The maid gently shakes me awake.
Milady, it's time. Your wedding day is here. She helps me sit up, and she brought over a tray with breakfast and a note.
This was on your doorstep, milady. She hands me the note, which reads:
Meet me in the garden before the ceremony. -Rk
My heart skips a beat.
I crumple the note, trying to calm my racing heart. The maid helps me into my wedding gown, and I style my hair.
You look stunning, milady. Prince Rainer will be enchanted. She smile, but I looked nervous.
Shall we go downstairs? The ceremony starts soon. I nod, and she escort me to the chapel.
The chapel is filled with nobles and guests. Prince Rainer awaits me at the altar, smiling warmly. My parents sat in the front row, beaming with pride.
"As she walk down the aisle, the chapel falls silent. All eyes are drawn to her, mesmerized by her ethereal beauty.
Her wedding dress hugs her curves perfectly, the ivory hue meshing seamlessly with her delicate skin tone.
Her red hair cascades down her back like a fiery waterfall, perfectly framing her heart-shaped face. Her crystal clear blue eyes sparkle like stars on a clear night, shining bright with a soft, secret light. Her lips, a gentle rosebud pink, curved into a soft, knowing smile that commands attention without demand.
The nobles and guests gaze at her in awe, their faces reflecting wonder and admiration. Even the cold stone walls of the chapel seemed to warm up in her presence.
Prince Rainer's eyes light up with delight as she approach him, his smile widening into a bright, genuine grin. He offers her his hand, and she took it, her touch sparking a strange sensation."
The priest begins the ceremony, and as we were about to exchange vows with Rainer, the doors burst open and Ryker walks in. He looks dashing in his formal attire, his eyes focused only on me in the hall.
He strides down the aisle, ignoring the shocked gasps and whispers from the guests. Rainer's eyes narrow, his jaw clenched in anger.
What are you doing here, brother? Rainer growls, his voice low and menacing.
My mum stood beside me, ready to intervene if necessary.
Ryker stops at the altar, his eyes locked on mine. He bows low, his voice ringing out across the chapel.
I've come to give the bride a gift. He rises, a small, exquisitely crafted music box in his hand. He opens it, and the same haunting melody i heard last night fills the air.
A vision appears before me: you and Rainer, arguing bitterly... and then, you and Ryker, happy and in love. The vision fades, leaving me breathless.
To everyone else, it's just a beautiful music box.
My eyes widen, and Ryker's gaze holds mine as if to say, "Remember our connection?
The guests applaud politely, thinking the music box is a kind gesture from the prince's brother. Rainer's eyes narrow, sensing something is off.
Ryker bows again and returns to his seat, his eyes never leaving mine. The music box's melody lingers in my mind as the priest continues the ceremony.
I stood at the altar, but my mind is elsewhere. Lost in the vision: I and Rainer's failed marriage, and my happy future with Ryker. The priest's words fade into the background as i imagine myself with Ryker, not Rainer.
Rainer clears his throat, snapping me back to reality. He looked at me expectantly, the ring held out in his hand. The priest repeats his cue, and the guests start to murmur, noticing my distraction.
Do you, Ayla, take Prince Rainer as your lawfully wedded husband? the priest asks again, his voice slightly louder.
I hesitated, the vision still fresh in my mind. Rainer's eyes narrow, his expression growing impatient.
Do you, Ayla... the priest prompts again, his voice firm but gentle.
Suddenly, words spill out of my mouth before i can stop them.
I need a moment. I turn to Rainer, my heart pounding in my chest. May I speak with you... privately?
Rainer's face darkens, but he nods curtly. The priest looks surprised, but recovers quickly.
Let us take a brief recess. He signals the guests to step outside, and they file out, murmuring among themselves.
Rainer grabs my arm, pulling me into a small antechamber off the main chapel. His eyes blaze with anger.
What is the meaning of this, Ayla? he demands, his voice low and menacing.
I stand tall, despite my racing heart. I know i must choose my words carefully.
I... I saw something, Rainer. In the music box your brother gave me. I hesitate, unsure how much to reveal. A vision of our future... and it wasn't happy.
Rainer's expression turns skeptical.
What are you talking about, Ayla? That was just a music box.
But you sense a hint of doubt in his voice.
Rainer's expression turns cold, his eyes narrowing.
Enough of this nonsense, Ayla. We will continue the ceremony at once.
He grabs my arm, pulling me back towards the chapel door.
I plant my feet firmly, resisting Rainer's pull. My heart races, but I stood my ground.
I won't do it, Rainer. Not until I understand what I saw. My voice is firm, resolute.
Rainer's face twists in anger, and he raises his hand as if to strike me, for the first time I felt fear.
Suddenly, the door bursts open, and Ryker stands in the doorway, his eyes blazing.
Don't touch her. Ryker's voice is low and deadly, his hand on the hilt of his sword. Rainer's eyes flash with anger, but he lowers his hand.
This doesn't concern you, brother, Rainer snarls.
It concerns me greatly, Ryker replies, his eyes locked on mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine as he continues. Ayla has seen the truth. She knows her destiny lies with me, not you.
Rainer's face twists in rage, but he composes himself quickly. He turns to me, his expression softening into a gentle smile.
Ayla, my love, don't let my brother deceive you. He's manipulating you with dark magic. He takes my hand, his touch gentle. Come, let's finish the ceremony. Then, you can rest and think clearly again.
Ryker's eyes flash with anger, but he says nothing. He knows his brother's words have planted a seed of doubt in my mind.
Rainer's gentle touch and soft words calmed my racing heart. I looked at Ryker, and for a moment, I saw sadness in his eyes. But then, his expression returns to its usual calm mask.
I turn back to Rainer, who smiles warmly. I nodded, and he leads me back to the chapel. The guests return, whispering among themselves. The priest clears his throat, and the ceremony continues.
The priest presents the rings, and Rainer takes mine. He slips it onto my finger, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. I feel a strange sensation, like a spark of magic.
I, Rainer, take you, Ayla, as my wife... he begins, his voice firm and resolute. He glances at his brother, his eyes narrowing slightly.
I take the ring, my hands trembling slightly. I look at my parents, their anxious faces etched in my mind. I took a deep breath and began my vows.
I, Ayla, take you, Rainer... my voice trails off, my eyes locking onto Ryker's. He looks away, his jaw clenched. I glance back at Rainer, who's watching me intently. I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. ...as my husband.
I slip the ring onto Rainer's finger, and he smiles, his eyes gleaming with triumph.