As I stand behind the grand wooden doors, I nervously smooth down my white dress. My father stands at my side, a somehow more nervous that I am. I try to think of something to say to him, but before I decide what even I could say the music swells, signaling our entrance. The two attendants swing open the door and I grab my father’s arm, encouraging him to lead me down the aisle. I hear the murmers and whispers from all around me, but I tune them out, focusing my attention to Edward waiting for me at the altar. King Edward I suppose. I need to get used to calling him that.

Edward and I had known each other our whole lives. We met in school. Even back then, our friendship was always under judgement. He was the young prince, destined to be the King some day. And I was just the daughter of the school’s janitor. Yet somehow, we clicked. I think he appreciate the fact that I just wanted to be his friend, rather than use his lineage to advance my own ambitions.

As we grew, I became his closest confidant. We would steal time away to get away from it all. We learned all the secret ways in and out of the castle. Early on, I may have had feelings for him. When we were both young and one could fall in love at the drop of a hat. He made it clearly early on that he valued me for my friendship, rather than as a potential romantic partner. Not that anyone would believe that. Even back then, we were forbidden to be seen together. The King didn’t want his son to be seen fraternizing with someone below his station.

As I walk down the aisle, I meet Edward’s eyes. He smiles softly, his expression happy, but not in love. I knew it would never be there. Edward would never admit it, and if his secret got out, his respect as King would crumble. But I’ve seen the way he looks at his advisor. The way he will never look at me.

Four months ago, the King fell deathly ill. According to the laws of the Kingdom, Edward needed to get married in order to properly inherit the throne. I approached Edward, and told him I would be willing to marry him, as an outward appearance. I made it clear that the marriage would be for visuals alone. As soon as I said it, I saw a wave of relief wash over his face. He knew that I understood his… preferences. So the plan was set.

The scandal was the talk of the town since then. The King to be marrying some lowborn girl? Unheard of. But it satisfied the requirements, so the Elder Council couldn’t object. I look around at all of the guests in attendance. So many young women, still hoping that there’s a chance that Edward would change his mind and choose them. He never would. They would marry him for their own reasons. They would demand things, have expectations, and not let him live his life

But me… I’m marrying him as a friend, to let him live his life.