IV

Just like they had practiced the day before, Ilena walked slowly into the worship house in union with her father, the king who she had locked arms with.

The melodic tune did nothing but increased the anxiety that bubbled in her, she could hear the gasp and whispers of surprise on how she looked.

She shivered in fright as her steps drew closer to the dominant figure of the Nothern king who oozed confidence beside her. She had yet to look up at him out of respect but that only irked Dreg.

Dreg’s heart pounded in his chest at the sight of the beautiful woman that has haunted his sleep from the first time he laid eyes upon her.

A sense of pride filled his chest at his beautiful bride. Her glossy copper red hair stood out on her pale skin, the beautiful dress molded her womanly curves which made him want to rip it to shreds and see what was beneath all those fabrics.

He noticed how she avoided to look up at him and trembled at their slight graze of touch. It irked him that she was terrified of him when he had nothing but love to show her.

The officiator began with the usual speech and praises on the wedding which took about an hour until Dreg noticed that his bride was starting to grow tired.

He sends a sharp glare to the officiator to which he quickly concluded the ceremony by tying a gold cloth over their palms and tying the ends together, joining them as one.

“With the authority of a royal officiant, let me announce the new royal couple of Sulcar!” The officiant exclaimed.

Cheers are heard from the attendees while Ilena’s chest felt heavy with a looming doom of now being joined to the Northern King who she was yet to look up at.

Nobles and officials came to greet and mingle with the Northern King who looked as unpleased and uninterested as ever but that just gave Ilena an opportunity to slip out.

Ilena rushed through the hallway and hid behind the large pillar to take in large gulps of air. She was anxious and it had finally gotten to her, considering her sweaty palms.

“Ilena.”

The deep octave voice that seemed to send shivers down her spine, echoed through the isolated hallway.

She gasped once she looked to the direction of the voice, it was Dreg the king of the Nothern Kingdom of Sulcar who was just a few moments ago, pronounced her husband.

Her eyes danced across his features, he was very tall with broad shoulders and a toned body of a warrior. His sun kissed skin complemented his deep brown hair that seemed to have been freshly cut to fit his perfect bone structure.

“Finally, you have the courage to look at me.”

Ilena gasped and bowed her head in shock and respect, how could she be so stupid to look him in the eye.

Her body trembled with fear. “Forgive me my lord, for I have insulted you.”

Dreg furrowed his brows at her sudden apology. “Lift your head up Ilena, you are my wife and my equal.”

Ilena was frozen in shock, she wasn’t sure if he was testing her submission or actually being genuine. Imagining this tall and dominant man striking her, she knew it would hurt more than that of her father’s.

The Northern King was perplexed by his wife’s fearful and shy nature, a beautiful princess of her status should not be so shy and submissive.

He made a move to go closer to her but she shuffled back in fear until her body pressed against the stone pillar behind her.

Dreg clenched his jaw in anger, the thought of being married off to the Barbaric king of the North must’ve not sat well with her.

Rage filled his body as he eyed her small trembling form. “Get changed, we will be leaving for the North in a few minutes.” His voice, unintentionally coming out harsh and cold.

Ilena could finally breathe out after he stormed out of the isolated hallway and on cue, Oana came rushing in with worry on her face.

“My poor child....” she hugged Ilena’s trembling form.

Ilena hugged the frail woman tightly. “I would be leaving for the North in a few minutes.”

Oana’s heart broke for the poor princess but she felt a sense of relief for the young woman who can finally escape from this harsh kingdom.

“Remember what I adviced you child....think of this as an opportunity to be set free....”

Ilena had gone back to change into something more comfortable which was given to her as a ‘gift’ from Asla. It was a simple long sleeved green gown laced with intricate gold designs.

The guards had come to guide Ilena out to the carriage, it was then that she noticed the other fierce sulcarn men who stood beside Dreg, awaiting the arrival of their new queen.

“Be submissive and do whatever he asks of you, that way you have a chance to live.” King Egret whispered into Ilena’s ear.

He was more than overjoyed to give out his wretched daughter to the Barbaric king, it was like killing two birds with one stone, he thought.

Ilena made no move to give her final farewell to Asla or the seven years old crown Prince which doesn’t go unnoticed by Dreg.

The Thanes cheered their wretched princess goodbye, throwing flowers and rice over the Northern escort for a safe journey while Ilena sat alone with her thoughts in the plush carriage made specifically for her.

Tears that she had been holding in, gushed out like a waterfall from her eyes as she was now far away at the Eastern boarder.

She sobbed not because of her new life in the North but for leaving the frail mother figure she had at that dreadful Palace. Maybe it was for the best, who knows what is set ahead for her in the North.

Dreg and the rest of the Sulcarn men could hear the heavy sobs of his new wife or the new Northern queen. It was understandable for her to mourn the loss of her former home.

Levion whistled teasingly. “My king is now a married man.”

The other men snickered to themselves but with one growl from their king, they all quiet down with bowed head.

Dreg rose his nose up in the sky, he could smell the rain from miles away, the thought of Ilena catching a cold from the rain made him anxious.

“There’s going to be a storm, we have to find shelter.” He states

Levion looked back at the road, they had not gotten too far from the Eastern boarder. “The rain doesn’t affect a Sulcarns journey.”

Dreg growled at him which his crimson red eyes glowing. “I will not risk my wife, your queen catching a cold from the rain.”

Levion bowed his head in submission and followed his king’s orders to increase the speed of the horses to look for shelter.

Ilena held on to the plush cushion of the carriage with how fast the horses were going. She let out small yelps and gasps as the carriage made sudden turns and crossed rough paths.

A storm had set in, thunder crackled through the evening sky which caused the horses to neigh loudly in fear. She trembled in the cold but couldn’t shake off the worry she felt for the well being of the sulcarn men and her new husband, the king.

The carriage came to a sharp halt which launched Ilena forward, causing a small scream to be let out from her. The door to the carriage opened in a haste to reveal a concerned and drench Dreg.

“Is something wrong?” he eyes the awkward posture of Ilena.

She adjusts herself and lowers her eyes in respect and fear. “No my lord, all is well.”

Dreg eyes her trembling body, has she caught a cold? “Come, we would spend the night here.”

Ilena glanced out the carriage window to see the shaby and small cabin but her heart thundered with anxiety as she asked the question etched in her mind.

“W-where will you rest for the night, My lord?” her voice, a mere whisper.

Dreg placed a finger beneath her chin using it to raise her head up to face him. “We would be spending the night together.”

On cue, lightning strikes the sky at the same time made Ilena’s heart to drop into the pits of her stomach in fear of what is to come next.