Finally the day had come.
The weather wasn't perfect -- overcast and a little chilly, with a fresh coating of wet slushy overnight snow -- but that was to be expected more than a mile above sea level.
The Vanderburg royal chapel had been beautifully decorated with imported flowers and an arch at the front.
Princess Anastasia, youngest of Queen Catarina's four children, sat in the chapel, wearing her designer wedding gown, alone with her thoughts on what would be the biggest day of her life. It was a day even she hadn't fully prepared for, hadn't fully expected, hadn't even completely wanted. And yet, she was here, as a blushing bride. No, she hadn't been sold in marriage to the highest bidder, or sent off to some distant shore to marry someone she hardly knew, as some of her ancestors had. She had too much pride for that. She was doing this on her own terms, with a groom of not only her own choosing, but her own creation, fashioned from her own mind.
She was interrupted in her reverie by the one person who, other than her fiancé, knew her better than anyone. Though fraternal twins, and though they grew up to be very different women living very different lives, one thing that remained constant was their bond.
"Ana."
Anastasia turned around. She recognized that low, Dutch-accented Simlish anywhere. It was Alexandra. And she was grinning.
"Welp, today's the day."
Anastasia sighed. "I guess so."
"Whaddya mean you 'guess' so? Don't tell me you're nervous."
"What if I mess up? Trip over my dress?"
"Ana, come on. You're going to do fine. This place looks great. And you -- you look fantastic. As always."
"Have to say, Alex, that haircut really does suit you."
"It does, doesn't it? Mom's going to go ape over it when she sees it today."
After Anastasia posed for obligatory photos for the gossip rags, it was time for the ceremony to begin.
Guests took their time filing in.
Prince Renauld escorted his daughters down the aisle, with Alexandra on one arm and Anastasia on the other, and then he then handed Anastasia off to her waiting groom, Lucian. There was no sign of his wife, Queen Catarina, at the ceremony.
"With this ring, I thee wed," Lucian mouthed as he slipped a band on Anastasia's finger. Anastasia did likewise as she slipped an identical band on Lucian's finger.
"You may now kiss the bride." When the couple kissed, the chapel erupted in joyous cheers.
It was quite possible the two happiest people in the room were standing side by side.
Oh, and the royal butler. (Max Skills now works for Crown Prince Sebastian)
Later, Anastasia called everyone into the royal ballroom to cut the cake.
Who would appear then but the Queen herself, who missed her daughter's wedding ceremony? The longtime monarch was all smiles as she exchanged pleasantries with the gathered guests. However, the iciness between the bride and her mother was palpable. Anastasia didn't even afford the Queen as much as a glance.
The wedding was beautiful!
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