*Alexia*

"Stop fidgeting," I tell Eva for at least the umpteenth time. "You got this. Just wait and see you're going to blow these Plutonian subjects away with all your grace and beauty. You definitely look like a true, princess, a true queen. So magnificent. Kent won't know what hit him when he lays his eyes on you today."

Her eyes are wide in fright. "Today. Alexia, I am being crowned today and by tonight I'm going to be married to Kent. Catch me, I think I'm going to pass out."

I quickly grab onto her biceps, holding her up. "Please don't faint on me. I don't know what I'll do if you do." I help her sit down on the sofa, taking the seat beside her. "I was also very nervous on my wedding day. Yeah, Ricky and I were pretty much already married, traveling the world together. But with him slipping a wedding band onto my finger— that was tying the knot. That was bonding us together forever. And I couldn't be happier with where my life is now."

She looks at me, her wild eyes still displaying how afraid she is. "But what about me becoming royalty? I'm no princess, Alexia. You are the princess. This is your role, not mine."

I place my hand above hers and give it a little, encouraging squeeze. "Kent chose you. I chose Ricky. Yeah, I know it's pretty funny with these reversed roles. You marrying a prince, me marrying a royal guard. But look, we did it. You're doing it. And you're going to be great. It's also not like it's so foreign to you. You were raised in the palace. You were raised among royalty. You practically are royalty."

"But what if they don't like me?" She whispers.

"That's out of the question." I begin. "You are one of the most loving people that I know. Eva, they are going to adore you. Just wait and see. Pluto couldn't be more lucky to have you sitting beside their king."

"Oh, Alexia." Her arms wrap around me, in a bone-crushing hug and I begin to fear that she might squash my baby. "I love you so, so, so much. I don't know what I'll do without you."

"Don't worry," I say, fixing up a loose curl that broke free from her up-do. "I'm not going anywhere. Remember, I'm only just one compact mirror call away."

She smiles at that. "I'll be calling you every single day then."

"Not if I call you first," I smirk and we both laugh, happy tears rolling down our cheeks. "No crying. We're going to ruin our make-up!"

"Sorry," Eva sniffs, "Your make-up still looks good to me."

"But yours is a little ruined. Nothing that I can't fix though." I take my scarlet red handkerchief, the one my dressmaker insisted I carried around to go with my ruby studded gown, and dab at the makeup that smudged underneath her eyes. "Perfect." I smile. "And as pretty as a princess."

"Thanks," she says. "You truly are the best."

My heart once again overflows with love. "I know." I'm then taking her hands in mine, pulling us both up off the sofa. "Now, why don't we head to the throne room. Can't keep them waiting much longer for us."

"Ok." Her voice comes out in a squeak and I notice that she's shaking like a leaf.

"Stop with the trembling. And keep your shoulders back and your back straight as a rod. Head held high," I instruct.

With a brave smile, she does just as I say, "Good." I give her a smile of my own. "Now, off we go. You got this."

I loop my arm through hers and side by side like sisters, we head towards the throne room.

***

*Eva*

All eyes are on me, as I walk into the large room. I try to remain focused and keep my eyes on the chair that is set for me on a pedestal. I keep my head tall as I breathe and put one foot in front of the other.

Waiting on either side of the chair are Kent and the king. There is also a minister who is carrying a scroll and a jewel-encrusted crown that is tailored for me.

Kent flashes me a reassuring smile as I sit down as properly as I can.

"We are gathered here to accept Miss Eva Hall as a member of the royal family. But first, she must complete the oaths by repeating that which I say." The minister opens the scroll he is holding, clears his throat, and says, "You must promise to be loyal to Pluto foremostly and to protect its citizens as your utmost responsibility. To be there in Pluto's time of need. There are many responsibilities and I need you to take them upon your shoulders and to be the queen that Pluto requires. "

"I promise all those things," I state, and I'm thankful my voice doesn't quiver as I repeat that which I am requested to.

"Then let us all welcome our new to-be queen," the minister announces as he places the crown on my head. It fits perfectly and the weight of it is strangely comforting.

I smile at everyone as Kent steps forward and holds onto my arm. Everyone cheers as we walk gracefully together out of the room.

"I'll see you at the altar." Kent smiles at me then heads into the room across the hall where everything is set up for the wedding ceremony. Alexia joins me as we watch everyone stream out and into the next room. Many people stop to wish me well and to say how excited they are.

My heart swells happily.

But I am nervous all over again when it's time to walk down the aisle. My legs feel like jelly and I play with the edge of my veil.

"It's time," King Cingston grabs hold of my arm and Alexia grabs hold of the other. I tear up a little. They are my family and I am so thankful they can be here to hold me steady on this day.

I take comfort and strength in the presence of the people I love as the doors open and I take the first step onto the flower-strewn path.

I look up and into Kent's eyes. I can tell he is crying, and I try to hold back my own tears. One of us has to be strong.

"You look absolutely gorgeous," Kent whispers in my ear and I blush.

Then we complete our vows and Kent dips me, ending with a sweet kiss.

I look out to the crowd. So many smiling faces and some with wet cheeks.

"We invite you to the ballroom to dance. The new royal couple will of course begin, and after the first song concludes you all are welcome to join," one of the staff members announces.

Kent takes my hand in his and leads me to the ballroom, everyone else falling behind.

The band begins to play, and Kent pulls me close as we start to dance. I try not to focus on all the watching eyes and instead on the man before me.

"How is my wonderful wife doing on this fine day?"

I wonder how long it will take for me to get used to hearing that. "She is well. And how is my fantastic husband doing on this fine day?"

He just smiles and twirls me around.

Then the song ends, and everyone is invited to dance. I feel my smile spreading wider and wider as my eyes travel around the room. Alexia, Ricky, King Cingston, Beatrice, Milo.

We all dance for a while and I'm happy when one of the servers invites everyone to go outside where dinner will be served. Kent and I are led to a special table that stands above the rest.

My mouth waters as they present us with delicious-looking foods, in exact alignment with the menu request.

Many well-wishers come to our table to share a few words over the course of the meal. One man was a little rude but everyone else was quite kind.

After the dinner portion is over, two men wheel our wedding cake over a patch of roses, which causes me to cringe, and directly in front of Kent and I. Kent takes the cake knife from one of the men. He hands it to me then places his hand on top of mine, so we slice it together. Before I cut it, though, I admire the five-tier cake that is topped with two interlocking crowns. The cake is composed of some vanilla layers, and some red velvet. It is decorated with candy pearls and piping designs.

The photographer snaps away.

***

The rest of the wedding speeds by and Kent and I are escorted into a horse and carriage- yes we went old-fashioned- that will take us to our honeymoon destination. I don't know where it is, but it's sure to be an adventure.

With his hand clutched tightly in my own, we turn to wave at the crowd one last time. Then the coach driver swings open the door and we climb inside.

I don't know what the future holds. None of us do. All I know is that wherever anyone ends up, the distance will never be wide enough to separate a loved one from another. Besides, one day Alexia will rule on a planet not far from mine. I hold to the hope of the future and happiness of the present moment as I place my head on my husband's shoulder.

Hope, what a powerful emotion.