Women never had the right to make a choice, their opinions were considered useless. I had waited all my life for this day, I always kept in mind that I couldn't choose the man I would end up with because I was a woman and a princess
My father sees me as a tool to ally with the kingdom of Yurer-one of the most powerful kingdom-and gain more power by marrying me off to one of the princes
"This is one of your important duties as a princess, making sacrifices for your people," Father said smiling at me
If only I was born as a prince then I won't be in this situation. Princes could marry as many wives as they wanted but a princess had no right to do that, she is to be submissive and please her husband and I hated that. I don't want to spend the rest of my life with someone I never loved, but there's nothing I can do about that.
I brushed my thoughts away and stared at myself in the mirror, I was wearing a red shimmering dress and my black hair was combed and held back with silver pins in the shapes of roses. The make-up was a little extra and u didn't mind, the jewelry was a little heavy which made me uncomfortable. I began to feel uneasy and sick. Maybe it was because of this arranged marriage that has taken all my stamina.
"You look so gorgeous highness, no one can withstand this elegance. I'm very sure the prince would fall in love with you in the first eye." Lana my maid who had been taking care of me since I was little said reassuringly.
" I hope he doesn't give me a second glance, I'd rather be left alone than be his next knickknacks," I replied her sitting on my bed and trying to get comfortable on the bed.
"You don't have to bother yourself about the rumors about him, even if they were true I believe that you won't be in danger, my princess," Lana said trying to make me less worried.
Even the rumor about him being cold-blooded we're true. I don't mind, I've already accepted my fate there's nothing I could do other than go along with it.
A few minutes later I was on my way to the banquet hall where u would finish my marriage rites. The dress was taking my strength considering its weight and I was too nervous to eat anything so I was weak.
I was about to take the next turn to the banquet hall when I bumped into something soft yet hard, a hand caught me in time before I kissed the floor. My eyes slowly traced the strong hands to the owner's face and my heart raced wildly before I could take another glimpse of his handsome face. He walked away leaving me in amazement.
"I couldn't even say thank you," I muttered before walking to the door leading to the banquet hall Lana now going to the servant's quarters
I nodded at the guard to announce my entrance and walked in, Everyone's eyes turned in my direction with smiles plastered on their faces, I hated this attention so much that I wanted this rite to end hastily. I walked to the throne where my parents had already seated and bowed down in respect before taking a seat next to my mother. She held my hand reassuringly, she is also a victim of this tradition. I held her hand and smiled back at her comforting her that I'd be fine.
I could feel every eye on me, some with sympathy and others with repulsion like I had chosen this for myself.
After a while, the groom's presence was announced and the banquet became dead silent waiting for the dreaded prince to show himself, I began to think of how ugly he might look, I hated ugly things. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath bracing myself for what I was about to see, I opened my eyes and the prince walked in and I almost choked on my saliva.
"It's him"
The handsome man I bumped into was the man I was going to marry. my heart raced with joy. If he is the rumored cold-blooded vampire prince then I'll gladly be killed by him.
Whispers could be heard from every corner of the room but he didn't mind, he must have gotten used to this his whole life. He walked confidently toward my father with an evil aura
"Your majesty." He said without bowing in respect
I stared at him admiring his confidence in being disrespectful to my father, his actions were daring and that made me uneasy. Just what kind of a man is he?
My father didn't react to this act of disrespect which baffled me, he gestured toward me and the prince followed his hand sitting beside him. I took a peek at his face again and smiled slightly. I remembered the day my father told me I was to be married to a stranger, I was bitter and moody but today I feel happy.
"Today we have all gathered to celebrate the union between my daughter and the prince of Yurer," Father spoke once everyone had gotten quiet, raising his wine cup
"Let's begin the procession and more importantly enjoy yourselves."
The people cheered and the dancers walked in to entertain the guests. While others enjoyed themselves I was in la la land thinking of my husband with a smile on my face, ignoring the tradition of me bowing my head low until I was taken to my husband's home.
"You are bold." He said making me snap back to reality and giving me a chance to stare at his handsome face.
"How would you know that?" I asked immediately, remembering I was to bow my head. He noticed the shocked expression on my face and chuckled, even his chuckle us a sweet song in my ear.
"What are you doing for the tea ceremony?"
It was a custom that every bride displayed their talent to impress the groom and guests. So annoying.
"You'll see when it's time," I replied to him with a smirk on my face.
" interesting."
It was soon time for the tea ceremony, I stood facing the guests directly to get their attention while they enjoyed their tea. I walked back to the prince and tried drawing out his sword but he held my hand quickly
"What's wrong with you?" He asked in a deep whisper tone and I smiled at him trying hard not to laugh
"Are you scared? this is only part of the ceremony." I said teasingly as I drew out his sword and went back to the Center of the banquet hall. I started my sword dance, going with the flow of the soft music. I heard murmurs among the guests but didn't care, it was taboo for a woman to hold a sword and talk less about using it. I trained so much for this and I don't care what anyone has to say when I was done the guests applauded and I bowed in appreciation. I looked at my prince and saw him looking at me with a hint of a smile on his face.
The ceremony was soon over and it was time to go to my new home.
My mother strode up to me and gave me a comforting hug and looked at me holding my hands softly.
"I know you'll be fine, just be good okay?" Mother said. I gave her one last hug and made my way to my husband who led me to the carriage
I looked back and saw Lana waving at me with tears in her eyes, I gave her a short wave and continued walking, I miss this place.
