miracles

{three}

two weeks later

Organ music bellows throughout the ceiling of the cathedral attached to the Grand Palace. My heart is throbbing as I wait outside, a line of officials standing behind me. I take a deep breath in before stepping into the building on cue. As I walk down the aisle, a sea of faces is watching my every movement. Luckily though, I manage to make it to the altar without tripping on the obnoxiously long gown that I'm wearing.

I turn to Tobias and give him a smile. After we are blessed by the priest, we slide a ring onto each other's finger and plant kisses on our cheek. Short and sweet.

We walk hand in hand down the aisle to an uproar of applause and audience members tossing white rose petals at our feet, a sign of purity and strength here in Eclaran.

But I seem to feel anything but pure or strong.

________________________________________________________________________________

"You are nervous," Tobias says that night as we lie in bed. "Tell me, dear, what's wrong?"

"I'm afraid," I say. "Afraid of what's to come. Children, a life as Princess and possible even Queen of Eclaran. My life is forever changed, and it did so in only a matter of moments."

He grazes my jawline with his hands and plants kisses up and down my neck. "We have just met. Of course you're scared. But over the years, we will grow to know each other well. And we will love each other."

I smile and start to kiss him back. "Tell me a secret," I whisper as we lie down again. "Something you've never told anyone else."

He sighs, but continues on. "My father is hated in our country by the common people. Everyone tells us that the people are saying he's failed us all as king, and that I am doomed when I rise to the occasion."

I raise my eyebrows. "Goodness. I don't think I'll be able to top that one."

He chuckles. "Your turn."

"I was raised by my aunt for the first eight years of my life due to my mother's crimes against local charities. Her image was terrible for that time, and she thought it best if I was raised by someone else." I shrug. "Of course, now I wish I could have stayed with my dear aunt. But she was gruesomely murdered at a young age of 29."

"My condolences."

"And mine to your mother. I'm sure she was a great woman."

I turn on my back and look up at the embroidered curtains hanging above us. I wonder how long it took the hands that made it to complete the entirety of such a work of art. "What are we to be doing right now?"

"Losing our virginity, technically. But we've already done that." We both burst into laughter. "A true violation of our Catholic teachings." He gives me a side look, his mouth curling into a smile. "But I did enjoy it."

"Me too."

And just like that, it happened again.

________________________________________________________________________________

the next morning

Of course today is going to be the hardest of all. I find myself desperately trying to fit in with the court-goers, copying their etiquette at every chance I get. The pressure is on, especially as the newest member of the royal family. I still can't believe it. Out of all the women in the kingdom, Tobias chose me. How odd of him.

I'm standing in my bedroom as a swarm of ladies in waiting fit me for a new dress. It feels a bit odd getting three new ones each week, but I'm not complaining. I just wish Hydeia were here instead of the unknown ladies surrounding me.

"Your Royal Highness," a messenger greets before entering. Of course, that's another thing to get used to. The title. "I have brought news from your father's country estate in Serafina, about two hundred miles east of here."

News from my father? What a surprise. "Might you read said news aloud, please?" I ask. 

"Of course, Ma'am. It says: To my dearest Francoise Antoinette, I have heard the great news about your recent marriage, and am deeply saddened that I could not be present for such a huge time in your life."

"You may leave," I tell my maids, who exit quickly. "I will read the letter. Thank you for delivering it." The messenger hands the parchment over and exits with a bow.

I continue to read.

Unfortunately, I have recently fallen ill and have been forced to stay at the estate here in beautiful Serafina. You should come to visit sometime, I'm sure you'd love the beautiful landscapes surrounding it. I always remember how much you love the outdoors, and can't imagine that you're settling into the life of a princess very well right now. 

As for your mother, I have been repeatedly requesting a divorce. After all that she has put you through, I'd say it's about time. My apologies for it happening so late dear. I wish I could have been at home through your suffering and her utter cruelty and ignorance. 

Nonetheless, I must stay here for a while longer, at least until I am healed. I pray for your safety and wellbeing every waking morning and dark night. I am so very proud of you.

Love, your father, Angelo Daigneault

Tears have begun to stream down my cheeks. My father and I haven't seen each other in five years since he went away to assist soldiers at the border of Kigon and Eclaran. There's so much I want to discuss with him; how much I've missed his joyful presence at the manor and in general, and how I wish he could be with me here as I go through a difficult journey of self-discovery.

I walk over to the small desk by a window and begin to write on a fresh piece of parchment.

Dear Father,

My heart lies with you right now as you recover from illness. Is it smallpox, tuberculosis? Hopefully something a bit less severe than both of those aforesaid. I wish you well and will pray for you whenever I can.

As for my situation, I'm settling in rather...oddly. I find myself following the lead of other court-goers and often times even the servants, as they know how to formally greet everyone here in the Grand Palace. It's awfully beautiful here, but I have not yet gotten the chance to explore the gardens. From the window of my room, they look exquisite, the most beautiful ones I've ever seen. (Yes, they're even prettier than the manor's). 

I miss you very dearly and have wished every day for the past five years that you would return to the manor so the two of us could spend a bit of quality time together. After all, a father-daughter relationship is one of the strongest in the world.

I hope that very soon I will be able to visit you, or that you will recover and visit the Grand Palace. 

Much love, Francoise