A Forbidden Love

My ladies-in-waiting tugged at every corner of the fabric laid on my body. I stared at my reflection in the full-length mirror, my body clad in white from head to toe.

Every girl's dream day. The day that gives maidens excitement by merely speaking about it.

The wedding day.

Only in my case, there was nothing to be excited about. My father Duke Atholl Langrid VI, married me his youngest daughter, off to the Crown Prince of Esteria- our kingdom.

My elder sisters had been treating me with even greater disgust ever since we received the proposal from the King. It was only natural for the eldest to be married first, but the Prince wanted me for some bizarre reason.

I was having tea with Lady Gracie, daughter of Duke Grafton Lancaster III when a letter was delivered to me by one of the servants.

Gracie's eyes flit between mine and the red envelope in my hand. We both knew the contents of the letter before I even opened it.

Red envelope. Marriage proposal.

I was indifferent about the whole arranged marriage thing as it had been breathed down my spine ever since I was a little girl. It was as normal as going for a walk in the garden to me.

I was also of age to get married, so I was not the least surprised at the letter. But the sender of the letter is what left me perplexed.

Why on earth did the Crown Prince specifically want to marry me?

Sure my father is greatly acquainted with the King of Esteria, but I hadn't seen any member of the royal family with my own eyes.

I didn't even know the Prince's name. Rumors most definitely swiveled across the country about the Crown Prince's striking looks and his lavish lifestyle. None to which I paid much attention to.

"Lady Lillian. We are done dressing you. Is everything to your liking?" Eva, the court lady assigned to me, and my most trusted lady-in-waiting said, drawing me out of my pit of thoughts.

I focused my eyes on my image once more and turned a little to my left and my right, examining the wedding dress.

"Doesn't it appear to be less fitting?" I asked the quiet ladies around me, tugging the fabric at my waist.

"Oh-my apologies, my lady. We can tighten the corset of the dress if it's too loose,” Eva responded frantically and the ladies reached for the ropes of the corset.

I quickly turned around and raised a hand. "That will not be necessary. I will be changing out of this in an hour or two, anyway." They all nodded at the same time and moved to the side, clearing the way for me to exit the room.

I shot out my chin and straightened my shoulders, perfecting my posture even further, and then I took my first steps.

The ladies picked up the long trail of white lace from the bottom of my dress as I left my dressing room. I walked slowly, as one of noble descent should never be seen hurrying in their steps.

As I walked in the hallway, I saw my three sisters in their expensive tailored dresses from a famous boutique, crass expressions covering their faces as they stood by a door frame in the distance.

Aurelia, Guinevere, and Emmeline they were, from the oldest to the one before me.

Aurelia had long, golden hair and a voluptuous stature. She was very beautiful, as are all the descendants of my father. She looked the most mature and depicted elegance in everything she did.

As the first daughter, she was the first to experience the tiresome teachings of the prim and proper ways a noble should behave.

"What a haughty look you're wearing! For someone who stole my betrothed!" Aurelia said, loudly enough for me to hear.

Guinevere. Her skin was as white as snow. She was the fairest of the four sisters and had curly, red hair. She was a year younger than Aurelia but was equally well-poised.

The two of them were more or less best of friends. With the shortened age gap, they shared interests and related to similar topics.

She had a red fan in her hand, batting a gentle breeze onto her face. "Looking at us all dead in the eyes. Have you no shame?"

Emmeline. She was four years older than me with a three-year gap for Aurelia and a two-year gap for Guinevere.

My parents continuously tried for a son, but you can guess that didn't work in their favor. So they rested for four years before having me, much to their disappointment.

They decided to give up on having more children. Or paraphrased, "more daughters," after having me.

Emmeline had a darker shade of red in her hair, auburn, which was shoulder length. Her face was adorned in freckles, and she had a softer, more feminine, and dainty appearance.

She didn't hate me as much as my other sisters, but she didn't like me either.

Everyone wants to marry a Prince. More so if it's the Crown Prince. Me marrying him aggravated even the friendliest noble lady.

"Will you not avert your gaze? Or would you like me to do so for you?" said Emmeline.

I stared at the three women for a few drawing seconds and turned my head silently forward. I heard scattered scoffs at my action and quietly said,

"Try not to be late to the wedding. You know how much Father hates belatedness." I resumed my walk out of the hallway and they scoffed even louder, loudly throwing insults and groans my way, with their maids attempting to pacify them.

A normal day in my life.

The doors finally opened to reveal the outdoors of our abode. I took in the sun high up in the sky, closing my eyes to relish in its rays, before opening them much too soon.

My eyes scanned the exterior; the tall trees and path leading to the garden- my favorite part of my father's house.

If I'm going to miss something from this place, it will be the garden. It had been my safe space for many years of my life and I was being uprooted from it.

I began walking again and was assisted into the huge carriage up front, which was sent by His Highness.

"The rest of the ladies will follow from behind, my lady," Eva said as she took the seat opposite me. I stayed silent in response.

"Move along!" She ordered loudly to the coachman who let out a 'hyah' before the carriage began to move.

The image of the place I had lived in for twenty-two years of my life, swept past my eyes as we exited the gates.

What feeling swam in me at the moment?

Neutrality. I couldn't care less about the whole marriage.

On the brighter side, I would be far, far away from my dearest sisters and my disappointed parents. Naturally, the Crown Prince should not expect to interact with me or even speak to me as this was a sudden marriage.

Just a moment.

I forgot about a very important thing. Consummation.

I rested my forehead in my palm and slightly squirmed in my seat.

I shook my head and regained my composure. It's not a problem. It's just for tonight. I'll be left alone after tonight.

I let out a quiet sigh and observed the buildings and shops that we passed. I rarely left my house to associate with other nobles. With the exception of balls and soirées, I never visited anywhere else.

If mother needed a companion to an event, she had three sisters she could take. I was more or less an afterthought. A substitute.

"Good riddance," I muttered to myself. Resting my head on the space beside the window.

"We have arrived, my lady," Eva said in a quiet tone, and I pried my eyes open. I must've dozed off on the long ride here.

The door was opened and Eva climbed out of the carriage, extending a hand to help me out.

I placed my silver shoes on the metal step attached to the side, taking Eva's hand which steadied me as I exited the carriage. My feet touched the cobblestone ground, and I examined the building in front of me.

It was enormous, as expected of the royal family. The other ladies-in-waiting rushed from behind and held up my trail as I began to walk.

Door after door was opened until I reached a huge white door. The doors opened slowly and I was met with a large crowd, hundreds of eyes peering curiously at me.

I maintained my apathetic expression as I began to walk alone, down the aisle. Lady Gracie, my only friend stood to the left side at the altar, smiling brightly at me holding a bouquet matching mine in her hands.

My eyes drifted to the back of a man in a blue royal wedding attire. That must be the Crown Prince, I thought.

I continued walking, feeling the many eyes trailing my form, but meeting none of them. My parents sat in the front row of the room, adjacent to the King and Queen, and I met their eyes briefly.

They had what I guessed was a 'proud' look, on their faces. Pushing aside their hatred for this moment, I guess they were still jubilant to be in-laws with the King and Queen.

I held back a scoff and completed my walk, standing in front of my soon-to-be husband. I drew my eyes up his body to his blue eyes. The rumors proved to be true because he was indeed a fine man.

He smiled at me like we had been previously acquainted with one another, to which I gave a blank stare in return.

"We are gathered here today for the holy matrimony of Crown Prince Darius Edgar the VII and Lady Lillian Langrid," The Archbishop began.

I tuned out the long speech he was giving and continued to stare at the man in front of me.

Darius.

He didn't look like a Darius. He had light blonde hair and dark blue eyes that never left mine. It seemed like he was trying to read me with his intent gaze, but there was nothing I could offer with mine.

My eyes moved from his to the other pair of blue eyes just behind him. The best man was dressed in an all-black attire and had the same blue eyes as Darius. The only difference between the two was that he had black hair, just like the King.

He held eye contact with me, raising an eyebrow in question, but I continued to examine him. Now he looked like a Darius.

"I do," The Crown Prince said, with furrowed brows, causing me to drag my eyes back to his face.

What's with that annoyed look all of a sudden?

"I do," I answered the Archbishop's question of vowing to spend the rest of my life with this man.

The words rolled out so smoothly, as I didn't put much thought into the sealing vow.

I didn't have the liberty of second-guessing or contemplating in case it was a mistake. I certainly didn't believe in the concept of true love either. I was content with entering into this loveless marriage.

I didn't have a choice, anyway.

I placed my arm into the crook of my husband's arm and the Archbishop said, "With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you, husband and wife."

The congregation rose and began clapping and cheering excitedly, along with the King and Queen.

"People of Esteria, welcome your Crown Prince Darius Edgar the VI, and your new Crown Princess Lillian Edgar."

I eyed the excited crowd, hailing the two of us. My sisters clapped reluctantly beside my parents who wiped tears from their eyes.

Tears of joy of being a part of the royal family now, and of me finally serving a meaningful purpose.

We began walking back down the aisle, slowly, as flower petals were sprayed onto the two of us. A different carriage was stationed at the front of the building.

Its roof had been compressed to the side and the seats were a velvet red. A white horse was tied to the carriage, the same color as the whole transport itself.

How extravagant.

Darius climbed inside, holding out a hand for me to take. I grasped his hand securely as I placed my foot onto the attached stair, propping myself inside.

The crowd had followed us outside and were still yelling excitedly. Darius waved at the people with a bright smile, as we began to move.

The people shrunk as we inched farther away, a cool breeze brushing my face. I looked down at my dress and picked out the flower petals that remained on it.

"I haven't seen you crack a smile since we met," A voice said. I lifted my head to look at the owner, who sat with folded arms.

"Pardon?"

"Most ladies in your position would be grinning from ear to ear, unable to contain their excitement of being wedded to me."

I blinked once as I stared at him. "You must feel my excitement seeping through my body. I simply can not contain it, Your Highness.”

He smiled wider, proudly and I tore my eyes away from his to my dress again. "Have you no questions for your husband?"

I had finished removing the petals from my body so I looked at him once more. "You may ask whatever question you harbor in your heart. That is a privilege given to you and you alone, my wife."

I only had one question to ask the man. "Why choose me, Your Highness?" His smile slowly faded at the mention of my question.

"If you were to choose a bride from my family, certainly my elder sisters would've been much more suitable options." He stared at me without responding, and I figured my question might've come off as rude.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. I only ask due to my curiosity. You do not have to answer such a question."

He unfolded his arms and placed them on his knees, smiling again. "You intrigued me."

I waited for him to continue. "I've heard of you; the infamous Lady Lillian, youngest daughter to Duke Atholl. Apparently, no one has ever seen you smile after your infant years."

"You married me because...I've never smiled?" I asked, in a confused tone.

"Well, that is one of the reasons. Word around the nobles is that you're the best of the four sisters, despite being the youngest. In academics, literature, multiple languages, music, and dance, you're exceptional. I also hear you play the harp quite well."

I listened to the man listing the basic things every noble should be good at. "My sisters are equally good at all the things you've listed, Your Highness. Yes, I do play the harp, but only as a pastime of mine."

"Do your sisters also play the harp?" He asked.

"No, Your Highness. They play other instruments such as the violin, piano, and the flute."

"And do they play them well?"

I paused for a few seconds, thinking of the best lie to come up with. My sisters were beautiful and talented indeed, but instruments were a weak spot for them.

"Well-"

He held a hand up. "That is enough. We are married now. The reason for which I chose you to be my wife is unnecessary. You play the harp superbly and your beauty..." He paused, eyeing my face as the carriage slowed to a halt.

"I've seen your sisters. Your beauty can not be compared to theirs."

Of course. He married me because of my appearance. It's not surprising since he did not know me. I'm not offended either.

The doors opened and Darius climbed down, stretching his hand for me to take once more. I placed my glove-covered palm into his and exited the vehicle.

"Welcome to your new home, My Princess," Darius said, gesturing with a hand toward the massive building.

The church hall was minuscule to this. This place looked at least five times bigger than my father's mansion. And we were the second most affluent nobles after the royal family.

He placed my hand in the crook of his arm and led me through the entrance that housed tall trees and a variety of flowers.