Page 73 of Cages and Crowns
I slip white, silk slippers on and give myself a once-over in the mirror. My hair is shiny, longer than it’s ever been. The icy locks almost look like they are glittering, matching the starlight I haven’t been able to conjure since this morning. It should phase me, it should make me nervous or scared, but the ever-present numbness has settled on my mind, along with stones in my belly making every movement painful.
But I ignore it.
I ignore everything.
My lashes are thick, and they applied a little wing of kohl across the upper lid. My cheeks have been reddened and a soft mauve color has been applied to my lips. I look different. I don’t look like myself. I turn away and step into the hall. Enzo is there, his black jacket and tunic cut close to his body.
“Are you ready?”
“This isn’t my first wedding.” I joke, but it falls flat. A ghost of a smile twitches the edges of his lips, but he doesn’t respond. He offers his arm and I take it, letting him guide me downstairs to the throne room.
Everyone is dressed up, and people I have never seen before line the hall. Scarlett’s eyes are red, as if she’s been crying, her hand clutching onto Emery’s. I let my eyes pass over her and towards the front.
Nithe is wearing all black, his jacket much like Enzo’s, but thicker, nicer. His hair has been groomed, but its unruly waves still make an appearance. It’s the crown that catches my eye.
A tiny, silver skull of what appears to be a deer sits front and center, with silver antlers fanning out from it. Black diamonds are pressed into it and the edges of silver blend into deep brown with green leaves. It almost looks as if it was half crafted out of metal and half out of twigs. My eyes track down to his and he offers me a smile.
The walk down the aisle is a blur and then he is taking my hand in his. His calloused fingers are warm as they wrap around my small hand, swallowing it. I look away from him and towards the man standing at the top of the dais.
“We are gathered here today to wed Queen Elaenor Rosenthal of Viridiana—” My breath catches. “And Prince Nithe Dragehna of Labisa.” My eyes flick back to Nithe’s as he stares at the reverend. A throat clears in the audience, and I glance over to see the king cross his arms, his eyes digging intomine, burying themselves. I force myself to look away.
Words are muffled as they reach my ears and I nearly flinch when Nithe grabs my other hand. I look up at him, but it’s not him I see.
It’s Tobias.
His hair shining in the light pouring in through the windows, copper sparkling in the sun. His blue eyes are light, piercing, as he stares into mine. His brows furrow as he opens his mouth.
“I, Tobias, pledge my heart and soul to Elaenor and the continent. I will support and cherish her; I will ensure she lives a long happy life. I will be her one and only.” My lips part as I stare into his eyes.
No. This isn’t real.
“I love you, Elaenor. You will always belong to me.” His fingers tighten on mine, and I take a step back. This isn’t real.
“Rosie?” A deeper voice penetrates my mind and I blink a few times. Tobias’s hair fades to black and then it’s soft purple eyes staring into mine. “Are you alright?” He whispers. I glance around and everyone is staring at me. I had taken a step back, my hands no longer in Nithe’s. I nod and step back towards him, offering him my hand.
“As I was saying,” the reverend continues. “Do you, Prince Nithe of Labisa, take Queen Elaenor of Viridiana as your own?”
“I do.” He whispers, before sliding something cold on my finger. I glance down at the ring, one I never had with Tobias. It’s made of a deep silver, nearly black, but it’s the stone in the center that catches my eyes. The stone itself is black but inside of it there are tiny white dots. My hand moves on its own and as the sun hits it, the stone glitters, reminding me of the night sky.
My eyes meet his again, shock evident on my face. He smiles shyly and looks away.
“Queen Elaenor, do you take Prince Nithe to be your consort?” Consort? I open my mouth, my throat thick.
“I do.” I whisper. Nithe’s hand flips over, revealing a black ring entirelymade of the same stone that is in the center of mine. My fingers hesitantly grab it and slip it on his finger.
“For the first time, I present Queen Elaenor of Viridiana and King Nithe, consort to the queen.” My eyes widen as I realize the wedding is over, completely different to the one I had with Tobias.
Nithe’s left hand, the one with the ring, slips from mine and gently cups my cheek. He steps forward, his eyes bright as he looks down at me, his right arm encircling my waist, pulling me against him. His breath fans across my face, bathing me in the scent of him. I look up, my eyes locking on his as he bends down.
His lips are warm, gentle, as they press into mine. It’s a quick kiss, one that sends weird jolts down my spine. He pulls back, his eyes still focused on mine.
“Your Grace?” I turn, Nithe’s hand still on my cheek, and look at the reverend. “If you will kneel.” I look back at Nithe before stepping out of his grasp and kneeling.
The reverend is handed a small tiara and my lips part. It looks nearly identical to Nithe’s but has small teardrop diamonds dropping down to hang below the skull, and black antlers stick out of the top, partially hidden by black leaves. A black ribbon hangs off the back of the deep brown twigs, tied in a bow. I dip my chin as it is placed on my head, sitting low on my forehead instead of on the crown of my skull.
Cheering ensues and Nithe offers me his hand while I stand and turn to face the crowd. He steps close to me, leaning down to whisper in my ear.
“The tiara is the crown of Labisa, as is the ring. It belonged to my mother. I thought it was only fitting it now belonged to you.” I turn and look at him, my nose briefly brushing his chin.
