"Put everything in order! You,that flower isn't straight, pull it up!" Helen's voice echoed across the courtyard as servants rushed from one end to another, their hands full of ribbons, trays, and fabrics. Gumstom's castle had never been this alive. The air smelled of fresh roses and bread, and the noise of clinking silver as the servants rushed to get things in order.
They had been preparing since last night, and though the sun was yet to come out, nothing seemed ready yet.
Inside her old chambers, a sleepy groan escaped Skye's lips as she heard a voice above her.
"Lady Skye," a soft voice called from the doorway.
Skye stirred, her blanket still wrapped tightly around her. "What?" she asked, her tone half-irritated. But sat up anyway. She rubbed her hands against her groggy eyes trying to chase the sleep away, her eyes fluttered open and met some maids standing inside the room, she sighed. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that." She apologised for her rude tone.
The maid that had spoken bowed quickly. "My lady, please do not apologize! I am only here to help you get ready for your wedding."
"...My wedding?" Skye blinked, her voice still thick with sleep. Then, realization hit. "My wedding!" she yelped, throwing off her blanket and jumping to her feet.
The two younger maids by the door tried not to laugh, exchanging amused looks.
"I overslept! Will I be ready in time?" she asked frantically, running a hand through her morning hair.
"Of course, my lady," the head maid said reassuringly, nodding to the others to begin.
As the maids hurried to prepare the bath and gown, Skye stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection, her heart racing faster than it ever had. She was truly getting married.
Meanwhile, in the Underworld…
"Look at you, getting all pretty," Zed heard Pharian's annoying voice behind him.
Zed didn't even turn. "Come to ruin my wedding day?" he said dryly.
"I wouldn't dare," Pharian replied, though his smirk said otherwise.
Zed grunted, glaring down at the stubborn button, he had been trying to fasten the silver button at his chest that refused to close. His chest was too wide for the garment making him sigh in frustration.
He wore a black and gold ceremonial attire that fit tightly across his shoulders. The blue velvet snug tightly and his trousers were bound by a large decorative leather belt with a skull.
"Help me get rid of those bodies," Zed waved, motioning toward the two lifeless bodies sprawled on the floor.
Pharian raised an eyebrow. "You might try saying please once in a while."
Zed shot him a warning look. His eyes swirling between red and amber crimson. He was barely holding himself together since hearing that King Alexander asked her to stay back and that the wedding would take place in their kingdom.
"You're still here?" Zed growled, irritation creeping into his voice as he turned to Pharian.
"Not everyone is blessed with your unnatural strength," Pharian said sarcastically as he struggled to lift the corpses. Barely a second after, Pharian vanished with the bodies, just in time to avoid a dagger Zed hurled whistling past where his head had been.
"Fool," Zed murmured, adjusting his cufflinks.
His chest burned with a familiar ache, He didn't feel too good and he still had to travel to Skye's kingdom.
Then the air shifted. The lamps dimmed and Zed's jaw clenched. He didn't have to turn to know who had arrived.
"What do you want?" he asked coldly.
"I came to wish my son good fortunes on his wedding day" came his father's darkly amused tone.
Zed resisted saying he was not his son as he didn't consider anyone family but instead exhaled and adjusted the collar of his shirt.
"Will you not be present?"
"I will… and I won't," his father replied in an amused tone. Then, his reflection appeared beside Zed in the mirror. a tall, shadowed figure with a stature similar to Zed's.
"Here," his father said, placing a cold object in Zed's hand. It was a black metal like bracelet.
"What is this?" Zed asked, examining it warily.
"My father gave it to me before I wed. Now I give it to you," the older man answered, but Zed couldn't form the words thank you, so instead he nodded to him.
His father gave him a knowing smile before disappearing the same way he had appeared.
He was finally alone again, or so he thought.
"You look very handsome, my lord." a voice called.
Zed turned sharply and found Gwen standing by the doorway, her black hair falling past her shoulders, she stared at him with a sad look. His grip tightened on the table in front of him, hs knuckles turning white. In the mirror, he could see his pupils darkening again.
Of all days to disturb him the demons chose today.
"So," she said quietly, "you're really getting married today?" her voice held a sadness which was quiet obvious.
"Yes."
"Am I invited?" she asked, almost shyly.
"No." His tone was firm but not cruel. "Go home, Gwen. We'll speak later."
She hesitated, her gaze lingering on him a moment longer before she sighed. "Congratulations, my lord," she whispered with a weak nod and vanished.
Zed stared at the spot where she'd stood, then turned back to the mirror. His chest rose and fell slowly as he took deep breaths trying to calm himself down but to no avail.
He wasn't nervous. He didn't do nervous.
And yet…
Did this have to do with the fact that he was getting married today? He thought to himself.
He forced the stubborn button till it snapped into place, tight against his chest.
He straightened himself, standing tall.
He heaved a heavy sigh as he was finally ready. He never had to spend too much time on his looks, he knew he was already a beauty to behold.