CHAPTER 8

Rawin entered the room and saw her sitting in front of the mirror, her gaze drifted to him as soon as he walked inside.

She walked to him standing tall in front of him, " What do you mean by it's not love?"

"Tsk," a snicker escaped his mouth, " aren't you being too delusional?"

He tried to walk past her but she held onto his hand tightly pulling him back. She took another step closer to him so close that there were a few inches between them.

" I know it was not that simple," her teary eyes looked straight into his, " You know what saying something like that was out of your character. You are cold , but at that time I saw emotions in you....."

" Nonsense," he snapped back, " and why are you wearing this dress?" He asked looking at her red long frock intricate with pearls and flowers.

"It was offered by the Queen," she glanced at her frock, " I was advised to serve you well and look appealing."

" Remove this!" His tone was cold and low.

" Mmmm?"

" I said remove this," he pulled her closer and his grip on her shoulder stayed tight, " Do you think I am in the mood to sleep with a Luna from Black palace, when I just came back from a war with them.

" I'm just doing what I was told."

" Now do what I am telling you," he let go of her and walked to his bed.

The next day everything was filled with colourful decorations. The white Walls of the palace were accompanied with seven coloured flower bouquets.

Rawin's door was knocked softly.

" The Queen enters," a maid announced.

Rawin quickly stood at his feet and bowed at ninety, " Mother!"

" It's okay, sit down and rest," she said as she turned to Milan, " I was here to hand her dresses for celebration. She will be your wife soon, she needs to be dressed well," a faint smile accompanied her face.

Milan glanced at him as he looked away from her.

" Why are you wearing this dress," The Queen's cold voice echoed, " Are you at a funeral?"

Rawin looked back at them but stayed silent.

" If you were that upset about the destruction of the Black Palace , why did you act like a cunning fox trying to mess with a Crown Prince?" The Queen ranted, " You are being too greedy wanting to have everything."

She turned to Rawin, " Don't let her out of the control. She belongs to the White Palace, not Luna." She walked away with grace.

" Just place them on the bed," Rawin instructed the maids who slowly placed the dresses with heavy work on the bed and walked away.

Rawin took his gown and walked to the door.

" Rawin!" Milan called, " Can I skip the celebration? You know my parents died recently."

" Do you think you have a choice?" He opened the door and walked away.

Everyone was settled on the huge stage. The Queen was settled near the King. The Rawin was standing in front.

" There is another celebration to distribute the happiness," A male who looked around forty announced, " Lets welcome the Bride of Crown Prince with the due respect."

Everyone bowed as Milan walked to the stage as if she was walking towards an aisle. Rawin looked at her with a decorative smile. Her long strides with her white long dress that slid on the beautiful golden tiles looked somewhat intimidated. Her dress had a high collar decorated with pearls and mirror pieces. She was the only one with black hairs in all the crowd. She looked at Rawin as she walked to control her nervousness.

Inaudible murmurs could be heard but they were not high enough to be understood.

Rawin extended his hand as Milan approached the stairs. She held onto his hand and stepped up the stairs. Finally she was standing in front of him.

She looked at him closely, " Rawin! You don't have to love me back, just don't wander around, don't look at others. That's all I wish for."

He heard his thoughts and he thought," dumb!" as he looked into her eyes.

Her hands were placed into his, and the host continued. They bowed each other then bowed the Queen and the King. Finally they settled in the seats beside each other and the dancers were called in front to entertain everyone.

After the long tiring day Milan was escorted back to her room. She sat on the bed for hours waiting for Rawin.

She heard the distinct footsteps approaching the door. She guessed it right. It was Rawin.

" Why are you still in that dress?"

" Wasn't I supposed to be?" She looked up at him.

" Change!"

" My parents smiled happily at me when I was getting married in the Black Palace," her voice cracked, which froze Rawin as he turned away to remove his heavy gown.

" Now I don't even know about their dead bodies," she sobbed heavily.

He turned around and looked at her tears flowing down. A wave of pain pierced through his chest and he placed his hand on his chest. He slowly walked towards her and settled on the bed in front of her.

He took a deep breath and held her face in his palms, " I am sorry to make you attend the ceremony, but you know there was no other way," he wrapped his arms around her with a stronger grip .

She burst out crying and that increased the pain in his chest. He slowly patted her head and held her more tightly.