The Day Before the Wedding

Calester took a moment to let everything sink in. He approached his desk and sat on the chair and learned over the table. He clasps his hands together and starts devising what he should do next.

“Your Highness, how do you want to proceed?”

“Send a doctor to my brother and ask him to report to me directly when he’s done.”

“I understand, Your Highness. I’ll make sure to take care of it as soon as possible.”

“Thank you Roy. Please make sure no one knows about this.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You may leave.”

When Roy left, Calester leaned over the chair and sighed quietly to himself. He does not know what to feel. His brother never came back from the 2 year expedition. Was it due to the amnesia? But, Calester cannot be certain until the doctor confirms that his brother is indeed experiencing amnesia. He was growing impatient as time went by every minute.

“Is anyone there?”

“I’m here, Your highness.”

It was Leo standing outside the door.

“Leo, ask Emerald to meet me at the Central Palace.”

“Right away, Sir.”

As soon as Calester commanded, Leo gave a nod to his peer, gesturing that he will be back to his post once he delivered the message to Emerald.

***

Emerald heard a knock on the door. The sound was so light, but it still manages to disturb Emerald’s peaceful morning. It has already been a few days since she moved into the Western Palace, she was still not used to the atmosphere in the Palace. In a few more days, her preparation for moving out from her parent’s manor will be completed.

“Who is it?”

“ My lady, it’s Lady Lucia.”

“Yes, Borness Monte, what is it?”

“I apologize for disturbing your sleep. But, Sir Leo is here to deliver a message from Prince Calester.”

“Is that so? Yes, Leo. What is the message?”

“Good morning Future Empress.”

Emerald laughed. It was so weird hearing Leo say the word Empress. Leo felt uncomfortable and embarrassed hearing Emerald laughed from inside her chamber. But, he proceeded anyway.

“His highness, Prince Calester, wants to see you. Please come to the Central Palace.”

Emerald looked at the clock that was hanging on the wall next to the entrance. It was too early in the morning. She already made plans on meeting with Maggie later. Since she knew Calester wouldn’t call her out without any particular reason, she knew that it must be something important.

“Tell him, I’ll be there in 10 mins.”

“Yes, Your Grace”

When Leo left, Lady Monte came inside Emerald’s chamber.

“My lady, let me help you with your dress.”

“Lady Monte, please get me something light and easy to walk with. I don’t want to dress up too boldly in the early morning.”

“Yes, my Lady.”

As soon as Emerald got dressed, she went out of her chamber and headed towards the Garden of the Central Palace. The garden was as beautiful as always. It flares such blessing to the eyes. In a few minutes, Emerald had reached the corner where she and Calester last spoke. She looked expecting that Calester would be there already. She approached the bench and sat gracefully.

“You’re here.”

When Emerald looked up. She saw a figure with a familiar face. His silver hair sparkles under the setting son. His face was so admirable and charming as well.

“You called. What’s going on?”

Calester laughed with a sigh of relief. It was good to see Emerald looking a little lost and concerned. His burden seemed to have lessened and his anxiety slowly calmed down.

“We haven’t seen each other for the last 3 days. Tomorrow is the wedding.”

Emerald looked at Calester with a worried look in her eyes. Calester is not very good at organizing his expression. Sometimes it works, but there were times she could tell that he was trying hard to hide his personal struggles.

“Cal. Don’t tell me you called me because… Have you changed your mind?”

Calester looked at Emerald for a moment. It was a moment too long and finally he broke their eye contact. He quickly shifted his eyes on the empty space next to Emerald. He slowly moved to the side and sat onto the empty bench.

“No. Not that. It’s something else.”

“What is it?”

“I just wanted to confirm with you something before we proceed for tomorrow’s wedding.”

“Okay. Tell me.”

“Are you sure you want to get married with me tomorrow?”

“!”

Emerald looked at Cal’s gorgeous side profile. His hazel green eyes were directed towards the floor, looking a little distracted and confused. He was leaning on his knees and his hands were clasped together. Emerald felt a pinch in her chest. Her childhood friends who always seem strong and wise was actually looked lost at the moment. Emerald raised her hands and reached for Calester’s head. Her fingers touches his soft and silky hair. She patted his head lightly and spoke.

“Cal. Are you here to change my mind?”

“...Maybe?”

Calester straightened his back and caught Emerald’s hand and placed it in his chest. He did not look at her. He thought that the moment he looked at her. She will see right through him. It was the last thing he wanted to happen. After a second, Calester let go and stood up.

“I have guests to greet. Just show up if you’re sure. If you don’t, I’ll explain to father.”

***

“Maggie, please don’t speak too loud. People will hear you.”

“Sorry. I was just a little surprised.”

“So, Have you thought of it?”

Emerald blushed at the thought of her and Calester sharing a bed on the first wedding night. She quickly rejected the idea and was convinced that there was no way the two of them would share their first time together. It was just impossible. There was a higher chance that they would come to the same conclusion of avoiding each other to prevent anything from happening than be in the same room and share the same bed.

“I might have to talk to Calester about this before the wedding tomorrow.”

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