NINE...

IRIS'S POV.

I don't know how long I stood before the full length mirror looking at my reflection.

"You look beautiful." My brother's voice pulled me back to reality. And the reality of my life was that I was the wife of some Prince I didn't even know.

I kept tossing on my bed all night, anxiety eating me up alive. I couldn't create a satisfied image of the Prince who was going to be my husband.

What would he look like? How would he feel about this whole thing? Will he treat me right? Will he at least pretend he loved me? But it was just a matter of time to find out.

My heart felt a pang of pain when I walked down into the court only to be told that he could not make it. Who misses his own wedding!!

At that moment I wished I could vanish into thin air. I didn't know what to expect anymore. But whatever it is, it definitely didn't feel good.

He didn't even bother to be the first to see my face after taking off my vail. Or to get to know me a little before taking me away. Not that it would make any difference. I just feel like it would be nice of him.

It would make me feel better to see a little devotion towards this marriage. But now, all hope was gone.

"He didn't even show up Elise! He clearly doesn't want me!! Why can't Father see this?" I couldn't help the tears that blinded me now.

"Its going to be OK. His father had sent him on an important errand. Not that he chose not to show up. "

"I don't believe any of that. The king has another son. Why couldn't he go instead of him? Of course you don't expect him to tell us to the face that his son hates me so much that he has refused to come get me himself"

"Stop saying that Iris. Your husband doesn't hate you. You don't know that..."

"Yet.." I mumbled.

Signing, Elise brought his thumb to my cheek to wipe the tear that had escaped my eyes.

" At least the king seem to be so fond of you.."

This got me crying out now..

"Its not the king I married for God's sake! Why is everyone pointing that out. You can't expect the Prince and his father to have same interest. Why then is he not here? "

"Because he had to run an errand!" Don't think too much of it OK. I promise you, I am not going to let anything bad happen to you. You know that if I didn't approve of this marriage,it wouldn't hold. And you know that if I found out anything dangerous about Prince Regan,I wouldn't let you marry him"

"Yet you wouldn't tell me anything you found out about him!"

"Iris, he is a good man. He'll treat you right. I'll make sure of that".

ELISE'S POV.

And how can I tell you that your husband has been labeled inhuman by his very own blood siblings. How can I tell you the mysterious tails his warriors tell about his act of war.

No one has explanations for his super strength and his strange behaviors. How can I tell you that your husbands own subjects has decleared him anti social!

"Its going to be ok. Trust me. And who wouldnt love you? He'd be an idiot to hate someone like you. You're amazing..."

"You're saying this because you're my brother."

"I am saying this because I know who you are sister."

Yes Iris. I know who you are. I know that perhaps you are meant to be with this strange man. I know that you may be the last piece to complete his puzzle.

Wrapping her arms around me, she hugged me tightly. I didn't hesitate to hug her back. This was my dear little sister, and I didn't know when I'll see her next.......

*MALEDOTH*

IRIS'S POV.

The castle was huge, nothing I had imagined. So wide and so high, so beautiful.

The ride from the entrance to the main building alone took minutes to complete. As the carriage came to a halt at the entrance of the palace, I gathered my gown with both of my hands and stepped out,giving the young guard a cautious nod.

I smiled as best as I could at the little crowd before me.

I stood watching as they exchanged pleasantries with the king and his crowd he brought to perform my marriage rights.

"Everyone, meet Princess Iris of Amelot, the wife of Prince Regan. Iris, meet my queens , Verma and Eunice. "

He pointed at the two elderly women. I could identify who was the first wife easily by their crowns. I bowed and smiled politely at them. They smiled back as well.

"I am so happy that finally Regan found a wife! And a beautiful one to that! Isn't she pretty Paula?"

The second wife, Eunice I think, called out to one of the four younger women.

"Of course mother...she is very pretty." She answered, looking at me with a scawl on her face.

"My daughters, Suzzy and Lucy..." He pointed at the obvious twins.

"My daughters in law, Alisha and Paula... And these adorable little things are my grandchildren, Kezia,Amber and Anaya."

I looked down at the pretty little girls and smiled.

"You're welcome home Iris. This palace is equally yours as it is everyone else's. Come on in..."

Patting the way for me, the family followed behind as I stepped inside the castle. A chill run down my body as my gaze fell on the throne of Maledoth,sitting at the far middle of the enormous room.

I followed the king to the already set dining table in the room right after the throne room. Not knowing which seat to take, I fidgeted with my golden ring.

"Sit next to me my dear."

Queen Verma spoke quietly. It was her first words to me since I arrived. I couldn't understand one thing.. Which of the Queens was Regan's mother? My mother in law? Shouldn't I be like welcomed by her or something?

But none of the queens was acting as if her son just got married. Thinking of it, when is he even returning?

I felt curious eyes on me. To my left, I came face to face with four pairs of eyes. What's going on?

"Urrr....your hair is dyed?" One of the Princess's whose name I couldn't remember asked. I pulled a strand of hair between my fingers out of habit.

"No. Its natural."

" Red and black? I doubt it." The younger queen mumbled.

The king cleared his throat loudly to gain everyone's attention.

"Let's eat." He simply said. I glanced down at my plate. As delicious as the food looked, I couldn't bring myself to take a bite. The temperature in the room was beyond normal.

I felt like being put in a room full of predators. I could strongly feel the hatred in the air. I felt sick to the stomach..