2.

Aeris pov(Flashback of the wedding)

The grand hall of the palace was glowing with the warm light of hundreds of candles. Their small flames flickered gently, casting soft shadows on the shiny marble floor. The air smelled sweet, roses and jasmine filled the room, but it didn't make me feel better. Outside, winter's chill still lingered, but inside, the hall felt heavy with something colder. Not in temperature, but in feeling.

I stood in front of a tall mirror, staring at my reflection. The wedding gown I wore was beautiful, made with fine silver embroidery that sparkled under the candlelight. But it felt too heavy on my shoulders, as though it was trying to crush me. The lace clung to my body, and I could barely breathe.

But the gown wasn't the reason I felt this way.

It was the promise it represented. A promise made by my father, the King of Gorismo. He had agreed to this marriage to bring peace between our kingdom and Lotisiana. Two lands that had been enemies for many years. And now, to stop the war, I had to marry a man I hardly knew.

Carlos.

The Grand Duke of Lotisiana. A man whose every smile seemed polite, gentle even kind. But I had learned to look beyond smiles. And his smile… it hid something. Something cold.

I was pulled from my thoughts when I heard soft footsteps behind me. I turned and saw my maid, Analia. She smiled, but her hands were shaking as she fixed the lace veil over my head. The veil was thin, delicate, and beautiful but when it covered my face, it felt like a curtain of doubt, hiding what I truly felt.

"You look beautiful, Your Highness," Analia whispered, though her voice held a quiet worry.

"Do I?" I asked, looking back at my reflection. I didn't feel beautiful. I felt trapped.

She didn't say anything more, and I was glad. No one had asked me how I truly felt about this wedding. No one cared. I was the Crown Princess. My feelings didn't matter.

Then, in the distance, the sound of wedding bells rang out. A signal. The ceremony was about to begin. I could already imagine the crowd and nobles from both Gorrismo and Lotisiana smiling as if they believed this wedding was a blessing. But I knew many of them were pretending. Just like me.

The door to my chamber opened. My father entered, dressed in royal robes, tall and proud. He always looked strong. Serious. Unshaken.

He paused when he saw me. For a brief moment, something soft passed over his face. But it was gone in an instant.

"Aeris," he said, his voice cold as usual. "It is time."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. I was ready. Or at least, I had to be. I had no choice. I was born a princess. My life was never truly mine.

We walked through the long corridor leading to the wedding hall. My father's footsteps were firm, echoing like the ticking of a clock. With each step, the veil seemed heavier. I wished I could run. I wished I could say no.

But I couldn't.

When we reached the large wooden doors, they slowly creaked open. My eyes met the crowd, dozens, maybe hundreds of eyes watching me. Strangers. Nobles. Friends. Enemies. All gathered for this moment. Some smiled genuinely, but many wore the same polite masks they always did.

And then I saw him.

Carlos stood at the altar, tall and composed in royal blue and gold. His posture was perfect. His face calm. Too calm. When he smiled, it felt like he was performing for a crowd. I wondered, just for a second, if he truly wanted this. If he cared for me at all.

But I reminded myself, love and care were for those who were free. And I was not.

I walked toward him slowly, my steps careful. I held my head high. I had always been a warrior, trained to protect my people. But now, I was a piece in someone else's game. A symbol of peace, not a person.

Carlos reached out and took my hand. His grip was warm, almost too warm. I fought the urge to pull away. The way his fingers touched mine felt strange, like he was claiming something. His eyes met mine, dark and unreadable. I wanted to look away, but I couldn't.

The priest began to speak, his voice deep and slow. I didn't hear all of it. My mind was racing.

Carlos spoke his vows first. He spoke confidently, with words that felt smooth and practiced.

"I promise peace. I promise love. I promise a future we will build together."

His voice was steady, his words sweet. But to me, they sounded fake. Like everything else about him.

Then it was my turn.

My heart beat fast, but I kept my voice calm. "I vow to protect this kingdom. To stand by you through all things. For the sake of peace."

Carlos smiled at me, and for a moment, I felt ice in my veins. His smile held something else, something I couldn't name.

"Peace," he repeated. "And more than that, Aeris. I promise you a future where you will never have to fight again."

That should have comforted me. But it didn't. His words felt like chains. As if he was not offering me rest, but control. A future without freedom.

The priest continued, but I felt lost in my own thoughts. My chest ached slightly. It was a strange pain, one I had noticed the night before. It had grown since then. A small sting, like something deep inside me was warning me. But I didn't know what it meant.

Still, the vows were spoken. The ceremony was nearly done.

I lifted the small crown onto my head, my final act as the Crown Princess of Gorismo. It was light in weight, but it made my heart feel heavy.

The priest said the final words, and Carlos leaned in.

His lips touched mine.

It was soft. But in that single moment, I felt something deep inside me shift.

The sting in my throat returned, sharper this time.

And as everyone clapped and smiled around us, I stood there frozen.

Was this truly peace, Or had I just given up everything I ever had?