Chapter 3: Preparing for the Unknown
Chapter 3: Preparing for the Unknown
Mara sighed, looking at Selene with a mixture of sympathy and hesitation. "That's all I know about Prince Draven, my princess," she finally said, her voice low as if afraid someone might overhear.
Selene remained silent, her mind swirling with everything Mara had just told her. A prince feared by kings, a warrior who had never lost a battle, a man surrounded by whispers of being something beyond human—this was the man she was supposed to belong to.
She clenched the fabric of her gown. The idea of marriage had always been distant, something she assumed would happen years from now. But now, in just a few days, she would be leaving her home, her life, to stand beside a man whose name alone could make powerful rulers tremble.
The weight of her fate pressed down on her shoulders.
Mara noticed her troubled expression. "My princess, are you alright?"
Selene nodded absently. "I just need to rest."
Mara hesitated before bowing slightly. "If you need anything, I'm here."
Selene forced a small smile before watching Mara leave the room. As soon as she was alone, she let out a long breath and leaned against the window frame. The palace, which had once felt like a cage, now seemed even more suffocating.
Outside, the sky was painted in soft hues of orange and purple as the sun dipped beyond the horizon. A cool breeze swept through the open window, but even that couldn't soothe her growing unease.
Tonight, she had no appetite. She let the palace servants know not to bring her dinner and instead collapsed onto her bed.
Her eyes remained open for what felt like hours, staring at the ceiling as thoughts of her future consumed her. Sleep did not come easily that night.
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Four Days Left
Selene woke the next morning feeling unrested. Her dreams had been scattered, filled with dark corridors, whispering voices, and a faceless man standing in the shadows.
She knew she couldn't stay in bed all day, no matter how much she wanted to. There were things to do, and questions that needed answers.
With a sigh, she changed into a simple gown and made her way toward the throne room. She hadn't spoken to her father since the arrangement was finalized, but if anyone could tell her the truth about this marriage, it would be him.
The moment she stepped inside, she saw him seated on his grand throne, speaking with an advisor. His sharp gaze landed on her immediately.
"What do you want?" he asked, his tone indifferent.
Selene hesitated. She hadn't expected warmth, but the coldness in his voice still stung.
"I just…" She took a deep breath. "I wanted to ask—"
"If there's a way to stop this?" he cut in with a chuckle, shaking his head. "It's already done, Selene. You should be grateful."
She clenched her fists at his words. "Grateful?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're sending me away like an object to be traded."
He leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "That's the way of the world, Selene. You think your mother was different? She was given to me, and I accepted her. Now, you will do the same."
Selene's heart twisted. "And look how that ended," she shot back before she could stop herself.
A heavy silence followed.
King Aldric's jaw tightened. "Watch your tongue," he warned. "You have four days left in this palace. Use them wisely."
Selene knew there was no point in arguing further. She turned sharply on her heel and walked away, her hands trembling.
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The Days Passed Too Quickly
The next few days were filled with an unbearable tension that hung over the palace like a storm waiting to break. Servants moved quietly, avoiding her gaze. Some whispered in hushed voices when they thought she couldn't hear them.
Selene spent most of her time with Mara, the only person who didn't look at her with pity or fear. They sat together in the garden, where the scent of blooming flowers filled the air.
Mara handed her a small bundle one evening. "I made this for you," she said, revealing a delicate charm bracelet.
Selene traced the beads with her fingers. "Mara, this is beautiful…"
"It's a protection charm," Mara said softly. "I know you don't believe in such things, but I still wanted you to have it."
For the first time in days, Selene felt warmth in her chest. "Thank you, Mara. I'll keep it with me."
Each morning, she watched as servants packed her belongings, slowly stripping her chamber of everything familiar. It made her feel as if she were disappearing piece by piece.
On the second night, she overheard a conversation between the guards outside her chamber.
"They say the prince can defeat an army alone."
"Aye, and some say he doesn't even need a weapon."
Selene swallowed hard, their words reinforcing the fear that had been growing in her heart.
Her father never came to check on her, nor did he offer any words of comfort. The last time she had seen him, his only concern had been ensuring she left on time.
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One Day Left
The final night before her departure arrived faster than she was prepared for.
She sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the moonlit floor. The palace was silent, yet she felt like the walls were closing in on her.
Mara entered the room, her eyes red-rimmed. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
Selene shook her head. "No. If you come with me, you'll be leaving everything behind, too."
Tears welled in Mara's eyes, but she nodded. "I just… I don't want you to be alone there."
Selene forced a small smile. "I'll be fine."
She wasn't sure if she believed it herself.
Mara reached for her hand. "If he ever hurts you, find a way to let me know. I'll come for you."
Selene squeezed her friend's fingers. "I know."
That night, sleep never came. She lay in bed, listening to the faint sounds of the palace, knowing that by this time tomorrow, she would be in a foreign land, standing before a man who was more of a legend than a prince.
As the first light of dawn crept into her chamber, she let out a shaky breath.
It was time.
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