Chapter 1

The snow capped mountain that spanned the vista behind the palace emulated her mood.

Moonlight streamed through the window of Anastasia's room in the north wing. She stared at the main entrance of the Kralj palace as guests climbed up the stairs to attend the ball. 'Twas the night before her wedding to Raul, the crown prince, her cousin. The celebration had dragged on all week. From where she was, she could see all women laughing joyously, as they delicately picked up their expensive gowns and climbed the stairs. They curled their hand warmly against their men's arms affectionately as they cocooned them with their wings on one side.

Anastasia hated every moment of it. Since morning she had vomited five times with sheer disgust. She would turn nineteen the next day—the legal age to marry in the Kingdom of Vilinski—a day Raul has been waiting for ten years.

“You look breathtaking my Princess” said Nyles, breaking her reverie as she fixed the veil that fell to Anastasia's chin, with a golden comb at the back. Being just five years older than Anastasia, Nyles had served the latter as a maid before she even understood the meaning of the word. However they were more of best friends than a maid and mistress. Sometimes Anastasia felt bad about Nyles. The girl was plucked from her home at very young age to stay with her.

“I hope the pearly lace of the veil isn't hurting you.” said Nyles.

It was...badly.

Traditions.

Repulsion.

No one was supposed to see the bride's face for two days before the marriage. Only after the wedding would her husband lift the veil and kiss her, marking the end of the ritual. Her lips trembled thinking about it. Anastasia's body shook with ragged breaths.

“You need to shed those inhibitions Milady.” Nyles winked at her as she handed her a green pill, part of Anastasia's medicinal prescription.

“Tomorrow you'll become Queen of Vilinski.” Nyles clasped her hands together with excitement.

“Do you know what that means Milady?”

Anastasia's heart dropped to her stomach as she stifled a retch, a whimper, and tears...it meant a lifetime of misery.

She popped the pill into her mouth and gnashed it with her teeth, savoring the bitterness in her tongue. The bitterness wasn't as bad as the one she felt in her heart.

“Come, let's go.” Nyles extended her hands with a huge smile.

“Your Prince is waiting for you.” she continued unaware of her inner conflicts.

Anastasia gathered the tulle of her pale blue gown in one hand and allowed Nyles to lead her to the door. Encrusted with thousands of crystals on it's wide skirt that were densely placed towards the lower half and ebbed as they came up the bodice, the gown reminded her of power and wealth Raul was dying to possess...even if it meant marrying his first cousin forcefully.

Vines embroidered with silver thread twirled around her round neckline, enhancing the swell of her breasts. The long but slender sleeves ended with more crystals on the edge.

The teardrop diamond earrings brushed past her neck, reflecting brilliance. Her slender neck was illuminated by it, making her form all the more enticing.

Nyles had insisted on braiding her blonde hair so that the veil was set properly on her head. Anastasia's sandals were made from pure blue silk with soft pads on the sole.

Her heart pounded against her ribcage as she walked with Nyles to the door.

As soon as Nyles opened the door, Anastasia's sapphire blue eyes locked with Starlight's—the pale blue ones that flickered golden yellow. Her heart skipped a beat as she gasped for a thousandth time. The man was Raina's, Raul's twin sister, recommendation to be the Head of security given to the Princess from almost two months now.

Her security was so massive that Anastasia felt like suffocating as if in a prison. He had joined the security team a year ago because Raina had taken a special liking to him. According to Nyles' information, Raina had fallen in love with him.

Anastasia remembered what he had said that day as she strolled in her private garden; “This is your last chance to escape Princess.” Anastasia was watching the festivities in the capital main street of Vilinski that overlooked the hedges of her garden. Her hand had inadvertently gone to her neck. She was sure she was going to choke to death.

Raina, Raul's twin sister, had caned her the day before for refusing to marry Raul. It was not the first time either. It was not just refusal that led to caning. Whenever she did something that was deemed inappropriate, she was punished—either by Raina or by Raul. The punishment was usually carried out in Raina's room.

Starlight had promised her that she would be free if she dared to escape. He would help her hide, take her away and make her disappear.

Her breath hitched, was she ready? could he whisk her away despite the heavy security?

Thousands of thoughts crossed her mind. Anastasia lowered her eyes and Starlight straightened himself.

Starlight trailed behind and was joined by a dozen more guards. Only the rustle of her gowns could be heard in the long dimly lit corridors, apart from the footfalls of the guards behind her.

After a long walk, they reach a thick, but finely crafted mahogany door that led to the banquet hall. Immediately the royal guard announced her arrival.

“Your highness, Princess Anastasia Aramaer!”

The chatter in the hall stopped abruptly. she looked at the sea of masked faces and lavish outfits. They parted and she saw Raul walking towards her with a cold smile on his thin lips. Wearing a golden cloak with the royal emblem on his white shirt and breeches, he walked with confidence. His diamond studded mask was tied neatly behind his black hair. The man was over six feet tall and a ruthless murderer.

She clutched her gowns so tightly that it crumpled in her fist. Her palm grew clammier and she thought she would faint because of the panic that cruised in her body like a poisonous snake.