The ceiling was painted white. She had noticed it today, and how could she not? The last night she was ought to spend in Mysthaven only blessed her with nightmares. They were there, waiting for her to close her eyes so they'd haunt her peace.
Elena's fear escalated when the golden rays of the morning sun streamed in her room through the slightly open windows. It was a matter of minutes before the maids would come to prepare her for her wedding. The very wedding she dreaded.
The first time Elena had laid her eyes on a vampire was in the dungeons of Mysthaven. The bloodsucking creature had been captured by Andrian from the werewoods where the rogues resided.
Out of curiosity, she had snuck out of her room one night, a lamp in her hand just to get a glimpse of the creature.
The thing Elena witnessed that night was still freshly etched in her mind. A pair of blood filled red eyes, a pair of fangs and pale skin was what the vampire was comprised of.. It's skin hugged the skeleton closely as if no blood ran in its veins.
"Good morning My Lady," Lilian greeted to break her from her reverie. And to her surprise, two more maids had already entered the room.
"When did you get in here?" She asked, embarrassed.
"A couple of minutes ago. His Majesty says the guests have arrived," informed Lilian.
For some odd reason, Elena's heart raced but she didn't want to show her worry to the maids. Instead, she nodded at them to start their work.
The whole time, Elena just stared at her reflection in the mirror. She didn't even notice the effort her maids had put in to transform her into a living goddess. Her hair was tied up perfectly to fit a golden tiara that rested on her head perfectly. Lilian had applied some light make up on her usually beautiful face, but now she looked otherworldly, completely transformed.
"You look stunning My Lady!" Lilian exclaimed.
And now that she said it, Elena had the chance to stare at the rest of herself. The lady staring back at her was beautiful indeed. Her brother used to say she looked just like their mother's reflection.
The red wedding dress specifically chosen for this wedding was fitting too. It revealed her cleavage and hugged her slender waist to reveal her curves. All this, just to impress a blood sucker. She could have rolled her eyes if she had the energy to.
Andrian Thornhart was the one to escort her as the only family she had. He turned speechless, mesmerized by her beauty. But to Elena, the simple walk from her room to the throne hall proved to be the most difficult task she ever had.
All sorts of thoughts and imaginations were running in her mind. He's a half human. Her conscience tried to console. That didn't work to ease her either. Her fear was so great that it defied her will. She felt weak on her knees the closer they got.
She tripped just at the front of the double doors but Andrian was quick to catch her.
"Are you okay? We can stay for a while if you want."She could have scoffed if not for his genuine voice.
"I am fine," she lied. She was not going to give him the satisfaction of seeing her weak and afraid.
He nodded in acknowledgement though he was still concerned. It was his beloved sister after all. And now that she was getting married did not change the fact.
Elena took a deep breath when Andrian nodded at the knights. The double doors swung open and just when she had thought she had the courage to face it all, her fear escalated in an even greater wave she had never experienced before. Her heart was beating so close to her ears and trust me the rate was abnormal.
"All hail the king, Andrian Thornhart and the first princess of Mysthaven, Elena Thornhart," she heard the herald announce.
Andrian kind of noticed her turn frigid at the numbers in the hall. The next thing she knew, he held her hand and led her forward. All the eyes were on the Thornhart's but Elena's were casted on the ground. She couldn't afford meeting their prying eyes, not today at least.
The walk up the aisle felt like an eternity and when she finally reached the pulpit, her brother let go of her hand. In place of his warm hand now settled a cold sensation.
Her eyes spotted a pair of boots, ones she had never seen before. She knew who it was. Her eyes started trailing upwards despite the warning bells from her mind. Was her heart was beating right now, that she didn't know.
He was dressed in a golden attire, black pants and wait... Elena's eyes rested on his face. She had to blink incessantly, and if need be, rub her eyes.
The person standing in front of her was nowhere close to what she had imagined. No pale skin, no hollow bloody red eyes... Nothing even close to a vampire.
Her eyes rested on his golden ones that were hidden behind his long hair. His hair was dark, covering a better part of his forehead and eyes. The rest flowed naturally on his shoulders. And never for once did his gaze tear away from hers! She could track her heartbeat!
"We are gathered here today to witness the unification of our two different factions with this anticipated marriage pact," the priest began, his melodic voice echoing in every corner of the hall.
The rest of his words turned to background noise in Elena's ears. As much as she wanted to tear her gaze away from this man's, she found herself being drawn to his eyes. It was as if he had held her in position, body, soul and mind.
Could she be relieved that he looked more human than vampire? Relieved she was, momentarily however. Not until a dagger arrived on a tray.
"Let's now shift to the vampire marriage ritual!" The priest announced, and she was certain she heard a slight tremor in his ever unwavering voice!