Beneath the Veil of Roses

The weight of the council meeting still lingered in my mind as James, and I walked through the quieter corridors of the palace. Now it was time to shift my focus to something more delicate but equally significant: our wedding. A symbol not just for us, but for the people of Vespera. This union was meant to solidify my claim to the throne in the eyes of those still uncertain of my rule.

I entered my private chambers, greeted by the familiar scent of roses. My new lady-in-waiting was already there, bustling about with an array of fabrics and invitations scattered across the table. She looked up as I entered, her face lit with a smile.

“Your Highness, I have laid out the latest designs,” she said, gesturing to the silks and laces draped across the room.
“We must finalize the details if we are to have everything ready in time.”

I nodded, trying to push the lingering tension from my mind and focus on the task at hand. She had been tirelessly working to ensure the ceremony would be perfect, even as chaos swirled outside the palace walls. Planning a royal wedding amidst such uncertainty was no small feat. I had no say in my previous wedding planning.

I approached the table, running my fingers lightly over the luxurious fabrics. One, in particular, caught my eye, a deep, regal blue with gold embroidery, the color of the night sky. It would pair beautifully with the silver accents we had chosen, a nod to James’s heritage.


“Have we received word from the neighboring kingdoms?”

I asked, picking up one of the invitation drafts. My lady-in-waiting paused, glancing at me.

“Some have confirmed their attendance, but others…”

Her voice trailed off, and concern clouded her expression.

“There is still uncertainty among them.”
“They want to know how secure your position is before committing fully.”

I sighed, placing the invitation back down. Even my wedding was a political statement. Every decision, and every gesture would be scrutinized by nobles and royals alike, judging whether I was truly fit to rule.

“Well,” I said, straightening up, “we will make sure it is an event no one can ignore.”
“If they are uncertain now, they will not be by the end of the ceremony.”

We spent the next few hours pouring over the wedding plans—floral arrangements, guest lists, and procession details. Amid all the uncertainty, something was comforting in these decisions. They were small, tangible, things I could control. Every choice here would reflect who I wanted to be as queen. A ruler who could balance strength with elegance, power with compassion.

The afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky when a soft knock interrupted our work. James entered the room, his quiet presence filling the space with reassurance. I looked up from the sketches of the ceremonial attire and smiled, though I knew it must have seemed weary.

“Come to rescue me from endless fabric samples?”

I teased. He chuckled and crossed the room to stand beside me.

“I thought I would check on how things were coming along.
“I will admit, I have little to contribute when it comes to fashion.”

His gaze swept over the designs and fabrics before settling back on me, his expression softening.

“Our wedding is going to be beautiful.”
“It has to be,” I replied, my tone turning serious.
“This wedding is more than just a ceremony for us, James.”

“It is a declaration.”
“A way to show the council, the people, and our enemies that we are united.”
“That we are strong.”

James reached out, gently lifting my chin so I would meet his gaze.

“We are strong.”
“Nothing they say or do will change that.”

The council would never be fully satisfied, no matter how grand the wedding or how public our vows. This was our moment to claim our place, and I would ensure it was unforgettable. My lady-in-waiting excused herself, leaving James and me alone. I sank into a cushioned chair by the window, exhaustion creeping in, and he followed, sitting beside me. His hand rested warmly over mine.

“What do you think they will throw at us next?”

I asked quietly, gazing out at the city beyond the palace walls, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun. Even its beauty could not mask the uncertainty beneath the surface.

“Whatever it is, we will face it together.”
“Just as we always have.”


I leaned my head against his shoulder.

“They may doubt us now,” I murmured, “but they will not doubt us forever.”

James pressed a kiss to the top of my head. For a moment, I allowed myself to focus on tomorrow. On the life James and I would build, no matter the challenges ahead. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the palace windows.

A soft knock on the door pulled me from my thoughts. My lady-in-waiting returned, her expression polite but serious. She held a letter in her hands, sealed with the council’s insignia.

“Your Highness,” she said quietly, “this just arrived.”
“From Lord Orwin.”

I frowned, exchanging a glance with James.

“That was quick,” I muttered, rising to take the letter.

The wax seal bore the council’s mark, and a knot of tension formed in my chest. Whatever Orwin wanted, it could not be good. I broke the seal and quickly scanned the parchment. My stomach tightened as I read. It was a formal summons—another meeting. Tomorrow morning. The tone was sharp, the message clear: the council was growing impatient.

“They are calling another meeting,” I said, frustration slipping into my voice as I handed the letter to James.
“Tomorrow morning.”
“They want more assurances.”
“More proof that I am capable of ruling.”

James’s jaw tightened as he read the letter.

“They will not stop, will they?”
“No matter what you do.”

I turned back to the window, the darkening sky reflecting my mood. The council was relentless, testing my every move, and pushing harder with each passing day. Now, with the wedding looming, their pressure had only intensified.

“We will attend the meeting.”
“On my terms.”
“If they want action, I will give them action.”
“It will be on my timeline, not theirs.”