I held on to the King's arm as he walked me in to the court room.
Because it was well known that I had a bad reaction to staying out for too long and the rumors circling around me, the King wanted to wedding to be an in doors affair.
He'd mentioned, in passing, that the garden he took his wife was the most magical day of his life. The gates were wide open and the King had welcomed the people of his Kingdom to witness his marriage to the queen.
King Viper said that he always wanted to marry off his children in the same garden. But he was willing to make compromises for me.
Even though I wanted to tell him as long as I have my mask on, I would be fine for a few hours but I didn't want to disregard the King's kindness.
The image King Viper had painted of the garden in my mind was beautiful. But the large court room looked more beautiful that I thought it would be.
White chairs were placed facing the direction where the priest would be officiating us. White curtains are draped over the ceiling and a white carpet is laid on the floor, making way for the King and I to walk down the aisle.
People stood up as soon as the guard in front of the door announced that we are ready to start the ceremony. King Viper slowly started leading me towards Prince Barlion Great.
The colorful and exotic flowers I saw leading to the castle are making a beautiful circle around my future husband.
I made the mistake of looking around at the people attending the wedding. Because as soon as they land their eyes on me, I could see the judgment.
They take one look at my masked face and they think they know everything about me. I can see it in their eyes that they believe the tales they head about me.
"Stay strong, my dear. Keep you chin up and don't let them get to you." My mother's words rang in my ears.
Taking a deep breath, I looked away from the crowed and stared at my future husband.
Prince Barlion Great stood tall in front of the high priest. wearing all black as if he's attending a funeral. His long hair is half tied back while the rest falls down his shoulders. He looks breath taking.
But what surprised me the most is the fact that I don't see the same judgment and disgust in his eyes as I did the first day I met him.
He doesn't have a scowl or a sneer on his face. Instead, he looked unaffected by the cloth covering half of my face.
He might look genuine, but I knew that it was all an act. You don't just change your perspective on a person with in two days. I know what he's doing.
He's trying to show his father- the king- that he can take a wife and be a responsible man.
"Be strong, Child. Don't give up on him." The king whispered, confusing me.
I was about to turn my head to the side and ask him what he meant or why he said it. But I didn't get a chance.Once we are in front of Prince Barlion and the priest, King Viper offered my hand to Barlion and gave his son a stern look before he walked away.
Barlion pulled me closer and we turned to the high priest.
The next few minutes, the priest went on to read out the norms of marriage and a bond that is created between a man and a woman. Then he made us say our promises and presented us with the bands.
Both rings are golden and beautiful. It's sad that they are wasted on a fake marriage.
Barlion slipped the ring into my finger and I did the same with his. Once the rings were in our fingers, the priest announced us as man and wife.
The crowed, some what, gently clapped their hands. But as soon as the priest said that Barlion can now kiss his bride, he room fail in to silence.
I could hear some nasty comments and whispers from the crowed and I stole a glance to see that some where whispering behind their palms while others where smirking.
I didn't want to let the simplest things upset me. But it did.
I bit my lower lip as hard as I can to contain my emotions and planted my eyes on Barlion's chest.
Of course, this would bring another joke.
How would a prince kiss the Sorrowest creature and expose himself to the deadliest illness? Why would he even be this close to a woman who is meant to be locked away behind closed doors?
I didn't like the insecurity that was clawing at my chest. My mother said to keep my chin up but at times, it's hard.
I've already be painted as a creature meant to be kept away. But I have desires to live as a normal person too.
I saw Barlion's hand raise to touch my covered chin. He lifted my face up, forcing me to look at him.
He slid his left arm around my waist and pulled me close. His right hand was still holding my face up.He then slowly leaned in and pressed his lips against my forehead so gently that it made my stomach flutter.
He stayed pressed up to me for a few more seconds before he pulled away and looked down at me.
There was a twinkle in his eyes. I have no idea if this too is a show for his father but, it warmed my heart. But I could feel his hand twitch, as if he's stopping himself from reaching up and wiping his lips.
The court room once again silenced and one look at the crowed and I knew they were shocked to see the arrogant Prince kiss the sick faceless woman.
***
Barlion still had my arm locked around his as he led me away from the dining room.
The wedding was shockingly beautiful and the feast after that was long and loud. But it was still quite alright.
The King had given a great speech and the feast had carried on for a few more hours. The glances and the snarky comments didn't stop.
But one glare from Barlion and they would shot us a fake smile and turn around.
Barlion had surprised everyone, including myself when he reached out for my hand and locked our fingers.I'm sure it was all to show a strong front but I would once in a while, feel his thumb brushing against my knuckles so gently.When I was getting tired and the crowned was started to gesture that it was time for the groom to claim his bride, Barlion had smirked before he pulled my hand and led me away from the crowned.Once we reached the chambers that was prepared for us, Barlion immediately snatched his arm away from me and stormed in to the restroom.
I silently waited for him to come back.
It takes Prince Barlion a few minutes to appear. As soon as I saw him, I knew he'd roughly washed his lips and his hands at how red his skin looked.
I had to bite the bile rising from my throat and the tears burning my eyes back.
Barlion ripped the jacket and leather vest off of his body and dropped it on the bed, revealing his tone lean body.
"Well, my bride..." He sneered. "It's our wedding night. It's time for me to have fun. don't you think." He commented before he looked at me.
The gentle cool expression when he kissed my forehead was no longer visible.That disgusted look was back in his eyes, along with a feral gaze. I watched as he took a step closer to me and then another.
Fear slowly started to crawl it's way up my spin so I slowly took a step back.
An evil smirk made it's way to his lips when he saw the fear in my eyes. So he took another step closer.
I walked backwards until my back is pressed flat against the wooden door.
Barlion didn't stop approaching me until he was right in front of me. He leaned in, lowering his eyes to mine and getting as close as he could get.
He slowly raised his and I could feel my breath turning labored.Barlion reached out and slid his hand around my waist before he grabbed the door knob and pulled it open. I was pushed aside as the door opened and a woman walked in, followed by another and another.
Beautiful and young woman filled the chamber as Barlion stared at me with a satisfied grin.
The fact that he brought a crowed of girl in to the room on our wedding night was one thing. But the fact that each of the woman had covered half of their faces with a white cloth was another.
I watched in horror as the woman mocked me, taking off their masks and slowly approach Barlion. A woman placed her hand on his chest before she circled him. Another followed as she too took her mask off and approached him.
"You are more than welcome to stay and watch." He commented when he saw the emotional conflict in me.
I felt my insides twist and tears slid out of my eyes as I turned around and rushed out of the room.
The tears blurred my eyes and I was trying to wipe them away with my palm. I silently sobbed as I tried to find the direction to my chambers.
I have never felt this humiliated and disgusting in my entire life. I've seen a lot of difficulties because of my illness but that right there, is definitely going to be the one that breaks me forever.
I turned around a corner and slammed against someone. I didn't stop to see who is was. I just apologized and rushed away form the person, not knowing that I had slammed into prince Victor Great.
I secured the ribbon of the thick cloth tighter before I looked at the mirror.Even though half my face is covered, it is easy to tell how sad I am.Last night had been a disaster. The wedding itself had been beautiful.Sure, there had been a few glances and whispers that had upset me but it was fine because of Prince Barlion.He had been, somewhat, a very attentive husband.He had made sure to hold my hand and keep me close until we were behind closed doors.He was a gentle man, until he wasn't.The amount of humiliation I felt last night was undescribable.It made me want to run back home, hide away and never show my face again, or at least some of it.But I knew it would be impossible. So instead, I ran back to my temporary chambers and spent the entire night in fear, wondering if he would do something else.And today, Mira woke me up to tell me that I would be dining with the royals living in the castle, including the King and Queen."Are you okay, My lady?" Mira asked and I looke
The tension around the table was growing by each passing second. The two brothers stared down at each other without breaking eye contact.it does not take a brilliant man to notice that Prince Barlion and his younger brother Prince Victor do not like each other.Prince Barlion's grip on his knife kept tightening up to the point that his knuckles started turning white, looking like they were about to pop right off.While my husband was angry, it seemed his younger brother was enjoying his reaction.Prince Victor stared at my husband with a slight smile stretching against his thin lips.It was as if he was enjoying angering his older brother."Now Now, dear brother..." Prince Victor spoke as he waved his right hand. "No need to be upset that your brother missed your big day. It's not like I did it on purpose."Prince Victor spoke with such a lazy cat manner that it made him seem like he didn't care for anything at all."Besides..." Prince Victor continued. "I had wanted to come to your
Prince Barlion froze.I don't know of my question made him stop of the fact that I dared to call him by his first name. Either way, he stopped.His shoulders slumped for a split second but rose up high again before he turned around.His brown eyes looked like they were about to be engulfed with flames.Prince Barlion fully turned around and stalked closer to me in a such a speed I was afraid he might knock into me.I walked backwards until the back of my leg met the cold marbles of the fountain, stopping me from cowering further."Agree?" He snarled at me. "You think I had a say in this? You think I walked in to this marriage all happy with my consent?" His voice was low, almost close to a growl that vibrated to my ears."No. I didn't." He continued. "O had no choice. It was either take a wife or kiss the throne goodbye. My entire life, I've bleed sweat to prove myself worthy. I have jumped through hoops to get to my crown. If marrying the likes of you is what gets me to the finish li
I took a bite of my bread and slowly chewed on it.I was hungry this morning, but my appetite was lost after the walk I took with Prince Barlion and the visit I got from Queen Sity.The though of the other royals wanting to see me was also bothering me.But the dreadful thought of going back to Prince Barlion's chambers tonight made me sick even more.The image of all the woman that walked in to his chambers the night of our wedding kept playing in my head, mocking me just as he and the woman were.Shaking my head, I sat the bread down on the plate and pushed it away."Are you alright, My Lady?" Mirra asked as she walked over to me and sat down on the chair to my right.Mirra placed her right hand flat on my forehead."Are you not feeling well, My Lady?" She asked again.Shaking my head, I gently pushed her hand away before I leaned back in my seat with a sigh."I don't have an appetite, Mirra." O commented as I looked at the small table filled with food."You need to eat something, o
I sat on one of the chairs as I waited for Prince Barlion to return.It's probably been about thirty minutes- or more- since he went to get his bath. And lucky me, the woman that drew him his bath didn't return. Or so I thought she wouldn't return. But she did.When she came back, she didn't even look at me. She just bowed her head and walked in to the bathroom.Again, I saw that same shame and pity she had when she left earlier.I had no idea why she was back, but when she entered the bathroom, she didn't fully close the door like she did before. Instead, she left it slightly opened.In a few seconds, I heard a groan... his groan. My body immediately tensed up as I pictured all sorts of things they might be doing in that bathroom.I had hoped he wouldn't humiliate me for at least a single day or night, but it seems I'm wrong.I tried to stay put, let them do what ever they want to do. Just pretend that I am not even here.I tried to close my eyes and picture my home but the soft no
I woke up the next morning to find the space next to me empty. And with how neat it was, I knew he never came to bed.In whole honesty, I am glad he didn't.Getting out of bed, the first thing I did was grab my thick cloth and cover my face. Even though I need a fresh cloth and white flower powder, I wasn't about to leave this room without it.At first, I was tempted to just leave without saying a word. But I was too scared to anger him. So, I decided that I would see if he is still in the room and inform him that am about to leave before I do.Taking a deep breath, I walked over to the door I saw him walk in to last night and softly knocked on it.At first, there was silence and no one answered. But after I knocked again, I heard his voice."What?" He called out in a husky voice."My lord I need to return to my temporary chambers to change and get my medicine. I wanted to inform you of my leaving before I left."I didn't hear him reply for a few minutes, so I leaned closer to press m
I carefully watched as the man slowly approached me as of he was predator stalking a prey. I didn't like the way he walked, asked his question or smirk. And I ended up taking a step back, causing the man to stop his his track.He glanced down at my feet before another smile crawled its way to his face."I am Dorian Great, son of Lord Dom Great and Lady Cassandra Great. I believe you must have heard of me?" He spoke lazily, as if he had all the time he wanted at his disposal.Dorian Great? No, I don't know him. But if his sir name is Great, then it would mean he is a relative on King Viper Great's side."Dom Great is my father." He commented when he realized that I didn't know which one he was.Still, I gave him no response as I didn't exactly know who Dom Great was.My father had once told me that the King has three younger brother but he never specifically told me their names or who was which.When the man standing infront of me- Dorian Great- realized that I still didn't know him,
My entire vision went dark and the scent of the dust attacked my nose.The dust had rushed towards me to fast that I wasn't able to avoid it in time.The white flower powder scent was over thrown by the dust.The instance the dust got in to my eyes, I let out a loud scream at how much it burned.I scrambled out of my seat but I didn't even make it a step away as my knees buckled and I fell down.My eyes were burning, my entire face was itchy and my throat was closing up.I coughed multiple times and tried to rub the dust out of my eyes by the back of my hands but it did nothing to help.I felt hands on my shoulders and some one was shaking me. But my ears were blocked and ringing.I couldn't hear or see around me and that scared me.Tears escaped my tightly shut eyes and rounds and rounds of sobs escaped my throat.I wanted to rip the thick cloth off my face but I was too scared that it might make it worse.I struggled on the floor and I was close to passing out when I felt myself get
Frost Sorrow... ***One year later***Bar sighed for the fifth time tonight. He laid under the covers on his side with my back pressed to his bare chest, his right hand fingers brushing against my large belly.I couldn't see him but I could tell that he was wide awake. But even if he was awake, I could tell that he wasn't here with me. He was somewhere in his mind.Because if he was here, he would have noticed that the soft strokes of his fingers to my belly were forcing the baby to kick me harder.Placing my hand over his, I stopped the movement."Bar?" I called out but he didn't answer."Bar?""Hmm... Yeah?" He finally replied."Where did you go?" I asked."I didn't go anywhere. I'm right here." Letting put a groan, I pushed myself up to my elbow and dragged myself to a sitting position."Are you worried about tomorrow's wedding ceremony?" I asked.Barlion sat up next toe and pressed his back against the large head board."I'm not worried about the ceremony. I think." He replied w
Barlion Great...The sight of her made my heart stop. Those frost blue eyes clashed with mine and the air left my lungs.All I wanted to do was run up to her, take her in my arms, feel her... Is she real? She has to be, otherwise I will lose it once and for all. I took a small step in to the dining hall, my eyes still trained on her.The conversation in the dining hall had long stopped and I could feel eyes on me. But I didn't dare look back at any of them. If I did, I was too scared that she might disappear.I watched as Frost slowly stood up and walked over to me. Her steps had no hesitation in them, unlike mine. When Frost and I finally stood before each other, all I needed to do was reach out and touch her to know that she's really here.Frost didn't say anything at first. Her lips were slightly open and she looked like she wanted to say something.Taking a deep breath, I slowly raised my right hand up and cupped her cheek.She's really here. My Frost is really here.My
Frost Sorrow...My stomach was making a roll when our boat got closer to the dock of the Gold Land Kingdom.It's been two long years... Two horribly long years.I was nervous for many reasons but the biggest one was finally seeing him.My father had already sent forward for a small carriage to be rented so by the time we reached the dock, a small carriage was waiting for us.Father kept my hand in his the entire way to the dock. It felt like he knew of my nerves. Each squeeze he gave my hand gave me encouragement.When we arrived at the dock, a carriage waited for us.Stepping out of the boat, I loved the feel of the cold air blowing against my cheeks, my bare cheeks. The strands of my hair brushed against my face as the wind blew, reminding me that the last two horrible years were actually worth it.There were a few eyes on my father, Sir Hunder and myself as we hopped in to the rented carriage.As the driver slowly led his two horses through the Kingdom, my ey
I walked in to the large library o next morning.The gates towards the other entrance of the library was not open yet so it was empty and quite. I walked through the large shelves before I made it to the sitting area.Just as I thought, I found Victor sitting at one of the large tables, looking straight ahead at the displayed book in a glass."Thought I'd find you here." I commented, drawing Victor's eyes towards me before I walked over and sat next to him.Victor returned his eyes to the book.I stared ahead and pride filled me at the sight of the single book placed in the glass.Anyone who came could look at it, admire it but was not allowed to touch it as it was incomplete."The King's Faceless Wife." I read put the titled before a wide smile stretched my lips.About a year and a half ago, after Victor had gained full conscious and was able to move around his chambers, the large library was the first place he visited.Lady Waina, bless her resting soul, had suggested that she writ
*** 2 years later ***I sat at the head of the council table, going through yet another council meeting with my council men.Uncle Hero, like always, too the lead. He reported about the matters of our people. He sat next to his son Jeremaya, who I'd made the Lord of all tales.It's a new seat on the council. After I'd met with King Ezgard of the Half Shifter Kingdom and he bragged about all the spies he has in all the other Kingdoms, I thought why not?Jeremaya has always been a quite kid and he knew how to blend in to a crowd so he was now, the Lord of all tales. The head of spies who collect important information related to our Kingdom from other Kingdoms.Landon continued with the financial reports he has for today then, surprise surprise, his twin sister Layla continued with the warfare reports.I'd made her Lady of warfare about a year ago with the council's great persuasion. Landon, most of all had supported her the most and she was able to prove herself. She had a hidden talent
Watching the first snow fall alone without Frost made me ache. She'd been excited about the first snow. I'd caught her a few times as she was looking out the window, expecting it to fall any moment before she'd gotten hurt.She didn't even get to see it before she left.I don't know how long we stood by the docks. I stared off across the water, wishing her a safe travel.When the people of our Kingdom started flooding the docks, Sir Hunder requested that we should leave.It took everything in me to turn my back to the water and walk back to the carriage.Sir Hunder and Mirra hopped in after Lady Winter did and we rode back to the main castle.Sir Hunder and Mirra were huddled at one side and the head of Nights refused to let her out of his arms. It wasn't like Mirra was complaining or anything. The two looked too cozy, reminding me that I wouldn't have that anymore.'She will return to you.' My subconscious tried to assure but I didn't dare answer it.No matter how long it takes, I
The chambers fell in silence.I watched as Lord King and Lady Winter shared a look.I looked over to Frost and realized that her eyes were following me with worry. Letting out a sigh, I looked back at Lord King."I want to talk to my wife alone first." I commented when I realized that I couldn't be selfish enough to keep her from going with them.Lord King didn't look like he was going to let me have a second with her but then he dropped his eyes to Frost and they softened."We'll need to stock up for the journey. It will take a while to get there so we need to take everything." Lord King commented as he looked back at me.I glanced at Sir Hunder and nodded my head. I had no other words. If They are really going to take my wife then they will have everything they need and more for the journey. Sir Hunder bowed his head before he walked out of the chambers. Lord King and Lady Winter followed after him. Mirra was the last to leave Frost and I alone in our chambers.As soon as the door
Barlion Great...I had my arm wrapped around Frost's waist as I looked down at the head stone of Uncle Jeremy grave.'Lord Jeremy Great. A Brother, An Uncle, A Friend and A True Protector.' That was what's written on the head stone.I read it over and over again.The head stone was made from a large green gem, one found only in our Kingdom.The green gem glows a different shade of color at the contrast of the son, each angel changing color.Our black smith had carved the words in perfect shape and hade covered each letter with black paint so it would be easier to read.The rest of the royals had left a whole ago and I could feel Frost leaning on me. She was tired but she didn't say anything just so I would spend more time with Uncle Jeremy.I let out a sigh before I turned to Frost. She looked up at me with her frost blue eyes, her gaze sad and her eyes bloodshot. Those tears would have burned the spots on her skin.After I pressed a kiss against her forehead, I leaned d
Frost Sorrow...I dreaded waking up again but my body forced me to.No matter how long I closed my eyes, it wouldn't stop the pain from blinding me even more.Stifling a groan, I slowly pealed my eyes open and I looked up at the ceiling."You're up?" Victor whispered from beside me and I turned my head to look at him."Yeah. You?""Lord Kiza was here to change my bandage he left a few seconds ago after giving me the sleeping herbs." He whispered and he looked back at me. "It's king of weird that this is the first time were talking to each other even though we've been sleeping together for the past week." I chuckled at his commented."How are you feeling?" He asked."I'm fine." I replied with a soft sigh. "What about you? You don't look good."Victor was pale and his hair was sticking to his forehead because of the sweat. "You should look at yourself." Victor commented with a chuckle.A small smile crawled on my lips but I quickly stopped it when it felt the red spots on my