Lukesse Oneshots~2018 Wattys

~A Wedding Betrothed~

"Are you sure about this, Jess?"

"I'm sure, Olivia. It's the best thing for my people."

"But is it the best thing for you?"

"All that matters is that they are taken care of. You know that, Petra."

"I know, Jess. But-"

"Petra, I know what I am doing. I wouldn't have it any other way."

A deep sigh escaped the redhead's lips. The dark-skinned girl next to her sent the redhead a small glance before turning back to the ebony-haired girl sitting in front of the vanity. Her expression was blank as her green eyes stared into the mirror, seeing an unfamiliar girl staring back at her. Her pale skin was clear of her freckles thanks to the powder, her eyelids a dark maroon that beautifully contrasted with her skin. The black locks that fell down to her hips were tied up in an elaborate bun, a small chain of pearls strung around the base. A golden tiara glittered on top of her head, a white veil carefully falling down her back while being held up by the chain of pearls. She wore a white gown that was tied in the front, the sleeves going down past her hands to about her knees after flaring out at the elbow. A golden locket was around her neck, resting against her collarbone as it glittered with the intricate designs. She looked stunning, but she lacked the smile to complete the look.

As a princess, Jessica always knew that one day, she would be expected to marry a prince to unite the kingdoms and make them stronger. However, no suitor was quite proper for her, and her heart never pounded from the love she felt. Not one managed to take her breath away, and it had gone on and on until she was forced to accept a suitor's hand in marriage to not disappoint her parents. The suitor was a prince of a nearby kingdom, probably housing the most powerful military and prosperous society. While he was quite dashing and respectful, Jesse just didn't feel that spark of love she often read about in the pages of the books contained in the royal library. To put it simply, she only chose this particular prince due to his proper manners, rather than many of the flirts she had met, and that her people will be well taken care of with such a powerful military and stable society. She had always put others before herself, and now she was going to give up her wishes and desires for them. It was difficult, yes, but it was better than letting her people suffer.

Her two closest friends, Olivia her lady-in-waiting and Petra the captain of the guard, had objected to her marrying the prince for her people. They wanted what was best for her, and that was a prince that loved her and she loved back. However, not everything is meant to be. The two friends were forced to watch the marriage take place that day in the royal gardens, unable to do anything to prevent it without risking committing treason. It was painful for the two to just stand by and watch as the princess, their friend, was married off to a man she didn't love and probably didn't love her, but that was all they could do.

After double-checking that everything was ready, Olivia stepped away from Jesse, her brown eyes beginning to fill with tears as she gazed at her friend. Petra too was near tears, having a larger heart than people thought. Jesse stood from the chair she was sitting in before turning to face the two women next to her. A sad smile graced her lips as she pulled the two into a tight hug, her eyes welling with tears with the others'. "I'm going to miss you," she whispered. Her friends returned the hug, careful to not spill their tears onto the expensive wedding dress. "We'll miss you too," Petra replied. "We promise to try and visit," Olivia added sadly. The three girls remained still for a moment before pulling away, beginning to walk through the open door down the hall as they made their way to the wedding ceremony.