Something wrong

The weather of Solyria was unforgivingly harsh, with winter extending up to eight months and snowfall nearly incessant. Yet, the skilled servants adeptly manipulated the snow, turning it into transparent crystal blocks with a flick of their wrists, clearing paths effortlessly for the residents of the palace.

As night fell, the outskirts of the palace illuminated, tall metal posts adorned with crystal-like objects casting a bluish-white glow, lighting the way for the maids who bore robes and ornamental jewellery for the bride-to-be. Wave returned to Noori's room with a retinue of maids, carrying heavily embroidered white dresses, luxurious jewelry, and various scents and oils for adornment.

Noori, already alert, met them at the door, a fleeting expression of confusion crossing her face. "Is it time?" she inquired, her gaze scrutinising the maids with intensity.

"No, Your Highness. But we must prepare you for the Marriage Ceremony. It takes time to ready a bride," Wave replied, her smile faltering slightly under Noori's piercing gaze.

Allowing them entry, Noori's attention drifted to her own men stationed nearby. "Did you hear that?" she questioned them.

"Yes, General," came the response.

"What was the meaning behind that?" she pressed further.

"It appears the message is getting misconstrued due to the language barrier. I believe they mean the Peace Ceremony, as the words are the same for both terms," her lieutenant explained.

"And the 'bride'?" Noori raised an eyebrow, seeking clarification.

"The Envoy of Peace; it translates directly to 'bride,'" he clarified.

Nodding in understanding, Noori commended their efforts. "That makes sense. Good job," she acknowledged before reentering the room, where the maids had finished arranging her attire and adornments.

"Please leave yourself to us. We will get you ready while you relax. Have a seat," Wave said, her voice trembling slightly as she gestured for Noori to sit. Noori complied without complaint, shutting her eyes and resting her feet on the footrest.

As the maids began to remove the clothes from her body,, Wave's hand nearly froze in fright as she pulled away a piece of fabric from Noori's clothes. She glanced at Noori, who lay there silently. Noori's skin bore not only the dryness and calluses of harsh conditions but also deep scars, old and new, marking her skin like a testament to her tumultuous journey. There wasn't an inch of her that hadn't been marred by strife.

Drawing closer, Wave could discern scars on her neck and even her cheek, where the tissue had knitted together in healing, leaving behind a permanent reminder of past battles. Her fingers trembled as she beheld the sight before her, realising that this was unlike anything she had ever witnessed before. Noori's rested eyes parted and she glanced up at Wave who held a weird look in her eyes, Noori then noticed that Wave had caught a glimpse of the scar on her arm and she gave out a cold chuckle. "Leave." She said. 

"All of you, leave! I will get dressed on my own," Noori commanded as soon as the door swung open without warning, causing everyone in the room to turn their attention towards the intruder. Noori's gaze met the newcomer's with a hint of surprise.

"Barira? Did I not tell you to stay back with the others?" Noori's eyes narrowed as she addressed the tall woman with short, hot pink hair, whose sparkling black eyes met hers with a warm smile.

"My Princess! I came to assist you," Barira replied, her smile unwavering. Noori breathed a sigh of relief at her presence.

"Well, perfect timing, I would say," Noori remarked before closing her eyes and resting her head on the headrest. Barira swiftly sent away all the maids and took charge of dressing her.

In no time, Noori stood before the mirror, adorned in a long, extravagant dress, her long hair cascading down her back with some strands braided intricately. Ornate jewellery adorned her head, transforming her from a war hero to a vision of royalty—a princess, a title she had long forsaken upon entering the battlefield.

Noori stared at her reflection in awe, the contrasting colours of the dress complementing her overall appearance in a way that left her bewildered. "If I didn't know better, I would think that I was about to get married," she muttered.

"Haha! Married? Do you think if you were to be getting married you would be dressed in this crap? And with so much less jewellery?" Barira teased, prompting a nod of agreement from Noori. "True," she admitted.

"Well, it should be about time we leave then," Noori changed the topic, turning to walk towards the door, with Barira holding her dress from behind to prevent it from dragging along the floor.

The guard stationed outside turned to catch sight of her, and for a moment, he was rendered speechless, his jaw slackened in astonishment. "Gen—I mean, Princess, you are... ready?!" He stumbled over his words, unable to conceal his surprise at the transformation before him.

The preparations in the main palace were complete, and around this time, Noori's gut feeling began to churn in her stomach. The carriage awaited her at the foot of the palace, and Wave stood beside it, eagerly anticipating Noori's arrival. Anyone who caught sight of her took a long moment to compose themselves, for she had indeed transformed from a rugged, dry hooligan into a proper lady. Wave's jaw nearly dropped, especially at the sight of her long red hair, unlike anything she had seen before. Bishop, though taken aback, managed a smile. "Princess," he said, his smile faint. "If the emperor were to see you like this, he would surely break into tears." Noori rolled her eyes at his sarcasm. "I appreciate your sarcasm, Bishop. I hope this is the last time," she replied, taking his hand as she stepped into the carriage.

"Something is not right," she muttered inwardly, her mind swirling with uncertainty. No matter how hard she tried to make sense of the situation, a deep unsettling feeling lingered within her. Despite rereading her father's decree numerous times, she couldn't make sense of it.

"Why so suddenly? What happened that the two countries had to compromise when they couldn't do so for centuries?" she pondered aloud, her thoughts echoing in the confines of her mind.