Page 1094 of One More Kiss
Chapter11
The followingmorning passed in a blur. My head was practically spinning. Farina and Helga had indeed filled my wardrobe with wondrous clothing fit for a queen, even with allowances for my wings.
It was nearing eleven o’clock, and Farina, in her kindness, was attempting to create something beautiful with my hair. Honestly, I thought it unnecessary considering the circumstances, but she insisted I appear as a soon-to-be queen should.
“My Lady, today is special, not only because you will indeed prove you did not use your wand for ill-gotten gain, but also because the whole of Fairy and Wisteria will see you for the queen you shall be once you marry the prince.” With those words, I couldn’t argue.
I smiled at her reflection in the mirror as she continued to put the finishing touches on my hair. “Thank you, Farina.”
My stomach had tied itself in knots, however. Last night over dinner, both Edan and King Fredrick had assured me that everything would go according to the goddess’s wishes. In my heart, I knew they were right. I hadn’t done anything wrong. I hadn’t cast a spell, waved my wand—all I had done was fall in love with my best friend. My concern was what the guild had planned, and if it would be fair and just.
King Fredrick would be proceeding over the magical test, along with elders from the Fairy Council. That did give me a small bit of comfort. And my dearest Edan would be at my side the entire time. He’d insisted upon it. Oh, how I loved him.
Once I was dressed in my gown, with all of its layers topped with a fine blue silk and gold etching, the tight corset ensured I could not slouch, and the crinoline helped the flowing silk gown to keep its bell shape. Even more, the fine colors matched the official insignia of the crown. With nothing being said, a statement was still made. The lovely shades and etchings matched my wings, as well.
Farina came to my side holding something I’d only heard of. “My Lady, the king asked that I provide you with the virgin blossoms of his beloved blue rose.” Known as the Queen’s Royal Rose, it sparkled and shimmered, a true product of the beauty of Fairy and the great soil of Wisteria. Yet, it held no magical property, instead its beauty and shine resulted from nature’s blessing.
“Have you heard the whispers within the village?” I sniffed the rose and facedher. “Please?”
Farina finally nodded. “I have, my Lady. There is much talk of the news of you and Prince Edan. The townspeople appear to be split in three groups: those who staunchly support the Crown and will follow wherever the king leads. The second group regards this union as, excuse my language, ‘poppycock’ surely to fail, and the third group appears to be indifferent.
I trusted Farina. She’d always been nice to me, always given me a sweet smile each time I’d visited Edan.
“The loudest voices are those who wish to speak ill of you, but you shouldn’t pay them any mind. Listening to others ill-advised opinions is akin to building a house upon sand. All they are doing is spreading rumors. My mother always said that petty attitudes speak to small-mindedness.”
I glanced at her in the mirror, and her eyes spoke such wisdom.
Pinning my long hair into a braided crown atop my head, with long flowing curls down my back, she tucked the blue flowers into the braid. With a lighthearted squeal from Farina and a happy clap, I was ready.
Farina bowed. “My Lady, it is an honor.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “You’re as beautiful as any princess and appear just as striking as a queen.”
I blushed under her appraisal, as I’d truly never worn such finery. When she turned me toward the long, gilded mirror, I nearly gasped as I took in my reflection. Like the duckling who’d discovered she was indeed a swan, I marveled at Farina’s handiwork. I hardly recognized the fairy staring back at me. Even my eyes sparkled with something I knew to be love.
Farina silently exited the room, leaving me to my thoughts and self-assessment.
I’d loved Edan forever, but the road to my self-love, that journey took time. Yet, here I stood, fighting for what I deserved—my freedom. I loved Edan with my every breath, but staring at my reflection, suddenly it was reminiscent of being anointed with warm oil. If I wished to truly love Edan, and I did, then I also needed to love myself with just as much strength and veracity. The battle lines etched into stone signaled a turning point, one that required my self-assessment. If I didn’t face my pain, it would be used against me to destroy my future.
“You must love yourself, dearest Tatiana, or they will destroy you.” The words whipped through my mind, almost pinging like a guiding hand, and helping me to focus on the forthcoming battle. I didn’t question the voice, as instinct over the years had done just that—led me when I could not lead myself.
I stared unabashed at my reflection. “I love you, Tatiana,” I whispered to myself. The first time, an odd smile crossed my heart-shaped face. The second time, my lip wobbled. By the third, a warmth spread from the top of my head down to the soles of my feet. Love wished me not only to survive, but to thrive and live abundantly. I couldn’t in good faith not put up a fight. To fight for the love I wanted, my personal happily ever after, and to share my life with my best friend. Would I be willing to give up everything if it meant being happy?
Of course. Everything within me screamed that this path was true and honorable, that true love could indeed be stronger than evil’s façade. True love didn’t mean rainbows and butterflies, but that two hearts could be sewn together, soul-tied, to create a life and journey together, where neither man nor magic could separate them. I held on to this nugget of information. I may need it to navigate these dangerous waters during the test.
This was my new life. My new beginning, and this trial would make no difference in the scope of things. Straightening out my dress, I turned away from the mirror. I only had to complete this crap of a test.
Exiting the room, a wave of pain (I knew to be magical, and not mine) washed over my feet. I stumbled to catch my balance. With each step akin to walking on shards of glass, I limped to the sitting room where Edan and the king awaited me.
If I used magic, it would show. I gritted my teeth and pushed the pain aside. I refused to fly, to so much as flap my wings.
The guild was playing for my demise.
