The castle stirred long before dawn, its stone corridors echoing with hurried footsteps. Maids moved swiftly through the halls, their arms laden with linens, flowers, and garlands of ivy to adorn the grand hall.
The kitchen was the busiest part of the castle. The air was rich with the scent of herbs, spiced wine, honey-glazed fowl, and fresh bread drawn steaming from the ovens. Pots of stew bubbled, and trays of sugared fruits and almond cakes lined the tables.
By afternoon, the courtyard and halls were alive with color. Noble guests arrived on horseback, their retinues trailing behind, their laughter and greetings echoing through palace walls.
As evening drew near, the castle seemed to breathe with anticipation. The torches were lit, the grand hall glowed with candlelight, and the scent of the feast drifted upward into every corridor: roasted meats and spiced wine.
Outside, the bells tolled, summoning the lords, ladies, priests, and elders to the great ceremony.
In Helena's chamber, she was seated in front of a dressing mirror, clothed in a purple flowing gown.
Her hair was slipped down and styled into a low bun.
Red ochre was used to paint her lips and give her cheeks a cherry blossom.
Charcoal powder was used to outline her eyes and darken her brows. She looked stunning.
Selena had walked into Helena's chamber and had the proud look of a mother. She personally selected the jewelry that Helena was wearing, a diamond necklace and silver earrings.
In another chamber, Vinson was also getting ready.
The squires oiled and combed his hair; his beard was trimmed neatly.
He was clouded in a fitted jacket, with layers of fine linen undergarments. The jacket had fur lining on the edge. A dagger at his side as a sign of his rank as a prince.
Vinson had thought today would be one of the best days of his life, but the case was contrary.
The queens of Decreash were already in the grand hall. Elegantly dressed to their taste, awaiting the procession of the wedding ceremony.
The whole royal family was already present, along with some dignitaries and some elders.
The royal family of Yaleton was also present. Standing dignified from the crowd, Vinson's sister, Annelise, stood beside her parents with the aura of a dynamite princess.
The grand hall was alive with splendor. High arched beams of oak stretched overhead, draped with banners bearing the crests of both houses, Yaleton and Decreash.
Hundreds of candles were mounted in wrought-iron sconces and tall chandeliers.
On either side of the long aisle, dignitaries in silks and brocades filled the benches, their whispers weaving together.
Lords with jeweled chains across their chests sat in stiff dignity, while ladies in veils of fine lace leaned close, their eyes glittering with curiosity and anticipation.
At the far end of the aisle stood the priest in his outfit of gold and white, a heavy tome cradled in his hands.
His presence was solemn, his eyes sharp beneath the candlelight. Beside him, the elders of the realm, gray-haired men robed in velvet and fur, formed a silent circle, their authority lending weight to the sacred union about to take place.
A maid walked into Helena's room and announced that it was time for the wedding. Helena was nervous; she glanced at her mother, who had been by her side, ordering the maids around and helping her get dressed.
Selena hugged her daughter before placing a kiss on her forehead.
"It is time to claim your husband." She whispered, and Helena blushed wholeheartedly.Side by side they walked out of the chamber, stepping into one of the long hallways.
From a crossing corridor came another figure, tall, robed in royal crimson, a golden crown resting upon his head. It was Ragaleon. He took casual steps to where Helena and his mother were, walking side by side.
When Helena's eyes caught a glimpse of her brother, she halted and then turned to look at him. She ran to where he was and then hugged him, tears threatening to gather in her eyes.
Ragaleon was usually cold towards others, but he loved his sister dearly.
"Don't ruin your makeup by crying, Helena." Selena warned, making her way to where they stood.
Helena slowly disengaged from the hug.
"If you weren't my sister, I might have gotten married to you instead." Ragaleon teased, and Helena's face brightened with a blush.
He extended his hand in her stead. There was no need for words; the weight of his role was clear. Though he was her brother by blood, tonight he bore the mantle of a father, to walk her forward, to give her into another man's care.
Helena took his hands, and together they advanced. The long hall stretched before them, and the faint echo of music drifted from the grand hall beyond.
The hall quieted as the sound of trumpets rang through the chamber. The great doors swung open, sunlight spilled through the entryway, striking across the polished floor, and all heads turned to behold the approach of the bride.
"Good lord! A noble lady seated on the bench beside her husband, who was Lord, gasped breathlessly.
"The king, he is simply handsome!
The noble lady said, fanning herself with the hand fan in her hand.
The aura Ragaleon brought into the hall was suppressing. His eyes were dim and piercing.
Helena focused her gaze on Vinson, who was standing next to the priest, his gaze locked with hers, and he gave her a faint smile.
Helena began to walk down the aisle with her brother's arm locked in hers. She was not just a proud bride but also the proud sister of the king; the titles she had were enviable.
Finally, she now stood before the priest; Ragaleon disengaged his hands from hers. He gave Vinson a fleeting glare, as if to remind him that Helena was his sister and he was now leaving her in his care.
Then he took his stance some distance away, crossing his hand behind his back, standing erect, his sharp gaze fixed on the scene in front of him.
Helena stood opposite Vinson, her shy gaze flashing at him from time to time.
The priest opened the pages of his holy book and began to read from it; some of the things he said were in a language no one understood.
After that, a small knife was brought forward. The priest took hold of Helena's hand and ran the knife lightly across her wrist, and blood began to gush out. The priest did the same for Vinson, then joined both their hands together, smearing their blood together.
A red robe was brought forward on a golden platter by a maid. The robe was used to tie Vinson's and Helena's hands, which were slit with the knife, together to join them in matrimony.
The priest guided them in saying their vows, and they each repeated after him. It was at this moment that Leah stepped into the hall unnoticed.
Her face is pale and her eyes red as if she has been crying. She was wearing a green dress, her violet hair was let down, and she had no jewelry; she wasn't in the mood to look pretty today.
Inadvertently her gaze locked with her mother, Johanna. Johanna smiled at her, a cunning smile, before breaking the gaze and focusing her attention on the wedding ceremony.
"You may kiss the bride."
The priest finally spoke after they had taken their vows.
Helena had waited for this moment; she raised her gaze, and in the blink of an eye, Vinson's lips clashed with hers in a hot kiss. Their lips entangled for a while before they finally pulled away.
"By the will of the gods, by the seal of the crown, and by the blood that binds, this union stands eternal. Two houses, two hearts, one bond unbroken. Go forth as lord and lady, joined in power and in love. Rise now as one flesh, one life, and one destiny.
I now proclaim you man and wife." The priest said, and the grand hall erupted with the sound of thunderous applause, nobles rising from their seats in a rustle.
Helena beamed with joy, still standing with her hand clasped in Vinson's; she turned her face to him and then to the hall. Her lips curved into a radiant smile, her eyes shining brighter.
Ragaleon, watching from his place of honor, allowed the faintest nod of pride.
Selena dabbed her eyes with a lace handkerchief to dry up the tears threatening to spill from her eyes.
In a swift moment, everyone was led to the great pavilion, where the wedding feast would take place. Platters of roasted boar, glazed fowl, honeyed fruits, and steaming bread were carried in, their aromas mingling with the heady perfume of spiced wine.
The scent filled the air, drawing sighs of delight even from the lords and noble ladies.
Then came the music. Harps and lutes thrummed sweetly, flutes wove their bright notes, and the deep beat of a drum stirred the hall to life. Noblemen led their ladies to the open floor as the first dances began. Their laughter rang against the stone, mingling with the rich harmonies of song.
At the high table, Helena sat beside Vinson, her face glowing, her smile radiant as she raised her goblet. The clash of wine cups echoed from table to table as toasts were shouted in her honor, voices rising louder with each cup drained.
Seated to Helena's left-hand side was her mother, the queen dowager, Selena. Followed by Johanna, William, and Leah.
To her right-hand side, Vinson was seated, followed by Ragaleon and the five queens of Decreash, then Amilek.
Ragaleon watched from his seat of honor, regal and unbending, yet his eyes softened as he beheld his sister's joy.
Elders murmured blessings, and some began to present their gifts, while younger lords clashed goblets and boasted of tournaments yet to come.
As the night deepened, the hall pulsed with life, music swelling, feet stamping, and firelight gleaming.
Suddenly Helena drops her wine goblet and then rises to her feet.
"Let's dance." She says, taking Vinson's hand in hers and dragging him to the dance floor.
The musicians, catching her intent, shifted their melody. The gentle hum of harps gave way to a quicker rhythm—drums tapping, flutes trilling, and strings leaping with energy.
A space opened at once, nobles stepping back to grant them room, all eyes fixed upon the radiant pair.
Hand in hand they began to dance—slow at first, then quicker, their steps matched in perfect harmony. Helena twirled, her gown flashing with jewels like stars in candlelight, and the hall erupted with cheers.
Vinson, usually so composed, allowed himself a rare grin, lifting her into a spin that drew a roar of approval from the crowd.
Then the music swelled, and the tempo raced. Other couples joined, lords sweeping their ladies onto the floor. Laughter spilled as dancers began the traditional exchange—partners trading hands in swift turns.
The hall becomes a whirlwind; among the crowd, William drags a noble lady to the corner, and they begin to kiss.
All the other ladies have been trying to get his attention, but this one had a full chest, so he went for her.
Amidst the crowd there was a figure with a dampened spirit; it was Leah. She had joined in the dance, just to cover up her sadness.
Leah was filled with envy as she watched Helena and Vinson dance happily. Doing the exchange of partners while dancing, Leah casually snatched Vinson away from his sister, Annelise.
Annelise was captured by another nobleman doing the exchange, so she didn't find Leah's actions suspicious.
Helana was dancing with her mother and was too busy having fun to know what was happening.
"Meet me at the battlement terrace now! Leah says as she danced with him before disengaging and moving through the crowd, then making her way out of the hall.
After a while Vinson also sneaked out of the crowd, and no one took notice. Everyone was too busy enjoying themselves.
When he got to the terrace, everywhere was dark, but a hand slowly encircled his waist from behind.
It was Leah.