Today was the day of my first and only wedding. My mother ran frivolously through the castle, double and triple checking everything. Every staff member and guard had a job to do. The servants set up chairs, the guards checked people in and the cooks... Well, they cooked.

While the castle bustled with activity, I stood in my room. My mother had hired the best dress makers in town to ensure Caroline and I looked exceptional.

I stood in front of a mirror, watching two of the dress makers work on the hem of my wedding gown while the third checked the fitment. There was a fourth woman doing my hair while a fifth worked on a portrait. Was all this really necessary?

Thankfully, Aiden stepped into the room, adorned in kings robe and crown. "I must say, brother, that crown suits you well."

He smiled, looking up. "It is a tad heavy, but it will suffice."

I chuckled. "Aiden?"

"Yes, Annie?"

"Have you seen Sir Arthur? I have a question for him." I asked.

He nodded. "He is by the entrance, helping the guards. I will have him summoned."

"Thank you, Aiden."

He stood in front of me, then, the dress makers stepping to the side. "You look beautiful, Annie. I wish father were here to see you now."

A quick feeling of sorrow passed through me. "Do you think he would have approved?"

Aiden took my hands in his. "Yes... He always wanted the best for you and Caroline is absolutely perfect."

I smiled, a single tear welling in my eye. "That means so much coming from you, Aiden."

He gave my hands a squeeze. "I mean it and I know he will be out there with us in spirit."

"Well, don't you look exquisite." We heard, breaking up our heart to heart.

We turned towards the door, seeing Caroline leaning against the frame, wedding gown hanging from her shoulders.

I walked over to her, meeting her for a sweet kiss. "You should see yourself, my princess."

She smirked, leaning in to whisper in my ear. "I would rather you see me with nothing but my shoes, your grace."

I blushed, suppressing a shudder. "In do time..."

Aiden rested a hand on my shoulder. "I should take my leave. I will have Sir Arthur sent up at once."

I nodded. "Thank you, Aiden."

He returned it before walking off down the hall.

I turned my attention back to Caroline, then. "Are you ready, my bride to be?"

She nodded enthusiastically. "Far more ready than I anticipated."

I smiled, kissing her once more. "I shall meet you down there, then."

"Until we meet again, my love." She replied, taking her leave as well.

The ladies got back to work on my dress and hair as Arthur entered the room. "You summoned me, your grace?"

"Yes, I had a question I would like to ask you." I replied.

He stood in front of me. "What is it?"

"Sir Arthur, would you do me the honor of walking me down the isle?"

A look of shock crossed his features. "Are you sure, your grace?"

I nodded. "You have been in my life since I was very young. You have proven to be a fierce protector and a loyal friend. I can not think of a better person then you, sir."

He nodded. "It would be my utmost honor, your grace."

I smiled. "Thank you, Arthur."

He returned it before eventually taking his leave as well...

After my dress was finished and the guests had all arrived, my mother personally escorted me to the throne room.

She stopped at the door. "My darling daughter... Despite my... Protests... I am so proud of you and I wish you all the happiness in the world..."

I pulled her into an embrace. "I love you, mother... Thank you for everything you have done..."

She pulled back, smiling down at me, a single tear in her eye. "I love you so much, my Annika."

Arthur joined us, then, bowing to my mother. "Mind if I cut in, your highness?"

My mother wiped at her eye. "Not at all, sir... I will see you two out there."

She made her way towards the alter, leaving Arthur and I alone.

"Ready, you grace?" He asked, offering me his arm.

I looped mine through his. "Very ready."

We shared a smile as the doorman led us through the entrance. "Now entering, Duchess Annika Barclay and Sir Arthur Conrad of Brassmore."

   The guests all turned to us as we walked, gracefully might I add, down the isle.

   My brother and his new queen stood on the alter, smiling as we approached. Morgan was the portrait of elegance. She might not have been my brothers first choice, but I have a feeling she will make a fine queen. And, in time, an even better wife.

   Arthur helped me up onto the alter before finding his seat.

   "Now entering, Princess Caroline Beckett and King Nathanial Beckett of Steelcove." The doorman announced, bringing my attention to my bride to be and her father.

Aiden whispered in my ear, then. "That is a very large man."

I glared at him. "Quit it, I am already nervous enough as it is."

He snickered as Caroline and her father stopped in front of me.

I dipped into my most graceful curtesy. "It is an honor to meet you, your majesty."

He stood tall in front of me. "The pleasure is mine. I wish you and my daughter a life time of happiness... However unorthodox it may be."

"Thank you..." I think?

He left for his seat after that, leaving Caroline in front of me. "I think he likes you." She whispered.

"Do you truly think so?" I asked.

She shrugged, causing us to break out into quiet laughter.

Aiden stepped up, then, causing the room to go silent. "Cherished members of Ironhelm and esteemed guests of Steelcove, we are gathered here today to help join these two women in holy matrimony. To bring together two kingdoms..."

His voice and my surroundings faded out as I locked eyes with Caroline. She was so beautiful, so elegant. Truly the woman of my dreams. My bride. My princess. My duchess.

Aiden addressed us, then, pulling me back to reality. "Do you, Annika, take Caroline to be your wife?"

I nodded, taking Caroline's hands in mine. "I do."

Caroline smiled.

"And, do you, Caroline, take-"

"Yes, I do." She cut off excitedly, causing a wave of polite laughter from the crowd.

Aiden chuckled. "Then, by the power vested in me by Castle Ironhelm, I now pronounce you wed, you may kiss your bride."

The crowd erupted into cheers as Caroline and I met for our first kiss as wives. We pulled back, looking over the crowd.

"Now presenting, for the first time, Annika and Caroline Barclay, the Duchesses of Brassmore." Aiden called out, earning more applauds.

Caroline took my hand, looking to me. "I think I am going to enjoy that title."

I smiled. "It is quite spectacular, is it not?"

She nudged me, returning my smile. "You are quite lucky I have found myself falling for you, your grace..."

I giggled. "I love you as well, my duchess..."

The End