Kapitel 37: Chapter 35
"I'm so excited!" My mother exclaims.
I smile in her direction and continue helping her pack.
After we announced our engagement, Ashton and I decided that we should head back to the castle. I brought up the suggestion of bringing my mother, and they both eagerly agreed. Now here we are, packing up before we leave tomorrow.
"You'll love the castle's garden," I comment.
Once we've finished, I help my mother make dinner. As we're working, Ashton walks in. He was doing some sword fighting outside and isn't wearing a shirt. My face turns red as he catches me staring at his muscled stomach that gleams from sweat. He gives me his signature smirk and sits down in a chair.
My mother turns to face him and says, "Young man, go out on a shirt this instant."
"I don't know," Ashton replies. "Your daughter seems to be enjoying it."
At this, my face turns as red as it possibly can, and mother swats him on the head.
"Now," she orders.
He grumbles under his breath as he walks up the stairs rubbing his head.
The three of us sit around the table and begin eating out delicious meal. My mother had Ashton slaughter a pig for our final meal. Although, Ashton looked rather sick when she told him to do it.
Once everyone is full and content, we decide to retire early so that we can leave early tomorrow.
When I wake up the next morning, I'm bouncing in excitement, but I'm also extremely nervous. I don't know what everyone is going to think about me becoming queen. My heart beats fast at just the thought. What if they don't like me? I sigh and shake my head trying to clear it.
We saddle up the horses before the sun has even come out. Ashton and I do most of the work since my mother doesn't really ride horses. She knows how, but not to an extreme. Once we're ready, we begin our long journey.
Since my mother is inexperienced, our journey that's supposed to take about two days, takes more like three and a half days. On the way, I show them where my carriage was overthrown on my first journey here. We laugh and talk as we trot along the dusty path.
Eventually, the tall, grand castle comes into view. I enjoy watching my mother's face as it comes into view.
"I've seen the castle many times before, but not once did I think that I'd ever be living in it," she says in awe.
We approach the palace gates and the guards bow, but look up at us in surprise.
"Your highness, we didn't know you were coming back so soon, or that you were being company," one of them says.
The prince smiles down at them, "You'll understand why all in due time."
As we enter the castle, I can't help but chuckle at my mother's reaction. Her mouth hangs open as she takes in the grand staircase and the chandeliers.
"This way," the prince tells mother.
She quickly hurries behind him and he leads us to a room. He opens the door and I watch as my mother steps in.
"This is too much," she says abruptly. "I can't accept this."
The prince gives her his signature smirk. "Well I guess you could stay in the stables..."
Mother seats his arm and he laughs.
"This will be just fine," she says.
The guards that followed us look confused, but don't say anything. The prince turns to them and gives them orders to now guard this room.
"Where's your room, Iris?" Mother asks.
"I have a separate room that is much less fancy than this one," I respond.
"That's going to change you know," the prince states.
He's right. I haven't really thought about it. I'm going to get my own too large, too fancy room next to his.
We give mother a quick tour of the main areas. I was right. She absolutely adores the garden. In fact, when the prince and I decide to go, she heads there immediately.
"We have to tell my uncle," Ashton suddenly announces.
I sigh. "I suppose he should be the first to know."
When the king died, the prince's uncle, Sir Garrett, came to watch over things.
We head in the direction to what I assume is his office. The guards outside the door open it for us, and we step in.
"Ah Ashton, my boy!" The man says. Then he sees me and looks at me questionably. "Iris."
I curtsy slightly and state back at him.
Garrett clears his throat and sits down. "I assume you came here for a reason."
"Iris and I are getting married," Ashton blurts out.
Garrett raises his eyebrow. "Really." He says it as a statement, not a question.
"Yes, and you can't do anything about it," Ashton continues.
"Actually-"
"No. I love Iris more than anybody."
"More than your own family?" Garrett says jokingly.
I give him a weak smile but Ashton just starts him down with a cold expression.
The man sighs. "Okay okay. I can see that you have no intention of changing your mind."
"No."
"Well, I guess we'll announce it tomorrow then."
"But you can't- wait, what?"
"I said fine. We'll announce it tomorrow."
The prince looks relieved and pulls me into his arms. Then he turns to a guard that looks extremely shocked.
"Go post a notice throughout the town. Tomorrow we will celebrate in the castle courtyard."
The guards nods and leaves.
Just then, Samuel bursts into the room.
"Ashton!" He yells. "I thought you weren't going to be- Iris? What are you doing here?"
"Guess what buddy," Ashton starts. "Iris and I-"
"I KNEW IT! You and Iris are getting married!"
"How did you know?" Ashton asks suspiciously.
"Oh please, I think love is gross, but I can tell when you guys look at each other that you love each other. Now that I think about it, that's also gross. Hey Iris, today I was practicing and-"
"Okay little guy, that's enough," Ashton says with a laugh.
"Hey! I'm not little!"
"You always will be to me."
Right now, I don't think that I could be happier.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein