Chapter seven( His presence)

Nicholina felt the air leave her lungs as the arrival of king Rheaphel was announced. He was finally here,she felt a knot in her stomach out of nervousness. She was scared as her eyes travelled to the entrance.The veil draped on her face didn't permit her to see clearly yet she could spot a tall strikingly handsome man approach.

The halls fell silent as the towering grand door groaned open,revealing the imposing figure of king Rheaphel. His face was sharp and symmetrical,with high cheekbones and a strong defined jawline. His eyes an icy shade of silver-blue held an intensity that could pierce through the bravest souls was cold and held no warmth,despite his well chiseled frame he had a surprisingly soft inviting lips that could draw every woman in.

His raven black hair,thick and glossy,fell in discipline waves just pass his shoulders, framing his face with an aura of dark allure. His broad delicate yet commanding shoulders and chiseled chest. The tunic he wore,woven from the finest obsidian silk, clung to his form with an almost possessive embrace,accentuating every shape like of his torso. Gold embroidery traced the fabric like veins of fire drawing attention to the way it molded to his chest and tapered waist. A belt of black leather and gilded steel clinched his tunic in place,resting just above the taut place of his abdomen,while each muscle was subtly defined beneath the fabric.

His cloak, lined with deep crimson, cascaded over his shoulders,framing his regal ominous presence. It did not obscure the way clothing fit so perfectly. His every move felt calculating and predatory, he had a slight smirk on his lips and his gaze traveled to meet his bride's gaze.

Nicholina swallowed hard as she saw the striking man gaze at her. She was stunned to see his beauty and couldn't help but admire him. This man was crafted by God himself and not his subordinates. Although she couldn't see his face clearly she was at loss of words,his intense gaze held hers and she found it hard to look away. His movement were elegant and predatory and for some odd reason she felt like the prey. His entry kept anyone in a daze as his imposing figure held everyone spellbound. Nodding slightly at king Richard he went to sit next his bride.

King Richard gave the priest a nod and he began with the ceremony. " with the moon as our witness we stand here today to bring together two souls,in body and in spirit,with this string we bring together their souls. Tiring the sacred string around their hands a hush silent fell over the gathering. The binding was more than tradition it was a covenant, an unbreakable vow sealed in the eyes of God and man.The delicate thread,woven from silver and crimson,gleamed softly in the moonlight, a stark contrast against the rough calluses of their fingers.

The priest voice's rose again,solemn and ancient."with these strings,your souls are entwined in war and in peace,in wrath and in mercy,you stand as one"

Rheaphel's lips curved into a slight smirk just enough to unsettle the weight tightened over hers. Indeed the strings has bound them together but it was up to his will that will decide what that binding truly meant.

Nicholina watch the hands that was tied with the strings, as simple as that she was married. A bitter smile formed on her lips,they were bond together now,and there was no going back. She was now his possession and he could do to her anything he wanted.she was his now. The gathering erupted in applause,congratulating the new wedded couples.

Dancers moved to the floor to entertain the people with their dance moves,people danced and made merry conversing amongst themselves and some went to congratulate the newly wedded couples. Everyone was engrossed in the merry making oblivious to the man in the cloak watching the new couples with an unreadable expression.