Elara's POV
The day I had been dreading had finally come,we were told he was coming two days after Elaine told us and we still had no idea where she got the information from.
I'm sure seeing me with my white hair would be a major shock to him,I couldn't help but smile.Evander loves my hair-a lot.He was always finding ways to touch it,either saying he wants to help me braid it or finding new ways I can style it
We were all gathered in the hall by noon.The tall , arched windows lined the walls, allowing streams of daylight to cascade into the space. The windows were adorned with intricate wrought-iron designs, casting patterns of light and shadow across the polished marble floor.
A colossal chandelier, radiant with crystals, hung from the center of the ceiling, dispersing a warm, golden glow throughout. The walls were decorated with vivid tapestries depicting heroic sagas and mythical creatures, adding a sense of splendor to the surroundings.
At the front of the hall, two thrones sat atop a dais. The thrones bore an emblem of the ruling emperor, and rich velvet curtains framed the regal seat.
I was stood chatting with Selene and Thorian .They were the only ones who knew of the relationship between I and Evander and wanted to check up on me.Dain knows how distraught I was feeling and that's probably why he wasn't here.I know him all too well
The sound of mighty wings flapping drew everyone's attention to the window.Everyone could see as a flight of dragons descended from the skies
But the one that caught our attention was the Mighty Golden one,it's scales shimmering like polished gold.A majestic force commanding awe,we all knew about the Dragon of the royal family but it was thought to be a myth but seeing it this close was unbelievable.I had asked Evander once and he said he has no idea if it was real or not
As the murmurs were dying down,the massive doors opened and he walked in, as beautiful as always with that smile still plastered on his face.He looked as majestic as his dragon with his tall,confident demeanor.His face, marked by subtle lines, held a vitality that sparkled in his expressive eyes. Dark, well-groomed hair cascaded to his shoulders, adding a touch of sophistication- He grew his hair out.
He wore a finely embroidered cloak in deep azure, complemented by a tailored tunic. A silver brooch secured the ensemble, and velvet trousers paired with polished leather boots completed the look.
Around his neck hung a pendant that caught the light, emphasizing his charismatic smile. The overall impression was a man at ease with both power and grace, exuding majesty in every detail.
He walked in and gave the dean a smile and a handshake,he turned his head to the door and walking in was his fiancée being assisted by her handmaiden and she was....pregnant.I was feeling every emotion and no emotion all at once.
Dean Drystan assisted him as they walked onto the elevated thrones,his bride following right behind him.He turned every few minutes to look at her and smile.The entire room was gushing over them and I hated it.
"Hello Everyone" he said aloud and I closed my eyes as I savored that voice,really savored it "I am here on behalf of my father,he should be the one here but is busy.Seated here is my beautiful fiancée who is carrying my child"
There were shouts and claps coming from everywhere and immediately I felt a hand intertwine with mine-Dain.I looked at him with glassy eyes and he cleaned the tears that escaped from my eyes
"Just hold on,we should be done soon"he whispered into my ears.I was glad Elaine and Kyra were with their lovers,it would be really hard to explain why I was crying.
Evander gave a small talk I was sure he rehearsed for hours and when he was done speaking, a round of applause greeted him.
"That was a lovely speech your highness,If you want to give his highness a handshake or just thank him,you can do that now but in an orderly manner" the dean said
Evander got down from his platform and stood at the front of the students but guards swarmed his left and right ensuring his outmost safety with an additional Kael by his side,I knew no harm will come his way.
One by one students made their way to him,,telling him to thank his father and congratulating him on his child.As I approached,his attention was on his bride and he didn't see me coming but Kael did and all the guards who stood protecting gave a small bow
"Lady Elara" Kael said giving a bow,I believe he heard my name and immediately turned in my direction "How are you doing Kael" I asked with a small smile "I am doing good my lady" he replied with another bow.
I turned my attention to Evander "Your highness"I said with a bow and a smile,I looked up to see him giving me a look.I had never called him 'Your Highness' before,NEVER!
"Elara"his voice carrying a soft resonance that only I could recognize.This was the same way he called my name the first time he heard it.
"Congratulations on your child your highness,I wish you all the good things life has to offer" I said looking at his bride,giving her a small smile which she returned.
"Th-Thank you" he responded and i gave another smile before I walked away.I was few steps out of the hall before I broke,I ran towards a corner where no one else was and cried.We had picked out baby names and he always wanted a baby girl.I didn't notice Dain behind me when I was done and immediately i turned around and saw him-saw the way he looked at me I bursted into tears again.
Minutes passed and I was pulling myself together when Kael came running.He ran past us before he noticed and turned back
"Lady Elara,I had been looking everywhere for you" he said and handed over a letter to me.I stared at it and stared back at him
"I'm not taking this"I said plainly.He let out a sigh like he knew that was what I was going to say "Please....Please,it hurt him just as much as it hurt you" he said holding the letter out
I let out a scoff "It really doesn't seem like it"
"Lady Elara...please.I can't explain it to you,read the letter"
Dain took the letter from his hands "I'll ensure she reads it Kael" he said and Kael gave a nod before walking away
"Why did you do that" I yelled out "Why the hell did you do that.I don't want to know what he has to say,I really don't and I'm not going to read that,I promise you"
"Of course I knew you were not going to read it,that's why it's blank" I heard his voice say from behind me.I swiftly turned to face him,the tears welling again.I could feel Dain walk in the opposite direction of Kael as I stared at Evander
He took few intentional steps to me and now he was standing directly in front of me "I love what you've done with your hair darling,it suits you" he said and a wave of tears fell, an uncontrollable surge that mirrored the depth of my emotions.He held me and placed my head on his chest while I cried my eyes out
"You-I wish you hadn't come" i mumbled into his chest "I wish I hadn't come too"he replied stroking his hands against my hair "But I didn't have much choice,I was ordered by father"
I knew that was the case "She's.....pregnant"
He sighed "Yes she is.Father said he had to ensure the person i was getting married to could bear children.We were locked in the room for seven days,the healers said those were the days she was highly fertile and they were right because we received news she was with child weeks later"
He tilted my head to face him "I didn't want this,I didn't want any of this" he placed a kiss on my forehead and traced more kisses with his lips to one cheek-I savored the feel of his lips.I knew where this was going "You can't do that....it's wrong but you just can't.It'll be really hard for me to move on from you if you do"
I knew he understood what I meant,so he nodded but we remained in that position "-And beside,I know it's not something you would like to hear but I have someone I like but I ruined it"
He stayed silent for longer than I expected "Really"his voice cracked "Yeah" I nodded softly
"Does he have a name then?" I was about to reply when Kael came running in "It's getting late your highness we have to leave"
Evander took a step back and looked me over,"I'm guessing the hair is from your Dragon"I replied with a nod.There was a long pause "Can I get a hug?"he asked with his arms outstretched and I walked into them.A mixture of warmth and comfort enveloped me,I missed this a lot "I'll always love you Elara,don't forget that"he whispered into my ears "I'll love you too" I whispered back