"Shouldn't I be happy?"
Many questions flickered through her mind. Stepping into the kingdom of Thalmaris should have felt like a dream come true for any girl, yet she felt numb and couldn't decipher her emotions.
Her blue eyes, signifying a great healing ability of the Ardentors , which only a few possess, stared anxiously at the gigantic castle.
Feeling a nudge on her arm, she met with her mother's smiling face,graceful and elegantly dressed, as she gently cupped liora's cheeks in her hands.
"Liora, dear, I want the best for you. If you're not comfortable with this, we can always go back."
Liora bit her lip, holding back the storm of emotions as she studied her mother's calm expression.
She knew deep in her heart her mother wanted her to go through with it, but how could she when even her so-called betrothed hadn't bothered to see her once or try getting to know her?
Like every other girl, she has always dreamed of a fantasy wedding, but it seemed she was stepping into a loveless marriage.
King Aldric had taken a liking to her when he visited Ardentor. Healing a deep wound on him that many felt impossible to treat, stepping up with bravery, she healed the king, not without it taking a toll on her body, before she fell unconscious.
Who would've thought a thank-you would've come in form of a marriage proposal.
"Are they kidding? This wasn't the gift I wanted."
"A low rumble echoed as the gates opened, drawing her back to reality" This snapped her out of her thoughts as they escorted them into the castle.
Her father held his chin high the renowned master of healing, people wanting to get a glimpse of them, the "ELOWEN" family, with no one surpassing their healing abilities.
Her blue eyes and fair skin captivated passersby as she walks.
Lost in her own world, her arms bumped into a stronger one, losing her balance, she was held firmly by her waist, with him giving a little distance, her eyes met with a fiery one.
Her heart thudded loudly, and she knew it wasn't because she had almost fallen; she was captivated by his eyes, his long hair, sharp jawline , perfect nose, and slightly red lips.
His upper face was hidden with a black and red mask, just like his outfit. There was something screaming danger, yet she couldn't look away; she surprisingly felt safe in his arms.
"Is this Prince Gavin?" Liora thought
"Be careful, princess". His deep voice whispered, low but pleasing to her ears. Standing straight, he ensured she was steady on her feet before walking away.
Princess, she's no princess. Why did he call her that? "she blushed looking back."she was faced with his broad back and his attire, which was black and red. What an interesting combo.
"Are you alright, dear?" Her father's worried voice echoed.
"Yes, Papa, I'm fine", she said with a reassuring smile.
Entering the throne room.
The king, all smiles, welcomed them to Thalmaris Kingdom with his wife, Queen Seraphina.
"You have a beautiful daughter," the queen complimented,while Liora responded with a smile".
The throne room of Thalmaris was large and quiet, with tall windows that allowed sunrays to stream in. Two thrones were elegantly set at the far end,a grand golden one made for the king, and another with silver intricacies crafted for the queen.
Thick white and gold curtains framed the windows, and silver chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft glimmers across the room. The royal banners stood tall behind the thrones. Everything felt calm yet serious, as though the room was waiting for something important to happen.
Sitting on a soft plush chair a little bit far away from the elders, she held a piece of her dress in her hands, trying to calm her nerves. Feeling a hand on her's she looked at Celestia, her handmaid, who was smiling brightly and giggling.
I'm so happy for you, Your highness. You are going to marry the crown prince, a very powerful prince at that. I heard of his great gift. May your new life be blessed.
"Stop talking nonsense celestia,". she whispered softly, we are not married yet. Celestia giggled happily. I'm sure at the sound of your voice he will fall in love with you. She teased.
Liora put up a fake smile before looking away. "Why am I not happy?" she sighed.
Striding towards the throne room, his gaze filled with so much anger and aura as he clenched his fist behind his regalia, he stopped in front of two gigantic doors guilded by one of their strongest warriors. Sighting their crown prince, they made a slight bow, opening the large doors.
Sighting their prince, they made a slight bow, opening the large doors.
The doors opening caused a distraction making the king angry. Who dares interrupt!!! The king's fierce gaze met with his son's, but his gaze soon softened upon seeing him.
Nobles bow to the prince, but his focus remained mainly on his father.
Bowing to pay respect to the king. As they both stared at each other intensely, Liora stretched her neck a little to see who interrupted.
He had short, curly brown hair and brown eyes that held quite an authority but his beauty and aura didn't match up to the man who held her from falling. She shook her head, blushing; Why she was thinking about him.
The prince voice echoed in the throne room: It's not my intention to go against my elders, but as the prince and the strongest in Thalmaris and the regions surrounding it, I, Prince Gavin Varyncrest of thalmaris, refuse the marriage to Liora Elowen.
The courtroom soon turned up in disarray.
Master Thalen Elowen clenched his fist at the blatant audacity of the prince ruining his daughter's dignity in public; she might not be able to get married to a suitable match if he rejects her. If a prince rejects her, who will want her?
Maerina's face turned pale. Her heart clenched for her daughter. They should never have accepted this in the first instance; the signs were there, she lamented internally.
Looking back at Liora, who looked worried but tried not to show it, giving a smile to her mother to ease her tension.
How dare you? King Aldric roared, making the throne room go silent. Do you know the consequences of your words? Do you know what impact your words will have on her?"
"I don't care, Father, he said his voice hard as steel.I will not marry a mere healer. She's not worthy or powerful enough to be my wife."
Liora felt something snap in her trying to hold her tears; she could feel the weight of hundred eyes. Not one offered comfort just scornful gaze
Why so much hate for her? She trembled at their faces. She has always lived her life shielded in Ardentor, surrounded by their streams and nature;how did she find herself in lion's den?
Standing up he balled his fist in rage my daughter will not be subjected to this,the ardentor's followed suit standing up angrily. How dare they insult them this way?
"He's a filthy scumbag", Celestia cursed lowly as she held Liora's hand tightly.
Gavin put on a smirk as he stared at the Great Master Thalen. Unfortunately, I wish we met in a better situation. You are an ally I don't want to lose, but I can't help it; your daughter isn't worthy enough for the throne.
And I am in love with someone else. I admit I should have called it off in time, but the king wouldn't let me. What more perfect time than this?
Liora's blue eyes became teary, with a drop of tear coming down. Clenching her fist, she tried her best not to let it show.
The Ardentos faces were filled with rage, especially Master Thalen not wanting to cause more shame to his daughter, he turned to the king with a sour expression on his face.
"I'm sorry, your highness, but we will have to call this wedding off. My daughter deserves someone better than this."
"How dare you!" Queen Seraphina rose up with a scornful gaze. You don't speak about my son that way, the guards directed their weapons at him.
Liora stood from her seat with fear visible on her face , bowing as the tears she was keeping streamed down her cheek,seeing the guards blade hovered at her father's neck.
"Please, I beg you, my queen,let my father go." She pleaded her voice cracking with emotions. She looked at her father, a thin trail of blood trickling from where the sword had pressed into his skin, she trembled harder.
Gavin saw her face clearly for the first time, he had to admit she was beautiful, Yet her eyes held fear in them for her father, something stirred unexpectedly in his chest.
Their eyes met, and she stared at him with fury before looking away like he never existed.
The nobles finally showed pity on their faces for her, while some still stared at them scornfully.
"That's enough," the king's voice echoed.