Aiden's gaze swept past Richard's bowed head with a somewhat unreadable expression. He didn't smile or speak. His eyes remained fixed on the palace doors as Elena stepped out. She took small, hesitant steps, her satin shoes making barely a sound on the stone floor. Her pale blonde hair cascaded down her back, adorned with a delicate pearl circle that sparkled in the fading light. Her gown fit closely around her slender frame, with the embroidered sleeves glistening slightly as she moved.
When Elena saw Aiden, she froze as her eyes widened in surprise. The rumours had painted a very different picture of him. She had expected someone monstrous, but instead, she saw a man with chiselled features and piercing blue eyes. However, the coldness in his gaze made her shiver, and she felt a wave of fear wash over her.
Aiden's gaze bore into Elena's, and for an electrifying moment, they stood frozen in time, their gazes intertwined, with unvoiced sentiments swirling around them. Elena's face was pale, and her honey-brown eyes were filled with both fear and anticipation that glimmered like polished amber in the dim light. Aiden's expression was inscrutable, wearing a mask of numbness even though a flicker of curiosity sparked in his deep-set eyes. He tilted his head ever so slightly, a subtle gesture that felt both casual and intimate, before extending his hand toward her. Elena hesitated as her heart raced faster, before finally placing her trembling fingers into the warmth of his gloved palm, making a cold shiver run down her spine.
The watching nobles gasped softly as the dark king and the pale princess stood side by side. The priest began to speak, his words drifting into the night air as he performed the marriage ritual. They exchanged their vows, and they both took turns exchanging rings on shaky fingers. When it was done, Aiden leaned close to Elena, his voice low and husky. "Don't be afraid, little moon," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "You're mine now. You're safe with me. No other monster will touch you but me"
Elena shivered at the warmth of his breath on her skin, feeling a mix of relief and unease.
As they turned to face the crowd, Elena's eyes met Aiden's, and for a brief moment, she saw a glimmer of something in his gaze, something that might have been warmth, or maybe just a hint of curiosity. But it was quickly extinguished, leaving only the cold, unreadable mask she had seen before.
The wedding was over, but for Elena, the reality of the vows she had just made to a king who lacked the affection of his people pressed heavily on her. Standing in the grand palace she once considered home, she felt the weight of her travel cloak on her shoulders, more burdensome than her delicate wedding gown. Each heartbeat reminded her of the fading footsteps behind her.
Caspian was the one who finally broke the silence. He stepped closer, with urgency in his movements, as he took her hands in his trembling ones. His eyes searched hers for some kind of reassurance. "Promise you'll keep in touch, Ellie. I'll come for you soon." The tremor in his voice struck her deeply, making him seem so vulnerable and so much younger.
Elena managed a weak smile. "Don't make me cry in front of him," She whispered, sniffling hard, trying to suppress the tear threatening to escape. Aiden stood behind her on the grand marble steps, dressed in all black, an unreadable figure as solid as the stones around them.
Caspian's gaze darted nervously to Aiden before returning to her. "If you feel the slightest bit upset, please write to me," he urged, looking worried. She didn't say anything, just nodded slightly to show she understood.
Next, her father stepped up, with regrets written on his face. He kissed her forehead softly. "Forgive me, my child," he murmured as the weight of his failures hung heavily in the air.
Elena wanted to hate him for how he had forced her down this path, but instead, she felt a wave of compassion. One tear slipped down her cheek as she whispered, "Take care, Father."
Serah clutched her hand tightly until Lucan gently pulled her away. His tone was respectful but firm. "We need to leave, Your Majesty." Hearing that title sent a chill down her spine. Once just a princess, she was now the wife of a feared king.
Taking one last look at her brother and father, Elena turned away and moved steadily towards her waiting carriage.
Aiden didn't offer his arm; he just gave her a brief nod, indicating acknowledgement.
The journey started in silence, the heavy wheels creaking against the bumpy road. She watched branches scratch at the windows like desperate spirits. The plush velvet cushions and gold accents inside the carriage did nothing to warm the cold knot of fear in her stomach.
Elena tried not to look at him, but she couldn't help stealing a few glances. In the flickering lantern light, Aiden appeared less like a king and more like a sculpted statue. She admired his sharp jawline and followed it upward to his closed eyes, as if the outside world bored him. She wondered whether beings like him ever needed to rest. Did monsters sleep?
As the scenery outside changed, the rolling plains of Aurelia transformed into a dark, whispering forest.
Time slipped by as she dozed in and out of sleep, lulled by the rumbling carriage over the rough ground. Every bump was a cruel reminder that there was no going back. Aiden stayed still beside her, only betraying his presence with the gentle rise and fall of his breath.
When dusk began wrapping the world in shadows, the carriage stopped by a riverbank so the horses could drink. Lucan and Kael got down first, exchanging quiet, tense words. Aiden stepped out last and turned to face her. "Stretch your legs. You won't see a road this quiet again for a while." He said casually.