The grand ballroom was filled with laughter and music as the wedding feast began. King Jorian , resplendent in his formal attire, took Princess Calantha hand and led her onto the dance floor.
As they glided across the floor, the princess's silk gown shimmering in the candlelight, the king smiled down at her. "You look lovely tonight, my dear," he said, his voice low and gentle.
Princess Calantha smiled back, her eyes sparkling. "Thank you, my king," she replied. "I must say, you look quite dashing yourself." The king was sure handsome in person than the description she heard before she met him. Her mind wandered back to the whispers she had heard about the king. People had spoken of his alleged magical powers, of how some believed him to be a dragon, while others claimed he was a creature of the night, a beast with unholy powers.
But as she gazed into King Jorian's eyes, she saw none of the monster that rumors had made him out to be. Instead, she saw a kind and gentle soul, a man who seemed to genuinely care for her.
She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to live with this man, to build a new life together. Would the rumors prove true, or was he truly the kind and just ruler he seemed to be? Only time would tell, but for now, she was content to dance in his arms.
They danced in silence for a moment, the music swirling around them. Then, as the song drew to a close, Princess Calantha leaned in close to the king. "I must bid my family farewell," she whispered.
The king nodded, and together they made their way to where Princess Calantha family was seated. The princess hugged her parents tightly, tears shining in her eyes. "Goodbye, mother and Father," she whispered. "I will never forget you"
As Princess Calantha hugged her parents tightly, her mother's tears began to flow. "My dear child, I will miss you so much," she whispered, her voice trembling
King Jorian and Princess Calantha escorted her parents to their waiting carriage. As they prepared to depart, the queen grasped her daughter's hands. "Promise me you will write to me every single day," she implored, her eyes brimming with tears.
Princess Calantha nodded, tears streaming down her own face. "I promise, Mother," she whispered, hugging her mother tightly.
The queen then turned to Elara, Princess Calantha's personal maid, and hugged her warmly. "Take care of my daughter," she whispered, before bursting into tears once more.
"Does this means that Elara is staying"
"Yes my dear the King agreed" The Queen said happily in tears.
As the queen composed herself, she and the king bid their farewells. The carriage door closed, and the horses began to move, carrying Princess Calantha's parents away.
Princess Calantha's heart swelled with gratitude as she turned to King Jorian. "Thank you, my king," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I never thought you would allow Elara to stay with me here in the castle."
King Jorian smiled, his eyes warm with kindness. "You are my queen now, Calantha," he said. "I want you to be happy, and if having Ellara by your side brings you joy, then so be it."
Princess Calantha felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Elara, who was standing discreetly in the corner of the room, a small smile on her face. She had been Princess Calantha's loyal companion and confidante since childhood, and the thought of being separated from her had been almost too much to bear.
But now, thanks to King Jorian's kindness, Elara would be staying with her in the castle, and Princess Calantha felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. She smiled up at King Jorian, feeling a sense of gratitude and appreciation for her new husband
Soon the wedding feast came to a close, King Jorian offered his arm to Princess Calantha . They walk down the castle hallway waving at servants they came in contact with.
"Shall we retire for the night, my dear?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with warmth.
Princess Calantha's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated, her mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead. She had heard stories about the romance and intimacy that came with marriage, but the thought of sharing a bed with someone she barely knew, especially a king with a reputation like King Jorian's, made her stomach twist with nervousness.
"Oh, yes...of course," she stuttered, trying to composed herself. She looked at her side but Elara was nowhere around her she felt empty. Elara was always by her side back at home but now she's not. Maybe because she was walking with the king.
As they walked to their quarters, Princess Calantha couldn't help but wonder what the night ahead held, and whether she was truly ready to face it.
The grand, master-sized room was shrouded in darkness, the heavy, velvet curtains drawn tight to block out the moonlight. The bed, adorned with intricate carvings and plush, black bedding, seemed to loom over Princess Calantha , its tethers a reminder of the consummation of their marriage that was yet to come.
Princess Calantha felt a shiver run down her spine as she gazed around the room, the darkness seeming to press in on her from all sides. She was not ready for this, not ready to share a bed with a man she barely knew.
King Jorian turned to Princess Calantha , a hint of a smile on his face. "Do you like the room, my dear?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Princess Calantha hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "It's...different," she said finally, trying to tactfully phrase her thoughts. "My room back home was always full of light and color, with flowers and lace everywhere. This room is...much darker."
King Jorian chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I see," he said. "I can make some amendments, if you'd like. Add some more lighting, perhaps, or bring in some flowers to brighten up the space."
But before he could say more, Princess Calantha shook her head. "No, it's okay," she said. "I can manage."
King Jorian nodded, though his eyes still held a hint of concern. But before he could press the issue further, his personal assistant, Thorold , appeared at the door.
"Your Majesty," Thorold said, his voice low and urgent. "There is a meeting. Something important has come up."
King Jorian's expression turned serious, and he nodded curtly. "I'll be right there," he said.
With a final glance at Princess Calantha , he turned and followed Thorold out of the room, leaving Princess Calantha alone in the dark, opulent space.
As the door closed behind her, Princess Calantha let out a sigh of relief. She wandered over to the window, pushing aside the heavy curtains to gaze out at the moonlit gardens below.
She felt a pang of homesickness, missing her family and the familiar comforts of her childhood home. She missed her mother's warm smile, her father's strong arms. She even missed the garden she used to tend, the feel of the sun on her face and the smell of the flowers in bloom.
As she stood there, lost in thought, the silence of the room seemed to grow thicker, heavier. Princess Calantha felt like she was suspended in time, caught between the life she knew and the unknown future that stretched out before her.