First West Estate

One year after the engagement party, Denver and Danica were married. As it was a noble marriage, the Royal family was free to attend. When Dixon arrived for the ceremony he was once again met with Denah’s cold demeanor. She still felt slighted by his comments a year before at the engagement party, and she wanted everyone in view to know that she had no intentions of bending to the Prince’s will and marrying before she felt herself ready.

Dixon walked over to Denah and lightly kissed her hand. “Do you see the joy in everyone’s faces my love?” he said “We could have this tomorrow. Why do you want to wait for such happiness?” Denah held her chin high “I do swear, every time you open your mouth, it is in attempt to coerce a minor into marriage.” Both sets of parents were keeping a close eye from afar, they didn’t want another outburst. All four shot warning glances to Dixon and Denah. They smiled back and made their rounds.

“My apologies, your Majesty,” Charles started “All we can do is hope she has a change of heart once she sees how wonderful marriage and children can be”.
The good mood in the house remained long after Danica was settled. Denah could see how much her brother loved his new wife. She didn’t think it was possible to love someone your parents had chosen for you. Her own parents were a prime example.

Months after the wedding, when the novelty of marriage should have worn off, Denah would still catch Denver and Danica flirting with each other like… well like teenagers. Denah and Danica were re;axing next to the pool, when Denah plainly asked “How do you do it?” How can you just fall in love with someone?” “Well it wasn’t hard” Danica replied “Your brother is such a sweet and kind person. From the day we met at the engagement party he made it his mission to make sure I know he loves me. How can I not love him back?” Denah slumped down into her deck chair “That doesn’t help me… Every time I see Dixon he berates me for my decision to wait. That’s not love. I don’t know what that is.” Danica sat down next to her and rubbed her shoulders. “Don’t think anything of it. He is the only son of the King, he’s just not used to waiting…for anything. I’m not worried for you though. I’m sure he’ll soften once you set a date. And I’m sure you’ll see that he is quite easy to love.” Denah let out a deep sigh “I hope so…”

Over Danica’s first year living at First West Estate, she became very close with Denah. Having grown up with 4 brothers, Denah was quite happy to finally have a sister to confide in. They spent most of their time together, and talked about everything, including married life. “Do you think I’m wrong to ask Dixon to wait?” Denah asked one lazy afternoon “Not at all. It’s your right to wait until you’re 18.” “Why didn’t you wait?” “I wasn’t doing anything else. It was either get married, or sit at home for two more years, and then get married.” “I know what you mean… it can get pretty boring a round here. Do you think I’ll make a good wife?” “Denah of course you’ll make an amazing wife… Do you think I’ll make a good mother?” Denah sat up in an instant, a look of excited amazement on her face “Are you…?!” “Yes! I’m so excited! But you’re the only person who knows. I want to tell the family at dinner tonight.” “Sure thing sis!” Denah pretended to zip her lips and throw away the key. They spent the rest of the afternoon watching the clouds and picking out names.