Ro embraced the new day without sleep. The servants treated her no different, and Ester seemed caring as always. Their lack of pretence confused Ro at first, but she stopped caring. Either they didn't know or they didn't understand the full extent of it.
She was not allowed to leave the room, and she was not allowed to accept visitors.
Not even her own people.
It was a clever instruction that had been masked under the guise of not coming in contact with the guests and external servants who were setting up the halls and courtyard for the wedding.
She was bathed in heavily scented water, well-groomed and adorned in light undergarments. Buttering up and marinating the meal before throwing it into the fire.
Ro had been in a constant state of paranoia throughout the previous day and night, and the new day presented her with a gut-wrenching discomfort that would not release its hold on her.
Contrary to what she had thought, Lispan wedding ceremonies were conducted in the evenings and late into the night. But this delay did little to nothing to comfort Ro. Instead, it stretched her quiet torment.
The wedding was not going to go smoothly.
'Why am I even struggling to live?'
__________
The last adornment was placed in Ro's hair, and the proud servants gleamed.
"You are so beautiful, My Lady."
Ro beheld her appearance, and her eyes widened. Her face had not been heavily adorned with makeup, but somehow, her features had been outlined in such a way that her gloom was barely visible.
Her dark hair cascaded down her back in light waves that gently framed the sides of her face. Her usually sharp grey eyes appeared muted by the soft hues of colour on her eyelids and cheekbones. Only upon clearer look could one tell that the life had been sucked out of those eyes.
The servants looked eagerly at Ro, expectant.
Her thin lips, usually turned down, tilted up in a weak smile.
"Thank you. I do look lovely," Ro said, watching as the servants beamed even more.
They giggled as they properly adjusted her hair and dress, giving her whole presence finishing touches.
She let them fuss over her. It didn't matter anymore.
And she was pretty sure their attitude towards her would drastically change once the truth came out.
Ro stood from the stool at the vanity and walked into the bright dressing chamber. She stopped to face the standing mirror, taking in the full effort of the servants' handwork. The dress felt light on her, much like her clothing from Erzi. And it fit her so well, hugging her bodice so comfortably.
Her eyes stung, and Ro blinked, fighting back the incoming tears.
She closed her eyes and drew in a shaky breath before exhaling. Her eyes opened to take in herself once more.
If the inevitable was going to happen. She hoped it would be quick.
"My Lady?"
Ro snapped out of her thoughts as Ester appeared at the entrance.
"They're here," she added, a small smile playing on her lips.
Ro did not know who Ester was referring to, but she did not care to ask. She followed the attendant back into the room where the doors were wide open, revealing new faces.
Shocking faces.
Two women stood, donned in light grey robes adorned with silver linings. Their skins were pale, and they had braided shock white hair. Ro stared, astonished. At first, she thought she was staring at ghosts.
One of the women looked considerably older, and the presence of both women commanded a strange presence of power.
"Good Eve, My Lady," the younger woman greeted, her voice gentle and light as her lips spread out in a smile.
__________
Ro slowly walked through the dim hallways, flanked on both sides by the priestesses. The younger one had introduced them as emissaries of the moon goddess. A deity apparently worshiped by the wolves. The older woman never uttered a word as they escorted Ro out of her quarters. Her expression was unreadable.
The faint backdrop of music reached Ro's ears and the air suddenly grew heavier. She tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but it refused to go down. She sensed so many people within the castle, the large bulk of them in a central hall.
It was becoming difficult for her to breathe when she felt a light touch on her arm.
She flinched, coming to an abrupt stop.
The older woman darted a stern frown towards Ro, stopping in turn.
Ro looked at the younger woman, her pale hand gently holding Ro's arm.
"Today is a joyous occasion. Do not worry. You are blessed," she said, unsmiling.
Her eyes seemed to glow a soft, icy blue that seemed gentle.
"Let's proceed. Everyone is waiting," her gentle voice seemed to calm Ro's nerves against her wish. And just as the priestess moved, Ro's feet followed.
The moment they set foot into a different part of the castle, Ro squinted and blinked at the sudden bright lights that greeted them.
Fine linen and other decorated strips of fabric hung from the high ceilings of the small hall. The music had grown louder, and seemed to be coming from a closed set of double doors.
Ro's skin went numb. Her feet did not stop moving. The priestesses did not stop walking.
Her heart seemed to stutter when the doors creaked open.