Chapter 269: Anxious Bride

Once Marie and Eva finished washing her, they helped her step out of the bathtub. They dried her body first before adding another layer of sweet ointment on her skin. Eva passed a bathrobe to Marie as she heard her say, "Eva, do check if everything is ready outside."

Eva nodded and left while Marie helped Seren put on the bathrobe. As she did so, she spoke in a tone like that of an elder sister, "Your Majesty, I understand why you are so anxious. But trust me, you don't need to."

Seren finally looked at Marie who offered her a gentle smile. "Your Majesty, just remember His Majesty cares for you. He will be good to you."

Seren finally said something. "I understand." After a while, she added softly, "Thank you."

There was no one else with who Seren could share what she was thinking. Despite her not saying anything, Marie could understand her deepest worries. 

The older woman smiled again. "It is my pleasure and honor to help you, Your Majesty."

On their wedding day, other girls would have at least an older woman in her family to guide and comfort the bride, but this bride had no one. First, she was a foreign princess who had no family or friends around, and due to the fact that she was now the queen, she had to be distant from others around her, be they other royals or noblewomen. It went without saying how her servants treat her. It was a relief that with Marie, things were different. 

"Shall we start getting dressed, Your Majesty?" Marie asked. 

Seren was ushered next towards the wardrobe room where everything she would be wearing—from her ceremonial crimson wedding gown to the assortment of jewelry and hair ornaments, to the delicate pair of shoes—were placed neatly, just waiting for the bride to put them on. Lady Xena and the other ladies-in-waiting were dressed fashionably as well, as they would be witnessing the wedding ceremony as well. Despite the obvious exhaustion on their faces, showing they had been awake for hours already, they smiled brightly as they started to ready their queen for her important day. 

Time seemed to be suspended inside the side chamber as Seren surrendered herself to the hands of the ladies. Her nervousness was somehow lessened hearing their voices as they gossiped about the excitement of the people about the royal wedding, as well as some stories about the guests who had entered the palace last night.

While the ladies could help her dress and do her hair, they could never help Seren to put on makeup on her face due to the veil, which some of them found a pity. Today, on this special day, they could only settle on putting little makeup on her already mesmerizing purple eyes. Truth to be told, it was obvious on what little skin was visible—her forehead, temples, and areas around her eyes—that Seren's skin was fair and delicate. One could see this young woman needed no makeup on her lustrous skin. Some of them were even thinking that if the veil were to be removed, their Queen Seren must be the prettiest woman in all the kingdom. However, they kept those thoughts to themselves. No one asked Seren to remove her veil and merely continued their job. 

"Your Majesty, you look lovely!" The ladies cheered after fitting Seren into her bridal gown.

Under their expert touch, Seren found a lovely bride staring at herself in front of a full-length mirror. The ceremonial wedding gown was a bright crimson brocade gown with golden motifs on its linings. Her slender body was framed by a tight bodice, yet it also enhanced her womanly figure with its sweet neckline, floor-length skirt, and puffed bell sleeves. The inner gown was a sheer white garment enveloped by a rich red fabric, where a cape of similar design was delicately attached to her shoulders. 

Her long red hair was now parted in the middle and loosely braided behind her back, and multiple golden accessories were attached to it, exuding regal elegance. Even her jewelry was made to bring out the red in her hair, and the large fiery red jewels shimmered against her white skin. 

Though her appearance was not as flamboyant and luxurious as the one she had back on her wedding day in Abetha, Seren found this image of a graceful bride in gold and red much to her liking. It caused a small smile to appear under her veil. Sadly, it was a scene no one could see.

As she stepped out of her chamber, she found that there was a morning meal arranged for her before she left for the throne room, where the wedding ceremony would be taking place. Seren sat down with the intention to eat, but she could only stare at the food on the table. She didn't feel like eating anything and felt full already with all the anxiety she was feeling. 

Before leaving Seren to have her meal on her own, Lady Tyra noticed her situation. "Your Majesty, please eat something. This day will be hectic and tiring, and breakfast might even be the only chance for you to eat a full course meal for the day. I believe Your Majesty won't want to feel weak, or worse, faint in front of many people."

Seren nodded slightly and Lady Tyra left along with others. Seren decided to follow what Lady Tyra said. She didn't wish to be a reason for the inconvenience as she knew her body was not strong in the first place, and it probably would be even weaker in the cold weather of Megaris. She removed her veil, taking a deep breath as she stared at the food. 

'I really can't eat. I think if I eat, it will make me feel sick.'

She chose to have soup. At the very least, she needed something to warm her tummy. However, even with soup, she only had a few spoonfuls which she forced herself to swallow with much effort. She realized, whatever she tried, she could not eat more and decided to stop. 

Once she stepped out of the dining room, none of the ladies commented about her nearly untouched meal. Seren was directed to the drawing-room to wait and leave with the king on the royal carriage.