The wedding ceremony
Janice sighed as she gazed at herself one more time in the mirror.
The bodice of gown the Queen had compelled her to wear restricted her airflow. She doubted if she would be able to come alive before the event ended.
She adjusted the sweetheart neckline of the dress, so it wouldn't make her look indecent due to her growing chest. Before smoothening her palm on the non-existent crease on the dress.
Despite not liking the fact the Queen had picked it for her, she appreciated how the empire waist of the dress perfectly hid her baby bump.
Her eyes trailed to her hair which had been pulled back from her face, plaited in a circular coil around itself. A floral wreath made of rhinestones, pearl beads and metal enamel flowers adorned it, giving it all the sparkly benefits of a tiara.
A soft rap sounded on the door, and the knob twisted. Margie peeked inside the room. "Are you ready? I think the Queen might explode if you waste another minute here."
Janice rolled her eyes and crouched to gather the hem of the train of the gown.
"Let me," Margie offered, clutching it from her hand.
"Thanks." Mumbled Janice.
"Are you alright?" Margie asked as she noticed the grimace on her face.
She was aware Janice didn't want to go through with the ceremony. When she had run away, Margie had learnt and understood the reasons for her action.
Despite that, Margie believed Janice to be irrational and was only acting on her emotion. Also, she knew Janice would rather walk down the altar with the devil rather than having a fatherless child.
"I am fine. I just want this to be over with."
Margie watched as she straightened her back and lifted her chin. Exactly how the Queen had taught them to walk when in public places.
"This is the first phase only and you're feeling this way. You should know you are getting married to a king. Also, there are some things you would do as a queen consort when the court season begins. You need to be ready for that as well."
"You are so encouraging." Said Janice, before letting out a sigh. "I feel like running away from all this. I don't want to get married to him because I'm carrying his child."
"Hush," Margie said, then stroked her back. "You did run away but he found you which he'll keep on doing if you do so again. Besides, you don't have a choice."
"I do," Janice argued.
She had thought of a perfect solution to her problem. She would be a single mother and allowed Jules a visiting hour whenever he wanted to see his child. Yet she knew that wouldn't be possible.
"You don't and don't think of running away again." Said Margie whilst eyeing the uncertain look on her face.
"This side of this country favours the father when it comes to the paternity of a child. You'll lose the case even if you sue him. Moreover, you can't run again because it's secure unless you wish to walk 10,000 miles to the nearest airport with this condition of yours."
"I hate that you are right." Janice groaned, glaring at the myrtle bouquet with her.
"I'm always right. Now, put on a bright smile, and let's go get you married." Margie beamed.
Janice let out a staggering breath, before forcing a smile on her face.
She walked slowly down the aisle to where Jules stood in front of the minister.
Also, she made sure she didn't step on the hem of the train that Margie had handed to two little girls who could not be more than six years old.
She glanced at each occupant in the hall as she walked by and noticed the bright smile that illuminated each face.
Perhaps, they were happy the Prince was getting married, Janice thought.
Still, who wouldn't be happy? Maybe only her since it wasn't her intention to be here.
Startled, her eyes collided with her mom's and she halted in her tracks.
"Mom,"
Her mother flashed her a huge smile as well as gave her a slight nod before mouthing, "You are perfect."
For the first time tonight, a genuine smile spread on her face. The thought of seeing her mother hadn't occurred to her. She had thought since Jules had taken her, she wouldn't get to see her again.
Surprisingly, she was dressed for the occasion. Her mother who wasn't the dressy type had taken the time to make herself look good just because of her.
Janice sniffled as a tear threatened to slip from her eyes and she noticed the frown etched on her mother's face.
Her mother shook her head and Janice understood what the gesture meant. She straightened her back, jutted her chin and resumed the walk towards Jules.
The ceremony didn't take long. Rather it was short. The main party was at the reception and Janice couldn't contain her emotion since she got to see her mother again.
She darted towards the middle-aged woman with white hair and blue eyes.
"You should consider your condition before running into me like that." She scolded lightly.
"Mom." Janice clutched the woman, hugging her.
"Stop crying, I'm not dead, you know. Today should be a day of joy for you."
"I'm happy." Janice giggled, sniffing. "I'm just surprised to see you."
"I am too." Her mother affirmed. "Your husband is nice, he took care of all the expenses."
"Really?" Janice asked with raised brows.
"Really."
Janice swirled as she heard his voice. She blushed while she thought back to the kiss they had shared at the altar.
Though it was brief, it had ignited her feelings.
Jules tugged her to him, and she gasped as her body smacked his hard chest.
"You are so gorgeous, Madame." He whispered into her ear.
Janice's face turned crimson, and discreetly, she gazed at her mother who was watching her.
"I'll leave you two…" Her mother began.
"No, I'm leaving already." Jules interrupted. "Just came by to say hello." He gave Janice a quick peck and walked away from them.
Janice watched Jules as he walked towards the crowd, she swirled back to her mother as soon as he was out of sight.
The older woman's face was spread in a wide smile. "You are so lucky."
"Why?" Janice lifted her brow whilst waiting for her mother to explain further.
"Having a man that cares for you like Jules." She added, shaking her head. "Not every man can do that."
Janice glimpsed the sadness that crossed her mother's face for a while before her face brightened with a smile again.
She was aware her mother made the statement because of the failed relationship she had with her father.
Still, Janice knew she was far from being lucky.
If only her mother knew the reason she was getting married, she would have understood they were in the same boat.
