[Vereena]
The week had flown by faster than I reckoned. Our house had been packed with whirlwind of chores, getting ready for the incoming banquet my father had arranged for my engagement with the prince.
Speaking of, Prince Tarquin and I have talked several times and I found him very entertaining. We both have the same hobby which is reading—well, that is one of his hobbies. There were no awkward moments between us, and I learned so much from him. I didn't even know that he became my father's apprentice for years as they ventured together, securing the kingdom's marital territories from pirates. I also loved hearing about all his experiences from his expedition to our neighboring kingdoms and his diplomat talks with the other royalties, learning about their cultures and everything.
My father did match us well. He knows that I would like Prince Tarquin and we have similar traits where we find our common ground, and for a week that we have been together, I can say that he's the one that I wanted to marry and no one else.
The words spread faster than the wind, disseminating the information throughout the entire Kingdom of Ebondale, and my father seemed to be very happy with it. The feast hall was nearly brimming with flowers and gifts from the other households who wished to improve their relationship with us upon learning that I am to marry the crowned prince. They were like packs of ravenous wolves, consuming whatever bait was offered in order to maintain their power.
Leeches more to say, they are more appropriate than calling them wolves.
It is tiring, really.
Yet, this is the life that I have and all I need to do is pleases everyone.
"Lady Vereena, a carriage has arrived from House Stoneters. It contains their engagement gift for you and for the prince," Mrs. Charlotte approaches me just while I was busy fixing the floral arrangements around the spiraling grand staircase and supervising the decorations around the house.
I turn my attention towards her, waving my hand to dismiss the maidservant who was helping me with the flowers, and straightened myself. I audibly breathe, trying not to be stressed out too much with all these works and with everything that needed to be arranged.
"How many more carriages is that for today?" I quizzed out, brushing the pollen off my skirt, and wondering if there were still more available space for all the gifts that were given to us.
The depository room is almost filled to its capacity, and I am certain that more is yet to come soon as our guests will arrive tomorrow. Mostly, they were sending us trunks of trinkets and golden beads, rolls of silks, linens, and satin fabrics in all various colors goods for dresses, and mirrors. The only thing that I am thrilled about was the books my father had given to me from around the places he went.
Before responding to my inquiry, Mrs. Charlotte flipped the ledger I didn't see she was carrying while her index finger scanned the clippings of today's occurrences. "I believed it is the fifth carriage, my lady."
Well, that's the least this week compare to the influx yesterday. Tomorrow is the big day, and there are still a lot of things that needed to do.
Mrs. Charlotte leads me to the carriage, asking the coachman to open the enormous trunk that was sent by Lady Fedwins of House Stoneters. Soon as the heavy lid is open, another bundle of silks sprung up in our sight. Mrs. Charlotte's lips immediately set into a thin line much to her chagrin, and the corner of her eyes ticked slightly. I kind of understand and share her sentiments on this one, but I don't want to appear ungrateful for the gift, so, I plastered a practiced smile and face the coachman, dipping my head slightly.
"Please convey to Lady Fedwins my appreciation for her presents, and my eagerness to meet her tomorrow," I told him, and motioned for the servants to carry the huge trunk and deposited it in the storage room.
Mrs. Charlotte and I watches the carriage move and eventually out of our sight before we heaved out a long breath.
"It appears I will be sewing all the fabrics till your grandchildren are born," she commented, shaking her head as she checked the scribbles on her ledger, crossing out another house with their gifts off the list.
I only laugh lightly in response to her remark as I lean closer to her and whispered in half giggles, "Oh, hush now, Mrs. Charlotte. We will find a way to make use of all that."
We were about to turn back inside the house when footsteps came from behind us, followed by a familiar voice that made my heart jumps excitedly. Instantaneously, we pirouetted on our heels, dipping low courtly.
"Good day, ladies," Prince Tarquin greeted us with his ever charming grin that surely ensnared every maiden in the kingdom.
"Your Grace," a genuine smile immediately stretches on my face soon as I acknowledge his presence and Mrs. Charlotte took a little step back in respect for the crowned prince.
"Can I steal you for a moment?" He asks politely, jutting his elbow in front of me, which I gladly took, looping my arms and turning to my governess.
"Could you please cover me up for a moment, Mrs. Charlotte?"
The annoyance on her face suddenly vanished and was replaced with a beaming smile as she nodded and dipped her head, "Of course, my lady," she responded before turning around and leaving me with Prince Tarquin.
"How may I assist you, Your Grace? Is there anything more you wanted me to include? A certain type of flower for your liking, perhaps?" I inquired, feeling a little bit nervous and curious.
Inhibitions began to creep up on my spine, having this notion of 'what if he doesn't like my arrangements for our engagement?'
I look at him in the face, trying to make out the answers from his facial expression, but much to my dismay, I couldn't decipher any.
That until he meet my gaze and gave me his dashing smile, alleviating my apprehensions instantly.
"No, my lady, everything is perfect. You handle them all beautifully," he said, tapping lightly on my hand and clutching his arm.
"Thank you," a meek reply slip past my lips as I tried to compose myself and squirm ecstatically, preventing myself to look like a fool in his presence.
Prince Tarquin walked me through the garden while we talked about random things and occasionally asked me how was my day. I didn't need to be pretentious in front of him and told him everything about how I felt, that I am tired of all the extravaganza happening at the moment in our lives. He sympathized with me and tells me jokes to lighten up my mood.
We were laughing when we halted on our steps and looked at the enthralling view of the ocean. Our house is located near the shore, perched on top of an elevated mound of land, giving us the perfect panoramic field of vision with the stretching salty waters. The sea glistened with the light of the setting sun, while the sky was painted with vibrant orange and purple hues.
I have grown up admiring its natural splendor, yet I will never get weary of it. I occasionally ponder what it is like to travel beyond the horizon. However, my father, being an Admiral, forbade me from joining one of his expeditions on the grounds that it is perilous for a lady to enter the ship. I even heard some of his navies that once a lady steps one foot on the deck, it will bring them a cruise of bad luck.
Well, that was certainly unfortunate.
"I just wanted to give you something," I was instantly snapped out of my stupor and broke the comfortable silence that I had not noticed had surrounded us soon as Prince Tarquin spoke. I turned to meet his blue gaze and waited expectantly for him to continue his statement.
"Since our family is soon to unite, I deemed that you ought to have this for tomorrow," he said, shoving his hand inside the pocket of his surcoat, pulling out a beautiful piece of jewelry embedded with emeralds, and diamond stones, plated in gold.
"It's beautiful, Your Grace," I gasp, staring at the necklace. He then took my hand and place the piece on my palm.
"I want you to wear it tomorrow night," he said, rubbing his thumb over my wrist, eliciting the fine hairs on my nape to stand in sheer exhilaration.
"I will, thank you," I smiled at him and nodded. It was hefty, and I feared that if I held it incorrectly, it may fall or be broken. I quickly took the pouch I always stashed inside the layers of my skirt and carefully slipped the necklace, securing it before tying it back on my waist.
I had never experienced this kind of feeling before. It was like I am floating in the air as I walked down the foyer back to my room. The hours ticked by so rapidly and my body is wearing me down with all the exhaustion from the day's errand. I tucked the necklace into a safe place along with the dress that I am going to wear tomorrow.
I couldn't almost believe it. I am getting married, not to any lords but to the crowned prince himself, and everything is going perfectly well.
After I cleaned up myself and changed into my night negligee, I let my body falls into my bed. Soon as my head hit the pillow, the ghost of slumber immediately took me.
The next morning, I was awakened by the hustles going around my chamber, and Mrs. Charlotte barking out orders with everything just as our guests started to flock. This day went into a buzz, entertaining and keeping all the guests comfortable in their rooms just before the banquet started.
Presently, I was staring at myself in the mirror, scarcely recognizing my own visage with all the trinkets adorning my hair. I donned a maroon velvet and satin gown that was decorated with lace, ruching, and a long train of ruffles. The plunging V-neck highlights my breasts, but not in a lewd manner.
The necklace Prince Tarquin gave glimmers in every move I make, certainly, it will catch everyone's attention tonight.
The door in my room suddenly creaked open, and my father's regal demeanor appeared through the line of sight in my mirror.
"You look just like your mother, dove," he breathed out and stood behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders as he stares at my reflection. The corner of my eyes instantly warmed soon as I meet his gaze. He was reminiscing about my mother through my appearance and I could tell that he misses her so much.
"I'm sure she's brimming with happiness now, wherever she is," I said, smiling back at him and blinking the moisture away.
"She certainly is," my father only nodded and cleared his throat, turning me around and holding out his hand. "Shall we? Prince Tarquin is already waiting for you."
I couldn't stop myself from smiling just as we weaved through the foyer, just as the music from the orchestra began to resonate throughout the entire hall.
Father veered me gently towards the grand staircase and held his hand in the air, catching everyone's attention, and the music immediately stops. Audible gasps coming from the audience reach my hearing. My breath caught up in my chest soon as their eyes landed on me. My hands became clammy underneath the satin gloves I wore, my corset suddenly becoming too tight, but I remained the smile on my face and breathe through my nose to keep myself from panicking.
"My daughter, Lady Vereena Braxton of House MacGhille, is now officially betrothed to the Crowned Prince of Ebondale, His Royal Highness Tarquin Lockhart. A toast to the unification of our houses!" He announced loudly, his voice transcending throughout the room, ricocheting just as he took a silver goblet handed to him by one of our servants and it was immediately followed by a rapturous chorus of applause.
Awe was written all over their faces along with a hint of envy just as Prince Tarquin began to walk up the stairs, meeting us halfway. He dipped his head in front of my father, asking his permission to take my hand.
"You look exquisite, my lady," he complimented just as he escorted me down the stairs.
"And you look dashing as well, my prince," I responded with a smile.
My body buzzed and everything seemed to feel in a blur as we begin dancing. Music filled my ears and Prince Tarquin's smile occupied my attention. We were talking the entire time glided on the floor and sway along with the melody.
Everything seemed perfect. Too perfect that it almost felt surreal and was like a dream. Too perfect like a fragile pane of glass, immediately shattered by the thunderous explosion that erupted nearby, shaking the ground tremendously.
Henceforth, chaos followed and the music faded only to be replaced by a cacophony of frantic screams.
"What is it?" My panic-stricken voice was muffled by all the vociferous screeching going on around us. I look snap my gaze at Prince Tarquin and unlike the rest of us, he seemed to be calm and collected.
Of course, he was trained to this kind of chaos. A battle oriented prince. I wanted to admire him more on that, but I was too stricken with trepidation.
"We're under attack," he replied, circling his arms around me like a shield and steering me away from the hysterics.
"Who?" I voiced out in terror, however, he didn't get the chance to answer mine as my father's voice reverberated towards us.
"Vereena!"
"Father!" I cried out soon as I see him running closer to us, he immediately squeezed me into his arms, muttering his relief before he let go of me and grasp both my arms, looking at me intently in the eyes.
"Go to your bedchamber and lock yourself, do not open your door until it is we. Do you understand?" He sternly instructed me just as the hall emptied from all the melee.
"Yes," I nodded, almost not recognizing the fear coating my voice.
My father inhaled sharply and throw a hard stare at Prince Tarquin before he barked at me and ordered which I immediately oblige without further ado. "Now, go!"
I lifted my heavy skirts and run as fast as my feet could spare, weaving through the stairs. I am almost out of breath as I reach the top, my pulse pounding in my ears, all the while refusing to take a look over my shoulders and focused on running towards my chamber.
However, just as I saw my door and get the chance to reach the handle, another explosion erupted, bursting the wood material of my entryway and the impact automatically hurling me to the floor. I screamed in pain as my back hit the solid ground, knocking all the air out of my lungs and my sight blackening for a brief moment.
I rolled to my stomach and attempted to push myself up, but a huge hand clasped on my hair, yanking me to stand with such force that I fear my scalp would tear off my head. I shouted for help, but my voice drown out soon as something flashed before my eyes.
A cold blade instantly pointed at my throat, pressing dangerously on cutting my skin, followed by a frightening voice that rattled my soul out in plain terror.
"I dare you to move and I will not hesitate to plunge this blade right on your flesh."