Chapter 7: The Wedding
At Miranda's shoe store, she and Sofia were waiting for the carriage that would take them to the church for Miranda's marriage to King Roland the Second. She was wearing the wedding dress made by the royal dressmaker while Sofia was wearing something Miranda made for the occasion. "I'm sorry I forgot to ask Madame Collette to make something for you, Sofia." Miranda said.
"It's okay, Mom." Sofia gently replied. The carriage then arrived.
Meanwhile, at the church, the King was worried about the preparations. "Baileywick, are you sure is everything ready for when Miranda arrives?" His Majesty asked.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Baileywick stoically answered.
"The priest?" The King asked.
"Check."
"Flower girls?"
"Check."
"Maid of honor?"
"Princess Amber was conflicted between the words 'maid' and 'honor' but, check."
"Best man?"
"Check."
"Was there any problem to assign the role to Prince James?"
"Quite the opposite, Your Majesty." Baileywick answered while thinking about how excited Prince James was.
"Baileywick, do you believe those rumors about the bride always arriving late?"
"No, my King."
"Should I worry about Miranda being late, Baileywick?"
Baileywick looked at his pocket watch before answering. "Not yet." He then noticed the carriage approaching. "Your Majesty, I must insist you wait inside before seeing your bride."
The King reluctantly complied. Miranda and Sofia then entered the church and Miranda made Sofia sit at the side of the bride's guests. Sofia wanted to sit next to Prince James and Princess Amber but figured out she'd have more time to know them once she became their sister. As the Wedding March was played, Miranda walked towards the spot next to the King. "We're reunited to day to unite His Majesty King Roland the Second and Miranda Balthazar in holy matrimony." The priest said. "It's highly commendable that, in spite of having experienced painful losses, both of them allowed their hearts to open for a new love experience. If there's anyone here who knows of any reason this wedding shouldn't happen, say it now or forever hold your peace."
Upon hearing this, James glared at Amber out of fear she'd say something. Fortunately, Amber decided to hold her peace. Noticing this, the priest continued. "Miranda Balthazar, do you take His Majesty King Roland the Second as your lawfully wedded husband for richer or poorer, in health or sickness, for better or worse until death does you part?"
"I do." Miranda happily answered.
"Do you also promise to uphold the duties of Queen Consort of Enchancia?" The priest asked.
"I do." Miranda replied with little surprise since the King had previously warned her about that.
"Do you, King Roland the Second, take Miranda Balthazar as your lawfully wedded wife and Enchancia's Queen Consort for richer or poorer, in health or sickness, for better or worse until death does you part?"
"I do." The King replied.
"By the power vested on me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The priest declared. "Your Majesty may now kiss the bride."
They did so, making Prince James react in disgust. "Boys." Princess Amber muttered. Afterwards, there was a party to celebrate the union. Under the pretext of meeting her friends whose parents were invited, Amber spent the whole time avoiding Sofia while James had no problem meeting Enchancia's newest Princess. "Prince James! I'm so excited we're now siblings!" Princess Sofia exclaimed.
"I'm happy for Dad but I'm not sure about how to feel about having a new mother." Prince James commented.
"Yeah, I'm nervous about having a father too." Sofia sadly replied. "Will I even be allowed to call His Majesty 'Dad'?"
"I'm sure you will, Sof." Prince James answered, surprising his new stepsister with how he addressed her. Their conversation was interrupted by Jade and Ruby showing how excited they were for meeting Prince James. They tackle hugged him, making him wonder if, for once, Princess Amber had the right idea.
Well, the rest is history.
THE END