The wedding that Flossina had been threatened with by both the General and her stepfather, the King, had finally arrived. There was only three hours left until she was to be dressed, primped, and presented like a prize mare to her betrothed and the entire Kingdom in a wedding she did not want. Her lady’s maid Alexi seemed more excited about the wedding than she was and it was all starting to annoy her more than she cared to admit. She’d been back at her home for a full week now. Everything seemed to be calm and back to normal on the surface.
After her stepfather had pardoned her in front of the royal court it was as if magically, nothing had ever happened. The only evidence of her traumatic ordeal was that her mother was no longer here. She and her lady’s maid were walKing inside of her mother’s garden picKing out flowers for the abysmal wedding. The scents of the differ
“Everything will be alright, Princess.” The old woman smiled at her. She had kind eyes. “I will have the flowers ready.” She let go of her hand, and Flossina and Alexi left the green house.Flossina wanted privacy. In only a few hours time she would be a married woman. Honor bound to her stepfather and to a man who had killed her mother and the love of her life. Marlon. His warm yellow eyes that always watched her popped into her thoughts. Those strong hands that healed more than they harmed. He haunted her. He was gone.She had to stop thinking about him.The guards opened the door to her bedchamber and she and Alexi walked inside only to be surprised to see that the General was there already, alone. He was sitting on her chaise with that arrogant smirk he seemed to wear on his face ever sin
“See you in a few hours Princess, and don’t forget to look happy.” He said as he took a step back, turned and walked out of the room without so much as a second glance.She felt her knees give way and she fell to the ground. He was a horrible man, and he was right. She had no one to come to her aide. No one to be her champion this time. She had to endure whatever he had planned for her. That thought didn’t sit well with her. She would find a way to kill him and end this all. She had nothing left to lose.She began to take slow,deep, steady breaths. Seconds later she slowly stood up and walked over to her bed and sat the box of jewels down upon it. They were her mother’s. She smiled at that thought. She recalled when she was little and her mother wore the gold stone ea
“Yes, you are right he is all the things you say, but nevertheless. I must marry him.”“I understand.” Alexi said simply.Flossina stood up, walked past Alexi and began to pace the length of her room. A few moments later there was a knock on the door.Alexi went to see who it was. She smiled and announced her.“Your Highness, Ms. Agnes to see you.”Seconds after Alexi’s announcement the old woman walked in holding a lovely bouquet of Lilies, ivy and myrtle. Flossina quit pacing and smiled kindly at the old woman. She then walked over to her bedchamber doors to see if they were closed, they were, she walked back over to her.&ld
She reached over and took hold of the old woman’s right hand gently. The old woman seemed touched by the gesture. She patted the top of Flossina’s, then stood up, and spoke again.“Your mother loved her garden. It is now yours.”“True. I’ve never been very good at gardening.” She smiled, recalling the times she’d help her mother and end up covered in dirt.“Your mother also used it to escape the pressure of the palace and to think.”“Ah, I see.” The memory of her mother choked her up suddenly. She cleared her throat from the tears she was constantly holding back. “She was a wonderful woman, wasn't she? Not just a wonderful Queen, but a lovely person. I will miss her everyday. Especi
She remembered who she was marrying and why. All joy felt like a distant memory. In its place a throbbing pain she could not bear, but she would have to.“You look lovely, Your Majesty.” Alexi was smiling at her in the mirror.“Thank you.” She hoped her gratitude sounded genuine.“What did I tell you…”Alexi rushed on.“I know what you said ma'am but the General would prefer if I call you by your official name. This will also be my last night attending to you.”Those words frightened her. He was making sure she felt alone and isolated. He couldn't even wait until after the ceremony. She saw the look of disappointment on the young girl’s face. She had grown fond of her in the days they had become acqua
“This evening we are here to join General Torunn and Her Royal Highness Princess Flossina Araelia in holy matrimony. If there is anyone that objects to the marriage speak now, or forever hold your peace.” Flossina prayed someone would, anyone would, but alas, it didn’t happen. The Archbishop continued by handing the General a very beautiful diamond wedding band that was once her mothers. “Now General, recite the words. With my heart, my life, my soul. I will protect you, love you and be yours for all time.”“With my heart, my life, my soul. I will protect you, Love you and be yours for all time.”He slid the ring on her finger.She swore if she hadn’t known what a crazy bastard the General was she would have swore he was sincere just now reciting his words.
She had gotten through the wedding, through the congratulations, and the well wishes from all of the drunken fools. Now she had to survive their first night. Alone.There was a knock at the door.“Enter.” He commanded.She stood beside the bed silently.Two burly soldiers carried in a copper tub full of water. They were followed by three more guards carrying large buckets of steaming water. Each one dumping their bucket of hot water into the tub. All left without saying a word. She looked at his large bed and noticed he had already had her night clothes laid out for her.“I have some business to attend to. Enjoy the rest of your night, wife.”
Princess Flossina had decided to somehow see the silver lining in the dark clouds of her life. Her wedding night was the night she had made that integral decision pertaining to her life, and the legacy she was now responsible for. She had to make a conscious effort to thrive in her stifling environment and continue in this life alone. So much had gone wrong in last few weeks of her life. When she had first arrived back to her home she had been so heartbroken, almost falling into a state of severe depression and shock.She could hear her mother’s words echoing in her mind as clear as day. ‘When life gives us hardships, my dear, we can either let that crush and defeat us, or we can let it mold and strengthen us.’She had begun to utilize her mother’s words and incorporate them in