Adeline's Wedding Night
A wave of nausea washed over me, the whispers around me seeming louder, as though mocking my predicament.
Suddenly, the king turned to me with a regal gesture, extending his hand, "My daughter, may I have this dance?"
His voice was warm and comforting, and I felt honored by his request.
Taking his hand, I replied, "I would be honored, Your Majesty."
We stepped onto the dance floor. The king guided me into position, and I felt vulnerable in his presence.
He spoke softly, "I am sorry about my son."
His unexpected words caught me off guard, leaving me wondering about the rift between father and son.
"His behavior is unacceptable, and I will speak to him.”
"Have I offended him in any way?”
“Whatever I did, I am sorry," I blurted out, desperate for answers.
The king's eyes softened, and he reassured me gently, "It is not you, my dear.”
“Do not worry your pretty little head about it; I will take care of everything."
The dance concluded. I curtsied gracefully, and the king bowed in return. Straightening up, I noticed a lady glaring at me from across the room—a chilling gaze that sent shivers down my spine. Dressed in an extravagant black ball gown, she seemed out of place amid the celebration, her presence veiled in mystery by the shimmering necklace around her neck.
Curiosity gnawed at me as I pondered her identity and the animosity she harbored towards me. The king offered an explanation.
"That is Cecelia, a friend of Alexander's.”
"Pay her no mind.”
The clock struck midnight. The grand ballroom began to empty. The king, ever the gracious host, bid farewell to each departing guest.
Guests left with warm smiles and congratulations. I detected a hint of pity beneath their façade. Refusing to let their sympathy dampen my spirits, I watched as diligent servants began tidying the opulent hall.
This was meant to be a night of joy and pleasure, a dream every woman cherishes. For me, however, it was uncharted territory—a realm of uncertainty that thrilled and terrified me in equal measure. Never having spent a night alone with any man, let alone the one I was destined to share my life with, the fear of making a mistake loomed large.
What if I failed to meet his expectations? What if I couldn't fulfill his desires? Doubts swirled in my mind, fueled by lingering insecurities about my own worthiness. Had my father's words planted seeds of doubt that now threatened to consume me?
Just as I was lost in this labyrinth of uncertainty, the king's voice cut through my worries, pulling me back to the present. The King's words echoed in my ears.
"Adeline, I believe you should retire to your chambers; Alexander will meet you there."
I curtsied gracefully as I exited the room. Little did I know, this night would be like no other—a whirlwind of emotions and unexpected twists.
Entering my chambers, I found the atmosphere shrouded in darkness, save for the soft glow of flickering candles. Charity, my lady-in-waiting, greeted me with a gentle smile.
"How was your night, my lady?" she inquired.
A sigh escaped my lips as I recounted the events of the evening.
"Charity, Alexander left after our first dance.”
"He just left the ball, leaving me standing alone in the middle of the dance floor."
"Can I help you out of that dress, ma'am?"
Grateful for her presence, I nodded eagerly, allowing her to swiftly undress me and guide me towards a relaxing bath. The warm water enveloped me, washing away the remnants of the evening. Charity helped me into a delicate nightgown, its black satin fabric adorned with intricate lace.
"He will love it, miss.”
With a final goodnight, Charity left the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I settled into the soft embrace of the bed. I wondered what the night held in store.
I found myself in uncertainty, unsure of what action to take. One thing I was certain of was Alexander's experience in matters of the heart. While society allowed men to have lovers before marriage, I knew I would face severe consequences and be cast out if I did the same. My mother had explained this to me vaguely. Nevertheless, I understood such relationships were meant to bring pleasure.
I sat on the bed. Time seemed to slip away—an hour turned into two, then three. With each passing hour I realized Alexander was not going to show up. Determined to salvage the evening, I quickly changed into something more comfortable, hoping to find solace in sleep. Pulling back the covers, a single tear escaped and trailed down my cheek. Exhaustion eventually overcame me, and a few hours later, I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, my lady-in-waiting gently woke me from my slumber, her eyes immediately noticing the remnants of tears on my face.
"What happened, miss?"
"He never showed up.”
"I'm sorry, miss.”
"I'm sure he must have a good reason.”
"Is there something wrong with me?"
"No, miss, this is not your fault.”
Realizing dwelling on the situation would only bring more pain, I decided to get dressed.
"Please help me dress for breakfast.”
"I don't want to make a bad impression by being late on my first day in this family."
With her assistance, I prepared for the day ahead, determined to face whatever challenges lay in my path. Swiftly, she dressed me, her nimble fingers working with practiced ease. With a heavy heart, I made my way down to the grand breakfast hall.
Entering the room, the king motioned for me to join him. I curtsied gracefully.
"Please stand.”
I obeyed, taking my seat at the table.
"I trust you had a delightful evening last night," the king remarked.
"It was restful.”
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"Is my son not feeling well?"
I stammered, "I do not know what you mean, Your Majesty."
"Was he not with you this morning?"
Panic gripped me as I confessed, "I'm afraid I haven't seen Alexander since he left the reception yesterday."
The king's anger flared, his face turning crimson.
"I am sorry, my dear, I will talk with my son.” the king all but roared.
"Please excuse me."