Rexi made a strangled noise in her throat and looked like she’d swallowed a bug. A really gross bug.
With effort, I tried to recall the boy I was supposed to marry. I think I was upset at first, but now he gave me warm, fuzzy feelings. Even if I couldn’t quite remember what he looked like. I could have sworn I had heard a man’s voice, but only the two women were in the room. “Can I see him now?”
Verte got a strained look on her face. “Not right now, dearie. You are still very sick, and if you want to be all better for your wedding day, you’d better get your rest. Rexi will take you back to your room.”
The young girl sighed and helped me up. I was still kind of light-headed and leaned on her for support. We left the room and headed back down the hallway of mirrors.
I pulled myself back, so I could get a good look at Rexi. “Are we friends?”
She smiled sweetly. “Of course, the very bestest. Why would you ask?”
“Because if you were my friend, you would tell me if something was wrong.”
She batted her eyes and smiled brighter. “Absolutely.”
Rexi opened the door to the room. While I had been gone, all the dead flowers had been cleared away and replaced with new ones.
“So you think it’s okay to marry this wizard guy?” I continued my earlier point while Rexi helped me back into bed and under the covers.
Her smiled tightened, and when she spoke, her voice sounded odd, like she had stuffed something up her nose. “Fairy-tale wedding and happily ever after. Isn’t that what every princess wants?”
“I guess so.” I yawned. “Hey, Rexi,” I called sleepily.
She was out the door but poked her head back in. “What?”
“Will you tell Verte the mirrors are broken?”
“What do you mean?”
“They…yawn…have the wrong…yawn…reflection. Yours is really pale with silver hai…” I trailed off into sleep before I could finish.
“Rule #71: When making the seating chart for your royal wedding, don’t put dwarves near the champagne fountain.”
—Definitive Fairy-Tale Wedding Survival Guide
26
Something Borrowed, Something Blue
“Today is a magnificent day.”
I opened my eyes but immediately had to squint because of the bright light streaming in from the window.
“What day is it today?” I croaked. My throat felt dry, like it was out of practice.
“It’s your wedding day—the most important day of a young princess’s life.” Verte bustled around the room.
My heart nearly exploded. “I’m getting married?” I squeaked.
Verte clucked disapprovingly at me. “Don’t you remember? We had this conversation already. You’ve spent all this week getting better for it.”
I vaguely remembered the conversation now. But wasn’t that yesterday? My sense of time was completely wonky, and I couldn’t remember a single thing in between that chat and this moment, let alone a week’s worth.
Verte continued to flit about the room, finally going to the corner and opening an armoire. Inside hung a dress that sparkled with diamonds and emerald beading. “Your mother sent it. Something came up at the Emerald Palace and she won’t be able to come. She left you a letter. Would you like to read it?”
Somehow I wasn’t surprised that my mom wasn’t coming. For some reason, I couldn’t even picture her ever leaving the palace. Still, what kind of mother didn’t show up at her own daughter’s wedding? “Yes, please.” I swung my legs to dangle off the bed and greedily waited for my letter, since that was all I could have of her.
Dearest Princess Dorthea,
I am so sorry your father and I cannot be with you today. Horrible beasts are threatening to take over the kingdom. That’s why this marriage is so important. Once we enter into an alliance with the wizard, the Emerald Kingdom will be safe. Then we can see each other again. Isn’t that what you want?
I’ve sent you the dress I wore at my own wedding. Wear it for good luck and think of me. Your father sends his love. We’re counting on you.
Many happy returns on this most blessed day,
Queen Em
“Are you all right, my dear?” Verte sat down on the bed next to me.
I attempted to summon a smile. It would have been easier to tell the suns not to rise. “It feels like I haven’t seen my parents in ages.”
Verte patted my hand. “As soon as today’s important business is settled, everything will be exactly as it should.” She got off the bed and opened the door. Rexi stood in the doorway with a tray of food. “Eat your breakfast,” Verte said as Rexi brought it in. “Every bite. Once you’re married, you’ll need all your strength.” Verte cackled at her own joke and hobbled out of the room.