father straightened the tiara on my head and patted my shoulders.

"Yes, father." I looked at him with determination, for I already knew what to do.