In the palace, Nora had been dressed splendidly in her gorgeous sea-blue gown. The accessories in her plaited hair were made to match the color of her gown and overall she looked beautiful and a little exotic with a large part of her cleavage showing.
The sun was high in the sky, and Nora looked quite excited with a tinge of arrogance in her eyes. The wedding had been arranged, and everyone waited for her appearance.
She walked down the aisle and her blue gown trailed behind her like the sky. Every guest was dressed in their finest attire, with Lucas looking especially eye-catching in their midst, as the only one with a crown on his head. Outwardly, he looked glamorous and confident, but within he was feeling so anxious.
Nathan had not showed up and he didn't know if he would. Honestly, he would be glad if he didn't. Although it would tarnish his daughter's reputation, he didn't give a damn about that. Also, even if he was in their midst, he wouldn't know because he had never seen his face either.
Nora watched the guest before her and felt fulfilled. She had dreamed of this day several times and finally, it was coming to pass. She darted her eyes around and met Andy's indifferent gaze at her. She knew her brother was not in favor of the marriage, but she didn't care. She shifted her eyes to her father in search of the man she was about to marry.
There were a few men around her father and she didn't think any of them was Nathan. Well, she wouldn't know anyway, she had never seen him after all and he could be anyone. She only felt fulfilled because she had finally taken what belongs to Anna.
Just then Lucas came over and held her hand to her seat and to give his speech.
"My honorable people, this is but a wonderful day for the kingdom of Nirvana, as my daughter, Princess Nora is being given off to marry the most extraordinary man in this kingdom... As it is her day, I beseech you all to join me while we make this day a memorable one..." Lucas spoke and made a toast to the crowd and they responded with equal enthusiasm and toast.
"Father, where is Nathan? Shouldn't he be here..." Nora asked her Father in a whisper.
"Did you see him when Anna was having her wedding?" Lucas asked her calmly
"No..."
"Good, so sit quietly. You chose to have this wedding. Have it the way it is, and in silence..." Lucas said strictly not glancing at Nora at all.
Nora was taken aback, she just remembered Anna's wedding didn't have a groom... She was too jealous to care about that. Now she was starting to wonder who the man she was marrying was. He could even ignore the king and dare not show up at his wedding with her. Was he more powerful than her father?? That would be great then...
Just then, there were gasps and awes from the guest, and their bodies were directed toward the entrance. There was confusion, curiosity, and a bit of fear in their eyes. Lucas and Nora furrowed their brows. What was going on??
They turned their sight to the direction of the crowd. Their eyes met with a man dressed in a full black suit of very fine fabric. It looked like the suit was perfectly tailored to fit his body. He had a black cloak, which was draped over his shoulders and fastened with a brooch. He had long black hair that was braided and which fell at his back almost reaching his buts. What piqued their curiosity more was the fact that he wore a black mask covering more than half his face, leaving only his lips which were turned up into a sinister smile that sent a shiver down their spines. To make it simple, he looked menacing and very intimidating.
Lucas shivered, without a doubt he knew it was Nathan. Who would dare show up before a king with a mask and also look so intimidating? He actually showed up? But why? He didn't show up at Anna's wedding. What was he up to this time??
Nora was staring wide-eyed. There was shock and a bit of infatuation in her eyes. The man had covered his face but without a doubt he was handsome. Even those thin lips could not make her look away.
"Father! Is..is that Nathan??" Nora asked, she was so excited that she stuttered. If it was him, that meant he held her of more importance than Anna right?? He showed up at her wedding but never at Anna's.
"Mhm..." Lucas responded, he couldn't bring himself to say yes.
Nora's smile widened. Too bad Anna was not here to see, but she hoped her ghost will see that she had won this time...
At a corner, Andy narrowed his eyes. That must be the strange man his sister was about to marry. He thought he wouldn't show up. After all, he didn't show up at Anna's wedding. Why did he suddenly come this time? And he looked far from ordinary.
Nathan walked unhurriedly toward the father and daughter, he glanced at Nora whose eyes were filled with so much infatuation, and internally scoffed. These kinds of pets were so easy to catch...so easy he didn't have to stress at all...they fell right into his trap.
"Am guessing this is my beautiful bride..."
He said, turning to Nora and extending his hand, though he felt she was nowhere as pretty as the one who escaped.
"Yes...yes she is..." Lucas responded amicably. There was a gathering of sweat on his forehead.
Nora blushed and placed her palm in Nathan's.
"She's all yours... I declare her your wife from this day..." Lucas said loudly but smiled nervously. He wanted to get this over with and this evil man out of his sight.
"Well, I guess we don't need any formalities. I shall take my bride home..." Nathan said shamelessly as his lips curved upwards.
Everyone felt strange. The king seemed to treat this strange man differently, and he declared them married just like that. But no one could question him so they all cheered raising their cup of wine in approval.
Nathan interlocked his arms with Nora's and sent her out to the carriage in front of the palace.
"You go ahead, my men will bring you to my place..." he said and pointed to the carriage with two men in black robes guarding it.
Nora smiled and got in. Although she didn't know why he wasn't getting in the carriage with her, she felt so intimidated by his aura to question him... After the carriage left, Nathan vanished.
The wedding feast felt a little awkward, especially with Lucas escaping into his courtyard.