They smooth out my train so that it elegantly flows behind me. Then Tiffy nods, giving me a look of approval. The other ladies’ maids back away, clasping their hands.
“Are you ready?” Tiffy asks, meeting my eyes.
I take a deep breath, filling my lungs.
No, I want to say. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for this.
But I flash her a small smile. “Yes. I’m ready.”
Tiffy takes my arm and walks with me out of my bedchamber, and down the main staircase. We move through the halls and out onto the castle grounds.
There are rows of chairs, neatly arranged between long lines of flower arrangements, already filled with people. Other than Lymseia and Myrdin, I don’t see any familiar faces. A long, bronze carpet has been rolled out between them, leading to a beautiful archway filled with red roses.
Beneath the archway, is Viridian.
My heart constricts at the sight of him.
He stands with his hands behind his back, holding his head high. He wears a fine, white brocade jacket with bronze-metal detailing, and matching pants. His clothes have been tailored perfectly to his body, highlighting his lean, muscled physique. His black hair has been combed back, but there’s still a tendril of it that hangs in front of his eyes. His gaze narrows before him, mouth pressed into a fine line.
When we approach the end of the aisle, Tiffy moves away from my side, and takes her place behind me.
The musicians waiting on the outskirts of the gathering lift their instruments when they see me. They begin to play. A light, happy piece.
It does little to lessen the weight on my shoulders.
The people gathered here straighten in their seats and turn toward the aisle.
Viridian’s tired eyes find mine.
I’m frozen in place. It takes everything I have to not turn around and run away. To not let my feet carry me all the way back to my bedchamber and lock myself inside.
At the front, sitting in the first row by Viridian, the High King’s brows tighten.
Tiffy coughs behind me.
Swallowing, I move forward.
People flash smiles at me as I pass. When I approach Lymseia, she offers me a low-spirited look. As if to say, “I know how difficult this is for you.”
I look away and continue.
Reaching the archway, I come to a stop across from Viridian. Now, I can’t avoid his expression.
I wish he was angry with me. Gods, I even wish he hated me. That he couldn’t stand the sight of me.
Anything would be better than the lack of emotion I now see wearing down Viridian’s handsome features. The empty expression that I know I share.
We’re surrounded by people, but it feels as if we’re alone. We stand only an arm’s length from each other, yet it feels as if we’re worlds away.
Behind me, Tiffy adjusts my veil and my train. She bows to Viridian, and then she retreats down the aisle, until she’s out of sight.
My chest aches. I wish she’d stay.
I cast my eyes down at my hands. I know if I meet Viridian’s eyes, I won’t be able to maintain my composure.
The priestess of Ohesis stands before Viridian and me. I’ve never been to a temple of Ohesis, the God of Marriage and Family, but even I can tell the blush colored robes she now wears are ceremonial.
“Good afternoon to all that gather here on this beautiful day,” the priestess begins, gesturing to the crowd on both sides. “It is with great pleasure that we meet here today, for the union of our Crown Prince, and his betrothed.”