“Are you nervous?”

One button tucked through the string and thus sealed.

I want to say I’m sad

Upset

Longing for a different man to be at the end of the aisle.

Another button.

“I feel unprepared.”

Yes, I think, Those words are safe

Another button.

The sounds of her fingers moving up the corset

Sealing buttons

Sealing fate.

“Today’s an important day.”

I know

I know and I wish I didn’t

A knock on the door as her hands smooth the dress

I know it’s him.

She says she’ll get it with a chirp of happiness that I should be able to muster

And then he’s in front of me

And I pray for my veil to hide my true feelings

To be the wall I wish I could have put up months ago.

“You look…”

He can’t find words to portray his feelings

And he’s not alone

“Thank you.”

And it’s a whispered plea

And my eyes are watering

And now we are slowly walking to where my father waits by a door.

He opens his mouth

Then closes it.

He puts mind over heart all too frequently.

“We’ll find a way.”

“I wish it was you.”

“But you know it can’t be.”

So he lifts my veil

My vulnerability so apparent

And he kisses my forehead

And he lingers because we both don’t want it to be final

“Nothing gold can stay, right?”

I earn a smirk

“Omnia vincit amor.”

And that’s the last I hear before he’s gone from my side.

And I’m left alone

Cold

Terrified

And having to accept something I don’t want

Will never want

So I welcome my wall

And smile as the doors open

Because that’s what a good princess does.