Chapter 58 - Cold Feet

Jasmine

Wasn't he angry with me about what I just said? Didn't he hear it? Did I just now imagine how his voice cracked?

Oh how I hoped he didn't hear everything I just said. On the bed there was a purple dress bag. I opened it and gasped for air.

"Ben." I said breathless.

"Do you like it, I mean you can choose as you wish, but I don't know, I think it will suit you. It can be adjusted if necessary." He stumbled on his words.

"No it's, it's gorgeous thank you, thank you so much." I was ashamed of myself and I should be. Naïma came to see what the commotion was about and her mouth dropped open. "He picked this for you?" I nodded still in shock. "Pff how can this be fair." She went on complaining again.

"Oh I see you have found the masters dress then." A servant said coming from behind. "Will you help me put this on?" I asked insecure. "No, no, no, not like this. You have to be thoroughly washed first. I don't know if we can bring those blond curls into better shape in just an hour and a half, but we might as well try." The woman said. I felt insulted. "You are perfect to me, just the way you are." Benjamin said. "Ugh." I replied." Benjamin barked a laugh.

He snickered softly and started to sing. He kept on singing the entire time, while all the servants were busy scrubbing my body and washing my hair. Once in a while he stopped to answer a servant. "You have the face of an angel, but I don't know how to fix the blue and purple on your body my dear." The older servant said.

Benjamin's song faltered, but he immediately picked the melody up again. "Yeah well I tripped a few times." I lied. "Yes your highness has told me about that." She said and it was obvious she knew I was lying.

When I was in the make-up chair, they worked a miracle on me, you could hardly see a thing. "You look wonderful." The old woman beamed. "Normally you would not need much make up, but given the severe head bumping, I think the ladies did a good job." She was right though, I did look like a bride.

How did I feel about that? "Severe." Benjamin said in a worried voice. "I am just fine." I said annoyed. I tapped on my earbuds when the servants frowned at me. "Never the less." Ben said grumbling.

Before I knew it, there were two doctors examining my head. "Ben..-" I whined. Benjamin didn't react because he was talking to Daniel. Both of them sounded like they were done preparing for the wedding.

The doctor said I had a slight concussion. Naïma came in. "Oh you look amazing." I praised her. "You look good too." She said unwillingly. I wasn't sure if she meant that though. "I came to tell you that it was time." She said and pointed towards the door.

The tiara on my head felt kind of heavy. My head still hurt, maybe I had a concussion after all. I followed Naïma and the servant in front of her to a room filled with woman. Half of a room actually, since the room was divided by a screen.

A girl walked up to me and threw her arms around me, I flinched, because she accidentally touched my face. "You will be my sister." She said. "I mean, I'm Lynn, Ben's sister." She clarified.

"Oh." I smiled at her. A woman came to stand beside her, and without warning she hugged me so tightly, I couldn't breathe. She kissed me on the cheeks three times and said "Benjamin chose well. You look like a princess already."

Why did I feel so nervous? Lynn winked at me. Benjamin quietly chuckled in my ear. They both seemed nice. They told me Ben had a penthouse in Boston, where he studied, but he came home every weekend to see his family. I always imagined him being a party hopper. This seemed out of character. Or wasn't he who I made him out to be?

The day went on and on with different rituals, ceremonies and meals. They covered my hands and feet with henna, we sang and danced. By the time evening fell, it was finally coming to an end. All the woman were covered again, except for me.

"Behind you." Ben whispered in my ear. And there he was. He looked incredible, I realized when all female heads were turned in awe .

He smiled my favorite crooked smile. Benjamin was wearing a white suit, and for once his hair was neatly done. We both laughed quietly.

I had never been so nervous in my life. I looked around the enormous room and started to panic. This was not how I imangined my life would be. Wife of a prince. A princess. How many wives would he take? Would he settle for just one? Did I want him to?

He took my hand and held me close to his chest. "How is your head?" He asked worried. "I'm fine." I said sourly.

"Are you ready?" He breathed.

My head exploded and I still had so many questions. What if he would ask me to marry Saphira? Could I stand by and watch them be in love?

"No." I said without thinking and abruptly ripped myself lose from his grip.

Benjamin stood there, for what seemed like the longest time, probably waiting for me to take back my words and come back into his arms.

I didn't.

Benjamin tried to turn around and walk away, but before he could, I grabbed his blouse out of; I don't know? Reflex maybe? And yanked him back.

The whole room roared in laughter. Now what, I thought. I bit my lip. "Don't go." I pleaded.

Benjamin frowned and smiled playfully.

"I need you." I admitted more to myself than to him. "I mean, I can't get married without a groom." I said knowing I sounded stupid. "Well then, let's go get married. Again.." His eyes widened.