It all happened so fast

"Everyone present here tonight, I am glad you all came to be a part of our happiness and I hope you all have been enjoying yourselves lately. As you all are already aware that Santok and Bellicus have shared an alliance for decades and not only the people of the two kingdoms but the royal families of Santok and Bellicus are familiar to each other as well. That is why King Themisto of Bellicus and I have decided to turn this decades old union and friendship into an official relationship by tying the knot between Prince Alexander Boyle of Santok and Princess Selene Cromwell of Bellicus."

As soon as Hendrickson finished the crowd started cheering in response to the announcement. Samantha's heart was full of joy as this was all she has been yearning for since a very long time. Artemis was stunned by the news. Never had she ever thought that something like this was awaiting them at the ball.

She was part content and part dissatisfied with the news. Content because somewhere she believed that marrying Selene would prevent the ill prophecy to come true and she wouldn't have to deal with the hunter training and weapons. Prince Alexander was someone she had watched over since he was a child and in her eyes he seemed to be close enough to trustworthy. She couldn't be much happier. But on the other hand she was a tad bit angry that the King didn't even bother to discuss it with her prior to announcing.

"Congratulations Artemis!" Samantha greeted as she suddenly pulled her into a hug. "I look forward to seeing our children tying the knot and living the happiest lives." She added.

Artemis smiled in response and greeted her back. This was after all something good she has heard in weeks and she couldn't help but wish all the happiness and joy in the world for her daughter.

While the rest of the people present wished them and enjoyed the news, Selene felt like a bucket of cold water with ice has been splashed upon her face. Her pulse fell for a moment and then picked up its pace with an intense speed.

Alexander reached for her hand and took it into his. But Selene felt nothing, she kept staring at her father and bewildered as she was she wondered how to feel about this huge decision. Being aware of a tragedy is worse but being confused about it and not knowing how to react is far worse. Selene was dealing with the same situation.

"Goodluck Alexander, I wish you all the best for future!" Tethys congratulated Alexander in an attempt to tease Selene, unaware of the fact that she was dealing with something much worse.

Oberon congratulated them as well, only Callisto and Ariel were able to catch the gist of Selene's heart. Selene's face has went sickly pale and she didn't utter anything. All she wanted was someone to pull her out of this nightmare. Marriage was a big decision and involved the consent of both parties but in her case she didn't even get the privilege to decide and people around her wishing her about something she didn't want was even worse.

"Mind if I borrow my sister for a moment?" Callisto finally spoke when he realized the situation Selene was in.

"Of course!" Alexander bowed his head and went away.

Ariel joined Selene and Callisto as well.

"Selene? Are you alright?" Callisto drew her away from the crowd towards a secluded area.

"Selene?" Ariel shook her when she didn't reply.

"I need to talk to papa!" Her voice was bleak and she immediately ran away towards where Themisto Cromwell was.

Ariel decided to follow her but Callisto stopped her and suggested it would be better if she goes alone to have a word with their father. It wasn't actually there place to say anything. All they could do was either to support their sister or to rejoice with her happiness. But it was still not clear what would happen next.

Selene rushed through the corridors and stairs to find her father. There were a lot of people around and everywhere in the castle and she had to pretend to not look displeased with the decision her father has passed. Marriage was a part of everyone's life and one day or another everyone has to marry, but Selene wasn't expecting anything this soon. In fact she wasn't expecting it at all. And right now, she wondered why his father would make an announcement like this without her consent. She felt her freedom violated and it broke her heart several times.

Finally when she reached the place where they were, she caught her breath and prepared herself to speak. But before she could she heard something. The door was ajar and she was able to hear their voices.

*****

Honestly I feel bad for my Main lead. But, trust the process.