Whole life ahead!

Katherine pov contd.

It took us ages to meet everyone in the hall as there was all the empire collected. From nobles to rich commoners, from traders to foreign associates, from knights to everyone who was even partially related to the development of the empire.

They all came and wished us and then gave us gifts out of their goodwill or to honor my father. So, when the dance started, I was tired as hell.

"Would you like to have the first dance, my dear wife?" but when he asked with that dazzling smile on his face, my hands moved unconsciously.

He helped me in sanding and we walked towards the dancing area. In our empire, the married lady first dances with her father and then her father passes her hands to her husband. But when I looked at my father, he was busy talking with the man named Cassius, and Philip's mother was standing beside them with anxious expressions.

"Is there some problem, Katherine?" he was so close to my face that his breath caressed my cheeks, I could feel the heat of his body. It made me feel uneasy, maybe it was the first time a man was this close to me, that's why! But I did not feel comfortable.

'Endure Katherine, he is your husband now.'

"No my lord, why did you think so?" I asked with a smile on my face.

"You seem to be lost. Are you afraid?" 'Could a princess be afraid, would he not be a coward if I accepted that? Moreover , we got married just a few hours ago! Could I trust him?'

"No my lord. I think I am just tired.`` I replied with a smile and he nodded as he twirled me in his arms.

"You can come to me and share every problem, Katherine. I am your husband now. And in that strange empire, I am the only one you know and can trust." he added as we waltzed to the beats.

"Cassius, can we have a dance together, look every other couple is dancing.'' I heard the slurred voice of the same woman and my eyes unconsciously fell on them, my father was nowhere to be seen and so was my mother.

My sister and brother were dancing with their partners. Cassius, who was standing with my father a while ago, was looking scornfully at the woman now. What was her name, yes! Marianne. As if she was pestering him, he was about to push her but in the end she moved away and her heels twisted and she fell by herself.

She winced but no one moved to help her. Even her husband left as if she was embarrassing him. I tried to move when Charles held me tightly in his arms. I looked at him in confusion when he shook his head.

"We can not meddle in someone's private affairs. Can we?" he asked with the same smile, but there was a flicker of authority. Or was I mistaken.

"I thought he was your brother and his wife, my lord." he sighed as he looked in the direction. Finally the woman stood by herself and then left the hall with hasty steps, her shivering back proving that she was crying silently.

"This is complicated, but they are not on good terms. But if I take one side of one the other will misinterpret it. But I still try to convince Cassius to accept his second wife. I think he is still not over with his first time. These are sensitive things, and take time. But let me handle it for now, when you will be close to them enough, only then you can handle it, right?" he asked in a gentle tone and I nodded.

He was right, if I meddle right now, it will only worsen the matter. What was I even thinking and why was I being so susceptible?

"I think you are tired. Shall we leave and rest?" he asked once then the song ended and we both bowed to each other and left the dance area.

"But the party is still…"

"It's alright, everyone has already met us. Let them enjoy it. If you are in doubt, I can ask your parents." i was not sure he was talking about my parents or his but i just nodded and let him handle the matter. Because I was honestly feeling tired.

He went and talked to them and they all looked at me and then at him and nodded.

"Come, show me your room, that's where we are going to stay for tonight, right?" we! Only then did it click that he was going to share my bed and.. We.. are going .. to . do . the . deed!!

"No, my lord. Another room is prepared for both of us for tonight.`` I replied as a lump started forming on my throat and all the tension came back. I could feel my stomach churning and each step felt so heavy.

I wonder how I even reached the chamber without falling. The room was decorated with rose petals and incense. A lot of scented candles were lit and it was so arousing.

I was having trouble lifting my head looking at the room when he chuckled.

"Your maids have done so much hard work here. The room looks like a fairy tale room.`` I just nodded as I did not know what to say.

"Umm, katherine. We both are tired. So, if you do not mind, can we just rest for today? After all, we have our whole life ahead."

"......"