Rebirth (A Remington Leith AU)

Chapter 24

After spending a day with Remington's family and learning more about them, I felt like I was home and truly belonged. Sebastian told me about his life ruling his own kingdom and how it still baffled him that he's actually capable of being a king. I asked about his wife who I would have expected to come with him to his mother's birthday ball, and he told me that his wife, Queen Esme, decided not to come for she felt like she would get in the way and has her own matters to attend to in the meantime. I apologized that she couldn't come and he told me, "No, it's perfectly fine. This usually happens so I wouldn't expect her to act any different." I was confused when he said that, and Remington confided in me that Sebastian was one of the unlucky ones to be married to someone for business yet they don't really love each other, but he does his best to be fair and continue to work hard as king. Emerson told me he's lived among many memorable commoners after renouncing his title as prince and he understands my fear to the new life I've been pushed into. He told me about his travels and art and how his enlightenment has inspired him to be more than just a person living on Earth.

Remington's family were so interesting and welcoming, I guess I didn't expect certain royal figures to actually be nice and selfless. I did have a feeling, however, that Remington's family must be as kind and caring as he is. I'm happy I get to be a part of this family, and that I know I could never be alone in this new life. The birthday ball for Queen Stephanie would be commencing in a few hours yet would expect more guests to arrive soon just in time for the festivities. Stephanie had instructed her maids to help dress me for the ball and I was given a wide range of dresses to wear for tonight. I chose this beautiful pink dress with floral designs on it, and I was given a matching crown to wear in my hair. I viewed myself in the mirror and stared in awe of the person standing in it before me. I know it's been a couple of months since I became a princess and I was initially self-conscious about the sudden transformation, but I was slowly begin to accept myself as this beautiful and kindhearted princess who wishes nothing but the best for everyone around her and is truly in love with her betrothed prince who happens to purely love her back.

The ball was about to start and I wandered through the halls of the castle to find Remington in a room getting dressed with his brothers. I hid by the door after I realized they were talking about me as Emerson expressed, "...She's a really sweet girl, that Lulu. I feel bad, however, that her life just shifted overnight and she couldn't prepare herself emotionally. She must have been so frightened at the beginning of it all." Remington let out a sad sigh as he responded, "Yes, I know what you mean. I tried my absolute best to be kind and welcoming even if she didn't seem to trust me at first. I didn't know what her life was like before we met, so I couldn't force her to change herself for the sake of our kingdoms." Sebastian commented, "She's lucky to have you, Remington. Not many men in your position would go so far for their promised", Remington added with a soft yet firm tone, "Well, I mean how else should I explain it? I don't care what anybody says, she's my wife and if it ever comes down to it, I'd give my life for her so she'd be happy."

His words shot an arrow to my heart and touched my soul as I walked away before I felt tears streaming down my face, overwhelmed to realize Remington's love for me was greater than I realized. He'd give his life to make me happy? Why does that make me both happy and sad? I was grateful to think Remington valued my life more than his, but at this point, I can't imagine my life if he isn't there to be with me and make me feel happy. After I waited a couple of minutes wiping my tears away, I proceeded to head downstairs where the ball was about to start. I spotted Remington waiting for me at the end of the staircase and his expression as he viewed me in the outfit I was wearing was enough to make me blush. I walked down the steps slowly so Remington could keep looking at me and admiring my figure. As we finally stood in front of each other, his eyes scanned me from head to toe and then his eyes met mine, he held his hand out for me to take and he exclaimed in appreciation, "You look absolutely gorgeous, my princess."

I beamed as I took his hand and he led me to the ballroom where it was already lively with music playing and people dancing. He brought us over to the middle of the dance floor and pulled me close before he started dancing with me. The music was so grand and the scenery around felt so majestic, I felt like we were dancing in the Heavens. And even though there were so many people around us, as I focused on this moment with Remington, he made me feel like it was just us dancing alone. "We're doing it, Lulu", he whispered in my ear as we danced closer to each other, I asked confused, "What do you mean?" He chuckled in my ear, his voice sending shivers as he clarified, "We're dancing with each other, meaning you really do trust me with all your being. I'm happy my patience paid off to see you this happy and content with me." I smiled at him and pulled him in for a quick kiss, the action catching him off-guard as he face reddened when I pulled away. We laughed as we continued to dance together in living harmony.