YEAR 19
It was the night of the King's 43rd birthday. Everyone in the kingdom was in a joyful mood, the cold air filled with festivities for the special occasion... Yet I was once again in the dungeon, lying down on some spare rags I had found. Father's excuse for placing me here this time is that apparently his chocolate went missing so naturally it was me. It was cold down here, lonely too, the sound of the door being opened startled me out of my thoughts, I sat up looking for who had entered. A maid carrying a lamp and a box came into view
"How are you feeling?"
... How was I feeling? What a ironic question. Father taught me that vulnerability is everyone's downfall and perhaps that's one thing he's right about
"Well enough"
I straightened myself out so that I was sitting up properly, the maid now a few feet away
"Poor thing... Here."
She set the box and lamp down
"Sorry that I couldn't do more. Now I must return before someone notices my absence."
I stared down at the box and lamp that she had given me
"Thank you."
I said as she gave me a polite bow, leaving. Once again I was alone. I grabbed the box, opening it to see what she'd brought. It was a blanket, some books, and a small container of food. There was cake in the container as well so I could assume she had got this from the celebration party... After eating I wrapped myself in the blanket she had brought me and grabbed one of the books. it was one of the ones that I usually avoided, the one where the princess got her happily ever after I had learned long ago that wasn't me, but perhaps in a sense it could comfort me...
That night was one of the better more comforting nights I had. After that night, I had tried to find the maid who helped me but it was as she disappeared all I could do was silently pray that she'd quit... I really hoped she just quit
YEAR 25
INIZIO POV:
The wedding ceremony went as expected, though I was informed last minute in the switch if the Bride. The reception was currently in progression, everyone seemingly cheerful, the air warm and cozy. Yet the Bride seemed tense and rather closed off, her expression dazed. I approached her, perhaps it would do us good to get on friendly terms.
"I don't believe we've properly met. I'm Inizio, you must be Mae."
She snapped out of her dazed like state as I approached her, looking over at me.
"Ah, yes. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
She offered me her hand, which I took into my own giving it a kiss
"The pleasures mine. Would you do me the honors and allow me a dance with the prettiest girl in the room."
Silence... She stared at me for a moment looking unamused before complying with my request
"Very well. Allow me to set my drink down first"
I watched her for a moment as she walked away. She had beautiful eyes and blonde hair which was wrapped up into an elegant bun. Once she returned I took her hand and lead her to the dance floor.
"So. Am I expected to act in love with you?"
She questioned, it caught me off guard for a moment. Pretending to be in love would do well for my reputation but considering the nature of this marriage it was more than I was willing to ask for
"No, you don't have to pretend that we're head over heels for each other. I'd much prefer us actually being head over heels for each other"
Love wasn't something that I typically dreamed of, but it was something that I wanted though with this arrangement I wasn't really expecting anything authentic...
"..."
I gave her a twirl, something about the way she stared was so distinct as if she wasn't fully here. Once the song was over I released my grip on her waist, though I continued holding her hand. I leaned in next to her ear
"You doing ok? Want to go get some fresh air?"
She moved her head back a bit, seemingly not expecting that.
"Sure, perhaps some fresh air would do me some good... Just let me use the restroom"
I released her hand as I watched her turn around to walk away. I was about to walk over to the drink counter to fetch myself a glass of water before I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see the King and Queen whom was both standing there, fake smiles plastering both of their faces.
MAE POV:
I had went to the bathroom to collect my thoughts, once in there 2 ladies whom I don't recall meeting offered me their congratulations to which I just thanked them... The groom was not at all what I expected plus his personality seemed bearable which was good for me. Once finished I exited the bathroom about to return to the groom, to my dismay he was currently in a conversation with my "Parents". I joined them where they stood
"Ah, here she is, we were just chatting about you."
The queen mused, the bit of mockery in her tone not lost in me.
"I suppose it is inevitable to mention the Bride on her wedding day. Where's Isadora? She couldn't manage to drag herself from Rafael's bed?"
I heard a small chuckle slip past him. The Queen who was now glaring at me spoke up
"She was not feeling well today, which is the cause of her absence."
Oh please I'm sure she was more than capable of being here today. I grabbed my newly husband's hand before excusing us.
"We were planning on going for some fresh air so if you'd excuse us"
I turned around, dragging him along with me until we reached the garden, where I released his hand.
"Apologies. I didn't want to conversate with them."
I paused for a moment, I knew his name but it didn't quite feel appropriate calling him by such
"What should I refer to you as? Your highness, your majesty? Prince."
His head tilted as he gazed down at me
"My name is fine. Unless you prefer titles in which case I could call you princess Mae... But I find titles to be a hassle, so please just call me Inizio."
A hassle was it? That was a first. I simply nodded in response, taking in the way his hair shimmered in the moonlight... He was quite handsome, much more so then I expected. We ended up chatting for some time before finally returning inside.
***
It was now almost midnight, the prince and I had excused ourselves from the reception now on our way back to his Kingdom. The ride was silent, both of us tired from the day's festivities. We sat side by side our shoulders touching, and before I knew it I had drifted off to sleep, only realizing when I felt a hand gently shaking my shoulder rousing me awake.
I gazed around only to be met with a pair of emerald eyes staring at me
"We're here."
I sat up and stretched before looking at his shoulder where my head was just laying
"Sorry, I didn't realize that I had dozed off."
He chuckled as he exited the carriage.
"I don't mind. You were simply tired, I can't fault you for that."
He offered me a hand, helping me get out of the carriage.
"Thank you."
I replied, to which he nodded. His grip on my hand didn't falter as he led me into the estate.
"You're welcome... Let me show you to your room."
He continued leading me down the hall before stopping at a room with intricate silver framing and a long white door handle. He pulled the handle, opening the door for me. I entered the room, which was even more gorgeous on the inside then on the out. The silver wall with gold accents, the carpeted floor, the bed with white curtains surrounding it, the dresser decorated with candles, the chandelier that hung in the middle of the room, all of it gorgeous.
"There are clothes in the closet that you could wear for the night but I'm not sure how well they fit. We'll have you fitted for new ones in the morning. For tonight though just try to get some rest. I'll take my leave now, have a nice rest"
He gave a small nod before exiting the room, closing the door behind him. The room was absolutely stunning and the bed looked so comfortable, like a cloud if you will... I walked around, getting familiarized with the area. After a few moments I walked over to the closet, prepping some clothes to wear to bed.
***
I lied on the bed after washing up and getting dressed, the strain of the day catching up to me. It felt nice to be lying on a bed... I snuggle up to the blanket, my eyes closed as I finally let sleep overtake me