YEAR 27

I couldn't help but let out a small chuckle as I remembered the sight of her body lying there lifeless. It was quite an exhilarating feeling seeing her so defenseless and so quiet. She had it coming after the years of torment that I had to endure; they all did, but yet I had a small sense of something in my chest, perhaps guilt. Still, I had nothing to be guilty of, yet I couldn't get the image of him rushing to her lifeless body, glaring at me as if I were in the wrong out of my head. My thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a maid coming into the room.

"Madam, are you ready?"

 I gazed over at her; of course, I was ready. What a silly question. Today was a moment I've only ever dreamed of.

 "Yes, I'm ready... Is he here?"

 I noticed her fidget with her dress before shaking her head.

 "No, Your Highness... but someone did send a bouquet of... black roses and tansies."

 I paused for a moment. Flowers, huh... before I could respond, she spoke up again.

 "There was also a note attached."

She said, then handed me the letter. I looked down at it; it was an average-looking letter beside the crimson seal on it. I removed the seal so I could read the content of the letter.

"Was it worth it?"

It read... I had expected more, not those 4 simple words. Hmm, was it worth it? I scoffed and placed the letter down, walking over to the door.

 "Prepare a carriage for me after the coronation."

 He just had to complicate things, but fine if he wanted to make a fuss about this then I'd gladly comply.

*** 

YEAR 25

The palace was bustling with smiling faces, everyone anticipating the marriage between the Crown Princess of Serbus and the Crown Prince of Ceria. It would be a lie if I said that I wasn't a bit excited as well, but not for the same reasons I was happy that today would be the last day I had to put up with my "sister." I would be free from the torment that became of me every day. A maid clearing her throat pulled me from my thoughts and excitement.

"Mae, his Highness wants you. He's in the throne room."

What now. I let a huff

"Ok."

I made my way to the throne room as she instructed. Upon arriving, I saw him sitting on the throne, tapping his fingers against the arm of the chair, looking as impatient as ever.

"Did you request me?"

I questioned as he gazed at me, his eyes cold and piercing like he was searching my soul. Those eyes were something I'd come to hate over the years.

"Yes, I did request you. Isadora is unavailable at the time; she doesn't want this marriage and has stated that she refuses to return unless marrying Duke Rafel. With that little bit out of the way, know that I have no intention of canceling this wedding. You'll take her place instead."

Wait what?? Her refusing the marriage for Rafel wasn't all that surprising considering that they were secretly seeing each other, but he wanted to use me as the scapegoat? How typical.

"You want me to take her place?"

I didn't know whether I wanted to be upset or not. On one side, this was an escape, but on the other, was he seriously about to make me marry a man who was just engaged to my "sister"?

"Yes, you'll take her place. Why the look? Be grateful that he'd be willing to marry someone who's not of full royal heritage. Now go get ready. Make yourself presentable. I wouldn't want our name getting degraded because of you."

He waved his hand, a clear sign of dismissal. He had to be joking, me ruin the family name? What a joke. Nothing good came from being an Elcaris. I left the throne room, heading to the dressing room. He seriously wanted me to take her spot. How ridiculous. I sat in the chair, gazing at myself in the mirror. Blonde hair, and brown eyes, I found the reflection staring back at me repulsive. I removed my contacts, gazing at myself once more. I much preferred red, plus the color complimented me more. After a few moments, a couple of maids entered the room to help me get ready. As one of them did my hair, I heard the others chatting amongst themselves.

"It's rumored that his last engagement was broken because the bride didn't want a crippled husband."

That piqued my interest. They must've been referring to the groom. I didn't have much more time to be nosy as the lady doing my hair spoke to me.

"Madam, do you want a high bun or a low bun?"

The maid questioned, her eyes meeting mine in the mirror.

"High."

I replied. I stared at myself as she styled my hair, only one thought going through my mind. Was I seriously about to get married?

***

After getting my hair and makeup done it was finally time... Everyone was standing, music playing in the background as I made my entrance. I felt everyone's gaze on me as I walked down the aisle. I kept mine straight ahead, gazing at the priest and the man beside him who was much to my surprise not crippled. As I finally stood next to him on the alter I couldn't help but steal a few glances at him. He had brown hair and emerald eyes which were quite hypnotizing to stare at, not at all how I expected him to look... The service moved on as expected without any hitches.

"Do you take Inizio Valerius to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

Was this arrangement ideal? No. But it could probably be beneficial to me.

"I do."

the priest turned towards him

"Repeat after me."

"I Inizio Valerius, take you Mae Elcaris, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, till death do us part"

"Now let us humbly invoke God's blessing upon this bride and groom, that in his kindness he may favor with his help those whom he had bestowed the sacrament of matrimony"

"In the sight of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."