Chapter One:
Castle of Vairon:
Standing before the crowd of spectators, I am dressed in an elegant white dress, with King Maxwell by my side. He dressed in the color of steel, I, gold. The room is lit by candles set upon the tables and walls of the grand room. All other decor on the wall is drowned out by the darkness of night and the blackness of the stone walls, illuminating only for brief moments when the flames flicker. The simple yet smart design brings about a sense of peace and warmth.
Today, two Houses would unite as one in the marriage of he and I. Mine, the kingdom of Ridal. His, the kingdom of Dritha. Our families stand amongst the crowd, watching in awe at the royal union that they’d spent the past few months preparing for. King Maxwell, a man of only twenty and three, had lost his first bride during her labors, casting a dark shadow on their kingdom, losing Queen and child both. When King Maxwell had finally ended his time of mourning, he requested reports on any women of high birth free to wed. Mine of course, would be among them. He had seen me from a distance at a ball held for the purpose of inspecting the ladies. I would learn by the end of the night as I’d danced with the ladies that King Maxwell accepted my hand. I would wed a stranger, for the sake of the benefit of my family, and would become Queen, in title only. As the daughter of royal blood, I ought to have a hold in the rulings but these were the terms laid out. My parents, for reasons unknown to me, accepted.
At the signal of the Master of the Ceremony, we turn to one another. Maxwell is a man with blonde hair and brown eyes, a few years older than I. At seven and ten, I have long length of straight black hair and deep blue eyes.
“It is of great joy, that today we unite House Raelsen with the Crown. King Maxwell and Princess Eloise shall unite as one, here today, before us all, to be tied together until the end.”
Maxwell takes my hands in his.
“I, Princess Eloise, promise to love, protect, and be faithful to you, until the end of our days,” I vow
He gives me a small smile in return.
“I, King Maxwell, promise to love, protect, and be faithful to you, until the end of our days,” I vow
We lean into one another and share our first kiss.
The crowd cheers in delight.
I smile as King Maxwell holds our hands up to the crowd.
The hours are spent dancing, feasting, and celebrating our union. I dance with my ladies happily, knowing they will join me in this journey. Each time I take a break from dancing, I’m introduced to a new noble, wishing me well in my future.
King Maxwell makes his way up to me.
“Let us turn in for the night, dear wife.”
I nod.
“Of course.”
We make our way out of the room and into the halls. I follow him down a hall and up a spiral staircase and together, we enter his chambers.
Lying me down, he quickly slides up my dress. My heart races with anticipation, knowing what to expect but now how it would feel. I feel strong pressure as I expand around him as he pushes himself inside my walls. I wince as he begins to thrust, moving faster, and then with a groan, it’s over. He climbs off of me and without a word, walks away. I lie there, stunned.
