The treaty was written in ink but everyone in the room knew it was sealed in blood.
The sun shone through the big windows onto the table with lots of papers. Important people sat and stood, looking serious. This wasn't just a meeting, something big was happening.
I sat beside my mom, looking all calm but inside, I was like woah.
Across the table sat Dane of Stonehaven.
He wore fancy clothes instead of armor, but he still looked tough. He was relaxed but ready to go, like he was waiting for something to happen. He was listening to the council, but I could tell he was watching everything.
Lord Kael cleared his throat and stood up, "we gather today to formalize an alliance between the Kingdom of Aurelia and the people of Stonehaven."
People whispered, then quickly everywhere became silenced.
This alliance will be bound by marriage between Princess Amara of Aurelia and Dane of Stonehaven, he said.
The word were loud than they should have.
A marriage, my heart beat increased.
They passed papers around and read stuff out loud. Fight together, share borders, trading and help each other. It was like once they said it, it was stuck.
I looked around and some people were happy, some thinking while some were feeling sorry for me.
No one asked me how I felt.
When Lord Kael finished speaking, he turned to Dane, " do you accept this terms?"
Dane rose, "I do".
No hesitation or whatsoever.
Every eyes turned to me.
I stood up slowly, everywhere was quiet.
Everyone was waiting for my reply.
"I do", I said quietly.
The room finally breathed.
Servants came with ink and paper and told Dane and I to sign our names at the bottom of the treaty as a symbol of commitment.
I grace the pen first.
My name looked unfamiliar on the page as though it belonged to someone else, someone who had not just signed away her future.
Dane signed next.
After we both signed, the final seal was pressed into warm wax.
It was done.
People clapped while some just stared at me.
But something inside me went still.
After the council was dismissed, preparations began immediately, words spread through the palace like fire, servants hurried, messengers rode out to inform others, tailors were summoned. They wanted the wedding to take place in few days.
I returned back to my chambers, like I didn't know what was happening. Liora came with me and I knew she was worried, I could see it in her eyes.
They are already planing the ceremony, she said.
I nodded, unable to a say a word.
She helped me change, being gentle. When she finished, she stayed by the door like she wanted to say something.
"You don't have to be strong alone", she said.
"Yes I do", I relied.
After she left, I just stood by the window looking out. People were down there making stuff for the wedding, they had white and silver stuff up. It was for the wedding.
A knock sounded.
I asked not to be disturbed, I said.
It's me "Dane".
I froze.
What was he doing here, I thought to myself.
"Come in", I said to him
He closed the door behind him but kept his distance. "I thought it better we speak before the ceremony is announced publicly."
There is nothing to say, I replied coldly.
I do not agree, he said
"Do you?" I asked him
Yes, he said. Because once everyone finds out, you will belong to them as much as to this alliance.
I belong to no one, I said.
Then we have to agree on something, he said.
"Why are you here Dane"? I asked.
"To make terms between us", he said.
"The treaty already did that", I replied.
The treaty is for the kingdoms, not for people, he said.
"Pls say what you came here to say", I said to him.
"I will not force you to pretend this marriage is something it is not", he said.
My heart beat increased but I refused to show it.
You will have your freedom and your voice will be heard in my kingdom, he said.
And I'm return? I asked.
"Respect and public unity,"he said.
What you ask for is something I cannot do, I said.
"You do not trust me?" he asked.
"I don't", I replied.
I don't expect you to, he said. Trust can come in later or maybe not at all.
He turned to leave then paused, "one more thing".
"What?"
I know you hate but I promise you, I did not ask for this marriage to cage you.
When he left, the room felt heavier and quieter.
That night, there was a big dinner. Lots of people came even the nobles. Music was playing and everyone was laughing really loud.
Dane and I sat beside each other at the high table.
Every movement or what we did was watched.
"They are waiting for you to smile", he said.
"I do not owe them that", I replied.
"But it will calm them", he said.
I looked up and smiled a little. People started whispering.
It was late, and Dane offered his arm.
"For appearances", he said.
I hesitated before I took it.
We walked all the way through, and to everyone, we looked like we were united, like we were perfect.
Only I knew how much I was holding myself.
When the evening finally ended, I returned to my chambers exhausted. I removed the jewelry piece by piece, each one feeling heavier than the last.
I looked at myself in the mirror. A princess soon to be a married.
A Queen in the making.
The treaty was already sealed and the path was set.
And I was going to be with the man from the other land whether I liked it or not.