Kassandra's POV
I let my soldier have fun. The king had sent his servants to the red district. They will send the bill to the palace. It's a part of the palace's gratitude for our success.
Some of them choose to go home and meet with their family. My vice general goes home with her dad. I knew Arida's mom would be happy to see her husband and daughter.
I breathe deeply while looking at the mansion. I really forgot that the Escalante family doesn't excel only in war.
"Greetings, Lady Kassandra. Welcome home, milady," a man says.
He looks like a butler. I saw familiar and unfamiliar faces. I simply smiled and got inside. They followed me but kept five paces in my back. I speak.
"I can take care of myself. Just prepare something for dinner, and also bring two sandwiches and coffee. I want to eat before taking a nap," I stated.
They bow their heads and leave. I went to my room. I touched the wood where I wrote my name. I was six when I wrote this one.
It's been a long time. I opened the door and gasped. Memories start to rush inside my head. My tears ran down to my cheeks.
I close the door and silently cry. This is much more painful than I imagined. I embraced my knee and continued sobbing like a baby.
"Mom… dad… big brother, I'm home now. It's just saddening because none of you were here with me," I whispered.
I just stopped crying when I heard the butler's voice. I grab the food they gave me and take a nap after.
Later, when I went downstairs for dinner I notice that they've been staring at me. The meal is delicious but their glances was interrupting me from enjoying my meal.
"You're… lady Kassandra from before?" the butler asks.
I nodded, even if I'm confused. They turn around and seem to be confused. I wipe my lips with the napkin and drink my juice. I already finished in tenth plate. The meal that was served during each season was different.
The food in the borderlands might be tasty, but the mere fact that we have to be aware of possible attacks destroys its taste. I stood up and looked at them.
"No matter what happens tonight until my wedding, no one should come here. I want to have some rest and enjoy my vacation from the battlefield. Good night, everyone."
I went upstairs and laid down in my bed. After my wedding ceremony, I will concentrate on painting the faces of my grandparents, parents, and older brother.
I will display them on the wall next to our family portrait. I knew my things were already in this house. I will fix them as soon as possible. I yawned softly and closed my eyes…
…
I breathe deeply and look at my reflection in the mirror. I thought I had to send my men to find a backup dress after mom's dress won't fit for me.
The palace sent this wedding dress last night. I didn't show myself in public yesterday and focused on placing the memoirs that I brought with me. I also placed our family portrait on the wall. That was taken a month before my family's death.
"General, are you ready? We have to go now," Arida says.
I turn around and look at her. I smiled and nodded. We went outside, and they closed the carriage as soon as I got in.
Some of my soldiers who are here in the capital will be part of my entourage. I wonder if they even decorated the palace for this wedding. "General, you look disturbed," Arida says.
She's riding her horse, but she stays beside my carriage. I know she notices that I'm restless. I sighed deeply.
"I'm just worried about my decision, Arida. I just chose him out of the other siblings because I know how people see him, especially his siblings. I just need a husband because of the promise I made at my families grave." I know she is disappointed because of what I said but it is all the truth.
Arida sighed as well. "You really want to keep that promise. Well, you should be ready, General. He seems to be trickier than you realize."
"He might be mocked and laughed at by his older brother and younger sisters, but I notice that the 7th prince isn't a fool," Arida says. I opened the window a little and lifted my veil. Our eyes meet, and I end up smiling.
"You noticed? He might be cursed to have bad luck, but that didn't stop him. You really think I randomly pick? My children need a father who will guide them. If I end up dying in the battle, he will take care of and protect the kids."
Arida didn't argue with me about dying. We stop talking about it until we reach the royal palace. I heard the noises from the audience. I close my eyes and breathe deeply.
The door opens. I breathe out and step out of the carriage. I grab my sword and still bring it with me. I wasn't expecting the red carpet.
This hall can accommodate thousands of people. The king and queen were already standing in front of their throne.
Their children were also sitting on the chair made for them. Arida, help me pull out the rest of the fucking long wedding dress and the veil itself.
It was three meters long! The music starts to play from the royal orchestra. I tried to walk, but the fabric was too heavy. "Arida, fly it off," I stated.
I know she understands what I mean. I take off my sword from it's sheath and throw it up. I turn around and cut the end of the dress.
As soon as I throw the sheath, Arida throws the edge of my wedding dress. I smiled when I saw the result.
"Well, that's good luck for you," I whispered to myself.
I catch the sheath that falls behind me. I put my sword back in its sheath. I was stunned when I saw my soldiers standing on the side and making a sword arch.
I became teary. They're my family. Our loyal soldiers are the reason why I held on tight. I start walking, then the first soldier hands me a bouquet of blue roses and lavender.
I know they made these for me. As I walk closer to the altar, they keep throwing petals. I stopped. I made my curtsy as a sign of respect to the royal family.
"At least she got the body," Princess Candice murmurs.
I have to be ready. I knew I needed to deal with my spoiled brat sister-in-law as well as the older princes, who are also boastful brats.
"Greetings to his and her majesty," I stated.
They can't see my face because of the veil. I saw their smile. The 7th prince stood closer to me. We both pay our respect.