Under the pastel pink and white flower arch, I waited restlessly with three of my young flower girls before making our majestic entrance. My tummy was feeling queasy, and my eyes refused to enjoy the grandly decorated garden of wedding theme set by my own people.
On a normal basis, I'm sure I would have enjoyed and admired the view, but all I could think of was what Papa was saying. Should I make a run for it? Will the Taaffeitians have to suffer the consequences?
I tried to clear my mind, trying my best to do the breathing exercise to calm my nerves. However, even my body decided to betray me! I ended up to be in a coughing fit when I unintentionally take a big gulp of the air.
What I failed to notice was my flower girls were starting to whimper uncontrollably. My question fell on deaf ears as they began to wail out loud.
"Sofia, what happened?"
"They were advised to start moving forward, Your Highness," answered my attending handmaiden with her head lowered.
"And that made them cry?"
"It appeared to be as so, Your Highness."
"Why??" My eyebrows furrowed, unable to follow what was going on.
"It is still under investigation, Your Highness."
Unbelievable! One thing after another! It was starting to become ridiculous. Is my wedding a curse?
Papa came brisk walking towards my entourage, and his red eyes were unnaturally swollen. I bit my lower lip, hoping to cage the heavy feeling in my heart.
"Papa, you're late!"
Considering I am his one and only child and this will be the only royal wedding the Kingdom of Taaffeite will witness until the next two decades, he decided to be late.
"I can't help it, my darling Farah. Papa is very reluctant to let you go."
I scoffed as his snots bubbled out of his nose and popped.
I was starting to get fed up with all this. I never once asked for a wedding, and when I am about to have it, the whole Kingdom fell into a depression mode. Albeit an arranged marriage that I did not give consent to, is this really how I want my marriage to be remembered?
My head spun as I imagined how horrible my history will be written.
"Farah, don't you agree it's not too late —"
"— Stop it, Papa. Imagine what will the other nations think of us if we run away in our own homeland?"
He nodded his head in agreement and sobbed away shamelessly. Instantly I felt a tug on my heartstring looking at my father acting like this. Normally mothers would be the ones in this position. Perhaps Papa was trying to play both roles for me. Aww, Papa!
With a wave of my hand, I received a pocket handkerchief from Sofia, and started to help him wipe down the fluids off his face.
"I'm truly sorry, my little princess. Papa had made a huge mistake, and now, you... *sob* you..."
"It's fine, Papa. Maybe he would be the best husband for me. Just pray for me, and don't you worry about a thing, alright?" I interjected him as my hands rubbed his back, hoping it would reassure him somehow.
After ten minutes had passed, we decided to carry on the wedding without the bawling flower girls. Papa had removed all traces of tears from his face, put on his fake proud smile and stood tall as we meandered around the corner to meet my soon-to-be lawfully wedded husband.
Despite being outdoors, the sound of silence was deafening! The more I walked closer to meet him, the more I noticed that there was a sea of white chairs unoccupied. Baffled with the situation, I could not help but look at the countable guests seated, with a beaming and pleasing smile plastered on their face.
Well, at least these people who are present in this garden are genuinely happy about my wedding.
Walking closer to our "stage", I could feel Papa's hand trembled as my eyes fixated on the tall broad man with his back facing me.
Thank goodness his body build is not as what the rumours said. On second thought, the word on the streets of him being round and stout did not make any sense, would it? Especially when he currently holds the title 'Warrior King'.
In a haste, I walked closer, wanting to see what other rumours I could dispel. I was literally dragging Papa as we reached the end of the aisle. He awkwardly handed me to King Wystan of the Hawthorn Empire and trailed to his seat.
I wanted to peek and have a look-see of his appearance, but a part of me was too scared. I know the rumours are not real, but I still could not shake off the possibility that it might be true.
As I slowly craned my neck while the appointed officiant went on about the wedding sermon, I saw his momentarily shocked face. 'Why?'
However, in that short period of time, everything disappeared into the darkness as a single light illuminated his face. It would be a lie if I say I was not mesmerised by him at all.
His dazzling eyes were emerald green that twinkled when the sun rays hit, complementing his sun-kissed skin for constantly being outdoor. His face was as clear as day as it shone with magnificence. It's a surprise how well he did with taking care of his skin. Unexpectedly, he had a cute button nose with naturally pale pink full lips, giving him the adorable look.
His golden-white hair parted in a seventy-thirty partition, as it formed a soft wave brushed by the gentle breeze. It was enough to make me want to run my fingers and mess with it! Even the tacky golden crown on his head looked brilliant on him.
To complete his alluring appearance, he wore a full royal garment of military fashion, with dark navy blue with golden linings. Each golden button had an emerald gemstone, which matched his physical appearance. It was a sight to see as my jaw unknowingly rolled down the grassy floor.
Why did the malicious rumour spread when he looked entirely different from the hearsay?
"How did you manage to cross over?" asked a deep husky voice, breaking me away from the spell.
It was a peculiar and startling question, enough to raise the curiosity kitten within me.