I had been staring at my ring finger harder and longer for a while now. Longer than the ritual itself took place. But nothing seemed to be any flaws to it as I saw nothing but my original fingers as it never happened before. The ritual ring exchange, I mean. I am delighted with the latest finding from High Priest Romou that I've been trying to take off the ring, but it was taking a bit longer than I expected. But, I'm glad 'I am coming home soon.'
"What are you doing?"
"Well, I wonder how to remove the ring from my finger, that is," I answered smoothly without caring who asked it. I was fascinated with today's event, and it left me more curious about how they actually did it. I raised my palm to the sky, trying hard to examine the palm for any opening to dislodge it. It felt relieved to get the heavy crown removed and replaced with a light headdress, a lighter dress suitable for the evening wedding gathering. The sunset's last ray is the last hope for my mission to remove the invisible ring.
"I'm not sure what you're talking about. There's nothing special about the ring." a man beside me spoke with a low voice, disinterested. He had been observing the attendees since earlier. "Every person will get married eventually. It will happen sooner or later."
I ignored his disrespectful tone and continues to observe my ring finger. "It will be a miracle if you can remove the ring with just a simple stare." He really can't let me be by myself at all. I hid my hand away and glared at him. He ignored me and continued to stand beside me with his freshly changed evening attire for the wedding high tea at the Royal Garden.
He looked more dashing and darkly handsome with his white evening attire. The garment on the front was so low that I could take a glimpse of his muscle chest. I let out a sigh. I will never get used to this era's way of dressing at all. Compared to brother Jacob's broad chest, this crown prince surely is doing his part of the workout to get a beautiful body shape. I noticed the similarity of his attire with mine, which was a pure white maxi garment, and it made me flushed in embarrassment. A couple of matching outfits!
Most of the guests from this morning arrived and moved their way to the Royal Garden for the wedding celebration. The ceremony planner came to invite us, the newlywed couple, to join in the Royal Garden. As soon as we emerged at the entrance, the royal butler announced, and all eyes were on us. The huge, empty lot and dull of Royal Garden has finally transformed into a gorgeous fairytale garden. Flowers placed in the auspicious area makes it more livid and the smell of the freshly picked flowers spread through the whole garden with the calm wind blowing. Unaware, I held my husband's arm as we descended to the garden ground feeling blissful and delighted.
One by one, the guests find their way to meet and congratulate us on our wedding day. I couldn't help but frown at their gesture as I do not know who they were. The whole day of wearing my fake smile fit for a royal polite gesture to all the guests are at their limit as my face begins to twitch at their greeting. Damn with all the Royal Ethics that I was forced to learn in only two months. All the while with the dark look on the groom. He stands rigidly beside me, looking in distaste. This is a disaster!
Then, a commotion happened at the entrance. The low murmuring began among the guests that I turned to the entrance only to see the familiar woman. I barely move nor say anything at all. The source of the commotion approaches us slowly and is full of anticipation. 'Lady Maia.'
I silently groan with the unwanted trouble. The groom beside me turned his mood 180' flip, smiled at her brightly. It makes me sick to the gut. 'You must be kidding me!' I smirked at them. The cheerful atmosphere turned gloomy and silent as every guest held their breath for something to happen.
"Congratulations, Your highnesses." She gave a slight bow and a formal curtsy as soon as she reached us. Looking at her closely, I was aware of how she looks like. She looked no less than a teenage girl! Her baby fat still visible on her face makes her more like a sister to the man beside me. She looks innocent and pure. I wonder if she is barely eighteen years old. I worried for no reason. I chuckle at my own silliness, but I continue to stare at her cautiously. A jealous woman is the most devious woman. We'll never know what they will be doing.
"Thank you," I replied, curtly but my so-called husband did not say anything at all. He was totally into her as he continued to smile brightly at her. The whole time, she appeared calm and serene in front of my husband and looked suspicious, more like a spoiled woman I saw at the market a week ago.
Brother Jacobs came to the rescue when he apologetically disturbing us as he reminded us the first song is for our first dance as a new couple. He rushed us to the dance floor even before the groom was able to protest. I can't express my appreciation enough to him for getting me out of that tense encounter. My back felt slightly hot at the intense stare from the lady. I steal a glance at her evening gown and let out a sigh. More dazzling than the bride itself. What a pain in the neck!
I turned to the man now holding me in his arm awkwardly.
This man looked gorgeous exactly as I remembered. The same nose, eyes, cheekbone and lips gave out a warm yearn to be with him, just like when we were together every dream I had. I smiled inwardly at the thought. Did he remember me? I hope so. If he doesn't, I can't bear to think straight about what I will do. Before I even asked him, the first dance ended. He released my waist abruptly, and he already led another dance with another guest. It was none other than Lady Maia.
I was about to turn away from the dance floor when brother Jacob appeared tall, blocking my way. "May I have the dance, your highness." His unfamiliar and cheesy request made me giggle. I placed my hand in his palm, and he swiftly led me to the dance floor. I couldn't stop giggling at his funny gestures that aroused the guests around us to turn our way. How I wish brother Jacob is my blood brother instead. I can't imagine his pain and despair knowing his only relative lying there in a comatic state. His tired eyes show it all.
I recalled my visit to Duke Hamdel's mansion a week ago. He looked gravely pale, and without saying anything to me, he led me to the abandoned West wing of the mansion, to a steep stairway down to the basement, with a dark and mussy corridor leading to a tiny door of a bedroom that I never saw before while staying there for two months. The light herbs smell from the study room starts to turn more heavy and pungent, which almost suffocates. I didn't budge from where I stood when he opened the door and gestured for me to get inside. Now it makes sense where those herbs smell coming from. I coughed out, trying to breathe better before entering the stuffy and musty room.
I sucked in a breath at the sight of a familiar body lying on the bed. "Who was that?" I barely let out any voice at all, but it sounded so loud in the dense room. My whole body was trembling. My knees almost gave way. I took back a step unintendedly, only bumped into his arms, and he was barely able to grab hold of me. I felt the same dizziness I had on the first encounter with High Priest Romou.
"Coriane!" The last thing I heard from him.