And it was the day for the wedding, dark clouds hanging low in the sky as if the heavens themselves morn the Union . The halls of the Castle are filled with the bustle of servants, the sounds of preparation echoing throughout the air feels heavy, and the weight of my choice presses on my chest as I stand before the mirror, my wedding gown shimmering yet cold against my skin. A perfect image of a bride, but my heart is miles away.
As my handmaid step in her eyes soft with sympathy but her voice strong
Everything is ready my lady.
The prince is waiting are you.... are you prepared?
The word outside feels so far away collide with my reality. The doors to the hall open and the journey towards the unknown begins.
With each step I take down the aisle, the weight of countless eyes press down on me, their whisper a mix of awe and pity. The grand hall is field with nobleman and women ,their jewelries glittering like cold stars but none as cold as the eyes of the Prince who stood at the end of my path. He's tall imposing figure is cloaked in dark armor , sharp edges gleaning in the dim light. His face is as expressionless as a stone ,yet his gaze follows my every movement with an intensity that makes my breath catch.
My mothers eyes are wet , holding a silent plea ,while my father sits rigid ,his expression unreadable but strained. Each step feels like a battle against my own fear but I keep moving, head held high .
Finally ,I stand before the prince, the silence deafing. He meets my gaze and I got a glimmer of something unexpected, something almost human being beneath the rumoured mask of cruelty. But it's gone in an instant , replaced by a cold nod as he extend his hand towards me.
My hand tremble as I reach for his . The final tether that binds me to this fate. The hall waits, breath held as I prepare to speak the words that will seal my destiny.
My father, standing front of the hall gives a slight nod a signal to the high priest to begin the ceremony.
High priest: "we gather here under the watchful eyes of the gods to witness the union of two great houses. may this Bond bring peace and strength to our lands"
As the priest speaks , I can feel the heat of the prince presence beside me. His expression remains unreadable, but his jew tightens ever so slightly . I wonder if the rumors are true __ if this man is as heartless as they say or if the there's more hidden behind his icy facade .
Final words approach, the vows that will bind me in the prince together. The priest looks to me and said "do you accept the prince as your husband", waiting for my response.
Yes ,I said , the words escaping my lips like a fragile bride. I hold back my tears that threaten to spill , focusing instead on keeping my hands steady and bathing calm. The hall erupt into polite applause, a sound that echoes hollowly in my ears. The ceremony is complete and with it ,so it's my fate .
The prince extending his hand to me once more, I took it feeling the Cold, unyielding metal of his gauntlet against my skin as he leads me out of the hall. The crowd watches, their faces a blend of intrugue and expectation.
As the doors closed behind me the noise of the crowd faded away . Replaced by quiet clinking of armor as the prince walk beside me .
The prince without turning to me ,he's voice finally breaks the silence,low and firm .
"You don't have to fear me ,you are not a pawn to be sacrificed or a prize to be claimed"
The statement surprises me and for a moment I flatter in my steps . His tone carries a weight that feels less like a threat and more like a promise. Though the meaning behind it ,still is unclear.