Elena sat on the edge of her bed, the pale morning rays seeping through the high windows of her room and pooling at her feet. A faint breeze stirred the curtains, carrying with it the distant sound of hooves echoing in the large room. She remained there, staring into space blankly. It was clear that a turmoil of emotions swirled in her mind.
She had barely spoken to Aiden since breakfast yesterday. Her dinner had been brought to her room last night, and she fell asleep soon after. She couldn't stop thinking about his advances while he was showing her around, and she wondered what he would have done if she hadn't excused herself. His gaze lingered on her longer than she could bear, as if he could read her thoughts.
Or… did he know? Had he discovered that the attack was planned to rescue her from him? Had he done that on purpose to show her that she could never escape?
The question nagged at her like sharp claws, sinking deeper into her heart with each passing hour. Did Aiden already suspect that Caspian had tipped Prince Alexander off? If he did, what would happen to her brother?
Elena's chest tightened at the thought. Aiden was not a man known for his mercy, and he was rumoured to be ruthless. He was a king forged in battle, one who does not forgive betrayal. If he learned of Caspian's role, she doubted her brother would escape unscathed.
Her hands trembled as she clasped them in her lap. She tried to convince herself that Caspian had acted out of love. He was only desperate to keep her from being bound to a man they barely knew. However, she couldn't shake the growing feeling of unease inside her. Although she didn't know much about politics because her father often kept her away from state affairs, she understood that mixing love and emotions with politics could be dangerous. She feared for her country, her father, and, most importantly, her brother. The more she thought about it, the more it made her stomach churn.
A sudden wave of homesickness washed over her, catching her off guard. She imagined her father, King Richard, sitting in his council chamber with furrowed brows. Knowing her father, he would never sacrifice a child for political gain. He would rather go to war and lose than give up his precious child. Ever since her mother died, he had never allowed any harm to come close to her or her brother. He had promised that he would never use his children for power. Had he been forced to approve of this marriage? She wondered what Aiden could possibly have on her father that made him agree to give her away without a second thought, especially before her coming of age.
The idea that her family might have been powerless in the face of this union made her eyes sting.
She pressed the heel of her palm against them, but a tear still managed to fall.
Maybe she could write home, at least to Caspian. She remembered him telling her to write to them as often as she could, and she wanted to send a few words to let him know she was safe. But how could she do that? A letter could easily be intercepted, and she couldn't trust anyone here yet, not the guards, not the servants, and not even Nyla, despite her seemingly pure and sweet demeanour.
Her thoughts spiralled deeper. Every shadow in this place seemed to have ears, and every wall appeared to hold whispers meant for someone else.
A gentle knock interrupted her.
"Your Majesty?" It was Nyla. Her voice was soft, yet it pulled Elena from her thoughts. She stepped inside, her arms full of folded fabrics, her face bright as ever.
Elena quickly wiped her face with the back of her hand. "Yes?"
"I have brought word from His Majesty," Nyla said in a formal tone. "Tomorrow evening, there will be a grand ball held in your honour. He intends to formally introduce you to the court and state officials."
Elena blinked in surprise. "A ball?"
"Yes. The East Wing ballroom will be prepared, and all ranking officials, noble families, and representatives from key provinces will be in attendance." Nyla announced with steady confidence, but there was an undercurrent of excitement in her voice. "His Majesty wants to ensure that everyone sees you not merely as his bride, but as their queen." She giggled like a child.
Elena got up from the bed, the hem of her gown brushing against the floor. "Okay, Nyla. Is there anything I'm expected to do?"
Nyla smiled faintly. "Smile, Your Majesty. Charm them, even if you don't mean it. And, of course, dance."
Elena pressed her lips into a thin line. She could already imagine the stares, the numerous questions, and the unspoken judgments. Back in Aurelia, she had hated attending social gatherings like balls, especially the ones held in her honour. She despised having to wear a fake smile for people she barely knew just to appear elegant and to gain love and respect. She had resolved that she wouldn't marry a prince to avoid becoming a queen in the future, thus escaping these gatherings. Now, marrying Aiden would only mean facing her fears. She would have to endure the veiled curiosity, the speculation about her origins, and the quiet comparisons to the women Aiden might have chosen instead.
"Is there… more I should know?" Elena asked carefully.
Nyla hesitated for just a second before shaking her head. "Just that the king will want everything perfect."
Perfect. The word felt heavy, as if it were impossible to achieve.
When Nyla left, Elena moved to the window, gazing down at the bustling courtyard. Servants hurried back and forth, carrying crates of decorations, flowers, and instruments. The air buzzed with preparation, yet she still felt uneasy.