In the kingdom of Vulkaris, a big castle was built at its heart. High walls surrounded the castle, preventing the townsfolk from peering into the heavily guarded stronghold. The architecture of the castle was sharp and menacing, with narrow windows and tall walls topped with spikes.
A permanent crimson cloud lingered above the castle, giving it a hellish form.
Despite its location on the shores of the Netherveil, Vulkaris's ground was dry and cracked, resembling land that had not seen rain for ages.
The air was thick, murky, and dry.
Inside one of the castle chambers, a young woman stood, wearing a wide-brimmed lace hat adorned with intricately embroidered black roses arranged like a tiara. Delicate veils draped from the brim, shrouding her face in mystery.
Her features were small and dainty, almost resembling a hamster, but one look at her furrowed brows would say how pissed she was.
Rubezza, the princess of Noctara, looked at the two people before her with visible displeasure. Yet one deep glance into her round, innocent eyes easily gave away her pretense.
Her eyes briefly fell on the woman standing behind the man with evident admiration.
So beautiful!
She shook her head, quickly snapping herself back to reality.
"If you're planning to marry another woman, you could've at least said so earlier. My father spent three thousand gold coins on this journey," Rubezza said with a firm face.
Delis, the personal maid of the crown princess, slapped her forehead at her lady's words.
Her betrothed was announcing he intended to marry someone else, and the princess's first concern was the cost of the trip?
Dear Lord, please rain some wisdom onto my lady's brain, she prayed silently.
The man, Zekheran, the eldest prince of Vulkaris, gave a deep bow. "Forgive me, Princess Rubezza. The fault is mine."
Rubezza scoffed, arms crossed. Her small face tilted high in pride. "I'm not concerned about your apology. Settle me back the three thousand gold coins," she demanded, leaving no room for denial.
The prince nodded. He had a handsome face and was dressed in a royal suit. Behind him, his lover, Esmeray, stood silently with her head lowered.
"Princess Rubezza, I will settle the money. And as I said previously, I will take all the blame and ensure no dirt falls upon your name. I truly apologize for this situation," Zekheran said. His words and actions oozed royalty in every manner.
"You better," Rubezza huffed, turning to leave with her maid.
Delis looked at her lady, worry etched across her face. But then, Rubezza stopped mid-step.
Her eyes brightened. Did her lady finally understand? Was she going to turn back and get her fiancé back?
Delis waited eagerly.
Rubezza's eyes furrowed, and she hastily turned back, marching toward Zekheran again. Even two feet shorter than the man, her stance didn't give her away.
"Make it seven thousand gold coins. Three more thousand for my return to Noctara and a thousand as interest for wasting my time," she snapped, then haughtily turned again and walked out of the room.
"-_-"
Delis stood dumbfounded and helplessly followed her princess.
After Rubezza left, the chamber fell into silence. The prince and his lover stood frozen in shock until a low, melodious laugh echoed through the quiet room.
Esmeray laughed softly, clutching her stomach. "She's a terrible actress," she remarked, eyes still fixed on the path the princess had left.
Zekheran smiled, his hand gently stroking Esmeray's hair, his gaze full of love. "She is," he agreed.
Esmeray sighed, her eyes dropping slightly. "Zek... we didn't hurt her, right?"
Zekheran could hear the sadness and self-blame in her voice. He caught her hand in his and leaned down to look into her eyes. Esmeray's eyes shimmered with unshed tears that she was trying hard not to let fall.
"Don't cry," he said, stretching her lips into a smile with his fingers. "If there's anyone who's going to be happy about this marriage being dissolved, it's her."
"How are you so sure?" Esmeray asked, a little surprised.
"She didn't like this marriage in the first place. She only agreed because the political situation in Noctara is far worse than ours. With her brother bedridden, she was pushed into it," the prince explained.
He paused, adding with a chuckle, "Besides, she didn't like me."
Esmeray's eyes widened. "Why? You're a sweet man!"
Zekheran didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this silly woman. She was the bravest and kindest person he had ever met, but occasionally, her innocence amused him. He tapped her tiny nose playfully.
"I found out because she poisoned me on her first day in the castle," he said, shrugging nonchalantly.
"Poisoned?!"
Esmeray's hand immediately shot out to hold his arm in alarm. Zekheran shook his head quickly, telling her not to worry.
"It wasn't serious. She mixed laxatives into my food and made me spend two days in the latrine. And when I confronted her, she just said she didn't like this marriage."
Esmeray let out a relieved sigh, her gaze slowly drifting towards the dark clouds gathering outside the window.
"I hope everything will go well," she whispered.
"It will, won't it, my princess?" Zekheran's voice turned soft and playful. He dropped to his knees and placed a gentle kiss on her rounded belly.
"Father can't wait to meet you, little one," he said, planting another kiss over the bump.
Esmeray smiled, her fingers combing through his hair. Even though the sea remained still for now, she couldn't ignore the premonition of an oncoming storm.
And her heart beat with nervousness for what the future might bring.