Chapter 27: The Ceremony Begins.

I paced to and fro In my chamber, I needed to see Lorien.

We had gotten back from the journey a while ago, and as I made my way to his chamber, I was so stopped that I couldn't see him because of the silly ritual we were having tomorrow.

But I have to see him, I've to explain things to him. He was already observant but he needs to be more watchful.

I heaved a disappointed sigh.

Even if I explain to him without proof, he won't be convinced. But for him to hire a Sherlock, he knows the regent has something up her sleeves. I lay on my bed, lost in thoughts.

As captivating as this era was, it is missing essential specialties. If I had a phone, I would have recorded everything. An idea struck me, what if I can make a phone? I could find someone interested in merging items and creating discovery.

I'd have to ask my maids, but making a phone from scratch will take time. The regent might have even died before it was created.

I needed to cool my body and head.

I strode to take my shower and relaxed my body, my maid was preparing my nightwear in the main room.

I closed my eyes and heard a sudden movement.

I felt a hand over my mouth as I opened my eyes, it was Lorien! Thankfully, the water I was in was filled with roses. The roses hid my body from my chest down to my toes, only my cleavage to her head was in sight.

"Shhh." He whispered as he removed his hand from my mouth slowly.

He was clad in a heavy cloak, probably to conceal his identity.

"What are you doing here?" I asked silently as I placed my hands on my chest.

"To see you." He replied as he stared at the water.

"To see me bathing? How did you enter? You have no respect for me, and I expect you to do the same for you." I asked.

"I never thought I'd see you…bathing." He replied mischievously.

I wished I could get out of the water, but I couldn't; I was stuck with him.

"What do you want Lorien?."

"Did Elara tell you anything? I mean she must have said mean things to you."

"She said nothing, now leave!" I mistakenly raised my voice, and I could hear the maids rushing towards us.

"Your majesty, are you okay?"

"Don't come any closer! I'm fine!" I called out to them and could hear their footsteps retreating.

"Well, you just saved us from twenty strokes of cane."

"Cane? Why?"

"We are not meant to see each other before the rite, and if we do, that's the punishment. Even I'm not left out."

"Freaking rules."

"Anyways, you don't have to cover that; I'll still mark you as mine." He stated leaning closer to my face.

"Get out of my room, Lorien, or I'll accuse you of harassing me!" I yelled silently and he combed his hand into my wet hair.

"You're going to bathe in pure milk tomorrow, take some sweet hone,y, and do some other crazy activities."

"Now leave."

"I won't, I'm bored." He answered back so nonchalantly that my blood boiled.

If only I was not naked in the water. He saw that opportunity and used it to taunt me, I'd get my revenge tomorrow.

"You should be careful about how you talk to the queen regent Seraphina. She might be mean, but she's still my mother." He said as he stood straight, his height amusing me.

"I. I am sorry, I was overwhelmed that day." I retorted silently and he nodded. "Be vigilant."

He glanced at me carefully, I quickly looked away so he wouldn't scrutinize my uneasy expression.

"Why do you say that?"

"Nothing, just be extra careful."

"You must have reason…

"Your enemies are closer than you think. That's all I can say." I interrupted gently.

"You know, ever since you died you've changed totally. You've been smarter and braver and I like that." He retorted.

"Thank you." It's because I'm not from this era; y'all are just dumb and think about war and betrayal every time; I chuckled inwardly.

"I heard about the speech you made; you're going to meet some letters at the gate tomorrow, as you said, and I'll leave you to work on them."

"Thank you again for your generosity."

"I'll leave now so you can shower in peace and give your hands some rest." He said and I gave him a stern look. I watched as he moved skillfully out the small window. That window seemed impossible for a human to pass through, but he did it.

I heaved a sigh and wondered what activities await me tomorrow.

~~~~~~~~~

The first beam of sunlight hit my face gently. I was excited as I rose fluttering my eyelids open.

The reason for my happiness was strange; I was going to partake in a rite with a man who only saw me as his mate. Well, there's a first time for everything.

Soon my maids strolled in and started getting me ready. I was dressed up in a white fluffy fabric. I could not wear anything under the fabric, which kept me apprehensive about the ceremony we wanted to do.

The fabric was wrapped around my body and they held it in place. My hair was brushed down and they sprayed sweet incense all over me.

"I am not dressing up today?" I inquired.

"No Your Majesty, the essence of this dress-up is for the Alpha to see you as you are and embrace your natural beauty."

"Oh, that makes sense," I replied and peeked at myself in the wide mirror lovinging.

"You are going to go through some tricky rituals, your majesty. They are simple but also artful, all you have to do is have morale and trust in yourself."

"Well, that should be easy," I answered back and a white veil was used to cover my head slowly.

They led me outside with no footwear on. Well, the whole duskbane is crazy so I might have to go on with it.

I could see some floral adornment when we got to the setting.

They made me sit down on decorated seats and I could gaze near and far.

"Are you afraid?"

I was startled as I heard Lorien's voice. He was also sitting beside me, I placed my hand on my veil to see him clearly, but he heard my wrist.

"You can't do that now, have some patience."

I obeyed and leaned toward him slowly.

"What is happening? I can barely see anything and why are we barefooted?" I murmured as I bent my head and saw that he was also barefoot.

"That's the tradition, just stay calm and listen." He whispered back and I bolded gently.

"You should not be in a rush, your highness. She's going to be yours."

It was an elder voice and everyone bursted out laughing.

"Is our queen to be ready to be your wife?"

The voice asked loudly.

"Yes, she is," Lorien replied.

As long as they don't kill me or torture me, I'm okay with their rites.

"Are you ready to be loyal to the Alpha for the rest of your life, our dear queen-to-be?"

The question was directed to me and Lorien tapped my thigh faintly.

"Yes, I am," I answered back.

"Start the preparation."

I could sense someone behind me, and they took off the veil from my head. I became stunned at the sight in front of me. The nobles and some other royalties I didn't recognize were situated.

We were inside the castle but this was an open space. There was a round wooden tub in the middle of the spectators and us. The maids were filling it with pristine milk and soon enough, it was filled up.

"Will Your Highness grace us with your walk and enter this tub of virgin milk?" The voice from earlier said it was a shaman. He was aged but looked mysterious.

Everyone's gaze was on me as I stood up unhurriedly, maintaining my elegance and pose. I looked at Lorien and he nodded.

Well, if Lorien is consenting to this then what choice do I have?

I walked over to the tub barefooted and my maids helped me into it. The thick texture welcomed my body as I stood in it. The order was sour, but I held my ground; anything I did would be used to mock Lorien, and I couldn't risk him being angry at me.

"How does it feel Your Majesty?" The shaman asked me.

"I feel strange, actually, but eager to try out whatever you have for me," I answered cluelessly, hoping I sounded sensible.