Marriage invite from Etiénne Auguste de Monaire to Adelise Xarles de Castries
Greetings old friend,
It has been a while since I've seen you. Has being a Brigadier been so difficult that you haven't had the time to visit me here in the Palace? Well my sweet Adelise, I am formally inviting you and Elliot to my marriage with Appruvia's Princess, Elise Martha Millicent that will be held on the 20th. If you are worried about my freedom; do not fret! I assure you that this union has been my own decision. She is a very lovely lady who is earnest and naive at heart. I get this desire to protect her and just embrace her in my arms.... As a matter of fact, I am more concerned about your own thoughts... I do hope you can disregard the unfortunate events that have happened to your father as a result of the Appruvia - Eloiseed war. If you refuse to attend our wedding, I do understand but I welcome you with open arms to celebrate this day with us.
Your childhood friend and heir of the Kingdom,
Etiénne Auguste de Monaire.
Adelise Xarles de Castries Letter Response to Etiénne Auguste de Monaire
Salutations Mon'amie,
I am much elated for being remembered and invited to the day when you start a new life. Elliot is also really happy about it, he keeps saying things about finally being one with the nobles, with his same smug smile but yes, we will be attending your marriage. Do not worry about my state. Remember that I wasn't raised as a coward who is unable to face the reality of her hardships. Being a Brigadier has been extra work than just being your bodyguard, Dauphin but it will inevitably be rewarding. I will always live for Eloiseed, even if it causes suffering. I shall find time to visit you on the 18th.
Always and forever,
Adelise Xarles de Castries
Adelise Xarles de Castries Journal Entry
May 18 - This morning as I was eating the breakfast that Elliot has made me (memo: today the Crepe Suzette was better but it was a bit strong on the wine. ). He reminded me that I promised Sir Etiénne a visit in his palace. I haven't been there in a while due to work but I have finished my job earlier this week in preparation for this day. And so Elliot and I went to get Axel and Arestaea at approximately 7am to the palace. The ride to the palace was quite nostalgic. The same scent of morning dew was evident in the breeze, Elliot seemed to be enjoying the morning activity. We arrived at the palace on 8am. It took us an hour extra to wait for the young master to be completely awake, at that time Elliot and I were just lollygagging with Sir Etienne's Madame of Discipline, Helene Amia de Quenelle. She was as charming as I remembered her to be, as if she has never aged. Her hazel eyes still show the same joy and passion as they did when I last saw her. I was really curious about the young lady that my childhood friend was marrying and Madame Quenelle answered all of my questions generously. I do appreciate her efforts. At present, the Lady Elise is still in Appruvia and will arrive on the day of their wedding, until then I only have a vision of her in my imagination. When Sir Etiénne has awoken, he hugged Elliot and I tighter than he has ever done so before. He was also as energetic as ever but still as irresponsible. As I am writing this, he is dressing up in his dress robes. Hopefully he won't take long.
May 19 - Etiénne went our humble abode today, completely unannounced. Elliot was really delighted about the whole epiphany but frankly, I was a bit taken aback. I am not a morning person nor do I like surprises. The moment he barged into wasn't the best time as well. Elliot and I were having a gentle moment. I'm not completely certain about Etienne's awareness of our relationship but even if he wasn't, it was very much rude to barge in my bedroom without knocking.
Any road, other than that event unexpectedly happening, Sir Etiénne had asked us to gather the Royal Guard to protect his lady when she arrives. He's been worried for her well-being. As she is from a former kingdom that has been antagonizing our progression, she has to leave everything behind in Appruvia; including the name that she was given there.
"Oh, it is quite terrible! My beautiful Lady has a beautiful name honored by her gorgeous facade. Her eloquence alone is enough to honor anyone who shares her alibi but alas, it is my own grievous fault that she has to leave behind everything that she has ever known. My dear Elise, my lovely Elise, I am awfully sorry about the fate that you will be facing because of me! " He yelped with such admirable passion in his voice.
I didn't expect the Dauphin to be this emotionally invested nor be this dramatic but he is still the man who I serve. Roman God of War please give me strength to protect the lady that my master treasures. Hopefully, I would be able to connect with the young Lady that I'll be guarding tomorrow.
May 20 - Today is the day of the wedding ceremony. Elliot had woken me up earlier than usual so I could get my men to prepare. We gathered on 7am and as per usual, my men were ever so punctual and alert except for Antoine who arrived on 7:43am. (memo: Punish Antoine by having him run 10 laps around the Castries gardens) We waited for quite a while but still didn't stray from our formation. Though Elliot, as usual, just finds fun in teasing my men especially Antoine who was late. After a while of waiting, the Lady Elise Martha- now named Elizabeth Marie, arrived. The lady was wearing little to no clothing, only her linen which are barely covering her skin. At that moment, I saw what Sir Etiénne was talking about. Her whole situation looked upon in her point of view was so pitiful. The Lady is actually truly just a sacrifice to stop the war between our two kingdoms. She is lucky that the Dauphin loves her as much as he does. Though, I do question the whole ordeal. How does Sir Etiénne love the Lady this much when they've only recently met? Elliot and I may have started our romantic courtmanship at the age of fourteen which is significantly young by my standards but we've known each other since we were mere children. We've experienced happiness and hardships together in which we've already supported each other whole-heartedly. I am not implying a possible fact that Sir Etiénne's romantic feelings are bluff but rather, I am concerned about them learning new things about each other that may put a strain in their relationship.
Elliot and I rode inside the same carriage Lady Elizabeth was in whilst my men formed outside in defense. The Lady seemed fascinated about the sceneries that our kingdom beholds. Our kingdom is most notable for its illustrious architecture which challenge even most palaces of other kingdoms. I expected the Lady to be more dazed than she was but she was surprisingly calm about the whole situation. She didn't even show any forms of response to Elliot's teasing about me attracting not only men but also female individuals which is very insensitive if I may say so myself. She's literally getting married the moment we get to the palace and not only that, I'm his partner! Does he have so little faith in me to actually expect me to go to someone else. He doesn't understand the amount of feelings I harbor only for him.
"So, Madame Elizabeth... How are you finding Eloiseed? Are you liking the.... Buildings we have? " Was my terrible attempt in English so I could converse with the English princess. The Lady smiled kindly and tapped my shoulder.
"I am able to speak in French, it may not be as fluent as yours but I assure you I am able to understand what most people imply. "
I was shocked by this and impressed. Of course she was prepared. In fact, she speaks it better than I. I laughed awkwardly and nodded, completely unsure on how to respond.
"But indeed, the structures that this kingdom has is truly astonishing. I comprehend completely why Sir Etiénne adores this place with such passion." She responded to my question prior. I nodded and asked the first question that came in mind.
"Milady, are you completely certain about marrying the Dauphin? I heard about your situation and it almost sounds too pitiful... I would not hesitate to help you if you'd like to escape. It isn't right to marry someone who you do not lov-"
"But I do love him." She cuts me off. "I do love him. The moment when he regarded the lives of the peasants and have given me the chance of actually be free from the Millicent Palace, I knew that he was the one. I knew that I would happily devote my whole life for him. I knew that he was going to be mine. With just one touch I knew it would be fine. I'm so touched that out of all the people in the world, he's still mine. Everything in my life has been scripted but he's the best scene I've laid my eyes on."
When I heard this, I was shocked truly. It was all the same passion that I felt for Elliot, my Elliot. I realised that love may come in different ways but what we feel is always the same. Maybe they are like Elliot and I in the manner that both of our souls are the same and we synchronize in the way that no one else can understand. No one else can fill the gap that he leaves behind when he isn't with me. I can't imagine life without him, I truly do love him. I don't care if he's my servant. He's my servant and mine alone, and I am here to by his side as well. Oh dear Elliot, never leave my side. I cannot imagine anything without you.
I understand now what she meant and I felt her passion which caused me to cry. Elliot smiled at me and held me close as I cried into his chest. Thinking about it, hopefully the Lady Elizabeth didn't feel uncomfortable. I don't believe she did as she smiled and patted me on the back.
"What is Sir Etiénne to you, Brigadier Xarles de Castries?" Lady Elizabeth asked me. Her eyes were empty as if she had a grudge against me. I looked at Elliot at that moment and he simply shrugged and smirked at my direction. I rolled my eyes at him and faced the queen properly once more. I held her hands and looked at her directly in her emerald green eyes.
"Sir Etiénne is but my childhood friend, milady. I have been his bodyguard, confidant and of course, his friend and that is all he'll ever be for me. " I said in all seriousness.
The queen looked relieved and looked outside the carriage once more. Elliot gave me a thumbs up and I just smiled at him. It's hard having a really playful lover when you aren't feeling playful in any manner.
"Milady but please be assured that from now on I will be your bodyguard, confidant and most importantly, your friend from now on. I vow in the name of Castries." I announced with sincerity in my voice. The dauphine smiled at my answer and it made me feel warm inside– my lips curling up as well.
Elliot got closer to me and whispered in my ear: 'You're such a lady killer, I'm so lucky to have you darling. '
I hit him softly on his cheek and pushed him away. That wasn't the time for any form of flirting, we were at work. However the rest of the ride was dead silent. The dauphine would ask for some trivia about Eloiseed but our conversation would end there.
We arrived at the palace at exactly 9 AM and Madame Quenelle immediately took Lady Elizabeth with her— presumably to get her ready for her marriage. We were given free time to do anything before the marriage — Elliot and I, of course, visited Sir Etiénne.
The young master was scurrying around his room. He was wearing his crown (an item he dreads with pure passion) and the red robe kings usually wear. I admittedly almost shed a tear when I saw my childhood friend dressed like so. Elliot immediately approached him only to be attacked with a gigantic hug. I walked closer to them and Etiénne included me in the embrace.
The marriage was pretty standard but it was still close to my heart. The lady was beautiful and the dauphin looked determined. I was happy to witness the love of the two and hope on seeing a happier future for the both of them.
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