Two weeks later
The palace had never been so loud. From the moment the sun rose that morning, the entire city seemed to awaken with it. Music echoed through the palace courtyards, drums beating steadily while long silver horns sang above the noise like distant thunder.
Servants rushed through the corridors carrying bolts of silk, trays of jewels, perfumes, and golden ornaments. Everywhere I looked, people were smiling, celebrating, preparing for a wedding that felt less like a celebration and more like a sentence. "My princess, please sit still." Livia's gentle voice came from behind me as she fastened another delicate pin into my hair. I sat before the tall mirror in my chambers, my hands folded quietly in my lap. The woman staring back at me barely looked like myself.
My wedding dress was made entirely of ivory silk, layered so heavily that the fabric pooled around me like clouds. Fine golden thread embroidered the entire gown with patterns of phoenixes and blooming flowers symbols of prosperity and imperial blessing The sleeves were long and flowing, trailing softly across the floor around my neck rested a necklace of pale diamonds and pearls, each stone catching the light like drops of frozen water. My hair had been braided and twisted into an elaborate crown atop my head, held in place by golden hairpins shaped like butterflies. It was beautiful, too beautiful. Like something meant for display. "You look radiant," one of the palace attendants whispered. Another nodded eagerly. "The Crown Prince will be captivated."
I forced a small smile, they meant well. But none of them understood this was not a wedding I had chosen. Outside the palace walls, the entire capital had gathered to witness the ceremony. Colorful banners fluttered from the palace towers, each embroidered with the imperial crest. Rows of soldiers stood guard along the wide marble path leading toward the ceremonial courtyard.
When the palace doors finally opened, a wave of music rose into the air. I stepped forward slowly, the weight of my gown made every movement careful and deliberate, hundreds of eyes turned toward me, nobles, foreign ambassadors, royal guards. And at the far end of the courtyard Prince Rashad waited.
The first thing I noticed was his clothing. It stood in striking contrast to the bright, flowing garments of our empire. While the nobles around us wore robes of crimson, gold, and ivory, Rashad's attire was dark and commanding. He wore a long coat of deep black velvet, fitted closely to his body. Silver embroidery traced intricate patterns across the sleeves and collar, sharp designs that resembled ancient symbols I did not recognize.
The coat fastened across his chest with polished silver clasps, each one engraved with the crescent emblem of Sahramir. Beneath it, layered fabrics of charcoal and midnight blue created a structured silhouette, nothing like the soft flowing robes worn by the men of my father's court. Even his cloak was different It rested heavily across his shoulders, lined with dark fur and secured with a silver brooch shaped like a curved blade.
His long dark hair hung freely down his back, falling in thick waves almost to his waist. The deep black strands contrasted sharply against the pale marble of the courtyard. Under the sunlight, the olive tone of his skin seemed warmer than the nobles surrounding him. And his eyes those cold grey eyes watched me approach with quiet satisfaction like a man witnessing the completion of a plan he had already designed.
The music softened as I reached the ceremonial platform Prince Rashad stepped forward. Up close, he smelled faintly of cedarwood and smoke. His gaze lingered on my face for a moment before he spoke quietly. "You look beautiful." The words were polite but his tone felt distant. I lowered my eyes. "Thank you." The royal priest began the ceremony soon after. Ancient vows were recited, blessings spoken and golden rings exchanged.
My hands felt strangely numb as Rashad slid the ring onto my finger. Applause erupted across the courtyard when the priest finally raised his voice. "By the authority of the empire and the will of heaven, this union is now sealed." More music filled the air, cheers followed. I had become Crown Princess of Sahramir and wife to a man I barely knew.
The celebrations continued long after sunset. Banquets filled the palace halls with laughter and music. Nobles drank expensive wine while dancers spun gracefully beneath golden lanterns. But I barely tasted the food placed before me I barely heard the conversations happening around me. My thoughts remained fixed on one thing. The wedding night.
Eventually the celebration ended. Servants escorted me through quiet palace corridors toward the bridal chamber prepared for us. The room was lit by dozens of soft candles, their flames flickering gently against the silk curtains.
Rose petals covered the bed. The scent of perfume lingered heavily in the air, my heart beat faster as I stepped inside. Moments later, the door opened again prince Rashad entered.
He had removed the heavy cloak from his shoulders, but he still wore the dark coat from the ceremony. For the first time that day, we were completely alone, he closed the door slowly behind him. The soft click of the lock echoed faintly through the quiet room. Then he turned toward me, those cold grey eyes studied me again. And something about the way he looked at me made a strange unease crawl down my spine. "My wife," he said quietly. The words sounded different now, he stepped closer. The candlelight flickered across his olive-toned skin and long dark hair as he moved. "You don't need to look so frightened," he said. I hadn't realized the tension in my body was so obvious. "I'm not frightened," I replied softly. Rashad tilted his head slightly. A faint smile touched his lips. "Good." He reached out and gently lifted my chin with two fingers, forcing me to meet his gaze. "Because tonight," he said calmly, "You belong to me." And for reasons I could not fully explain, a sudden chill ran through my entire body.