"If you are going to marry my daughter, what about his betrothed, King Stefan?" King Woodshine asked, hoping the King of werewolves would fight for his betrothed.
King Stefan, who knew that going against King Cedric meant nothing but war, replied from the spot where he sat down. "If Adelaide is Cedric's mate, then I have no choice but to break my engagement with her. Besides, an ordinary being can't bear my child except my mate."
Adelaide bit her lip as she watched the man she had always envisioned her future with turn his back on her as if she were a stranger.
Not that she could blame Stefan. This was her fate. A fate she couldn't run away from.
"Since King Stefan has no problem with me marrying his betrothed, I think we shouldn't delay signing the alliance's documents," he urged. "After the wedding, I will send my warriors to come to your aid."
Hearing this, King Woodshine turned to face everyone in the hall who was trying to make sense out of what was happening.
This was supposed to be an annual event where faes celebrate together, not an event for marriage talk.
"Everyone, this is going to be a double celebration. My daughter, Adelaide, is going to be getting married to King Cedric, the king of Eldrid kingdom. Also, we are going to soon be free from the vampires," he informed them.
Laughter and excitement filled the hall upon hearing their king's words. Everyone began to dance, displaying their magical strength.
Some fae could change into beautiful night flies, flowers, butterflies, but Adelaide couldn't.
The only magic she had was the glow. The one that made her skin glow as if she were under the sun. She hated that magic because almost all the fae had it.
"My lady, aren't you going to get familiar with King Cedric? You will be his bride in the coming half-luna," her maid reminded her.
The half-luna is tonight. So she is to leave her father's palace for Eldrid kingdom tonight? A place that contains creatures she was meant to run miles away from.
Even though she doesn't know why her mother gave that warning, she knew it wasn't for a good reason.
"When is this ball going to end?" She asked curiously, forcing herself to smile to prevent many questions from her maid.
She knew her maid was going to miss her. No, it was going to be the latter as she literally depended on Ana. It was always Ana get me this, get me that...
Ana smiled faintly, seeing the clear worries written on Adelaide's face. "My lady, the ball is going to end soon. Since your wedding is tonight, the chiefs and other reputable members of this kingdom have to get prepared for it."
After hearing that, Adelaide walked out of the hall. On her way out, she collided with King Cedric.
"I am sorry..." she quickly apologized with her gaze lowered.
"My mate?"
Adelaide heard him utter in a questioning tone. She slowly raised her head to look at him. "I... I..."
She stuttered as her eyes met his. His purple eyes were the prettiest eyes she had ever seen. She thought only faes had the prettiest eyes until now.
"You are what?" Cedric asked coldly.
"I am not your mate, King Cedric. Maybe you already heard about me. I am King Woodshine's illegitimate daughter. The weakest fae in this kingdom," she informed him before leaving for her chambers.
She knew he thought of her as a powerful fae who could turn a flower into a sword because that is the only reason any man of power would want to marry her.
Since she was weak and everyone knew about that, no one wanted to have her as a bride. Maybe he wasn't aware of the reason she wasn't married until now!
"My lady, where have you been? King Stefan reserved special faes that would dress you up. You have to look like a doll. A real one," Ana said, running towards her direction.
She quickly hurried up to Ana, who was about to fall down. "Isn't he supposed to be talking about this kingdom's protection?"
"My lady, I have no answer to that question. Now if you would lead the way, I don't want the king to yell at me," Ana said, sounding already exhausted.
Adelaide only shook her head before leading the way to the late queen's dressing room.
The faes who were waiting for her quickly bowed and greeted when she walked in.
"My lady, please be on your feet."
After Adelaide did as they instructed, they began working magic on her. It took quite some time, but the result was amazing.
The new gown she was putting on comprised of different flowers, shining even in the dark room.
"I think this is okay. Leave my hair the way it is," Adelaide stopped the faes from touching her hair or any other part of her.
"If that is all, then we are going to lead you to the hall where your wedding is going to take place," one of the faes informed.
Her eyes blinked slowly at what she just heard. "What do you mean? Am I not supposed to get married tonight? During the half-luna?"
Her question made the faes exchange glances. "Your wedding has to be rushed for all of us to be safe since the vampires are approaching our kingdom. Also, it takes thirty hours before reaching Eldrid kingdom."
"Why isn't anyone telling me?"
"It was because you never asked, my lady," one of the faes replied before leading the way to the grand hall meant for royal events.
As Adelaide walked into the hall, the thoughts of how her new life would be overwhelmed her. She knew if she was going to walk out of this hall, she would no longer be who she used to be.
By then, she would be King Cedric's wife.
"You are looking beautiful, my daughter," King Woodshine, who took a moment to attend his youngest child's wedding, muttered sadly.
"Just as I should be, my Lord," she smiled at her father before leaning closer. "Father, I am going to miss you."
"Me too, Lady," her father whispered back before taking her hands into his, walking her down the aisle.
Since their marriage was to be rushed, the priest did not bother spending time before proceeding with officiating their union.
"With the power bestowed on me by the moon goddess, I pronounce you both as husband and wife. The groom may now kiss the bride," Shine-ey kingdom's priest echoed.
King Cedric didn't hesitate before closing the gap between them, capturing Adelaide's lips in a deep and passionate kiss.
The moment Adelaide felt his lips against hers, she saw their future together. She quickly pushed him off her, earning a questioning gaze from everyone, including her father.