VALERIE

I couldn't stop myself from beaming as Lydia dressed me in a dazzling wedding gown. It was my special day, after all, the day I would marry the prince of Everwood Kingdom.

Although I was aware that my bride price was substantially higher due to my virginity, I couldn't help but feel free at last as marriage was the only way to escape my stepmother's tireless torment.

The prince, together with his guards and aide had convened in our castle prior to the wedding as our custom demanded to avoid any kind of delay on the day of the wedding.

Getting married was merely a stepping stone, a necessary prerequisite to claiming my rightful inheritance. As the crown princess, I would finally gain the respect and authority that was rightfully mine, eclipsing the influence of my stepsister once and for all.

My father, the King of Celestia Kingdom, had become exhausted from mediating the endless disputes between my stepsister and me.

Seeking a permanent solution, he had arranged for me to marry a prince from a powerful and influential kingdom which would also strengthen our alliances.

"Exquisite, my lady," My handmaid, Lydia exclaimed with pride as I admired her handiwork in the mirror.

"Thank you, Lydia. I'm all set. Could you kindly check on my prince? We shouldn't keep our esteemed guests waiting."

"Yes, my Lady," Lydia replied with a curtsy before exiting the chambers to confirm whether my would-be husband was ready for our grand ceremony.

The door opened few minutes later and dull thud of footsteps filled my ears. Lydia's voice was apologetic, "Forgive me, my Lady. I couldn't find Prince Henry in the grand hall."

The excitement on my face instantly faded, "He's supposed to be ready before me. Are you certain you looked everywhere?"

Lydia curtsied, "Yes, my Lady. I searched the entire hall, but there's no sign of him."

"I'll take matters into my own hands. Prepare my things, Lydia. I'll go and search the guest chambers. He's probably still preparing."

As I walked out of my chambers, I made my way towards the guest quarters. Taking a step one at a time, the sounds emanating from within grew louder and more unmistakable.

Was that Lady Julia's voice? I wondered. They were desperate moans, followed by muffled gasps.

My heart began to race as I approached the door. Who could the man be? He was truly without any mercy.

I slowed my pace, not wanting to announce my presence. I tiptoed, trying to catch a glimpse of what was happening without being seen.

Just as I reached the door, the prince's guard blocked my path. "You can't go in, My Lady," he warned respectfully. "The prince strictly instructed me to keep intruders away."

But I was beyond reason. I pushed the door open, and the scene before me took my breath away.

"Julia?"

For a moment, I felt as though I'd been turned to stone, or dead, and utterly immobile. My eyes remained fixed on the scene before me, my mind struggling to comprehend the betrayal.

My knees buckled, and I collapsed to the ground, my beautiful gown pooling around me like a lake.The sound of prince Henry's remorseless voice came through.

"There's no point in proceeding, Princess," he said. "I made a mistake. Lydia is the one who truly deserves me. You, on the other hand, are nothing but a mere royal doormat. A pathetic, obedient little princess. There isn't going to be a wedding today."

I felt a stinging sensation in my cheeks as I scrambled to my feet with pleading eyes. "Please, don't disgrace me like this. I can forgive you, and we can move forward. I'm not angry, my prince. Have mercy on me. Don't make a mockery of me on our wedding day."

"You heard him." Lady Julia spoke, triumphantly and fearlessly kissing prince Henry before my very eyes.

I stood frozen for a moment, then my dignity kicked in. "Enough! You can have him. Thanks to you two for this embarrassment." I said.

At that moment, something shifted within me. I realized my worth wasn't tied to the prince's affections. I mattered more than anything else.

With my head held high, I turned to leave, knowing I had to salvage what was left of my dignity. The weight of the royal guests' expectations settled upon me. I had to save myself from shame. The wedding had to go on, no matter what.

I made it toward the grand hall, frantically searching for a last-minute replacement for my wayward groom. And then, a god-like figure emerged from the crowd trooping in for the wedding. He was devilishly handsome, with a face that seemed both cute and battle-hardened at the same time. I felt my heart skip a beat as our eyes accidentally met.

"Hello there," I called out almost silently and with a wave. But let's be real, his presence was so overwhelming that I was pretty sure I was going to pee on myself.

He paused suddenly, with a lingering gaze as if he was questioning whether he'd truly heard someone address him. His eyes narrowed, and I sensed a little wonder on his face.

"Hi," he replied with a deep voice.

I forced a bright smile, trying to appear nonchalant despite the desperation brewing inside me. "Will you marry me?"

His eyebrows shot up, and he let out a low, rumbling laugh. "Ridiculous! Do you know who I am?"

I stood my ground, "I may not, but I believe I will if we get married today."

He looked away, his eyes settling on those trooping into the hall. "I'm vicious and you're too beautiful to be harmed. Can I go now?" His response was swift and straight to the point but I wasn't ready to give up. He appeared to be the most suitable replacement for me at this time.

I let out a hollow laugh, the memory of my earlier torment still fresh in my mind. "Harmed? Can you cause me more harm than my step-family already has?"

He returned his face to me but this time, it was with pity. For a moment, I felt like he could see right through me. I pressed on, holding onto his wrist. "Let's do this marriage for three months. We can divorce later. I promise to pay you whatever you want."