Alexander stopped walking. The world seemed to still around them. The king's face paled at what he has just heard.
"Tomorrow?" he repeated.
The words hung in the air like a curse. It was all too soon, far too soon. Why was Prince Zed so urgent about it?
Royal weddings required months of preparation, alliances to confirm, invitations to send, and proper announcements before the official wedding and he wanted nothing less for his only daughter. He wanted her to be happily married to the man of her dreams, never did he expect to send her off this way, marriage was to last for a lifetime. And yet here Skye stood speaking as though the ceremony was no more than a trivial matter.
"It is too soon," her father finally said, his frown deepening, the lines around his eyes heavier than usual.
"I thought the same," Skye admitted softly, "but Prince Zed insisted, he made himself clear."
Alexander paced across the garden, wondering how he could call this off or at least buy some time."Speak to him Skye" he urged.
"Tell him we need time. Time to prepare and to do things properly." he reasoned.
"It's best not to argue with him, Father," she whispered.
"I am worried for you, Skye." His voice cracked. "I don't want you to tie your life around that man, you barely even know him"
"I understand, Father." She smiled faintly. "I'll be careful. With time, I'll get used to him and learn how to handle him." She assured.
Alexander sighed, his shoulders heavy with tension. All this was a mistake, if only he never let her accompany him.
"Tomorrow is too early. No preparations have been made, and visitors from other kingdoms have not even been informed." he argued reasonably.
"Does he think I'll allow my daughter to be married in haste like some merchant's deal?" The whole matter annoyed him, the audacity the young Prince had.
"I'll speak with Prince Zed about it," she said, trying to reassure him. "Hopefully, he will listen."
"No." The king's expression hardened. "You are not going back to him tonight."
"Why not, Father?"
"Your wedding will take place here," he said firmly. "If he truly wishes to marry you, he will come to this castle and do it the proper way. A princess should not be claimed like a prize." Alexander said sternly angry at the fact that Prince Zed had made the decision with no considerations.
"Father…" she began to argue, but he raised a hand.
"No, Skye. That is the least he can do. It is but a small sacrifice if he truly seeks your hand"
For a moment, she said nothing. Then, quietly, she nodded. "Alright, Father. I will send word to him of your request."
"Do not trouble yourself, my dear," Alexander said gently. "I will handle it, and all the preparations. You must rest, tomorrow will be a long day."
"Thank you, Father." She smiled weakly, and he returned it, watching her leave with eyes full of both pride and fear.
Skye made her way through the familiar corridors, her footsteps echoing softly. The guards and maids she passed bowed, their faces full of confusion and relief. It had only been a few days, yet it felt like a lifetime since she'd last walked these halls.
She took the stairs two at a time, trotting happily, grinning like a lost child back in its home.
"Lady Skye?"
She froze. Then her heart leapt.
She turned at the familiar voice and gasped. "Helen!"
The older woman stood at the end of the corridor, hands pressed against her chest in disbelief. "By the heavens, it really is you," she said, tears gathering in her eyes.
Skye ran forward to embrace the older woman, the closest thing she had to a mother, and Helen released a small laugh. "Do not crush me, my lady," she teased, though her eyes glistened. "Oh, how I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," Skye said warmly.
"Why, my lady, it's only been a few days," Helen chuckled.
"Come," Skye said, grabbing her hand. "I need to talk."
They entered her old room, sunlight flooding in through the curtains that Helen had obviously pulled, it seemed like she had still been cleaning the room afte she left. Skye took in the room and for a moment, she felt safe again.
"What is it, my lady?" Helen asked, taking her usual seat near the vanity. "You have that look that means trouble."
Skye hesitated before saying it. "Helen… I am to be married tomorrow."
Helen's eyes widened. "Tomorrow? So soon? But no preparations have been made!"
"Father will handle everything," Skye said with a weak smile.
"But to whom, my lady?"
"The Prince of Kristanlia," Skye answered quietly. "Prince Zed Laskaris."
The name alone seemed to drain the color from Helen's face. She had heard whispers about him, dark and disturbing ones. They had said he had no heart and was ruthless. That he commands things that should not exist in this world, then again with the way he had assumed the throne. There was no good word about him.
"My lady…" Helen shook her head. "Of all men to marry, why him?"
"I have no choice," Skye confessed. "If I refuse, he will bring war to our lands. Father did not tell the council as to not worry them but He is powerful, Helen. Too powerful, we won't stand a chance"
"But why must you be the sacrifice?" Helen whispered. "You deserve better, that man is evil" Helen frowned deeply.
Skye sighed softly. "You taught me not to judge people before knowing them."
Helen smiled sadly. "I did dear, but still be careful"
Skye hesitated, her voice lowering. "Helen, may I ask you something?"
"Of course, my lady."
"What is it like… to lay with a man?
Helen choked on her breath. "Skye!"
"What?" Skye blushed. "I just—I don't know what to expect."
Helen blinked then stifled a laugh. The princess was to be married tomorrow anyways. "Well, my lady," she began "The first time may be… uncomfortable, even painful. But if your partner is gentle, it can be… beautiful." Helen said with a small smile but soon frowned as she remembered who Skye's partner was to be.
"Was it beautiful for you?" Skye asked innocently.
Helen's flushed waving her hand hide her blush "Ah, well yes it was. My lover was kind, patient. We were in love."
Skye fell silent, her gaze dropping to her hands.
Would Prince Zed be gentle?
She wondered if he had ever fallen in love or if aman like him even love?
He had killed his own brothers to claim a throne, ruled with fear, and looked at the world as though it were beneath him.
She wondered if she could love him.
"Thank you, Helen," Skye said softly.
Helen smiled, brushing a strand of hair from Skye's face. "You'll be alright, my lady. Just promise me one thing."
"What's that?"
Helen took her hand, her eyes soft and kind. "Promise me you'll never stop being who you are, Skye. No matter what he demands of you."
Skye nodded, holding her maid's hand tightly, trying not to let the fear in her chest show.
"I promise."
Tomorrow, she would become the wife of the Dark Prince.