I stood frozen, staring at my reflection in the mirror as the maids finished preparing me for my wedding. My brown hair cascaded down my back, and the silk, off-the-shoulder, flared white gown shimmered in the light. The heavy, red jewelry around my neck and ears seemed to suffocate me, a constant reminder of the kingdom I was being sold to - a kingdom of blood, violence, mythical creatures, and vampires.
My mother's voice cut through my thoughts, "Ariana, hurry up, everyone is waiting." She entered the room, her blonde hair and green eyes a stark contrast to my own mixed features. I had inherited my father's blue eyes and my mother's green eyes, a combination that had always made me feel like an outcast.
The maids excused themselves, leaving me alone with my mother. Her cold hands rested on my bare shoulders, sending shivers down my spine. "You know you're doing this to protect our kingdom, our family," she said, her voice devoid of emotion.
I met her gaze in the mirror, my eyes flashing with resentment. "I know what I have to do, Mother," I replied dryly, before turning away from her.
The memory of the day my parents told me I was getting married still lingered, a painful reminder of my fate. "You're getting married to save our kingdom," my father had said, his voice laced with a mix of sadness and determination.
"What does that mean, Father?" I had asked, confused and scared.
"It means you're our only hope," my mother had replied, her voice cold and calculating. "If you don't agree to this marriage, our kingdom will perish, and we'll all suffer the consequences."
That day, I had cried, wishing I had never been born. Now, as I stood at the threshold of my new life, I couldn't help but feel like I was walking into a nightmare.
~~~~~
As I emerged from the grand hallway, the soft rustle of my gown echoed through the hushed chamber, announcing my arrival. The delicate silver threads woven into the fabric sparkled like a celestial tapestry under the radiant lights, casting a mesmerizing glow around me. The gentle whisper of the guards' and maids' footsteps behind me served as a subtle reminder of the formal procession.
The announcer's eyes locked onto mine, and I acknowledged him with a subtle nod, a silent signal that I was ready. He returned the gesture, his expression a mask of formal composure. With a deep, resonant voice, he proclaimed my arrival to the assembled guests, his words dripping with ceremony and tradition.
"Ladies and gentlemen, nobles and dignitaries, it is our honor to present the bride, Princess Ariana, daughter of the esteemed King and Queen Of Lydia, as she prepares to unite with her betrothed in the sacred bonds of matrimony."
As the announcer's voice faded away, the room erupted into a soft murmur of admiration and curiosity, all eyes fixed upon me as I began my stately procession down the aisle, the weight of my destiny unfolding before me like a rich, velvet cloak.
I kept my gaze cast downward, my veil a welcome shield between me and the sea of faces before me. The weight of my emotions threatened to overwhelm me, and I didn't dare risk a glance at the man I was about to marry. My heart racing, I stumbled forward, my head colliding with something hard and unyielding. A pained gasp escaped my lips as I winced, my eyes involuntarily flicking upward.
Through the delicate netting of my veil, I caught sight of a figure that made my breath catch. He was a vision of masculine perfection, his chiseled features and piercing deep purple eyes leaving me awestruck. Those eyes, reminiscent of the precious purple crystals I had always treasured, held me captive. Who was this stranger, and why did his gaze make me feel so...seen?
His expression, however, was a mask of indifference, his voice low and tinged with mockery as he spoke. "You should be careful, Princess." The way he uttered the title was almost...derisive. His hand closed around mine, steadying me, before he released me and stepped aside, disappearing into the crowd.
I pushed aside the unsettling encounter, focusing on the ceremony at hand. My father's icy fingers wrapped around mine, a stark contrast to the warmth and love that once flowed between us. The chill of his touch sent a shiver down my spine as he escorted me down the aisle, the weight of my destiny settling upon me like a shroud.