One Choice (15 page)

****

Cahri's return to the sitting room was done with haste because the conversation with the queen had taken longer than expected. When she entered, Anaya and another woman waited.

“There you are. Mother kept you far too long. We must hurry. Sit. This is Ella.”

Cahri obeyed.

Anaya removed Cahri's hat and undid the loose bun. While Anaya brushed her hair, Ella took off her shoes. A puppet had more control over its movements than she did at that moment.

Anaya led her to a bathtub scented with the same fragrance she used every other time Cahri was to be in the prince's presence. His favorite. “In you go. We have to make it quick tonight, but you must be clean and smell nice.”

After Cahri dried off and put on a plush bathrobe, she sat on the same stool as before. Ella again went for her feet. Cahri was confused.

Anaya must have noticed because she said, “Ella is going to paint your toenails first and then your fingernails. You must be presentable to the prince from head to toe.” She chuckled at Cahri's blush.

“Anaya, if you are here, who is with the prince? He is being cared for, right?” She started to stand, but Anaya stopped her with a touch.

“Relax, Cahri. We would not leave him alone, although he is a big boy and can call for help if he needs it. Matthias and my father are helping him prepare for your wedding.”

Cahri took a deep breath. “Is this the right thing to do?”

Ella glanced up with a startled expression but said nothing. There must have been some silent communication from Anaya because Ella returned to the adorning of Cahri's toes.

Anaya moved around beside Cahri and gazed at her, a curious expression on her face. “Cahri, why do you doubt God's wisdom? You know the Scriptures, yet you still don't believe God is trustworthy and always has what's best in mind for you.

“You remember the verse in Romans where it says, ‘And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to
His
purpose.' I know you love God, even if you are upset with him right now. Think about this, you are here for a purpose, for a reason.” Anaya's eyes closed for a moment, as though she prayed.

“Josiah has chosen you. And yes, he did choose you. Long before the accident we knew who his choice was going to be. Your willingness to come and be his servant without a commitment for the future helped my father agree to it. Believe and trust in God again, Chosen One, for now you
are
the chosen one.” Anaya paused, pressing a hand to Cahri's shoulder.

“Soon you will be my sister. Now stop your fretting, pray for the peace of God, after you forgive Him for the wrong you perceive He did to you. Remember,
all
things, not just some things, but all things work together for our good because we love God.” With a squeeze, Anaya released her and went back to working with her hair.

Conviction stirred Cahri's heart. She closed her eyes and ignored all the activities happening around and to her. She prayed and opened her heart to God for the first time in more than three years. She asked for forgiveness for forgetting her first love, Jesus. She spent many minutes on her spiritual knees before her heavenly Father having the discussion with Him she should have had the day she found out her parents were dead. She had wasted all those years and asked for forgiveness for that as well. Tears streamed down her face. At first they were tears of surrender and thankfulness for being forgiven and then they were tears of the joy and peace only the Father in heaven could give.

When she opened her eyes again, Ella had left. Anaya stood with her eyes closed. Cahri took a deep, cleansing breath and rose from the chair and went to see the clothes laid out on the back of the couch. She found a simple white silk gown trimmed with light green embroidery. The cocktail hat was also white silk, but covered with a green lace matching the stitching on the gown. White netting cascaded down the front and sides. She touched the outfit, in awe of its simplicity, beauty, and elegance.

She put it on with Anaya's help and gaped at herself in the mirror of the adjoining bathroom.

I feel like a bride.

Though not the wedding gown of her little girl dreams, it made her feel special, as though it had been made just for her. It combined the style of Belikara with a few American traditions.

“I knew Josiah had good taste, but this is perfect for you,” Anaya commented for the first time.

“Josiah?”

“Yes. He had this made for
you
last week. I told you we knew even before the accident. He felt the Lord told him to have it made before the Bridal March ended. I am so glad he did. You are beautiful.” She paused, but then seemed to come to herself. “Come. It is time.”

Cahri hesitated. “I'm nervous, Anaya.”

****

Less than fifteen minutes after walking into the room, Cahri was a princess and wife to an obstinate and exhausted man. The minister, Anaya, and the king and queen hugged and congratulated them and then left.

“Leave us,” Josiah instructed Matthias, who regarded him with a frown on his face. Though the prince sat, his lips were pale, and sweat beaded on his forehead.

“Wait.” The word slipped out before she could think about what she was doing. Her new husband glared at her.

She kneeled before him, praying she wouldn't anger him again. “You are exhausted and need to be in bed. I am not strong enough to get you there on my own without hurting you more in the process. Please, my prince, allow Matthias to help you.”

He glared down at her at first, but then his countenance changed. He reached out and caressed her cheek. “As you wish.”

Matthias lifted him from the chair as if he were a fragile child and placed him on the bed.

“Thank you, Matthias. You may go. I'll call if he needs anything.”

The prince grumbled at Cahri's words, but said nothing she understood. His patience wore thin with her. She would have to placate him in some way.

After Matthias left, she asked, “Would you like some pain medicine?” The pain, evident on his face, made her heart ache.

“No, I want to be awake for a while longer. We must talk. I will deal with the pain.”

“For now,” she said. “How about something to eat or drink?”

“Stop it, Cahri! I am not a child, nor am I incapable of speech. I will ask if I want something.” His voice sounded rough. She wasn't sure if it was because of pain or anger.

She took a step back, lowered her gaze, and waited in silence. This was not how she'd pictured the first few minutes of her life as a wife, even when she'd known she would belong to Josiah. He'd been nicer when she'd been a servant. A single tear slid down her cheek.

“Remove your hat.” His gruff words startled her.

“But… but…” She hesitated, knowing someone could come in at any time.

“Will you defy my instructions again, Cahri?”

“No, my prince.” She took out the pins holding the hat in place. Not sure what he wanted, she held it in her trembling hands.

She didn't look at him because she didn't want to find disappointment in his eyes. Already she'd failed, and she'd only been his wife for five minutes.

“Undo your hair. I want to see it loose.” The velvety voice returned and soothed her nerves.

She did as he asked, laying aside the hat and undoing the bun. Her hair fell into soft waves down to her waist.

“Come here.” His gentle voice pulled her more than his words.

She inched closer. He had been so angry just a moment ago. Would he hurt her in his anger?

“I'm not going to hurt you. Please come here and sit beside me.”

She did as he asked but didn't look at him, even more insecure about how to be a good wife to him.

What did he expect her to do?

Was she still a servant or his wife in all ways?

He lifted her chin with his fingers, forcing her to look at him. “I'm sorry I got angry with you. There are no excuses. Please forgive me. I want what is best for you, Cahri, but you must trust me to make wise decisions.” He tried to take a deep breath then groaned. “Even if you don't agree with me, please don't contradict me in front of the servants or anyone else ever again. Do you understand?”

She nodded. “I'm sorry, my prince.”

“Say my name, Cahri.”

“I'm sorry, Josiah. I didn't mean to undermine your authority. I'll try not to do it again.” She spoke the promise, but it would be hard to fulfill.

“I know, my wife. It is done. We will talk of it no more.” He shifted and grimaced. “Now, we must talk of other things before I have to take more medicine which puts me to sleep.” He shifted again and groaned. “Maybe not. I need to change. These clothes were not made for comfort.”

“I'll get Matthias.”

“No.” His word halted her progress. “You are my wife now. You can help me.”

She blushed, but nodded.

“In the top drawer of my dresser, you will find the clothes I wish to wear. The dark blue set.”

She approached his dresser, and realized a second, matching one sat beside it. This was her room now, too. Her things must have been moved in here while she'd spoken with the queen. After she settled the prince, she would figure out where her stuff had been put. She opened his drawer and found the clothes he'd requested.

Following a painful struggle and a lot of blushing on her part and some on his, they managed to get him changed. They were both breathless with the struggle. His hands clenched the blankets. His eyelids squeezed together, and sweat dripped from his face.

“I need a pain pill now.” He gritted his teeth. “We will talk later over a late dinner.”

After looking at his pain-marred face, she exclaimed, “Oh, Josiah.” She handed him the pill. When he finished with the water, she wiped away the sweat on his face with a cool cloth.

His eyes slid closed. She started to move away, but he grabbed her arm. “Come, lay beside me for a few minutes. I want to feel you next to me in our bed.”

Heat rose to her cheeks, but she moved to the other side and crawled in beside him, being careful not to disturb his casted arm or tear her gown.

She touched his arm. He didn't protest. She began caressing it above the cast and then moved up to his hair. She hadn't realized how much she wanted to touch him. A quiet moan came from him. She pulled away.

“Don't stop. Feels good.” His voice sounded groggy. She put her hand back in his hair, running her fingers through it until his breathing evened out. Soft and thick, it curled around her fingers. It surprised her how much she enjoyed touching him like this.

She leaned over and touched her lips to his cheek, reliving the kiss he'd given her just thirty minutes before. “I love you, Josiah, my prince, my husband.” She kept her voice quiet so she didn't disturb him. He didn't need to hear her words, not yet.

She moved from the bed one inch at a time so she didn't wake him. It was doubtful he would wake up after taking the pain pill anyway. In the second dresser she found her things, folded and put away. Entering the closet, she found more clothes she supposed belonged to her, though she hadn't seen them before. She touched a few of the exquisite gowns, feeling their softness and admiring the embellishments. Several sets of everyday outfits also hung on one side.

She took a set off its hanger and changed while in the closet. Knowing she would wear the wedding dress again, she hung it beside his formal wear. She placed the hat on the shelf above the gown. A quick twist and a few pins set her hair in a neat bun to which she added one of her own hats.

As she walked from the bathroom, a light knock sounded on the door. Anaya poked her head in and motioned for Cahri to come out into the hall.

“How is Josiah?” she asked.

“He was in a great deal of pain earlier, but he is resting now.”

“Good. Are you okay?”

“Yes, just a little overwhelmed, I think. Was it only this morning I sent you a note requesting to be your servant? My belongings have changed rooms three times today. I wonder if Stormy will ever find me.” Cahri giggled. “I think I'm over tired.”

“Yes, it was this morning. It has been a long, eventful day. Stormy is fine. He has taken over the kitchen. The kitchen staff love him.

“A cot is being put in Josiah's sitting room for now. Unless he asks you to join him in his bed, you are to sleep in there. He doesn't need the added stress of learning to sleep with someone, or the distraction.” This last she said with raised eyebrows, a twinkle in her eye, and a cheeky smile.

Cahri's face heated, but she just nodded. She hadn't considered sleeping arrangements. Too much had happened in too short of time.

“Dinner will be here in about an hour. Oh, and my father wanted to make sure you know the feed to the security cameras in your rooms has been turned off.”

“Thank you. Can I make a phone call?”

“Sure. There's a phone in the sitting room. Feel free to use it anytime you like.”

“Thanks.” Cahri returned to the room to check on Josiah and then tiptoed into the sitting room to call Paul.

The conversation troubled her. He wouldn't believe she was fine. She sighed. At least he lived in France and not closer.