Chapter 65
The morning light seeped through the curtains of my chambers, bathing the room in a soft, golden glow. I stood before the mirror, my fingers trembling as I toyed with the intricate fabric of the wedding dress draped across my bed. My heart felt heavy, the weight of the day pressing down on me with unbearable force.
A soft knock at the door announced the arrival of the handmaidens. They entered, their arms filled with ribbons, jewelry, and flowers meant to transform me into the perfect bride. I barely acknowledged them as they fussed around me, whispering instructions and compliments. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore.
"Leave," I said, my voice steady but firm.
The handmaidens froze, exchanging startled glances. "My lady," one of them began, "we must—"
"I said leave," I repeated, sharper this time. "I'll dress myself."
They hesitated but eventually curtsied and scurried out of the room. Only Milla lingered by the door, her expression uncertain.
I turned to her, my pulse quickening. "Milla," I said, keeping my voice low. "Did the letter reach Braam?"
She nodded, her dark eyes earnest. "It did, my lady. I made sure of it."
"Then why haven't I received any word from my people?" I asked, the anxiety in my chest tightening like a vice. "I thought—"
"I don't know," Milla said quickly. "Perhaps the response was delayed. I'm sure they would send word soon. Don't you worry my Lady."
Her answer did little to ease my nerves. If Kaelin didn't respond soon, the wedding might actually go through, and that thought alone sent a shiver of dread down my spine.
Before I could press her further, the door opened again. Lucian stepped inside, his presence filling the room like an unwelcome shadow. He was already dressed. In white flowing robes, his dark hair combed back. He had a proud smile on his face. He looked happy, too happy. I on the other hand, I only had one wish and it was that the wedding should end. Milla immediately bowed and excused herself, leaving me alone with him.
"You look beautiful, Arin, you don't know how long I have waited for this day. I'm so happy it's coming true," Lucian said, his tone warm as he approached. His eyes roamed over me, and I resisted the urge to flinch. "I can't wait for our wedding night."
I forced a smile, playing the part of the dutiful bride. "Everything is prepared, then?"
"Of course," he said, his smile widening. "The guests have already started pouring in. Everyone can't wait to celebrate us. You should see the temple."
I nodded, pretending to blush at his words. Inside, my thoughts churned with panic.
Lucian's expression softened. "Oh, and I almost forgot," he said. "A carriage arrived earlier from Braam. It carried gifts from your father and the emperor, wishing you well on this joyous day. They said they couldn't be here on time, but they promise to send delegates as soon as they can. Don't you worry."
My stomach dropped. "Gifts?"
He nodded, his tone casual. "Yes. They've sent their blessings for our marriage. And here—" He pulled a sealed letter from his pocket and handed it to me. "This came for you as well, I think it's from your father. He must have sent his blessings."
I stared at the envelope in his hand, my heart pounding in my ears. The seal bore the familiar emblem of Braam, and my fingers trembled as I took it from him.
"I'll leave you to your preparations," Lucian said, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "I'll see you at the altar my wife."
I managed a weak nod, waiting until he left the room before tearing open the letter. My eyes scanned the words, my breath hitching as I recognized Kaelin's handwriting.
Arin,
Go through with the wedding. We have decided and it is the best way to bring about the ruin of Zaire faster. The emperor has sent gifts to uphold the farce, and we are all in support of your union with Prince Lucian. This marriage will unravel them from within, and you will be the key.
Do not falter now.
Kaelin
The letter fell from my hands, drifting to the floor as my legs gave way. I sank onto the edge of the bed, my mind reeling.
They wanted this. They all wanted this. Of course they would, it was their plan all along, to plant me in Zaire so I could ruin the family from within. They were all playing alone, even Kaelin, all in favor of this cursed marriage. They saw it as a means to an end, a tool to destroy the country. That was all they wanted.
It was all I wanted too, to destroy them all for what they did to me.
But I didn't want this. Not anymore.
I was the only one hoping, praying for a way out. And now, it seemed, I was utterly alone.
..................
The temple of the Moon Goddess was silent, save for the soft strains of music echoing through the grand hall. I stood just outside the heavy wooden doors, my heart pounding in my chest. My dress felt heavier than it should, the weight of my choices pressing down on my shoulders.
The handmaidens adjusted my veil and fussed over the train of my gown, but I barely noticed them. My thoughts were elsewhere, racing with every step I was about to take. This wasn't supposed to happen. The wedding shouldn't be going forward, not like this.
The doors creaked open, revealing the grand hall filled with nobles and dignitaries. At the altar, Lucian stood tall and proud, his gaze fixed on me with a smile that sent a chill down my spine. I forced my feet to move, one step at a time, the music guiding me forward.
And then it happened.
A loud cry shattered the solemnity of the temple, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd as a cloaked figure stormed into the hall. Before I could react, strong arms wrapped around me, yanking me back. A blade pressed against my neck, cold and unyielding.
The hall erupted in chaos.
"Don't move!" the figure shouted, their voice sharp and commanding.
I froze, my breath catching in my throat. My heart raced as I tried to make sense of what was happening. The blade bit into my skin just enough to sting, and I dared not move.
"Who are you?" Lucian's voice boomed, his tone frantic. "Let her go!"
The figure laughed, a bitter, hollow sound. Wait a minute, I knew that voice. I could recognize it.
"Delilah," I whispered, my voice trembling.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
