Page 40 of Prince of the Northwest Forest
That thought is so shame-worthy, my cheeks burn like they’ve been touched by lava. I must banish such a cowardly idea. I must face my next stage in life with fortitude.
From behind a few trees, I study the crowd that has gathered to watch my nuptials.
Well, or Mats’s nuptials. I wonder whether news of the switch has gotten out.
My parents are in the front row next to Einar, in the seats of honor on my side of the aisle. On the other side, the queens of the Fire Realm are sitting.
Near them, close to the front, are royalty from other realms. I recognize one of the queens of Icedonia and Felix, the ice prince himself. I’m honored to see him here. Where is Princess Gabrielle? Maybe she didn’t come.
My father and mother look determined. And a little nervous, if I’m honest. Behind them, humans from my realm are seated, just past the honored guests. Behind the fire queens are some of their subjects—soon to be my subjects as well. I straighten my back. Fine. I can represent them, too.
Animals from my realm are gathered to the sides, from big-eared rats to black bears. It makes my heart warm to see them support me.
Then there’s a rustling in the back, and I notice Justice arrive and take a seat in the last row.
He sees me—of course he does—and gives a little wave. His face is forlorn, but then he flashes me an encouraging smile that makes my knees buckle. My heart rips in two.
I squeeze my eyes shut, forcing back a tear. I am not going to show any emotion. I need to be stoic. No matter what, this wedding must go forward.
The officiants are a council of three wise elders, who now step up under the archway.
Risteárd clears his throat. “My best wishes to you, Prince Kalle.”
I nod. I can do this. I walk alone, no sword strapped to my side, no hood covering my face, up to the altar. No one stands with me, which is what I requested.
Mats, the things I do for you.
I plaster on a placid expression.
“You got this, Prince Kalle!” Roy coos from the side in rabbit-speak. I almost snort.Almost.
But then I seek out Justice’s face again, and his somber expression pains my soul. I shouldn’t have made him come. I’m just hurting both of us. I should go down and tell him that he’s excused. That he doesn’t have to watch me go through with this. I make a move?—
The sound of hooves means horses are approaching. Eleanor, princess of the Fire Realm, is here. My future bride.
That future being in, like, fifteen minutes.
When did I see her last? Has it been months or years? My parents told me that she was informed of the groom switch. But I still haven’t talked with her.
This is a horrible idea. All of it.
My heart beats double time.
“Don’t fidget,” I imagine Feder saying again. I take a deep breath, puff my chest out, and put on my most regal stare.
As the people on horses and in the black carriages of the Fire Realm dismount, a procession begins.
First, the princess’s ladies-in-waiting walk up, all in black, carrying dark purple flowers with black velvet ribbons.
One by one, they file opposite me. The eight of them study me curiously, but I don’t let my severe expression falter.
Trumpets sound, ribbons of gold flying in the breeze, and my bride appears at the end of the aisle. She is a princess of fire with her coal-dark hair and her dress like a white-hot flame.
My heart hurts for her. She’s trapped here as much as I am.
I will do my best to be decent to her.
Chapter Ten
