The five days journey felt endless , every miles carrying me deeper into the unknown . when the carriage finally came to a halt , my heart thudded as I gazed out at the towering walls of the Garuth Kingdom . The castle loomed above ,it's spires piercing the sky , an imposing structure that seemed to watch over the land with unyielding eyes.
The prince stepped down first, turning and stretching forth his hand . For a moment , hesitation griped me ,but I placed my hand in his , feeling the strange warmth that contradicted the icy stories I've heard . His voice steady and without emotion, broke the silence
"We must greet my father"he said.
I nodded mutely and followed him through the grand entrance. The halls were magnificent,draped in rich fabric and adorned with the symbols of power .
Every step echoed , a reminder of where I was , as I approached the great hall ,I could feel eyes on me from directions. The doors opened , revealing a gathering of nobles . Theirs eyes curious and calculating . At the center sat the king, a man whose presence commanded respect without a word . Beside him were the two other prince's, the second with sharp intelligent eyes and an air of royalty, and the youngest with a mischievous grin that barely hid the wildness behind it.
The king's gaze shifted to me , unreadable and heavy ,I took a breath holding my chin high, despite the fear that threatened to choke me . This was my new life , surrounded by whispers of war and a court full of secrets.
The prince low ,raspy voice echoed through the hall as he bowed respectfully. I mirrored his movement , lowering my head with a grace that masked my apprehension
Prince:"father , we have returned,here's my bride marv"
The king's eyes softened enough for me to see a glimmer of something more human beneath the mask of power . He nodded , his voice rumbling like distant thunder
King:"welcome to our family ,marv" he said .
His words were formal ,measured, but the simple acknowledgment carried weight. He gestured with a wave of his hand , a silent command that spoke volume
King:" you may go and refresh yourself and rest ,the prince shall remain for the entertainment in honor of his marriage"
I curtsied again ,my heart pounding , and stepping back, servants were already moving to guide me to our chamber . Their faces composed and unreadable as marble statues. I stole one last glance at the prince, who stood unwavering by his father side. His eyes met mine briefly ,and unreadable flicker passing between me before I were led away.
The corridors were long and winding, lined with intricate tapestries and guarded by solemn knights. Each step took me deeper into the castle, where echoes of my past life seemed to fade into whispers. I wondered what awaited me in this place where luxury and dread intertwined.
As I stepped into our chamber the soft Glow of candlelight Castle long shadows across the ornate furnishings. A young woman stood by the window, her eyes lighting up with a warm smile when she noticed me enter
"My lady, my name is Nancy and, I am your handmaid "
Her voice was gentle and steady, a stark contract of the impassive expression of the other servants have passed in the Halls. There was an openness to her gaze , a subtle reassurance that set her apart from the rest.
I nodded ,taking in her presence, Nancy's demeanor was comforting, with an air of calm that made the room feel less imposing. Her smile was small but sincere, and made the space seem a bit warmer .
She stepped closer, her eyes filled with understanding as she noticed the exhaustion that weighed on me.
Nancy:"you must be tired ,my lady, would you like me to prepare a bath or bring you something to help you relax?"
I let out a breath, I hadn't realize I were holding. The unfamiliarity of this place was overwhelming ,but Nancy's kindness was a small solace , perhaps ,in this new life she should be the one I could trust.
Nancy moved with practiced care, brushing my hair with gentle strokes, before she applied the sweet scent of rose oil , the aroma filled , mingling with the subtle glow of the lanterns . She robbed fragrant oil into my skin leaving it smooth and glowing, and handed me a dedicate nightgown of soft silk
Nancy:"my lady, this is for the wedding consummation".
Her words sent a shiver down my spine, and knot of anxiety tightened into my chest. I tried to remain calm, composed, were the fear was hard to ignore. The stories I've heard of the prince whispered in the shadowed corners , replayed in my mind . Would he truly be as cold as the rumours claimed, would he force me into a fate I hadn't chosen?, she helped me get on the silk gown.
I sat on the edge of the bed , the weight of the unknown pressing down on me . The silence was deafening ,as I stared at the flickering flames of the lanterns. Waiting for the prince to arrive ,my heart thudded with anticipation, fear and questions left unspoken .
The sunlight filtered through the heavy curtains casting golden streaks across the chamber as I slowly woke . A sense of dread lingered , I were waiting for the prince, did I sleep?, for a minute I was confused ,but a relief washed over me when I found myself untouched.
I sat up quickly, scanning my body as if to confirm what I already felt. Everything was as it should be.
The room was silent until ,soft drip of water caught my ear. I turned ,eyes widening as I saw the prince ,his dark hair damp and clinging his forehead , wrapped in a deep emerald bathrobe . His presence was imposing ,yet there was a strange calm about him.
"Good morning your highness",I said.
He glanced at me ,his eyes unreadable. For a moment the silence of his merciless nature resurfaced, making me tense . When he said nothing, the anxiety pushing words from my mouth before I could stop them .
" I...I must apologize ,I fell asleep before you arrived. Would you forgive manners?"
The Prince's gaze softened slightly, though his expression remained stern . He looked at me ,his eyes searching me as if he were weighing my sincerity. Finally, he spoke ,he's voice deep ,low, and raspy
"There's nothing to forgive"
His words were unexpected, lacking the sharpness I had braced for . I felt rush of confusion mixed with cautious relief. He moved past me , reaching for a towel and for the first time I wondered if the rumours about him were incomplete or simply untrue .
The prince paused for a moment,his hand hovering over the towel as he turned to face me . His eyes mer mine and the first time ,I saw something faintly human behind the cold facade .
"My name is GASTOH" he's voice low and raspy.
The words felt like a revelation,the final piece of the puzzle. I ve been married to this man for days ,yet I didn't know his name . The weight of that truth had lingered between us both , a silent barrier. But now , hearing it,his name , the first tur exchange between us . It seemed to shift something in the room.
Gastoh turned back to the mirror, his hands running through his damp hair , but I could see a slight change in his posture. It was as if ,by sharing his name , he had allowed a bit of vulnerability to sleep through the walls he'd built around himself.
My thoughts raced. Could this moment be the start of something different? Or was it simply another fleeting exchange in a marriage bound by duty .
Nancy's soft footsteps were the first sign that the prince had left the room. She entered shortly after , her eyes gentle and concerned as she greeted me
"Good morning,my lady"
I gave her a small weary smile , Nancy stepped closer , her voice lowered with a note of tenderness that contrasted sharply with the cold atmosphere that had settled around the castle.
Nancy :"Are you in pain from last night?"
Her words caught me off guard, and for a moment ,my mind raced , trying to understand what pain?
She thought .... I've consummated my marriage?. The realization stunned me and I quickly tried to compose myself.
"No. I'm....I'm fine"
Nancy didn't seen convinced ,but she nodded and didn't press further , instead her expression softened ,and she made her way to the bathing area.
"I'll prepare a bath my lady"
She treated me with care, a streak contract to the hasrh world around me . After a warm , relaxing bath, Nancy helped me get dressed, leading me down the long corridors to the dinning room.