Chapter 13
THE EARLY MORNING SUN CAST A BEAUTIFUL GLOW IN TO THE ROOM, rousing Kezia's up from her sleep. She use her hand to stifle the yawn about to escape, causing the sun rays to sparkle on her ring. It's the D-Day, her wedding day. Her heart pound nervously, she's really getting married to a man of her dreams. A dream she never thought could be real. The truth is, she's in love with Henry already, but he does not feel that way about her. Everything is because of the baby they are expecting. Kezia cup her belly, a baby that her family is not even aware of.
"I'm doing the right thing?" She mutters to herself. Doubt hitting her, as she draw herself to a sitting position. The gentle knock on her door, caused her to quickly plaster on a smile, "yes come in." Her mother and Sister enters smiling from ear to ear.
"Good morning darling, it's your wedding day" Eunice said with glee, sitting down on the bed.
"Good morning mum" chuckling. It's hard not to be happy around her mother, she's always bubbly.
"Come on Kez, the stylists are set and waiting for you. It's a royal wedding!" Eliza gushed.
"Wow, let me freshen up then. Tell them I will be out in a bit. Pushing Eliza out, she waited for her to leave before drawing her mother in for a hug.
"It's alright darling. You will be fine. I'm so happy". Eunice whispers, tears streaming down.
"Mum am I making the right choice?" Kezia croaks.
Eunice drawback, cradling Kezia's chin in her hands. "Oh baby it's normal to have cold feet, but I want to ask you one important question, do you love him?"
"Yes, mother with all my heart, I didn't even realize I love him this much, but I'm not sure he loves me"
"Sweetheart listen I know that man feels something for you, he may not know it yet but I saw something in his eyes the day he proposed to you. He's a good man, your father will not agree if we don't think he can take of you. Trust your instincts, everything will be fine"
"Mum I'm pregnant"
"I know darling." Giving her a knowing smile.
"You do? How?" Kezia was baffled.
"I'm your mother, I know. I figured you are not ready to share it with me and since you are getting married, you will tell me sooner than later. Your father didn't know though, so let's keep it that way for now"
"Oh mum, I'm sorry I was just not sure." Tears brimming in her eyes.
"It's alright my baby, I'm sure you will be a wonderful mother. Have you registered to a hospital? So they can recommend the vitamins you will be taking and all,"
"Not yet mum. I will do that after the wedding, but the royal physician has attended to me."
"It's alright then. Now freshen up and let's get moving"
"Thanks mum. I love you" hugging her mother.
*********
The stylists were ushered into her room and they set to work. Kezia had never felt so pampered like that before. By the time they were done she felt like a princess. Her skin was glowing with radiance, her hair had been styled into an elaborate chignon with tiny little plaits that all led to the crown of her head. And yes, there was a crown, she could not believe her eyes when it was placed on her head. A glance at the mirror shows her how beautiful she looks in the bridal gown. Even her mother shed a year or two at the sight of her.
It was a simple, yet classy wedding. Strictly by invite for anyone who is not family to witness the celebration of the union. It was an outdoor ceremony, the wedding planner really outdone herself. Any doubt Kezia may be harboring left her the moment she walked down the aisle to Henry, who was looking dashing in his bespoke black suit. Liam and Sean were his groomsmen, while Leo was his best man. Little William was the ring bearer; Eliza was the maid of honor. Lola and Naomi were the bridesmaids. White roses fills the aisle to the gazebo, which was covered in white linen. Kezia could not believe this is her life, her father handed her over Henry who mutters his thanks.
"You are a true vision" he mutters, taking her in, in the beautiful cream ball gown she wore. It was a princess style design with a neckline that deep down a little, showing off a tantalizing glimpse of her cleavage.
"Thank you" she whispers, biting her lips under the veil.
The vow and rings were exchange and the couple kissed as the presiding priest declares them married amidst cheers and clapping of the guests. The reception kicks off immediately, food and drinks were in abundance. The King gave a strict instruction to the security details, to allow all the staffs to come as well.
The dance floor was opened by the couple before others joined as well. Laughter fills the air, Kezia could not recall being so happy. She danced with the King before he retires into his chamber to rest after the day's excitement. He gifts the couple a trip to Dubai for their honeymoon; he also bought a Car for the bride.
"Excuse me. Can I dance with our new wife?" Leo declares, wicked grin teasing his lips.
"You are not serious" Henry chuckles, stepping back to allow him. "I will be back, so behave yourself" sauntering to the buffet table.
Kezia smiled demurely at Leo, this is the first time they will be this close to each other.
"You look beautiful by the way"
"Thank you, your highness" Kezia replies.
"Please Just Leo we are now family. Only my admirers calls me Prince Leo" he teased, causing Kezia to laugh. "Speaking of admirers, what's up with your friend?"
"What do you mean?" Frowning.
"I mean she is acting a bit snobby with me, but all up in Sean's space. What's up with that?" Nodding his head in Naomi's direction, who is dancing with Sean and laughing at whatever he's telling her.
"Really? I didn't notice, but why are you asking? I mean do you like her or something?" She ask with innocence, but deep inside she's shaking with laughter. It seems her new brother in law likes her friend or something. Well this should be fun to watch seeing that Naomi's eyes is on Sean.
"No reason I just thought she was acting a bit stiff around me. Anyways let's forget about that, your husband is coming over. Welcome to the family" releasing her for Henry, "Oh before I forget, if this man right here is acting weird with you let me know, I will school him on how to treat a lady"
"Yes right" Henry snares, holding Kezia close to his side, "As if I will allow you 'The Playboy Prince' close to my wife"
"Whatever" Leo called over his shoulder, leaving the couple alone.
"How are you?" Henry ask, peering down at her.
"I'm fine. It's just so much to take in. The King gave me a Car! Thank you for everything. It is a beautiful wedding"
"It's fine besides you don't need to thank me. My father always like to show off" Henry chuckles.
"Well about the honeymoon. I thought we are not going on one?"
"Does it matter? We are going on one now" he shrug. Truthfully, he did not make any plans for one, but his father is at his manipulative act again, so why not roll with it. "Let's get out of here, you need to rest your feet, and besides we will soon leave." Drawing her away from the dance floor, not waiting for her response.
THE BELL BOY BROUGHT IN THEIR LUGGAGE INTO THE HONEYMOON SUITE. The King planned for their honeymoon to the last tiny detail. He had booked the honeymoon suite for them in the Burj Al Arab Luxury hotel in Dubai. It's obvious that Henry is not a first time visitor in the hotel with the way the staffs were greeting him.
Henry thank the bell boy and tip him as well, closing the door of the suite silently. He strolled to the center of their room, looking at Kezia with amusement. She was busy soaking in the beauty and luxury of the suite. It's a big room; the bespoke bed was set against a stained-walnut panels and dressed in a blanket and bed linens. Two lamps were on each sides of the bed with a flower vase beside them. A single brown leather reclining chair was opposite it, facing the full wall of window, the cream colored drapes were pulled apart showing the breath taking skyline view in the backdrop. She was busy moving from one end of the room to the other, she gasp when she saw the bathroom.
"Wow this place is far more beautiful than what people say, I must thank the King again for this lovely gesture" she whispers in awe of the view.
"I'm sure he will be delighted to hear from you, his ego is big enough as it is" Henry chuckles causing Kezia to smile as well.
"Settle in, while I make arrangements for our dinner to be sent up, unless you want to eat out?"
"No. Order in please. I'm too tired to go anywhere"
"Alright"
Kezia arranged her stuffs in the closet, new designer dresses and shoes that Henry bought for her. She toed off her shoes, moaning with pleasure as her feet sink into the soft rug.
A knock sounded, and Henry went to open the door, leading the young man wheeling their food in. Henry slid the glass door open, bringing them to a portico area. A table with two chairs were in place there. The young man set up their dinner there, lighting two candles on the table, and with a bottle of fruit wine in place.
"Wow I did not notice that side of the suite" Kezia mutters, jaw hanging open at the sight before her. It's a romantic dinner for two under the stars.
"I thought it will be nice to do this for us, since we are staying in and it's our first night" Henry shrug at the look on Kezia's face.
"Thank you." She draw out, short of words. It's been one excitement after another for her, she couldn't keep up. Kezia didn't know they will fly out to Dubai immediately, nor will she have a luxury Car. It must be the pregnancy playing with her hormone or something because she didn't realize when tears streamed down her eyes. She will cherish today forever.
"Hey why are you crying?" Concern lacing his words, drawing her into his arms.
"I'm sorry" she sniffs, "just overwhelmed, it's must be my hormones or something don't mind me"
Henry draw out a chair for her, taking the other opposite her while the young man wait on them, serving them.