I had changed into a beautiful dress that was already ready for me when I walked in the powder room. The dress was a beautiful blood red gown that was floor length with a slit that came till my mid thigh. My hair was parted that fell in waves on my back and framed one side of my face. I looked beautiful to say the least. I had never worn a dress like that in my 19 years of life. It was a beautiful dress that made me feel like a queen, someone important. By the time I got ready, Aehan had already left the room. Too much happened this one evening and I still had to figure everything out.
I told you not to eat it. You should've been more cautious at a new place. You were drugged just like that. Elaara why don't you ever listen to me, I am on your side, you know. El was angry, I could feel it. I want to tell her that I was fine but I also knew that I was wrong this time. " I know El, I am sorry. I really mean it. I should've been more careful. "
Huh!! You always do this. Anyways!! I need to tell you something.
"Please don't be angry with me na, It wasn't intentional." She did have every right this time.
There was someone else in the room, I heard voices and before you say anything else I know for sure... I am not saying anything though..
Because I know what I heard... Wait!!! You agreed!! Yes El, I trust you!! You're being too dramatic.
Nancy helped them, Don't you think? she wasn't around during your ceremony. She must be the one. I need to probe the other maids to get more information on this.
Yes, and the voices came from the terrace, you should go take a look. There might be something that we could use El, you're a genius... you really are...
Uhuh!! Don't flatter me like that....I know you better than you know yourself.. I laughed at her antics. She was indeed right. She had been with me as long as I could remember. I thought they were just voices in my head but now I was pretty sure, it had something to do with my bloodline. The whispers that I heard last night made it very clear. I made my way towards the terrace. I had never explored that part of the room and never did I ever get a chance to do so. Fresh evening breeze welcomed me as I walked towards the railing. I could see the town from here, the forest and everything in between.
They wouldn't just climb up here, would they? I agreed with her. It was too much of a height and indeed a big risk. I walked around looking at the floor to find anything that could be helpful. A knock from the door made me look up and I warned El. I walked back into the room, to see guards as they informed me that I was summoned for the ceremony.
Nodding, I followed after them as they escorted me down the hall towards yet another big set of doors. This place was huge and I was extremely bad with directions. I needed to know which path I was taking and where I was going. Upon arrival, one of the guards bowed down and requested for me to wait for the Prince.
I stood tall and confident, waiting for my husband to come escort me to this so-called ceremony. Husband!!! A smile graced my lips at the thought of him. He was now my husband. In a few weeks, everything had changed. My encounter with him was purely coincidental and now our lives were entwined with each other. I had never thought we would ever come to this point but we did. Was I glad that we did? I absolutely loved it.
Upon hearing footsteps, I turned around to come face to face with my husband. He had changed, looking more handsome than ever. He was dressed up in a navy blue three piece suit . He looked elegant, just like the prince he was. A blush settled on my cheeks as I admired how handsome he was. Once, he was near enough he looked at me for a second, then turned towards the door and offered me his arm.
"You look great, Aehan" I complimented him as I entangled my arm with his. He, on the other hand, informed the guard of our arrival, ignoring me completely.
Wait a minute!!
Did he just ignore me?
The guards swung the door open as they announced our arrival in the big hall. He tugged at my arm and I stumbled but walked beside him not losing my composure. What was happening? Was he still angry? The moment we entered, the entire space met silence, and the usual chattering that was coming from the inside halted. The audience made us a pathway that led us straight to a big enchantment circle. I felt anxious all of a sudden.. What was this ceremony? The King and Queen sat on a podium two feet above the enchantment circle. Standing beside them was the royal guard and the pastor that had catered our wedding ceremony.
Aligned at both sides of the circle were the royal chairs, where prestigious families sat. I looked around, recognizing a few of them as my uncle's friend. There was something else though, that had caught my eye. Sitting in one of the chairs was none other than the man I had watched dying today. Kane sat at one of the throne looking sofas, at the top, made me wonder if he was also royal but he looked totally different from the guy I met in college. He right now looked like the man who had saved me in the forest. Our eyes met for a brief moment. Aehan cleared his throat and bowed down and started with the pleasantries.
" Your Highness.... " He spoke loudly and confidently and I followed after him
"Your Highness...." I spoke confidently.
" How are you feeling now Elaara?" The Queen asked with a sweet smile plastered on her face.
" I am fine, Your Highness" I smiled back, keeping the facade. Upon a flick of her finger, the King rose abruptly from his seat and stepped forward.
Huh!!
Taking his position in the middle of the podium, He spoke up:
" I, King Allaric,extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have gathered for this auspicious ceremony, celebrating the future sovereign of our realm.He has proved himself, over and over, to be worthy of this throne. In seeking a partner to reign beside him, he has chosen for himself a worthy bloodline to take his legacy forward for generations yet unborn. " He stood proud as he praised his son, but my thoughts wondered if this was actually him? I couldn't focus on anything else but that tiny little gesture, no matter how hard I tried..
"Time has come, I shall pass this throne to the future of this Kingdom. Our survival now lies within his hands. Pastor Albert, you may proceed...." He announced it suddenly... He was passing on the throne. If it was this simple, why was his son tied to a chair in the first place? Everything seemed normal, way too normal for me to handle. The Pastor walked forward as The King and the Queen took place on his right. Another flick from her and Aehan moved us forward taking position on the left side, the pastor standing in the middle.
The scene that played in front of my eyes beyond me? Is this how royals acted? Complicate things unnecessarily!! My face showed my confusion. I was in a lost space right now. Two guards from the far ends of the hall came in sight as they brought two bowls filled with... water? One held it in front of the queen and the other held it in front of me. Two golden daggers were presented to us on a gold platter. What was I supposed to do with that? cut myself!!!! My eyes widened with horror as realisation dawned upon me. It was indeed for that.
The Queen picked up the dagger and placed it in the palm of her hand and sliced it through. The drops of her blood mixed with water turning it blood red as it started swirling.This wasn't any other water, it was similar to the one from the chambers. Everyone's gaze now landed on me as they waited for me to do something. I didn't want to do this, I don't know why but I had a bad feeling about this. The water was swirling in the bowl in front of her and I could hear its whispers as if telling me not to do it. His stern voice made me look at him wondering if this was him.
"Don't make a scene, Get done with it" I just gaped at him, like he's grown two heads. The sirens went on and on in my head but his voice confirmed that the beast was back as he growled again
"DO IT!!!"