LightReader

Chapter 8 - First dance

When they got to the borders the brothers was stunned on how the battle was already intense, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Rainer and his brother devised a strategy to take them down so they went separate ways, soldiers are fighting valiantly, but the enemy seems endless. Just when it seems like the tide of the battle is turning in their favor, a fresh wave of enemy soldiers appeared.

Rainer is in the thick of the battle, his sword slicing through the enemy ranks with deadly precision. He's a skilled fighter, but even he is starting to tire. The enemy is just too numerous, too relentless.

Just when it seems like all is lost, a loud cry goes up from the enemy ranks. Ryker has arrived on the battlefield with new troops of army, his sword flashing in the sunlight as he cuts a swath through the enemy soldiers.

The enemy is caught off guard by Ryker's sudden arrival, and they stumble backward in disarray. Rainer takes advantage of the distraction to launch a fierce counterattack, and soon the enemy is retreating in disarray.

The battle is won, but at great cost. Many good men have been lost, the first fleet of warriors at the border were all killed, and both Rainer and Ryker are injured. But not severer, and they've emerged victorious. They set t0 return to the kingdom immediately to announce the victory to the king. Rainer and Ryker rode into the castle courtyard, their horses' hooves clattering on the cobblestones.

The courtyard is already filled with people, all of whom are cheering and waving. Rainer and Ryker covered in dust and blood, but they're smiling wearily.

The king came forward, a broad smile on his face. He embraces both of his sons, tears of joy in his eyes. My boys, he says. My brave, brave boys.

Rainer and Ryker exchange a glance, and then Rainer turns to the king. Father, we have news, he says. The war is over. We've won.

The king's face lights up with joy, and he raises his arms to the sky. Praise the gods! he cries. We are victorious!

The courtyard erupts in cheers, and Rainer and Ryker are mobbed by well-wishers.

They're patted on the back, congratulated, and thanked. They're heroes, and they know it. The king turns to Rainer, a smile still on his face. Now that the war is over, we can finally celebrate your union to the princess, he says. The whole kingdom will be invited. It will be the biggest celebration this kingdom has ever seen!

Rainer nods, grinning.

That sounds wonderful, Father. I'll go see the princess and tell her the news.

The king nods, and Rainer turns to leave. But then he stops and turns back to the king. Father, I want Ryson to stand beside me at the at the celebration. As my best man.

The king looked at Ryker, who looked surprised. But then he nods, smiling. Of course, Rainer. I'd be honored. Rainer grins and claps Ryker on the back. Thanks, brother, he says. I'll go see the princess now.

He turns and leaves, striding purposefully through the castle corridors. He reaches the princess's chambers and knocks on the door.

The door opens, and the princess stands before him, looking beautiful in a blue gown. Rainer's heart skipped a beat as he looks at her.

My love, he says, taking her hand. The war is over. We've won.

The princess's face lights up with joy, and she throws her arms around Rainer's neck. Oh, Rainer! she exclaims. I'm so glad you're safe!

Rainer held me close, feeling happy and relieved. And now that the war is over, we can finally celebrate our union, he says, smiling. Rainer held my hands close, feeling happy and relieved. Now that the war is over, we can finally celebrate our wedding properly, he says, smiling.

My family didn't get to attend the ceremony, but they'll be there for the celebration.

The princess smiles up at him, her eyes shining. I'm so glad, I said.

Rainer kissed my forehead.

You will be the happiest wife, my love, he says. And they'll love you just as much as I do.

Rainer pulls back and looks at the princess, his eyes serious. My love, there's something I need to tell you, he says. My brother Ryker... he's not like other people. He has a dark past, and it's affected him deeply.

I looked up at Rainer, my expression concerned. What do you mean? I asked. Rainer hesitates, unsure of how much to reveal.

He doesn't want to scare the princess, but he wants her to be prepared. Just... be careful around him, okay? he says. He's not always in control of his actions. The princess nods, her expression serious.

I'll be careful, I said. But I want to help him, Rainer. I want to help him heal.

Rainer looked at me, surprised. You barely know him, he says. Why do you want to help him?

The princess smiles softly.

Because he's your brother, I said. And I care about you. I want to help the people you care about. Plus, I sense that he's a good person deep down. He's just... lost.

Rainer nods, feeling a surge of love for the princess. You're an amazing person, he says. I'm lucky to have you. Rainer took my hands let's get dressed, we have a party to attend.

After a little while they both helped each other in getting dressed.

Let's go celebrate, he says. The whole kingdom is waiting for us.

The princess smiles and follows Rainer, her hand in his. They walk through the castle corridors, which are decorated with flowers and streamers. They can hear the sound of music and laughter coming from the courtyard.

As they approach the courtyard, the princess gasps in amazement. The courtyard is filled with people, all of whom are dressed in their finest clothes. There's a huge feast spread out on long tables, and a band is playing lively music.

Rainer smiles at the princess. Welcome to our wedding celebration, he says. As the princess looks around at the celebration, she can't help but think about the future Ryker showed her.

She remembers the vision of Rainer lying dead, and the feeling of grief that overwhelmed her. She shudders, pushing the thought away.

But then she starts to think more critically about the vision. Ryker had been acting strange that day, and he had seemed almost... sinister. And the vision itself had seemed so real, but was it actually? Or was it just a trick of the mind?

The more she thinks about it, the more she realizes that Ryker could have been manipulating her. He could have created a false vision to scare her, to make her doubt her relationship with Rainer. And it had worked... until now.

I feel a surge of anger and determination. I won't let Ryker manipulate me like that. I'll confront him, and find out the truth.

The princess and Ryker made their way through the crowd, greeting guests and accepting congratulations along the way. They eventually reach the head table, where the king is seated. He smiled at us and gestures to sit beside him.

I sat down, looking around at the delicious food spread out before me. I saw roasted meats, steaming vegetables, and all sorts of sweet treats. My stomach growled with hunger, and i can't wait to dig in.

Rainer sits beside her, taking her hand in his.

They both fill their plates and begin to eat, chatting with the king and other guests at the table. As they eat, they watch the people dancing in the courtyard. The music is lively, and the dancers are laughing and spinning to the beat.

After a while, the music stops and the king stands up. He raises his hands, and the crowd quiets down. It's time for the newlyweds to take the dance floor, he says, smiling at the princess and Rainer.

I felt my face grow warm as all eyes turn to me and Rainer. Rainer stood up and offers me his hand, smiling. Shall we? he asks.

I nodded and took his hand, standing up.

"They walk to the dance floor, hand in hand, as the crowd cheers and applauds."

The music starts up again, this time a slower, more romantic melody.

Rainer pulled me close, his arms wrapping around my waist. I resting my hands on his shoulders, feeling happy and content. We began to dance, swaying to the music as we look into each other's eyes.

"The princess feels like she's in a dream, like everything is perfect and nothing can ever go wrong happy that she got to marry out of duty but found love. She's happy to be with Rainer, and she knows that she'll love him forever."

As the princess and Rainer dance, Lady Valtira watches them with a scowl on her face. Jealous of the princess's happiness, and wants to ruin it. She whispered to Lady Calantha, who nods and smiles.

When the music changes to a faster tune, Lady Calantha stood up and walks over to the dance floor. She taps the princess on the shoulder and smiles sweetly. May I cut in? she asks, her eyes locked on Rainer.

The princess is taken aback, but she tries to be gracious.

Of course, I said. stepping back.

Rainer looked at Lady Calantha, his expression wary. He doesn't want to dance with her, but he doesn't want to be rude either. He takes Lady Calantha's hand, and they begin to dance.

Lady Calantha smiles up at Rainer, her eyes sparkling with flirtation. She's a good dancer, and she moves gracefully to the music. Rainer is a good dancer too, but he's not really paying attention to the music.

He's too busy thinking about the princess, and how much he wishes he was still dancing with her.

Lady Calantha notices Rainer's distraction, and she tries to get his attention. She spins closer to him, her body brushing against his. Rainer takes a step back, trying to create some distance between them. But Lady Calantha just laughs and pulls him closer.

The princess watches them dance, feeling a pang of jealousy. She tries to push the feeling away, telling herself that she trusts Rainer. But she can't help the way she feels.

I stood there, alone, watching Rainer and Lady Calantha dance. I tried to look away, but I can't help myself. Drawn to the scene, like a moth to a flame.

Lady Calantha is dancing in a way that's clearly flirtatious, and Rainer seems to have started enjoying it.

The other guests are starting to notice too. They're staring at the dancing couple, their faces filled with surprise and curiosity. Some of them are even whispering to each other, their voices barely audible over the music.

I felt a surge of anger and hurt. Can't believe that Rainer would dance with Lady Calantha like that, especially after they just got married. I thought he loved me, but now I'm not so sure.

I turn away, trying to hold back tears. But doesn't want to make a scene, not sure how much more of this i can take.

Ryker who's been watching this whole time steps in and asks the princess to dance, and she nods, grateful for the distraction.

We started dancing, and Ryker leans closer to my ear. You don't have to be sad on your day, he says.

Dance the sadness away.

Make my brother want you back.

I can't help but laugh a little at Ryker's words. Feeling a spark of determination ignite within me.

She starts to dance with more energy and passion, her hips swaying and her arms waving above her head.

Rainer watches, his eyes narrowing as he sees how close Ryker is to the princess. He feels a surge of jealousy, which he quickly tries to suppress. He tells himself that he trusts the princess, and that Ryker is just trying to make her feel welcomed. But he can't help the way he feels.

Lady Calantha notices Ryker's distraction and tries to pull him back in. But he's not interested. He excuses himself and walks over to the princess and Ryker, tapping his brother on the shoulder. May I cut in?

Ryker looks at Rainer and smiles. Of course, brother, he says. He steps back, allowing Ryker to take his place.

Rainer takes the princess's hand, his eyes locked on hers.

He pulls her close, his body moving in time with hers.

I looked up at him,

I'm glad you remembered I still exist , I said, my voice barely audible over the music.

Rainer smiles. I'll always come back to you, he says.

I love you.

My heart skipped a beat at his words. I felt a rush of love for him, and I know that I'll never leave him for another woman, I'll never let him go.

The rest of the crowd joins in the dance, and the night wears on.

The music is lively, and everyone is having a great time. The princess and Rainer dance together, lost in their own little world. They're happy, and they know that their love will last a lifetime.

Finally, the night comes to an end, and the guests begin to retire to their homes and chambers.

The princess and Rainer said their goodnights, and then they make their way to their own chambers.

They're tired but happy, and they fall into bed, exhausted but content.

I snuggled into Rainer's arms, I drifts off to sleep, a smile on my face.

Thinking I've found a peaceful life.

More Chapters