Who's It Going To Be?

Chapter 13

*Elsa*

We all decide to go dress and suit shopping together. It's one of our last opportunities to do something all together.

No one can comprehend the fact that Fitz is getting married and that we are on our way to buy attire for the event.

"My brother is getting married," Biana kept muttering the entire way to the mall.

We decide to go for suits first because it will be the faster of the two. Fitz doesn't need a suit because his is being tailor-made by the Redds.

Keefe looks sharp in the dark blue suit he chose with a maroon tie, and from the blush on Sophie's face, I can tell she agrees. Dex chose a charcoal grey suit, and I helped him tie a dark purple tie around his neck that brings out the flecks in his eyes.

Once we pay, we head to the nearest dress store. The three of us girls split up and scour while the boys roam around.

Pretty soon, I have several options slung over my arm.

"Hmm," Fitz says as he picks them up and examines them.

I snatch the one he's holding and fling it back over my arm. "Go help your sister," I command and wave him off with a chuckle.

We all meet back in the dressing room.

"No boys allowed" the lady stops them when they try to follow us into the door lined hall, "there's a bench where you guys can sit and wait."

Surprisingly, we all seemed to have found something and walk out to ask the boys opinions.

"You all look great," Keefe stands and claps, "we can go now." I didn't fail to notice the lingering look he sends Sophie's way.

"I agree with him," Fitz says, smiling at me.

Dex gives us a thumbs up.

I'm wearing a high low emerald beaded gown. Sophie's wearing a high neck red gown with stitched flowers. And Biana wears a beautiful blue floor-length gown that has ruffles and a sweetheart neckline.

"Whose down to grab drinks before we go?" I ask

The vote is almost unanimous.

So we head to One Stop Drink Shop before exiting the mall and going back to our respective homes.

*Biana*

All too soon, we are boarding a decorated boat taking us to Fitz's wedding. My brother's wedding. No matter how many times I say it, my brain refuses to process the reality.

Apparently, there is an enclave near the castle that wasn't covered on our tour, and that's where we are headed.

The boat I'm on is for family, friends, and family of friends.

Since it's the royal family who sent the boat, they even supplied drinks though the ride is not all that long.

I mill around the deck, trying to pace off the nerves.

Suddenly I feel a warm hand on my arm and I turn to see none other than Tam. I meet his beautiful silver eyes and ask, "what are you doing here? I thought you were with Princess Melonie."

"She actually sent me as a representative to oversee this boat."

I shuffle from foot to foot, not sure what to say next.

"Come with me?" Tam says and I nod.

He leads me down a small staircase I didn't notice and to the bowels of the boat. The breeze whips at us through the overpass as I settle down beside Tam.

The spot feels far off and private, even though there's a large crowd above our heads.

"How do you know about this part of the boat? I wouldn't ever think of coming down here? But it's so peaceful."

For some reason my question causes Tam to get a sad look in his eyes.

I wait for him to explain.

"I come here a lot actually. I travel on this boat twice a year and one time I went exploring and found this quiet space. Ever since then I come here to think or to try and relax."

Then Tam becomes quiet again. I wonder about him and about why he comes on this boat twice a year.

It seems he has a hard time talking about his personal life, so while I'm curious I don't try to get it out of him.

There's a silence that envelops us for a couple of minutes, though it is surprisingly not uncomfortable, my mind works to try and think of something to say.

Then Tam clears his throat.

"The reason I travel by boat is to visit my twin sister Linh. She lives in the other corner of the Kingdom where the nobles live. Did you ever hear of Wylie Endal?" He asks me

"Yeah. His Father, Prentice, is the governor right?"

"He is," Tam confirms. "So my sister married Wylie. He used to be our neighbor when we were very young until his Father began climbing the social ladder. Linh always liked him and last year they wedded. I wasn't happy about it, and I'm still not thrilled, but she is very delighted there and in her marriage so I can't do anything about it. I thought she was too young but she says if I'm old enough to be a royal guard she's old enough to get married. And I have since learned to accept it. She is stubborn and so am I." Tam lets out a short laugh, "so I live in the palace and she lives in a manor and I get a chance to visit her twice a year."

"Wow Tam," I smile warmly at him, "thank you for telling me all that."

Just then the boat comes to a jolting stop and I fall into Tam's lap.

"Sorry," I apologize blushing while I scramble to get up.

"It's really no problem."

Tam accompanies me up and off the boat.

*Elsa*

I decided to take position near the boat's edge to get a view of the water as the boat slices through it.

A familiar voice asks, "are you looking at my reflection or yours?"

I let out a chuckle but don't turn towards him, "actually, neither."

The heaviness of words or lack of words sits between us, so I guess it's lucky that's when the boat comes to a screeching halt.

A walkway is let down, and we head towards it. "I'll go first, and you walk behind me," Fitz instructs, "it's steep."

I recall at that moment that I am wearing heels, and it seems Fitz does too, "hold on to me, I don't want you to trip," so I grab hold of his shoulder, with a twinge in my heart.

"Wow" is the first word Dex says as we take a look at the place before us. And he's right. There are tables and tables of food, tables to sit at for a pre-ceremony dinner, and a little off to the distance perfectly aligned chairs, surrounded by various flowers, and leading to the alter. I look away.

"Let's grab some food," Keefe says while dragging Dex to one of the many food-laden tables.

"Your presence is requested, Mr. Vacker," one of the servants tell Fitz, "but first you should eat something. The PrincessPrincess doesn't want you to faint at the alter."

We all fill up plates and head to a table. Fitz sits across from me, and Biana next to him, then Sophie. I sit beside Dex, who sits beside Keefe.

I swallow hard and decide I should get some food into my system. It does look good.

"What a love fest we got going on here," a woman says with a flash of a camera.

She repositions the camera to point in Dex and I's direction, "oh, we are just friends," I clarify.

"Ya," Dex reaffirms

She takes a few more shots then moves on.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," someone taps Fitz on the shoulder, "but more people are arriving, and the groom must go inside at this time."

"Bye everyone," Fitz says, his eyes resting on each of us in turn, then he follows the man.