(Sarah's POV)
Today was the day. That was all I could think about as I walked down the halls of the castle. Today would start the balls. Tonight my father would marry Lady Weller. From there we would have five nights filled with balls. Tonight was to Lady Weller and my father's wedding. Tomorrow would be for new friends. The following night to welcoming the villagers into the castle (something that hasn't happened since my mother was well). One night for being able to marry someone we love. The last night would be for the last wedding. The wedding in which Henry and I will be bound together forever.
I hurried into the library and shut the door behind me. My sisters were all being fitted for their dresses. Seamstresses were everywhere. All week we had been in and out of fitting. Today would be the final time other than on my wedding night.
I was pushed to the side of the room and I quickly took the dress I had been wearing off and a new one was put on. This would be the dress I would wear during the wedding. I was a wonderful purple. It was simple and just reached the floor. The seamstresses finished fitting me for that dress and it was quickly replaced by another.
This dress I would wear before the wedding took place. That was the plan. A small ball would be held and then the wedding would happen after. This dress was a rose color and had a clear fabric covering it. This fabric had small lavender colored flowers no bigger than the tip of my pinky.
The other dresses that followed were beautiful but were nothing compared to the one I was supposed to wear before my wedding. It was a silver blue color. It clung to my every curve and was stunning. It reached the floor and had long sleeves that were made of a light blue fabric that was almost completely transparent. The same fabric covered the dress from the top of the bodice to my waist and it then split in two in the front, still covering the back as one. The split in the front aloud the silk fabric to be shown better.
My wedding dress I would finish getting fitted for on the day of the special event. Now I had to make sure the food was ready and that the flower and lighting arrangements were set. The seamstresses assured me that my dresses for later would be brought to my chambers.
I left and headed for the kitchen. All the cooks were running about to get every thing prepared and I knew I could trust the head cook and didn't bother searching for her but instead went to find the gardener.
I found him directing people outside the ball room. I waited until he was done talking to people before approaching him. "Is everything ready for tonight?"
"Yes Princess. As you wished Tulips have been planted out front leading to the castle doors. A pathway has been made out of lilies on either side and tiger lily petals to the garden for more dancing space. Orchids guide the way to the ball room and inside the room is a grand center piece made of all the flowers I have listed and the other you requested, in the center of the room," the gardener informed me.
"Good. And what of the lighting?" I asked.
"Lanterns are to be hung in the trees out in the garden."
"Very good."
I left the gardener and walked to my chambers. When I entered I found Henry sitting on the sofa reading a book. He had left earlier to go check on things. At my entrance he looked up. "Almost time already?"
"Yes. That means you must be leaving. I called for Ann and April."
"Why must I leave?"
"You know why."
"Fine," he stood up and kissed me before leaving.
My ladies arrived shortly after and got a bath set up with lavender scented oil in the water.
Once I was bathed I brushed out my hair and then Ann and April helped me into my dress. Then Ann braided my hair and put it in a bun. I turned to face them. I avoided a mirror. They were all still covered. Ann and April had tried to persuade me to glimpse in one to see the dress, but I refused. Instead I spoke. "Remember that when the clock strikes nine we must gather here and I must change into my other dress. You may attend the ball that is why I asked that you both be ready before attending me. When I must change again we must be quick. Do not worry though a friend of mine is to take Susan's place."
They both curtsied and replied with "Yes Princess."
I stared at them both. "Sarah. Call me Sarah. Just because I have not asked for your assistance for a while does not means you must call me Princess."
They both smiled and then left. I stayed in my room and waited until I heard the music began. That was the signal for me to enter. My father had greeted everyone and now I had to meet Henry and we would enter together.
I left my chambers and walked down the stairs to the bottom where Henry waited for me. Together we walked through the halls to the ballroom. When we entered my gaze was drawn to the stair case that led into the room. It was only used for special occasions. Tonight Lady Weller would walk down it and in a few nights I would also walk down it.
My gaze was torn away when Elizabeth and her family approached us. "You look beautiful Sarah," Elizabeth said.
I smiled. "Thank you. I can't take all the complements though. That dress is wonderful."
"It is one of my best. I am saving the first for the last night," Elizabeth said.
"Yes. That night will be special."
Henry and I talked to Elizabeth and her family for a while longer then a waltz began and Henry turned to me and bowed. "May I have this dance my lady?"
I curtsied. "Of course."
He swept me in to the middle of the room and we became one, floating across the floor. When we finished I noticed that everyone was watching us and clapping.
Henry and I retreated to the side of the room. We were followed by a middle aged couple who looked like royalty. The woman rushed over and drew Henry into an embrace. "My son."
Henry looked shock. "Mother? Father? What are the two of you doing here?"
His father clapped a hand on his shoulder. "We were invited by a Princess Sarah," He turned his gaze on to me. "I take it you are Sarah."
I smiled. "Yes I am sir."
I shook hands with the King of France and then he turned back to his son. "How is it you managed to get this beautiful girl to be your fiancé?"
Henry looked at me. "I do not know father. A girl as beautiful as she could have done better but chose me."
I smiled. "You are my better. You are perfect."
He began to talk to his father and his mother leaned over to me. "When he visited France you were all he could talk about dearie. I am sorry about what happened." I knew what she was talking about and lightly touched my scar.
We talked to Henry's parents. We told them about our budding relationship, leaving out the fact that I had been with child. When the clock struck nine I excused myself and hurried to my chamber. Ann and April were already there and Elizabeth joined us a few minutes later.
I quickly change out of the one dress and into another. Ann did my hair again. This time she braided a small piece and brought it back into the bun. Once I was changed I hurried back to the ballroom.
I walked to the front of the room and tapped a spoon to a glass that I had picked up off of the table. Once I had everyone's attention and I was sure that I could be heard by everyone I began to speak. "Would everyone please exit to the garden for the wedding of King Danielson and Lady Weller." I followed behind everyone. I saw my father standing with a priest as he waited for his bride.
Once everyone was on either side of the aisle that had been made of rose petals, Lady Weller appeared. Her wedding gown was pretty. It was plain but added an elegance to her. When she reached my father they took each other's hands and said their vows.
After they kissed crowns were brought out. My father placed a crown on Lady Weller's head and she placed one on his. Then everyone went back into the ballroom to dance for a couple hours longer.
When the ball ended people left. Villagers from the outskirts were led to guest rooms so they didn't have to travel (this had been Henry's idea).
Henry and I retired to our chambers and fell asleep quickly.