Breakfast had been different but good as Belle beamed the entire time while Edwin spoke about how a festival was going to be put on in a few weeks where lovers could marry or stand within flower rings and give oaths of love, which I was very much looking forward to because I had begun to realize that I was developing feelings for Edwin and I wanted him to know. “That sounds wonderful, are you going to marry then Belle?” I asked, “Yes my lady. We have decided that we should marry in the sight of the god of love.” Edwin smiled. “I'm glad your happy.” I blushed a little remembering my wedding night and smiled happy for Belle. Edwin later informed me that no one could say no to couples marrying in front of the god of love and upon realizing that Belle's father must be furious, I nodded and asked Edwin if I could hold a reception for Belle and Aaron to which Edwin agreed.
Belle came into my chambers as I was playing with Pendragon and happily gave me an invitation. “You've been invited to Lady Molly's garden soiree, my lady.” My smile faded a little as I had not been expecting it, “Oh, how many people will be there?” Belle thought for a moment. “Most of the high nobles I think.” My stomach twisted itself into knots, I knew that I would have to go as Edwin had warned me that many of the nobility would want to know me but I was happy with my small circle. Belle gave me a sympathetic look, “I know my lady but you must go sometime and lady Molly is a kind woman.” I nodded and began to think when Pendragon pounced on me reminding me that she was not done.
Dressing for a soiree was not as simple as I thought for both Belle and Edwin informed me that I must look my best for everyone would be assessing me. So I had to wear my best smile and dress in my best dress to which I chose a blue dress to match the spring sky, and I had wild flowers decorating my wrists and neck. On the ride there Edwin looked me over and smiled, “You look beautiful, but I must ask why the wild flowers? You have jewelry that would look wonderful on you.” I blushed and looked out the window. “In Winterheart we wore wild flowers to show our devotion to the Goddess of spring and to remember the beauty of the world.” He nodded, “I see. That is very interesting and sounds wonderful.” My stomach twisted when the carriage stopped but I put on my best smile and went in holding Edwin's arm.
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The garden was beautiful with flowers and sculptured fountains of wild critters and kneeling women, “Your majesties it is so good to see you.” Lady Molly curtsied and beckoned us to come further into the garden where food and drinks were set up. Edwin bowed and I curtsied as we both thanked her for the invitation, “Of course.” Lady Molly smiled before she hurried to meet with another guest. Taking a deep breath I turned to the party and walked with Edwin over to a group of gentle men who seemed to know Edwin very well.
I stayed by Edwin's side until he encouraged me to go and speak to the other ladies. Swallowing the fear I nodded and turned to a group of ladies who seemed to be my age, “Hello, wonderful party.” I said with all the courage I could muster, they smiled and agreed. Talking to them became easier as most of what they were talking about was flowers and the celebration of love. I lost track of time until a man marched up to me and cleared his throat. “Your majesty I must speak to you.” I tried not to sink and kept my smile, “Yes my lord?” “I am Belle's father, and I must know if it is true that you have given the order to marry my daughter to that man.” I swallowed and nodded, “Yes, Belle has done so much for me it was the least I could do.” He began to shake and his face turned red, “You would dare allow that, that MAN to marry my daughter! You should have informed me first and I would have explained why it would not work, so I ask you your majesty, please reconsider.” My mouth went dry and I wanted to cry as he got louder and louder with every step he took towards me. “Is there a problem?” Edwin was at my side and taking my hand he gave it a squeeze.
It took multiple times explaining that I would not change my mind when Lady Molly to my great relief asked him to leave. I took Edwin's sleeve in my hand and shook my head, “Take me home, please.” I whispered. Edwin nodded and told everyone that it was fun but we needed to return home and finish some work. I had never been so happy to be in the carriage alone with Edwin for when we left I let the tears fall and sobbed until the tears would not come anymore.
