Sapphire

by Sarah Olson

"Yes," she replied, walking over to my wardrobe. "Some as early as an hour ago. The king and Lord Bateson have them entertained in the Great Hall."

  "And Thomas?" I asked, watching her rummage through my gowns inside the generous closet.

  "I’m not certain, Milady. I would assume he will be soon, though."

  "Good," I said with a smile.

  "What would you like to wear tonight?"

  I sat down on my bed, the soft covers and mattress sinking beneath me. "I’m not certain."

  "How about this one?" Lydia asked, freeing a dark burgundy gown from the multitude of dresses.

  "No, that’s too dark for a spring feast."

  "Of course, Milady. Forgive me."

  "What about the champagne colored one I just had made?" I said. "I haven’t had a chance to wear it."

  "Oh yes! That one is lovely!" She put the burgundy one back and pulled out the champagne one.

  It was sleeveless with a crystal-encrusted bodice and a large, silk ruffled skirt. Lydia laid the gown on the bed as I stripped out of my clothes. She pulled out a cream-colored corset and petticoat and helped me change into them as the ones I was currently wearing would not do for such a gown. I savored the few moments in between the corsets, my chest, grateful for the reprieve.

  "Here we go," Lydia said as she helped me step into the gown.

  I turned and admired the gown in the three-way mirror as she busied herself lacing up the back.

  "I think you should use a similar style for your wedding gown," Lydia said as she picked up my hairbrush from the intricately carved vanity. "It really brings out your figure."

  "You mean my bosom?" I laughed, looking at the way the bodice pressed into my breasts.

  "Milady!" Lydia exclaimed. "I meant no such thing. That is a modest neckline—especially if you compare it to the gowns your friend Catherine wears."

  I rolled my eyes and laughed. It was true. My dear friend Catherine Montgomery had a thing for low necklines and extra tight corsets—men fawned over her for it.

  Lydia brushed my blonde hair and pulled it up into a delicate bun. She powdered my face and painted my lips. When she finished and placed the diamond tiara on my head, I smiled at my reflection.

  "Thank you, Lydia," I said as a knock sounded at the door.

  Lydia smiled and went to open it.

  "Is she ready?" I heard my mother ask.

  "Yes, Your Grace," Lydia said.

  She opened the door wider, and my mother stepped in, the gently ruffled skirt of her elegant lavender gown swishing through the doorway.

  "My darling!" she exclaimed. "You look beautiful!"

  "You don’t think it’s too much?" I asked as she hugged me.

  "Of course not!" she exclaimed, her brilliant green eyes sparkling in the light from the glowing sapphire around her neck. "You look like a princess."

  I smiled. "Do you know if Thomas has arrived yet?"

  "He has," my mother said sweetly. "I told him to come up here in a few minutes to fetch you. Your father and I would like you two to enter together."

  "Of course." I looked back in the mirror, once more making sure that I looked perfect.

  "Are you nervous?" my mother asked.

  "Not very," I said. "I’ll probably be more nervous the day before the wedding."

  "I know how that is," she said, looking into the mirror and pushing a stubborn golden-brown hair back into place. "Thomas is a wonderful man."

  "As you’ve said from the day I met him," I laughed. Thomas had charmed her from the beginning.

  She rolled her eyes.

  "But yes, he is wonderful," I agreed. "And I love him very much."

  "Good. James keeps asking me if you really do love him. I don’t think he likes the idea of giving up his little girl."

  "Father would keep me from growing up if he could," I said. "But I am happy and want to marry Thomas—I’ve told him many times."

  "I know," my mother said. "But you know how he is."

  "Milady," Lydia said. "Lord Thomas is here."

  My mother turned from the mirror. "That is my cue. I will see you in the Great Hall." She walked over to the door, greeted Thomas and then disappeared down the hall.

  "Thomas," I said as he strolled in, "you look dashing."

  "Why, thank you, Milady," he said with a bow. He was as handsome as always with his combed, dark brown hair and fine doublet. His gray eyes sparkled in the candlelight as he took me in with them. "And may I say that you are absolutely stunning."

  "Thank you," I said, a blush finding its way to my cheeks.

  He stepped closer and gave me a gentle kiss; his lips sending a warm tingle down my spine. "Are you ready?" he whispered.

  I nodded. "Nothing to it, right?"

  Thomas offered me his arm. "Not at all."

  I took his arm, and he led me out of the room and down to the Great Hall. The sound of the merrymaking guests reached my ears through the thick double doors. Guards hauled them open as we neared them, and a herald announced our arrival.

  "Ladies and gentleman," he called out. "Princess Aria of Asteria and Lord Thomas Windsor of Maplewood Forest."

  Acknowledgements

  Thank you, God, for all you have done for me. I could not have done any of this without you.

  A special thank you to my family for all their love and encouragement. Mom and Dad, thank you for believing in me and helping make this dream a reality. I love you very much. Thank you to my wonderful sister Anna for her great suggestions and photography skills; to my awesome brother Erik; to my incredible Abuela, to my Aunt Kirsten for her support; and to my almost sister Victoria for her enthusiasm for this novel and its characters.

  Thank you to everyone at Christopher Matthews Publishing and Soul Fire Press for believing in this novel. I appreciate your hard work and for making all of this possible.

  To all my friends who have read the early drafts and gave me fantastic feedback, I am extremely grateful. Thank you to Lynn MacKinnon for all your editing; to Ireney, Helena and Aubrey for putting up with me all those times I wanted to discuss my book; and to Lauren Fusilier for all your guidance and feedback as I began the long process of querying and rewriting. I am beyond indebted to all of you.

  With love,

  Sarah

  About the Author

  Sarah Fay Olson began writing her debut novel Sapphire during her senior year in high school. She enjoys reading young and new adult books that are full of adventure, fantasy, and romance. When she is not reading or writing, Sarah enjoys hiking, playing the violin, and watching movies. Sarah has a bachelor’s in psychology from Florida State University and a master’s in counselor education from the Universty of Montana. She resides in the beautiful state of Montana.