There would be a huge reception after the wedding, but King Lars and his queen were also throwing a smaller party for the nobles the night before at their palace. They knew many people would be traveling great distances to attend their son's wedding and his coronation and the least the couple thought they could do was feed them the night before. It wasn't as a grand of an event as the wedding reception would be but there was good food and lots of wine to go around.<br/><br/>Cassandra, the younger of the king and queen's two children, was so excited. Tomorrow was her brother's wedding day and she was so excited for him. Unlike most people in their social standing, their parents had not chosen James' bride. He was marrying a woman of his own choosing and Cassandra was sure that he and Genevieve would be very happy together. She hoped they had many children. Unlike her uncle, she was okay with never becoming the Queen of Eirini. She was content of where she stood in the world.<br/><br/>Cassandra gave her brother a big hug. Although she was sad her father was stepping down, she was also excited for the big changes that meant for her brother. Her brown eyes, that matched his, sparkled with excitement.<br/><br/>"I am so happy for you, James. I know you and Genevieve will have a great marriage. You are perfect for each other."<br/><br/>James grinned at his sister. There was no doubt they were siblings. They had the same brown eyes and black hair. James was short, while Cassandra's hair was long with curls.<br/><br/>"Thank you, Cassandra. I am excited for the wedding but..."<br/><br/>He paused and looked down. Cassandra touched his shoulder.<br/><br/>"You do not want to take Father's throne."<br/><br/>James nodded his head. It had been their father's decision that once James was married, that then James would be crowned king. Queen Ember was ill and King Lars' mind was not what it once was. He could not remember things as well as he used to and needed to be reminded of things. It was a better for a younger man to take the throne. James had no doubt that he was ready to become Genevieve's husband, but he wasn't sure he was ready to become the king.<br/><br/>"I am not sure I am ready."<br/><br/>"Father thinks you are. He would not tell you he was going to abdicate the throne if he did not think you were ready. You are a good man, you will be a good king."<br/><br/>"I hope so."<br/><br/>James replied, not feeling as confident as his younger sister. Cassandra smiled.<br/><br/>"I know so."<br/><br/>Even if James did not believe in himself, Cassandra did. As did their parents, she was sure her brother would do fine. She would be there to help him. Prince Russell watched his niece and nephew talking as he drank from his wine goblet. He sneered as he thought that James would not have to worry about what kind of king he would be. If things went as planned tomorrow, James wouldn't see the sun rise with him as king over Eirini.