The king coughed. "Well then, the decision is yours to make, Victoria."
I stood up straight and looked straight at the king, "I'll agree then. If this is the only way to save the people, then I would willingly sacrifice myself. I opposed the marriage proposed by my father simply because I do not want to wed, but I'd rather wed a kinsman rather than a sassenach."
King Malcolm gave me a faint smile, "If that's so, I can make an arrangement for you to get married. Although we have to skip the normal procedures, the important thing is you will be legally binded. Blessed by both the church and the government. I will then declare you as legally married to the public, both of you will make an appearance and assume the title of Duke and Duchess of Duncan."
The king then left us but was kind enough to send some servants to bring us to the chambers he provided.
"Wouldn't the people mind that you are marrying someone with no status let alone a man from a noble family," Fergus looked at me while we were walking.
"No, they don't. Status requirement is not as strict if you're an heir to the throne." He nodded.
I opened the door of my chamber and looked at him, who was also standing in his chamber beside mine.
"Besides, who says a laird cannot be compared to a noble man? Let alone a laird of a clan who have been protecting the whole motherland."
I smiled at him and entered the chamber.
With king Malcolm's ability, I guess both Fergus and I will be legally binded tomorrow.
I sighed, wishing deeply in my heart. If I were just born in the early 15th century, I would've lived easier. It was the time where women just did nothing but embroidery and were soft. Sadly, I was born at a later time. Nearly a century late to be exact. I have to bear responsibilities for my kingdom. This is not the time to act soft nor learn nothing but house chores. 1547 was the greatest history of my motherland, and I will do everything in my power to avoid the past from repeating itself.
I ended that night early. The next day, the sun had not risen yet to its full glory when I heard some knocks outside my chamber.
"Lady Victoria, his majesty had given us orders to help you prepare."
I rubbed my eyes and opened the door. There I saw some servants perfectly forming a line with each of them holding either clothes, shoes or jewellery.
"Why is it so early? The first few rays of the sun have not even reached my windows yet." I asked while ushering them to come inside.
"As per your orders, it is a rushed wedding. The king had personally sought out the important people needed to officiate the wedding. The head of the church seemed to be flabbergasted with the news. Given that this wedding had skipped many traditional steps to be taken it is nearly impossible to happen, but then they proceeded to acquiesce with the orders of the king."
The servant in front of the line spoke. For a total of over 30 servants, they all went inside and formed yet another line. Categorising themselves according to the object they have brought over.
I slowly walked in front of them, carefully choosing everything that I would wear.
I chose a simple white floor-length gown. Similar to what I wore on an occasion, it is a line type of skirt made out of the finest linen. Together with a tight fitting upper part which just sits perfectly on the edge of my shoulders and goes long sleeves up to my wrists. A corset is also connected inside the gown, supporting the whole upper structure. The servants helped me put it all together with my shoes and the jewellery I have chosen.
It will only be a simple wedding, therefore there is nothing to be extravagant at. I only picked up a few gold pieces for my necklace and tiara. I also have my brooch pinned on my right chest. It is carved out of pure gold with little diamonds as its intricate details. I touched the brooch, I put on a faint smile. In this brooch carved the flag of the kingdom with my initials on the lower part of the brooch. This was given to me by my mother saying it is an important ornament, thus I want to wear what she had given me as a comfort. It is for me to fall into believing that she is here with me, walking the aisle with me together as we both hold hands. I closed my eyes when I felt the servant placing my veil properly on my head.
Another maidservant opened the door revealing the king.
"Never thought that this day would come so fast. Even if your father is not here, even if we are in the middle of the feud, I still want you to value this marriage." I looked at king Malcolm as he entered and approached me.
The servants paid their respects and intended to go out when the king motioned them to stay.
"Victoria Elizabeth, this is a commitment for a lifetime. This is bound to never be broken, are you ready for that?"
I heaved a deep breath and nodded with a smile. The king returned my smile and said, "You just looked exactly like your mother. I remembered her own wedding where she paced in the room nervously calling me out a couple of times. Ah, what a sight she was when she was furiously calling me an unfilial brother when I laughed at her nervousness."
I gave a soft chuckle, "She's the most lovely, I bet."
King Malcolm stared into nothingness with a glint in his eyes.
"Your smile is the same replica as hers. You will always remind me of my sister. Her smile is the best remedy, one second of it and it can already make thousands of people happy."
He shed a tear, he laughed heartily and wiped it. "Now before I take you to the church and hand you over to that lad, promise me that you will always keep that smile."
I nodded. I stood up and hugged him tightly.
"Be happy as you live Lizzy. That is all that my sister, your mother, wants for you."
He whispered in my ear. I broke the hug and wiped the tears forming in the corner of my eyes.
Together, we arrived at the church. King Malcolm tapped me lightly in the shoulder as he offered his hand. I willingly took and shook it as a form of tacit understanding. Soon after, he left me alone outside saying he'll be waiting inside. I breathed in and tried calming down my raging nerves and as if on cue, the double doors opened, revealing a simple and solemn ambience of the church.
I have never stepped foot on our enemy's domain, but based on how they described it in books when I studied history, this church is similar to Westminster Abbey.
Soon, a choir was formed and started humming a tune. I started walking in the aisle, looking directly at Fegus who was dressed in a royal manner.
I admit, I am indeed mesmerised by him. His leather clothes were changed into a fabric made out of linen and silk. With a brooch on his right chest and a stash across his chest replacing the medals that should've been earned. He looked more captivating than any noblemen around the town.
He also looked at me in an intense stare.
His piercing gaze that seemed to see my soul in its bare state. Trying to avoid his stare, I withdrew my gaze and drifted it in front of me. As I was reaching the quarter of the aisle, I could feel my veil being slightly tugged backwards. Probably some servants trying to arrange my 100 foot veil. This is not some sort of public event so I had chosen a rather short veil compared to the others.
I stopped on my tracks a lottle, giving the servants time to arrange and spread my veil properly on the aisle. As soon as I felt them finished, I continued walking. I looked at the king and he gave me a warm smile. I gave a smile in return and decided to go against the idea of looking in Fergus' direction. What I need now is less distraction, and with his gaze it seems impossible for me to focus.