The maids looked at each other and clapped in awe, their lady looked breathtaking.
She adjusted her veil again, her cheeks rosy from both nervousness and excitement.
Helen entered and took in the appearance of her lady, and her lips rose up, her face glowing with pride. "My lady, you look more beautiful than the finest of roses," she said softly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You are truly stunning."
Skye smiled shyly, brushing her hands over the fabric of her gown. For some reason, her stomach twisted out of nervousness. It was expected….. she was getting married, after all.
She was completely self-aware of every movement her hands made, of her whole surroundings, she could feel her heart in her throat. She turned to the mirror once again, unable to believe the reflection she was staring at. Her gown was an elegant blend of pale gold and shimmering white, the fabric was light and embroidered with gold threads. Her hair was woven into delicate braids and tucked in to hold her veil.
Helen smiled as she watched the lady she had basically raised, she had become a beautiful woman at a mere age of 22. The sight brought tears to her eyes but she did not let them leak.
"Are you ready, my lady?" Helen asked warmly.
"Yes," Skye nodded, "just… give me a minute alone?"
Helen gave a little bow, ushering the other maids out as well before closing the door behind her.
Once she heard the door close, Skye exhaled shakily. She raised a hand to her temple and shut her eyes tight trying to calm her nerves. The silence pressing in around her.
She was marrying Prince Zed of Kristanlia, the rumoured dark Prince. She took in a deep breath again as she realised once she stepped out of the room, her fate was decided.
What was I thinking? She sighed to herself. Marriage meant for life.
She was pulled back from her thoughts as she heard a sharp foul whistle from behind her which made her jump as she was supposed to be alone.
"I don't think Zed will survive after seeing you like this," a familiar teasing voice said behind her and she spun around to see Pharian sitting on her bed, legs crossed, eating her breakfast.
"You came?" she asked, surprised but secretly relieved.
"Of course," he grinned. "And I'll be at the wedding too."
He stood, brushing crumbs from his fingers before walking up to her. "How are you feeling?"
"Nervous," she admitted and he smiled at her as that much was obvious.
"You look gorgeous, Skye" he praised and Skye could not help but notice he stood at a height similar to Zed's
"But there's something missing." Pharian suddenly said.
"What?" she asked worry marring her features. "Did the maids forget something? Did…."
"This," he interrupted, tapping the tip of her nose.
She blinked, confused. "What?"
"Your smile," he said simply, grinning.
Skye couldn't help it and she smiled at his statement.
"Do you think Zed will be pleased with my look?" she asked shyly.
Pharian chuckled. "Trying to impress your husband already?" he taunted making her cheeks turn pink.
"You look perfect, Skye," he assured. "Zed won't just be pleased, he'll be undone."
Her smile widened his words making her feel less nervous. "Thank you Pharian, I hope to see you at the wedding."
"Oh I'll be there," he said with a mischievous smile. "But seeing me, you may not" He laughed, and before she could respond, he vanished into thin air.
A second later, Helen entered again. "My lady, the Prince has arrived."
Skye's heart skipped.
"Let's go," she said, her voice trembling slightly as she straightened up. Helen hurried to her side, leading her out of the room and they walked down the grand staircase.
A ripple of whispers moved through the courtyard. Servants peeked through windows, even the guards raised their heads hoping to get a glimpse, even the birds seemed to quiet down as the black carriages rolled in, drawn by horses of similar colour.
From the largest carriage a figure stepped out dressed in black and gold.
Prince Zed Laskaris.
His boots clicked softly on the ground, hands behind him and he looked ahead not caring to glance at the servants as he took in the castle that was much smaller than his. He moved with a commanding stance causing every guard bow and every servant to lower their eyes.
Some guards stood at the entrance as they bowed their heads deeply "Welcome Prince Zed" they echoed leading him through the halls.
…
The palace was alive, bustling servants, gleaming lights, soft music echoing faintly from the hall. Skye felt her pulse in her fingertips.
"Everything will be alright, my lady," Helen whispered, smiling though tears threatened her eyes.
Skye turned and hugged her tightly. "Thank you, Helen… for everything."
"Go child you must not keep him waiting" Helen patted her back lightly.
The guards gave their Princess a warm smile before pulling the heavy doors of the throne room open. The last time she had been here, she had only humiliated herself. And as the doors opened, she remembered this had been the start of her new fate.
The sight before her made her breath hitch, the hall was magnificent. Gold banners, fresh roses, candles in glass bowls.The decorations were beautiful. The servants had really outdone themselves with what little time they had. She swallowed hard when she noticed the number of people present, how did her Father send so many invitations in such little time?
As she stepped forward, hundreds of eyes turned toward her. She could hear the whispers. Some were compliments and others cruel. Picking her gown at its centre, she took a deep breath. Head held high and chest pushed out, she began to walk towards the throne in confidence.
Then she saw him.
Zed sat near her father, crossed leg. He held his composure well, his expression unreadable. His hair shimmered under the chandeliers, that dark, silken blue that seemed almost unreal. The black and gold embroidery of his attire framed his broad shoulders, the fabric clinging perfectly to his form. She gulped as she took him in. He looked much more handsome than usual.
Her eyes met his and she was sad to see them red, then again he wasn't smiling. She felt her confidence slip and her steps faltered.
Why did he look so distant, and cold? She didn't like the way he looked at her, wasn't she beautiful enough?
She had received wonderful compliments all morning but his expression looked different from all the others. She clenched the gown tightly in her hands, she wanted to run out of the hall but she couldn't because of the number of people present.
Shifting her gaze, she found her father smiling at her, looking proud as ever. "You look radiant, my dear," he said softly as she got close to them and she gave her father a little smile.
Her eyes swiftly turned to Zed but his expression didn't change making her heart sink.
She reached the final step and bowed slightly, ready to take the place reserved for her next to him, but her gown caught beneath her foot. The world tilted…..
Before she could fall, Zed's arm shot out, his hand catching her by the waist with a steel-like grip.
"Be careful," he murmured, voice low enough for only her to hear.
Her breath hitched, and she nodded, blinking back tears.
He released her slowly, and she sat beside him, eyes downcast.
To everyone watching, it looked as if she were terrified and some watched her in pity, after all she was getting married to the dark prince, who was rumoured to be evil.
Zed snuck another glance at the lady beside him, now that she was looking down, his eyes shamelessly roamed her body drinking her in. When she had walked in, he'd nearly forgotten to breathe. She had looked radiant, almost ethereal. He had always known she was beautiful but he was dumbfounded.
The confidence she walked in with, the nervous flicker in her gaze, the way she tried to hide her shaking hands, he had caught all of it, it made him feel an emotion he couldn't name.
But then their eyes met, she suddenly stopped smiling, her shoulders slumped and she moved with less confidence. His eyes narrowed at her reaction, was she finally regretting marrying him?
She looked like she wanted to run away from the room.
His mind raced with thoughts as he wondered….. Why did she look so heartbroken to see him?