Euphoria's eyes widened as she tried to calm herself down from coughing so much, Avien's threw a glance at her and forced a half smile.
Euphoria blood boiled with anger as she realized that he was actually enjoying her being tongue tied, she leaned into his ear slightly and whispered with as much discontent as possible.
"Unfortunately for you, I don't kiss savages"
Avien's eyes turned from being playful to being abrasive, he quietly let go of her waist and bowed slightly to the king and queen as he left the altar ignoring the stares of others who were ogling him.
Nobody else seemed to have noticed the change in his mood even Euphoria, she just thought he got bored of joking and she went down the podium taking one last glimpse of the beautiful home she was raised in.
**********
After bidding her bye's to everyone she would miss from her mother to her father, the maids, staffs and some of the other workers she had been close to Euphoria entered the royal carriage awaiting her. It was a beautiful ivory wooden white carriage decorated at the top with some flower petals and fancy lace.
As she and Avien stepped in he sat on the seat opposite her and faced the window throughout the akward journey not bothering to spare her a glance, it seemed he was really irritated by her presence which annoyed Euphoria because according to her Avien was nothing but a monster she had to get married to, letting out different sighs and groans to gain his attention Avien didn't even bulge and just ignored her, Euphoria decided to focus on the journey to her 'new home ' as her mother called it.
Since the carriage windows were shut tight Euphoria couldn't see her surroundings...she only relied on what to come as she was consumed with thoughts on how to cope with beings that were totally different from her kind.
"We have arrived, your majesties"
She heard the carriage man inform, the door was held open by Prince Avien as she stepped down slowly and as she lifted her head up.... she was left in utter shock.
It was a bright enormously tall magnificent ancient castle painted in a deep brown and white hue colour which comprises of grey and ivory that held deep black roofings,the ceramic water fountains and lavish flower gardens, neatly trimmed trees and servants wearing beautiful woven torqouise tunics.
She could see the delight in the renovation workers eyes standing beside the roofings adding finishing touches, it seemed they were content that she liked the place.
Avien faked a cough bringing her back to reality as the servants had gathered in rows to welcome them.
Avien then turned to a young maid on his right.
"Orax show the princess around, I'll be occupied with some matters"
Euphoria squinted her eyebrows at Avien who had already started walking away, he was more indifferent towards her than even during the wedding ceremony.
"Milady let's go, shall we"
The maid politely offered stepping closer to Euphoria and it was then Euphoria noticed her strange beautiful features especially her dark hazel eyes.
"You aren't human are you?" Euphoria asked tactically stepping backwards...she still wasn't completely comfortable around this creatures.
"Milady I am a witch but I wouldn't dare harm you"
Euphoria sighed and then turned to her.
"Just so you know I may not be as strong as you creatures but I graduated top martial artist in my class so don't try anything funny with me or you'll be eating your guts on a silver tray"
Orax eyes gleamed with delight, she was happy that the princess didn't seem like a bratty spoilt wannabe, she had heard tales about the princess and it would be positive if her marriage with the Prince could actually work out.
"Understood princess please come"
Euphoria followed Orax and was led into a vast hallway, it had a rare intricate architecture, charismatic design pieces and large hallways leading into every chamber.
Orax then led Euphoria further into the south wing of the building which she explained was hers and the crowned prince's chambers.
"Do you honestly mean I'll be sleeping in the same room as him"
Euphoria whispered in shock...she could barely stand him and now she was meant to be stuck with him in the same room.
The maid could sense her trepidation and just as she was about to say something the crowned prince walked up to them.
"Excuse us Orax"
He said calmly not sparing Euphoria a glance.
He opened the huge bronze door of their chambers and pulled Euphoria by her wrist inside and locked it after they had stepped inside.
"W-why did you lock the door, what are you planning to do with me?"
She asked trying to fight back the fear engulfing her as he stepped forward.
Just as she was about running towards the doors Avien cornered her against the wall, his warm breath was tickling Euphoria's lower lips as she had a clearer view of his elongated fangs, her eyes gleamed with curiosity as his gaze became softer.
Avien stepped backwards after succeeding to calm her down, he looked at her with all the amount of straightforwardness he could muster.
"Have a seat princess, we need to talk"
Euphoria got snapped back to reality and she quietly sat down on the bed edge opposite Avien who was seated on a wooden arm chair.
"I'm listening"
Avien stared at her gaining her unwavering attention.
"Euphoria, I know we got married on a whim to secure a peaceful future for our kingdoms"
Euphoria's ears perked up when she noticed Avien had finally addressed as by her name in the softest and warmest way possible but she was still conflicted between addressing him with his title or by his name.
"What would you prefer I address you by?" She asked.
"My name would be alright...if you wish"
"Fine, Avien yes we did get married to fulfill our duties and keep our kingdoms safe, so there's no need to state the obvious"
Avien inched towards her and smiled exposing his beautiful rows of sharp teeths cornered by fangs once more.
"I figured we should more open minded towards each other to make this union more bearable"
Euphoria also smiled and inched closer towards him trying to look as comported as possible.
"How would that be possible, I presume you know how much distaste I have towards you and though I just recently learnt to accept your kind the same way they accepted mine but for you Prince.....I'm not so sure".
Euphoria observed Avien closely trying to detect if he got angered by her statement but his expression remained stoic.
Avien appreciated the fact that she could speak her mind easily, he knew that her hate for him stermed from the war.
"I understand, but I would appreciate it if we could be more open towards each other, I may not be that bad afterall"
Euphoria nodded that there was wisdom in his words, she was definitely going to be cautious but more open like he said, she stretched her hand for a handshake grinning like a child who just won a lottery, Avien smiled and clasped his hand around hers, after the handshake Euphoria was about to walk to the other side of the walk in closet to undress privately when Avien called out to her.
"Wait, there's one teeny tiny detail left"
Euphoria turned to him and nodded it seemed she already knew about it.
"It's the mark isn't it?"
Avien nodded staring at her.
"It's going to be the symbol that'll seal our union but if you aren't comfortable with doing it immediately I understand"
Avien was about to also step inside his walk in closet to undress when Euphoria walked up to him, she seemed much calmer.
"We aren't close enough to get comfortable with each other but then we are married if I don't bear your mark, our union can be questioned and rendered incomplete thereby leading to further problems so if your going to do it,I suggest you do it right now"
At that moment Avien was in awe of her wisdom, it was a given that she was truly as knowledgeable and smart as the rumors said.
"Do you know the full rites of a mark?"
He asked staring at her.
Euphoria scrunched her eyebrows before answering.
"I know that a mark is really important and it has a deeper connection than a ring".
Avien was tongue-tied at that moment .....yes she was right but that was only the basics, he wondered how he was going to explain to her that they needed to be more intimate to complete the marking rites.
Author's word:- Hi awesome readers, this book was published on Webnovel though but if you're reading it anywhere else it's cool too but it would be delightful if you could read it directly on the webnovel app🖤.