Meeting the first prince

"Your Highness, please forgive us," one of the guards said, bowing his head and clasping his fists together.

"This woman is the truce exchange who was brought in today. We momentarily lost sight of her, and we apologize for the intrusion,"

Amira looked up at the man and wondered who he might be. The guards had addressed him as Your Highness.

She was helped to her feet and led away, her eyes meeting his for a brief moment before he walked past them.

Upon returning to the grand hall, a sense of relief washed over her. As she took her seat, Nora hurried over to her, whispering urgently,

"My lady, your neck is covered in blood." She spoke quietly, not wanting to draw the attention of the royal family who were engrossed in their affairs.

Amira lifted her hand to her neck, feeling the warm stickiness of blood. She brought her hand to eye level and winced at the sight of the crimson liquid.

Nora reached into her pocket and extracted a handkerchief, gently dabbing at Amira's neck to prevent the blood from staining her gown.

Amid the celebration, a new announcement rang out.

"Prince Zyran has arrived."

The hall fell into a hush, and Amira could hear the murmured whispers of the intrigued ladies.

"Finally, he has returned from the war front," murmured one of the noble ladies, her voice filled with a sense of anticipation.

"I'm sure he's just as stoic as before."

Amira heard the distinct click of heels on the marble floor, signaling the approach of Prince Zyran.

As he entered the grand hall, Amira was taken aback, her lips parting in astonishment.

His commanding presence filled the room as he strode in with confidence, his every step exuding an aura of power.

The imposing figure caused those around him to feel a sense of intimidation, emphasizing his authority and influence.

He respectfully bowed to the king and queen before lifting his head and addressing them.

"Your Majesty I have returned. The kingdom remains stable, and we have emerged victorious," he proclaimed.

"Ah, my son, I would expect nothing less from you. Well done," chuckled the king.

Lloyd, standing by wore a bored expression as he casually sipped on his wine.

Novalie's face lit up with a joyous smile as she gazed at Zyran, grateful that he had returned safe

Katia reacted with indifference to the arrival of her first brother.

"To honor your triumph, my son, I have chosen a wife for you," the king announced with evident satisfaction.

He gesture for Amira to come forward, she nervously bit her lip in apprehension.

Despite Prince Zyran's appearance not matching the monstrous rumors, the earlier encounter was enough to send shivers of fear down Amira's spine.

She rose from her seat and walked towards the king with a confident stride, concealing her inner anxiety.

Lloyd, appearing disinterested, shifted his gaze toward Amira as she made her way over.

Her elegant demeanor caught the attention of everyone in the room. Zyran observed her, his expression unreadable as he maintained his poker face without revealing any emotion.

The air around him seemed to radiate with unsettling energy that caused her to shudder, and simply being in his presence made her feel small and inclined to retreat like a snail retreating into its shell.

The king remarked.

"Isn't she lovely? They knew better than to leave us unsatisfied."

Amira clenched her fists as she felt like she was being paraded like a trophy.

"Come here, son," the king beckoned to Zyran, who approached without a word. The king then took Amira's hand and joined it with Zyran's.

"Now, you are both declared man and wife, symbolizing a prosperous nation," the king proclaimed.

The crowd cheered, at least not all, some were glaring daggers at Amira way wishing it was them in her position.

The night passed by and the celebration ended.

Amira sat in Zyran's room her legs drawn together on his bed waiting for him to come in to her like every married couple.

Her heart panged with every second that passed by, her nerves breaking to the point she felt like throwing up.

She might not see the next day, she might not see the next day, she chants to herself praying silently for the night to pass.

The next morning Amira woke to the curtain being drawn and the ray of sunlight spilling into the room.

She wince at the brightness, it was her first being woken up to such temperament.

"Morning my Lady, breakfast has been set the king expects everyone in the royal family to be up for breakfast" Nora informed.

Right, she was now in Oaken Vale she needed to start adapting to their way of living.

Amira wince at the arch on her neck, she had slept off in an uncomfortable position with her bridal attire still on.

She sighs.

He didn't come she didn't know if she was to be thankful for that or be sad about the fact her husband hadn't acknowledged her.