On our way to the ceremony, Sir Esteve informed me that it will be taking place in the Grandhall of the palace. Since our time was mostly spent in silence, I took the time to reflect on my life. All the happy memories with my family will forever be in my heart. My little brother would have enjoyed all the wedding festivities. He is such a curious boy. I could see him asking me millions of questions about the dress, the ceremony, and all sorts of other things regarding the wedding. Taking my pendant in my hands I am reminded that even though they can’t be here physically, they are here spiritually.

Once I hear the music ahead, I know that we have arrived at our destination. I can feel my heart beating out of my chest as we approach the gates to the Grandhall. Breath… just breath…

Sir Esteve extends his arm to me. “I’ll be walking with you.” he says. He must be giving me away. While it saddens me that my Father is not the one to walk me down the aisle, I am happy that I won’t have to do it alone. Feeling the weakness in my knees, I am especially grateful that I have Sir Esteve’s strong arm to cling onto.

When the doors open, the lights of the Grandhall shine brightly over me. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling reflecting little rainbows of light all around the room. Red and white flowers tied in black ribbon, stand in all corners of the hall. Down the aisle are scattered red rose petals among the gold and black carpet lining my path. Everything is so beautiful, I couldn’t have asked for more.

On either side of the aisle are rows of seating, with not an empty seat in sight. All the noble Lords and Ladies of the Kingdom have been gathered to witness this special occasion, and all of them are staring at me. Looking out into the crowd I became painfully reminded that I was practically half naked. They say if you are nervous in a room of people, try to picture them naked to ease your anxiety. Whoever made that up is a total fool. When I see all the people around me all I can hear is their thoughts; mocking, taunting, vulgar thoughts.

With a deep exhale, Sir Esteve guides me down the aisle to the altar. I can’t seem to bring myself to look up or around me, so I maintain eye contact with the floor. If I look about me, I will see all of the people examining every inch of my exposed skin, and if I look up I will face the Prince. I know that when I see the groom there is no turning back. My life will be forever changed, dictated by the tyrant King’s son. I hold onto the life I know for as long as I can, but before I know it we reached our destination.

The groom's feet make their way towards me. The black and shiny boots seem harmless, but that could change with the person wearing them. Prince Galleren softly takes my hand, and lightly kisses it. “It is a pleasure to meet you Princess Ariella.”

Looking into the Prince’s green eyes for the first time, was like looking out to the grass plains of my homeland; warm, inviting, and familiar. His chiseled features and pleasant smile were nothing like his Fathers. Perhaps this marriage is a blessing in disguise?

I remind myself however that this is the same man that tore me away from my family without a goodbye. On top of which asked for a full report of my appearance from Sir Esteve before he could proceed with our marriage.

I curtsy to Prince Galleren with caution. “The pleasure is mine, your Highness.” with a flat smile my future husband takes my hand, leading me to the center of the altar. Out of the corner of my eye I see King Thybaut, sitting on a regal chair surrounded by servants. His devilish grin towards me sends goosebumps through my exposed skin. In an attempt of ignoring him, I keep my gaze steady and true, to Prince Galleren.

In front of us was an older man in Judges robes who will be conducting the ceremony. Just beside him was a table containing an empty vase and two elegant glass jars of what appears to be sand.

Clearing his throat, the Judge begins to speak. “Dearly beloved; we are gathered here today for the momentous occasion of uniting Prince Galleren, and Princess Ariella in matrimony. This union will bind the Kingdoms of Xosta, and Theora. Forever changing our history of hatred, to a blossoming friendship. These two have taken the first brave step to peace for our two Kingdoms, and hopefully peace to all of Olkyrie…”

As the judge's voice echoed through the hallowed hall, his words struck a chord with me. I gazed at my soon to be husband and considered what he must be feeling. It is just as the Judge said, we are both taking this step together. How does he feel about marrying a complete stranger? Is this a genuine action uniting our Kingdoms for him? Or does he plot with his Father something more diabolical?

“...On the table is a vase with sand from the shores of Theora, and Xosta. I ask that The Prince and Princess fill the vase as a symbolic gesture of our two Kingdoms coming together.” Listening to the Jude, the Prince and I take our designated jars and pour them into the vase together. As I watched the sand fill to the top, I thought of the beautiful beaches of my Kingdom and how their beauty will remain, when we are victorious in this War.

“...Now the bride and groom will exchange vows. Prince Galleren, please repeat after me. I Prince Galleren…”

I Prince Galleren.

“Take you Princess Ariella…”

Take you Princess Ariella.

“To have and to hold till death parts us.”

To have and to hold till death parts us.

My heart is racing. This is really happening. I am getting married to the Prince of our enemy Kingdom, whom I have only just met minutes ago! I remind myself to breathe, taking my time repeating my vows.

“Princess Ariella, please repeat after me. I Princess Ariella…”

I Princess Ariella.

“Take you Prince Galleren…”

Take you Prince Galleren.”

“To have and to hold till death parts us.”

To have and to hold till death parts us.

“Good… now the rings.” A small servant boy with a plate presents the judge two wedding bands made of gold. Taking the first ring, the judge hands it to the Prince. “Please place this ring on the Princess’s finger as a sign of fidelity and love. Then say ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’”

Following the judges direction, the Prince takes my left hand and slides the gold band on my ring finger. As his clear green eyes gaze into mine, he says “With this ring, I thee wed.” His voice sounds like a soft breeze on a summer's day. I feel the tension of tears swell behind my eyes from my emotions. I blink hard pushing my feelings back into my skull.

Next the Judge turns to me, giving me the last ring off the platter. “Please place this ring on the Prince’s finger as a sign of fidelity and love. Then say ‘With this ring, I thee wed’”

Taking my hand in his, I admire the Prince’s clean and strong fingers. Placing the plain gold band on his left hand, I repeat. “With the ring, I thee wed.”

In a grand voice the Judge speaks his final declaration. “By the power vested in me, by the great King Thybaut, hero of Xosta, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride!”

With the loud pounds of the music, and the crowd roaring in applause, the Prince leans into me pressing his lips against mine. His soft tend touch calmed every nerve in my body, while at the same time cried out for more. I didn’t feel like kissing a stranger, it felt like kissing someone I have known all of my life. Accepting his kiss I close my eyes taking in this precious moment that only lasted seconds, but felt like hours. I have never kissed anyone before, so I don’t know how it usually goes; but to me our first kiss was incredible.

🜃

The reception was just as grand as the ceremony. Candles and flowers were on every table, banister, and shelf. Music, light, and laughter filled the room with delight. The dance floor was full of our guests enjoying the wonderful sounds of the bards' tunes. Everyone seems to be overjoyed by this union; then again they could just be happy to enjoy free wine paid with the King’s coin.

The newly weds sat along a long dining table in the front of the room looking out at their subjects. A feast was presented to us in celebration. Fine meats,cheeses, and wines of every kind were present on our plates. Looking to the wine, I knew that it would never live up to the kind from my Kingdom. Alas, it is wine, and I need a drink…

With the Prince sitting beside me, I find myself quite nervous. How do you start conversing with your husband you know nothing about? Taking my full glass I sip delicately as not to seem too eager to my new husband.

“Wine lover are we?” Prince Galleren asks. He read right through me. I guess I am not as sneaky as I thought.

“Quite your Highness.” I say politely. Raising his brow, Prince Galleren moves his chair closer to mine. “Come now! No need to be shy. We are married after all. What is it you enjoy about wine?” His captivating green eyes catch me again, they make me weak. Can I trust those eyes enough to let my guard down? No. I need to gain his favor first. If he trusts me, I can trust him.

The two best ways to get on anyones good side is pleasantries, and humor. Thankfully, I know how to do both well. “To speak frankly Prince Galleren, what I like about wine is what comes after you drink it.”

The Prince burst into a laugh and smiles from ear to ear. “You are a woman after my own heart. Cheers!” Lifting his goblet he taps my cup lightly, then proceeds to drink the crimson nectar it contains.

Placing his cup near his plate, Prince Galleren continues to keep our conversation going. “I hope Sir Esteve didn’t give you much trouble on your journey. I know he can be… strong willed and difficult to read.”

That is one way to put it. Pleastries Ariella, remember pleasantries… “You are too kind. Sir Esteve was nothing but a gentleman. There were no quarrels to account for.”

My husband's eyes thinned. “Then why does he tell me you attempted to run away before boarding your ship?”

I nearly choke on my drink processing his question. Feeling my cheeks run red, I think quickly for an appropriate response. “I assure you, your Highness. I made no attempts to abandon our agreement. We merely got seperated. That is all.”

“With all due respect my Lady. I have known Sir Esteve for many years and he is not the type of man to ‘separate’ from his escort. Which means you must have taken the initiative to detach from him. Now tell me, what was it that diverted your attention so much that you merely missed boarding the only ship to Xosta?”

His glare was like knives in my chest. The charming Prince I thought I was next to, turned into a vindictive monster right before my eyes. My worst fears have been realized. Perhaps if I tell him the truth, I can change things.

Clearing my throat I speak to the Prince with clarity. “You are right, your Highness. It was my fault we almost missed our ship. I diverted from him to purchase strawberries at the market, and when I finished I could not find him.” Taking my apology one step further, I take the Prince’s hand and look deep into his eyes. “You must believe me when I say that I would never do anything that would jeopardize the alliance of our two Kingdoms. Please forgive my foolishness.”

His handsome face looked at me with scepticism. “Strawberries?”

I nod. “Yes, my Lord. Strawberries.”

Even as I say it outloud, it sounds ridiculous, but it is the truth, which is all I can give. Slowly he leans into me for a kiss, but instead he quickly grabs me by the base of my hair and pulls my ear to his lips.

“Liar…” he whispers. Letting go of me, Prince Galleren walks out to a group of nobles by the fire. I feel my throat tremble as I swallow my composure. He is just as manipulative as his Father.

When the Prince departs a few noble ladies approach me, bowing accordingly. “Greetings your Grace, and congratulations on your marriage. I am Lady Hawyse. These are my sisters Uldi, and Avelyn.”

Excited at the prospect of making new friends, I smile at the girls in reply. “Thank you. I am happy to make your acquaintance, ladies. Have you been enjoying your evening?”

“Very much so.” Lady Hawsye says. Looking over Lady Hawsye’s shoulder I see Lady Avelyn and Uldi whispering to each other, and snickering quietly. Pushing the other girls forward, Lady Hawsye speaks. “We came to ask you if you have spoken to Prince Galleren about us?”

Ask the Prince about them? This is the first time I am meeting them; what could they be talking about?

In a confused tone, I ask. “Whatever do you mean?” Looking at each other, the three sisters turn embarrassed.

Avelyn takes the lead when neither of the others wishes to speak. “Well… You see my Lady… Prince Galleren prefers to bed with… more than one woman at one time. You are to choose which of the three of us you wish to take with you for the wedding night. Did he not tell you?”

So many emotions sweep over me that it is hard to tell what is more prominent. The first is anger; for the Prince to expect to take another woman to bed with me on our wedding night. The second embarrassment; for not being informed of this and seeing that these sisters are clearly mocking me because of it. The third sadness; for these women that to give their bodies so willingly to the Prince, has become the norm.

At that moment I decided to throw caution to the wind. I am the Princess of Theora, daughter of Kind Edom II and I will not be treated like this. Standing up I glare at the three sisters in front of me, and in a strong commanding voice I say. “Get out of my sight. Now.”

It gives me pleasure to see a slight fear in their eyes. The girls curtsey to me quickly, then scoury off back to their seats.

The rest of the night I sat looking out to all of the guests, smiling, laughing, and enjoying their time. While I was alone, with my mediocre cup of wine. Dreading the wedding night to follow. If Prince Galleren thinks he can have two women on our wedding night, he is sadly mistaken.

My attention is suddenly called by a ringing bell. Looking toward the sound one of the servants was standing off to the side with King Thybaut.

“The King would like to say a few words!” He yells. Everyone in the hall quiets, even Prince Galleren seem to be captivated by the attention.

“Lords and Ladies of Xosta! Thank you for coming to celebrate the marriage of Prince Galleren. It is every Father's dream to see his son get married, even if it is to faint-hearted Theoran.” The King stops his speech as he waits for the crowd's laughter to die down.

Containing my anger, I grip the skirt of my dress so hard I could puncture holes through it. King Thybaut glances for a reaction from me, but I give him none. I refuse to give him the satisfaction.

“Prince Galleren will make a fine ruler someday. When his wife produces a male heir, there will be nothing standing in his way to glory!” The crowd cheers for the Prince, raising their glasses high in the air. “Now the bride and groom will consummate the marriage, forever binding them in body and soul.”

The guests around us scream and cheer with joy pulling the Prince and I towards each other. I have never seen more people excited for a couple to have sex before. It is bizzare to speak of such things so openly. In Theora such discussions are considered taboo.

Quickly the Prince takes my hand and pulls me through the crowd, freeing us with some much needed personal space. He takes me through a small corridor which leads to a large bedroom.

Red and gold glimmer and gleam from the floor to the ceiling. Antique furnishings, brought the room to life. It was a lovely bed-chamber; but even with such beautiful distractions around me, my eyes were locked on one peice of furniture… the bed. Broad and tall it stood, taunting me so. If it could speak it would laugh at my misery. Possibly even mock me and my virgin womb.

“So here we are.” The Prince speaks softly.

I swallow hard looking down to my dress. I just want this night to be over. The quicker the deed is done the better. Gripping the string of my corset I begin to pull the thread releasing the knot Mira so carefully tied.

“Please… Allow me.” Moving toward me the Prince gathers my corset in his strong and capable hands and begins to untie them one by one. As each notch is opened, my torso screams in relief, followed by crippling anxiety. Soon I will be completely naked… How on earth am I going to do this!

“So… Strawberries?” Prince Galleren’s voice cuts off my racing thoughts.

Clearing my throat I reply. “Yes, your Highness. I am afraid I have a weakness for them.”

Pushing my hair away from my neck, he dusts his fingers along my exposed skin. His touch felt like electricity pulsing from him to me. I am afraid of where it may lead, and yet crave more. I can’t deny that there was a spark between us during our first kiss. Did he feel it too?

“What else do you have a weakness for, Princess?” I bite my lip feeling like a helpless doe eyed girl swooning over her crush. I need to get a hold of myself!

“I haven’t really given it much thought.” I reply. Suddenly my ribs jump from my chest, corset free. I begin to panic, holding up my dress to keep my breasts covered. Taking my arm Prince Galleren swings me onto the bed straddling me still. His grip tight on my wrist keeping them above my head. Any effort to push him back was blocked by the weight of his body pressing me down into the firm mattress.

“What's the matter? Is my appearance not to your satisfaction my Lady?” His jeering lit my anger from a soft flame, to a roaring fire.

“How dare you!-” Before I could lash out more, Prince Galleren interrupts. “You can relax Princess… I don’t sleep with the enemy.”

With those cold and final words, he left me on the bed unharmed and with my virginity intact.