Chapter 7: The Cookie Bride

My marriage alliance was set a little before Emily’s wedding, but the house prepared both together.

Ribbons and fabric swatches everywhere, staff working double, steaming dresses and icing cakes. I watched from my doorway, excited and scared.

I heard Emily made a fuss, so Dad put her under house arrest, only letting her out on the wedding day.

Emily’s cries echoed down the halls, doors slamming. Dad’s solution was swift—she was locked in her room, guarded day and night. I missed her laughter and kindness.

Jason never came to the house again, not even for morning meetings.

His absence hung over everything. The younger staff whispered, wondering if he’d left for good.

I didn’t care about any of it, lying in my new room all day, eating treats and getting chubbier.

I filled my days with snacks and naps, loving the luxury of a full belly. My cheeks got round, and I didn’t mind one bit.

On the day of the marriage alliance, the maids woke me early to be washed and dressed.

They fussed over me, scrubbing and powdering, pinning my hair. They whispered about the weather and necklaces.

Once the dress was on and the bridal veil dropped, they pushed me into a car draped in red ribbons.

The car smelled of roses and fresh paint. I sat stiffly in the back, hands clenched, the world outside a blur.

“Aren’t Dad and Mom coming?”

My voice was small, nearly drowned by the rain. I remembered those TV weddings where everyone hugs the bride goodbye. But nobody came running after me—not even for a last wave.

Isn’t it tradition to say goodbye to your parents? Or are Dad and Mom still asleep?

I lifted the curtain, looking out. Morning mist was thick, rain falling, and the street was empty—no one in sight.

“Mrs. Wright said she’d come see me off. Why isn’t she here?”

My heart sank. Even Mrs. Wright, with all her promises, was gone.

The old woman next to me yanked down the curtain and smiled.

She squeezed my hand, like that made up for the empty sidewalks. “Time’s tight, there’s no time. Your father’s busy, so we had to leave first.”

Her voice was gentle, but I could hear the lie. Still, I nodded. What else could I do?

Yeah, weddings have to happen at the right time—can’t be late.

That’s what the old staff always said. I forced a smile, pretending it didn’t matter.

“Dad’s busy, Mom and Mrs. Wright are busy too. Maddie knows.”

I spoke quietly, almost to myself. The car jerked forward, and I let the curtain fall.

I sat upright, dropped the veil, and when I spoke again, my voice was a little nasal. “It’s okay, Maddie will behave. Nanny, let’s go.”

My words trembled, but I tried to sound brave. I gripped my dress, knuckles white.

I wanted to ask Dad for a name—being called Maddie forever wasn’t ideal.

It seemed silly, but I wanted something to take with me. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

Hiding under the red veil, my cheeks and eyes were both red.

The fabric smelled faintly of lavender and starch. I blinked away tears, determined not to ruin my makeup.

“Maddie will behave. Maddie doesn’t miss home, and doesn’t miss Mom.”

I whispered it like a prayer, hoping it’d come true if I said it enough.

I grabbed the veil to wipe my tears, then grinned—a shaky, crooked grin for the camera, so nobody worried.

Mom, Maddie’s getting married—to the most powerful man in the northwest.

I pictured Mom in heaven, proud and happy. Maybe she’d tell the other angels her little girl made it after all.

I heard he’s rich. Once Maddie becomes queen, I’ll light a candle for you every day, so you can eat and drink well in heaven—and even Saint Peter will have to give you a massage.”

It was a silly promise, but it made me laugh—a real, belly-deep laugh. I hoped Mom could hear me.