Chapter 10 - Idynn

It took the castle staff five days of nonstop work to complete the hall's decor. I did not get the chance to see it, but I heard from Safine and a few of the other maids that most of the labour was focused on weaving Sonera's banners from scratch—colours, crest and all.

As was Navhëlm custom, the partners-to-be would approach from opposite sides and leave in the same direction as their future home. For the Prince and I, we would exit facing Sonera.

On the day of the wedding, it stormed.

After many hours fussing over my hair and dress and jewellery, I was ready. Safine had taken charge of this task, and she kept all the staff busy fulfilling her requests. Tensions ran high in the castle, and everyone's smiles felt forced.

I looked in the mirror as I spun in the finished dress, my hair cleaned and combed into a look fit for a princess. Something felt missing and I didn't realise what it was until Safine thrust Mirea's tiara into my hands.

'Your Highness,' she said, sarcasm entering her voice, 'don't forget your crown.'

The tiara had been polished, the metal and sapphires shining like a beacon. I put it on and checked my reflection again. The feeling did not go away.

After a few more finishing touches, I was whisked off to the entrance of the grand hall. I took a deep breath and tugged at the skirts of my dress.

My nerves were fraying. Suddenly, facing those giant doors that would lead to the rest of my life, my breaths started coming in short, shallow bursts. The guards behind me didn't seem to notice. I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to breathe slower.

A warm hand enveloped mind. I whipped around to find a very familiar pair of blue eyes wink at me. Mirea!

The rest of the guards were very deliberately looking away. I saw a bead of sweat roll down the face of the one standing next to Mirea. She was wearing a guard's uniform that was too big for her, the helmet slipping over her face.

I choked back a hysterical laugh. She must have evaded her father again.

'It's okay,' she mouthed at me. 'I'm here.'

Then the high notes of a horn sounded and the doors opened.

The grand hall had been lavishly decorated for the wedding. The rumours were true, huge banners in Navhëlm and Soneran colours hung from the pillars and beams; dark blue and silver, white and gold.

The chandelier had been polished and benches laid out for the attendees. More of the chieftains, nobles, the Soneran diplomats, and a few others I didn't recognise occupied them. The King's throne was removed, the dais pushed to the centre of the room—the King was there, too.

One of the guards behind me prompted, 'Your Highness.' I began to walk.

On the other side of the hall, the Prince approached. As I walked towards the dais, I finally saw his outfit.

He was wearing a Soneran-style jacket but it was trimmed with fur, clearly a Navhëlm touch. The jacket and pants were white with black and gold embroidery, reflecting the torchlight and making it seem like there were flames licking up the hems. That elderly tailor modified it masterfully, after all.

Behind him was his retinue of diplomats and the same Soneran guard that had been at the fitting.

I swallowed my fear, and before long, I had reached and mounted the dais.

The King was waiting. His robe matched mine right down to the silver buttercups and oak leaves.

The Prince and I stood, facing each other.

He was much taller than I thought, towering a full head above me. I had to crane my neck to meet his eyes. This was the first time I was up close to him. His black hair had been combed back and neatly parted, and a small golden ornament hung from his right ear.

What drew my attention, however, were the dark circles that ringed his eyes. Had he slept poorly these past few days?

His gaze flicked to my dress then my face. I tried to keep my breaths as steady as I could.

King Odern began to speak. It was a long speech talking about the proposed alliance between Navhelm and Sonera, and the way he phrased it made it sound like Sonera hadn't tried to declare war on us. He recounted a story about Mirea as a child, which made me itch to turn around to see her.

This didn't feel right. I was living the consequences of her life.

It was time for the Soneran tradition. The Prince's guard handed him a goblet of wine. I had been told what to do—I wrapped my hand around the stem and the Prince held the base.

I drank. It was a pale Soneran wine, light and sweet.

After he also took a mouthful, we turned to King Odern. He motioned for us to seal the marriage.

This was the part I dreaded most. The Prince and I would have to kiss. I wanted to move towards him to get it over as quickly as I could, but my whole body was frozen. Would he be rough with the kiss? Everyone was watching. How could I make it obvious that I wanted this despite every inch of me screaming otherwise?

I'd waited too long. After a moment's hesitation, the Prince cupped my cheek. My heart leapt to my throat. His hand ghosted over my skin, a thumb brushing against my lips. Then he lowered his head and swiftly kissed the side of my mouth.

My face burned. He hadn't meant to be gentle—the hand on my cheek was to block the view of everyone else in the hall so he would not have to kiss me properly.

Should I have felt relieved? He barely wanted to touch me. Maybe that also meant that he would not hurt me. My stomach twisted.

Everyone in the grand hall had been silent up till now. Once the kiss was over, they stood and cheered. The noise was deafening but I let a smile show on my face, trying to play the part of joyful bride.

Something brushed against my hand and I withdrew it instinctively. It was the Prince, his expression was blank. He offered me his arm, which I took as lightly as I could, and we began the long march out of the grand hall.

I tried to start a conversation. 'Have you been sleeping well, Your Highness?'

The Prince's brows knit together. He looked straight ahead as he said, 'I ask that you excuse my exhaustion, My Lady. There was much to be done for an arrangement as rushed as this.'

Oh, Hells. It wasn't my fault that the wedding was rushed (or that it was even happening at all) but I wanted to apologise anyway. The words lost themselves on the tip of my tongue so I stayed silent as he led me from the grand hall.