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“Peonies, of course!” Eloise chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious. “Amanda loves peonies, and they’ll look absolutely stunning against the backdrop of the chapel.”
“Peonies it is,” James agreed, allowing himself to once again feel the excitement bubbling within him at the thought of marrying Amanda.
As the three siblings continued to discuss the wedding preparations, James couldn’t help but feel a warmth spread through his chest. His brother and sister weren’t really focusing on the festivities the wedding would bring. They were too concerned about whether the guards would be in the right positions to keep him safe. They’d already doubled the guards for the affair, and though flattered, he couldn’t let them worry so much.
James shook his head at the two of them, their concern for his well-being both endearing and exasperating. “Honestly, you two,” he said, a gentle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I appreciate your concern, I really do. But I’m not made of glass, you know. And as the future king, isn’t it supposed to be my job to protect you?”
Theodore chuckled, folding his arms across his chest. “Well, brother, we’re just making sure you’re still around to do that.”
“Exactly,” Eloise chimed in, her eyes sparkling with determination. “We don’t want the throne, James. We’re perfectly happy letting you rule the kingdom. So, it’s in our best interest to keep you safe.”
James felt a breeze from the open window, and he longed to be outside in the garden. He could pick some peonies for his bride.
“Besides,” Theodore added, grinning mischievously, “you’re marrying Amanda tomorrow, and we can’t have anything ruining your big day. Think of how devastated she would be!”
“All right, all right,” James relented, raising his hands in mock surrender. He couldn’t help but chuckle at their antics. In his heart, he knew they were right; the love and support of his family was what kept him strong, and he’d be foolish not to accept their help.
“Okay, so we’ve got the guards sorted,” Eloise said, clapping her hands together. “Now, let’s focus on something more fun—like the reception menu! I hear the chef has prepared quite the feast for us.”
“True,” Theodore agreed, rubbing his hands together eagerly. “I can’t wait to taste that chocolate cake.”
“Neither can I,” James admitted, his mouth watering at the thought. “But first things first—let’s make sure we’re all set for the ceremony tomorrow.”
“Of course!” Eloise exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “We wouldn’t want anything less than perfect for your wedding day.”
As they continued to discuss how the day would go, James felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for his siblings. They were his confidants, his support system, and his best friends. And as he looked into their eyes, filled with love and happiness, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—as a united front, bound by love and loyalty.
James stepped out of the study, leaving Theodore and Eloise to their excited chatter about the upcoming wedding. He needed a moment to clear his head, to escape the overwhelming sense that everyone around him was focused on protecting him. It was a strange feeling, being the one protected instead of doing the protecting.
The garden greeted him with a soft evening breeze carrying the scent of roses and lavender. Moonlight played upon the leaves, casting delicate shadows on the grassy path. He strolled through the fragrant oasis, allowing himself to be swallowed up by its tranquility.
“James!” A voice called out from behind a bush. Amanda, his bride-to-be, emerged, her golden hair shimmering in the moonlight as she closed the distance between them. Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, her rosy cheeks flushed with excitement.
“Are you sure we can’t just get married tonight?” he asked, half-jokingly. “I don’t think I can wait another day.”
Amanda laughed, the sound melodious and full of life. “Oh, James,” she teased, playfully swatting his arm. “You can wait one more day for the event of the century!”
“Ah, but you see, my dear Amanda,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eye, “my brother Theodore has graciously agreed to help my father while we’re on our honeymoon. We could have a full two weeks to ourselves at the hunting lodge, without a care in the world.”
“Really? How thoughtful of him,” Amanda mused, her lips curving into a warm smile. “But still, we mustn’t upset the delicate balance of the universe by altering the plans for our big day. Imagine the chaos that would ensue if we were to wed before the stroke of midnight!”
James chuckled, knowing she had a point. As much as he longed to make her his wife right then and there, he knew that their families and friends had put in a tremendous amount of effort to ensure the wedding would be perfect. “All right, my love,” he conceded, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. “I suppose I can endure one more agonizing day of anticipation.”
“Ah, but think of the reward that awaits you!” Amanda whispered playfully, her breath warm on his skin as she leaned up to press a tender kiss to his lips.
As they stood there, wrapped in each other’s embrace beneath the moonlit sky, James felt a renewed sense of hope and determination fill his heart. With Amanda by his side, and the support of his siblings, he knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead – and emerge stronger for it.
Amanda’s laughter floated through the air like a delicate melody, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You know, if it turns out that we absolutely must postpone our honeymoon,” she said, tilting her head thoughtfully, “I suppose we could make do.”
“Make do?” James raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “My dear Amanda, I assure you, our honeymoon will be nothing short of extraordinary.” His heart swelled with love for this woman who always managed to find humor in even the most trying of situations.
“Of course, darling,” Amanda replied, her grin widening as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “But I meant what I said earlier. If our kingdom needs us, we’ll be there.”
James held Amanda close, feeling her warmth seep into his very being. He marveled at the strength she possessed, a quality he had come to admire more than anything else. “I promise you, we will have our honeymoon,” he whispered into her ear, his voice unwavering. “And it will be everything we’ve dreamed of.”
“All right, then,” she conceded, her smile softening as she gazed up at him. “But you should know that the coach will be coming for me bright and early tomorrow morning. Ten o’clock sharp, I believe?”
“Indeed,” James confirmed, his own excitement bubbling over as he thought about their impending nuptials. “I can hardly wait to see you walk down the aisle, my beautiful bride.”
