**********
CHAPTER 3
DING! DONG!
The sound of wedding bells echoed in the full kingdom as everyone became busy putting things in place in time for the big event.
Standing by the window in one of the most magnificent rooms in the place was a bride, young and beautiful, full of grace and endowment.
When she blinked, she did so with all courtesy. It was like everything of royalty was birthed with her. Her face was as white as one who hasn't been sun-kissed in her life yet shielded from the sweet endearing rays of the day.
Her hair, blonde as could be, a spectacular similitude with the snow, purer than that of her mother, Queen Emerald.
"All done and ready, your highness." A sweet-sounding feminine voice echoed in the big room.
She blinked, eyelid half-closed, revealing the charming stunning sky blue eyes within. Taking in a deep breath, her chest rose and fell like a rhythm only known to those who bore the weight of a kingdom.
She twisted her neck to the side a bit, so she could get a good and clearer angle of her reflection in the mirror.
"There, you are particularly stunning your highness, a bride befitting of your coronation. The king would be enthralled," another lady, a much older version of the last spoke.
Rather than feel happy about the praise showered upon her, Era gave a weak smile in return.
"You shouldn't have, Mira," the first lady mouthed at the older lady, nudging her in the ribs.
"What did I say wrong, Rina? She really is befitting of her position, full of grace and poise," Mira mouthed back.
She could not deny what they said, she was really beautiful. A spitting image of her mother but what good was her beauty if she couldn't be with her family, the ones who gave her joy?
But on the other hand, her beauty did really come of use.
She missed them so very much and wished more than anything to be by her parent's side, particularly, to hold her younger sister.
Just thinking about it already, weighed down on her nerves but when she looked up again and saw her reflection, she was reminded of why she was there in the first place.
**FLASHBACK**
THUD! THUD! THUD!
The sounds of heavy footsteps could be heard coming down the hallway and making their way to the throne room.
Era turned to her side and from the corners of her eyes, she could see her father, King Elrad and her mother seated on their thrones.
The throne room was quiet save for the fast heartbeats of everyone present. No one needed to voice it out, they all knew what was coming or in this case, who was coming.
The big doors pushed open with a loud creak, followed by the loud voice of the one announcing the arrival of her DOOM!
"His Royal Majesty, King Vidor the Conqueror!"
Immediately his name was called, everyone had a clear glimpse of his might. That was the first time in all of her life since she had been hearing the tale of the king, to actually set eyes on him.
He was a man tall and handsome with a well muscular built, not too big but proportionate to fit his facial features, making him look like the spectacular gods in the heavens.
Slowly, he raised his eyelids, revealing his pure onyx eyes to them before turning his gaze to his right-hand side where the one who would in time tame his conquering heart was seated.
The second their eyes met, she felt a bone-chilling cold pass through her body, leaving icicles in their wake.
It was no wonder he was feared by all, as one look was enough to freeze his enemies in place and take their life just like that.
There was no fire in those eyes, just pure coldness, birthed from the depths of the oceans. Although beautiful, they looked like they had seen the worst life had to offer and in turn, become numb to it.
For a brief second there, Era forgot about everything and got lost admiring the beast and monster of a man that stood proudly before her.
"So, this is my bride?" His cold vice broke everyone from their daze and one of such persons was none other than her mother.
"Aahhh!" The queen broke down crying instantly.
She ignored everything about her crown and her throne or the one who was before her and sobbed.
Just hearing him call her that and in such similitude and manner broke her heart into a thousand shards. "Era!"
**FLASHBACK ENDS**
"Princess Era? Princess Era!" Era blinked thrice, slowly bringing her mind back from whatever wonderland she ventured into back to reality.
"Yes?"
"I am sorry. I did not mean to startle you like that. It is just that..."
"It is okay. I got lost in thoughts," Era said, disrupting her.
"Yes, princess."
Rolling her eyes, Rina shook her head at Mira before stepping forward to speak to the princess.
"Your highness, I believe it is time."
"Yes. Thank you."
Quitely, they helped her pack up her long white gown and headed out of the room.
***
DING! DONG!
Standing in front of the door to the big hall, Era took in a deep breath, putting on a lovely smile on her face, she lifted her right leg a bit, taking the first step down the aisle to the place where her fate was going to be sealed forever.
With each step taken, she could feel her heart beat thud loudly in her chest, waiting to burst out.
'Keep it steady, Era. Just like that. One step at a time. Deep breaths but with poise lest everyone see your fright. If mother senses your fear, that is it. It would break her. Take it nice and easy and face this head-on, girl.'
With each step she took, she kept on whispering words of encouragement to herself.
'That's it. Keep going. A few more steps more and you are done.'
Just saying those words helped her and she thought it was all it took to match up to the monster himself and finally get this day done with until...
She never knew what made her look side ways but the moment she did, all that remained was regret.
Sky blue eyes locked with dark onyx ones, leaving her a stone-filled mess.
Her breathing ceased instantly and for a second there she did not just forget to walk but to also breathe.
Time seemed to have stopped but she did not move again. Rather her eyes remained glued to his and the more she looked, the more she got drowned in, sinking deep till she was lost.
**FLASHBACK**
Her mind took her back to the day they first met and the look he gave her. It was just as similar as the one he gave her now but this had a spec to it. This one he smiled briefly at her, completely sealing her in his gaze.
It was like she was hypnotized and just like that day too.
"So, this is my bride?" Vidor's cold voice rang out, followed by her mother's piercing cry.
Without turning his head to the side to look at the queen, he smirked. "Queen, be glad. Your daughter beats my expectations. I must admit, she is beautiful and thus worthy to be my bride."
Era could not believe his words. Where those the words her mother should be hearing now or what?
Not giving them any room to decide, Vidor gave his announcement. "The wedding holds at dawn the day after tomorrow in Etheria."
"Your majesty," Elrad protested but all it took to keep him shut was one stare from Vidor.
"My decision is final. Take it or..."