"With much excitement. I have the pleasure of announcing my Engagement to Princess Fraya of the Elemental Fire elves kingdom. In today's ceremony there shall be the exchanging of the promise rings along with the Proposal Feast." Ashra, spoke clearly with an authoritative voice as his father had taught him.
Fraya was a beautiful elvish girl. But, even so Ashra's heart hurt at the idea of marrying her. Fraya stood among her people looking bashful when Ashra's gaze fell upon her. This caused the Noblemen to chuckle and joke as they drank their fine wines and ales.
Little did he know there was a storm fiercely brewing.
The rest of the day went by rather fast. Ashra had exchanged delicate silver rings with Fraya. His mother had a very special Pheonix red Ruby placed into Fraya's ring in honor of her heritage. As he slid the ring onto her finger she blushed deeply and stared at the ring in awe. Her bright green eyes shimmering with Happiness.
Meira watched silently from the side lines the whole time until suddenly staring up at her mother. The Queen as if sensing her daughters inquisitive look replied softly to it with a slight. "mmm?".
"Mummy? when will I get married? Who will I marry? Can I wear a pretty gown too?". Her wide golden eyes were so innocent and pure. Her mother frowned. She knew her husband would only see her being married one day as a business deal and that her daughter would probably never find happiness with the man she were to marry. Patting her daughters head lightly she looked back to her son and Fraya exchanging their pretty words and promising to love one another till death see fit to part them. A heavy sadness came over her heart as she said in a low voice, "Don't be so quick to get married, Meira. It isn't what you think. Ashra doesn't love Fraya. We Royalty NEVER get to marry for love. Save your heart some pain. Never fall in love! Promise me!"
Meira thought for a long moment then shook her head and said, "I can't promise that, mummy. Love is important even if it hurts."
The Queens eyes stung at the words of her daughter as she smiled. 'Perhaps' she thought inwardly to herself as she dreamt of the man she once loved.
The ceremony had come to it's end soon after. Dusk was settling in. The servants rushed about lighting all the candles and torches. The cooks had spent all day slaving over the dishes for the Feast and now their dishes were being set up one after another in the Banquet hall.
The King laughed with Fraya's father at the entrance of the throne room. Both of them ushering the other king's, queens and nobles to join them in the Banquet hall down the corridor for the feast.
******CONTINUE TO NEXT CHAPTER******