CHAPTER ONE - MARRIAGE CEREMONY.

~Montana~

I stared at my reflection from the speculum as Livia my major domo, robed me in a ceremonial gown - My black silky coiffure, cascading down my back like the darkest night.

" If I may, my lady. Thou art radiant like a rose in bloom." She extolled. With a frustrating sigh, my face fell like a shadow as I muttered, barely audible 'Thank you.'

I stood with a pout - My peritus maidens, struggling to contain my unruly mane, binding it tightly beneath a gemstone-encrusted circlet.

My gown, a fitted sheath of midnight blue, seemed to constrict me of every essence, its tight lacing, a somatic manifestation of the turmoil that beset my soul. The fabric; smooth as a polished marble, hugged my curves like a shroud, accentuating the pallor of my skin. My eyes, once bright as star - Dimmed, like embers smothered by the scorched remnants of despair.



Livia on noticing my sullen countenance voiced with trepidation. " What's wrong my lady?" Her eyes sunk into mine for a possible answer.

" You should know I'm not happy, Livia." My nates sunk sadly on the fauteuil facing my enlarged polished steel.

"I know but... " A wave of my hand left her mute as she tried to enounce.

" Leave!" I ordered the rest of the maidens and they did cast a bow before leaving my chamber.

With heavy heart, I turned to my one true friend. " Why do I feel like I'm being sold into thralldom?. My pubescence, bartered to a man bruited to be a devil. I'm only but a score minus one and nine years Livia!."

My face turned to her side, my countenance, mixed with fear and sadness. " What manner of man is the king; To vend I, his daughter, to a beast for marriage?!"

" At least you'll be out of his troubles." Livia smiled reassuringly, oiling my hair with scented oil.

" I know not why he despises me!. He countlessly speak of a prophecy that I know not!. Adducing me, a cursed child at several occasions, with his eyes, searing at me in fury!"

" Enough with the belittling my lady, for tis thy natal day. The gods gave thee life, so be merry!. Fear not, for I know thy lord shall not take his eyes off thee, even if he's alleged a beast."

" I shall surely pluck his eyes off if he tries to stare lecherously at me." I scoffed at the thought of getting close to a cad as my Lord.

" Thy crown suits thy noble brow, my princess." Livia lauded and I faced the mirror, forcing out a smile to please my distressed confidant.

" Aren't you ready yet Montana?. Keeping his graciousness waiting is as treacherous as betraying the crown!" My mother the queen, surged to my chamber in panic.

She was dressed on a golden regalia adorned with a red robe; her tresses, crowned with scented flowers. Indeed she was ravishing with beauty, and her soul, blessed by the gods.

" The gods be merciful, my lady's almost ready for her day, my Queen. " Livia voiced speedily, adding some finishing touches to my face.

I stood up, jamming my lips in soft motion after she oiled it and my mother gasped in delight at my vesture and lineament.

" Surely, thou are blessed by the gods!." She praised in a loud voice and I couldn't help but smile courtly with a slight bow.

" Gratitude, your grace."

" I, for sure, know that you aren't happy with his grace ordinance. No one dares to contravene his words. My hands are stayed in constraint onto this matter, my fair princess." My mother entreated in a sad tone and I clasped her unto my arms.

" Surely, I know you wish best for me. I am, beholden to thee." I whimpered and her fingers caressed my back.

" My manifold blessings I give to thee, my child. Love shall thou find from thy lord. May thy journey be blessed, for thou shall be missed." She kissed my cheeks, already wet with tears.

" Thy thoughts shall I carry dear in my heart, mother. I love you."

My chamber was a canva of tears, expressing the dull colours of our emotions. Livia stood, watching us in admiration.

" Now, thou art a grown woman. A grown woman celebrated in her home after the consummation of her marriage." My mother sniffed and I furrowed my brows.

" Apologies your grace, but I do not understand. " Her lips parted for an answer but a knock landed on my door.

" Your grace, his gracious demands for your presence alongside the princess at the court room." A guard's voice echoed from the door.

I slowly glanced at my Carcanet, hung on my neck since birth; I held unto it's pendant like my life resteth upon it, deeply thinking about it's mystery surrounding my birth.

" Go, for I and the princess shall trail behind thee." My mother voiced and his footsteps receded.

***

"Here comes the bride!!!" The herald announced and my father, the king, grimaced as he stood before the nuptial retinue, fastening onto my hand while addressed the council of elders and his denizens.

My eyes cast a glance at my brother, Godric - humble and kind, the only heir fruited by my gorgeous mother. Truly, his silvery green eyes spoke the truth; Thou shall be greatly missed, sister.

Stylishly, he used his hands to wipe out tears from his eyes and finally let out a reassuring smile as I held unto the king.

" At long last!, my offspring shall be given unto the eldest prince of Valtoria as wife, to expand our wealth and with our name, heavy on the lips of our enemies!" Our father blared and the hall was filled with soft murmurings.

* So, it is about expanding his wealth.* I thought with a wadded fist.

" If I may your grace, but isn't he the eldest prince of Valtoria that fame hath it for him, be a demon?" A man, courageous enough, quoth amidst crowds and the king sneered.

" Woe unto you simpleton!. Even if the tales is said to be true, what right does thou have, to question my decision?!. I gave my offspring to the devil to protect thee from harm!, here you are blaspheming the throne! " He roared in anger and the sturdy fellow with beards, snickered by the snows of time, inclined his head in humble supplication on sighting the guards approaching him.

" My apologizes, your grace. Thy servant is at thy mercy!" He voice, laced with regret, shook before my father as he wept for mercy.

Casting a hateful glance at the poor soul who tried to fight for me, my father waved to the guards and they retreated back to their initial position.

" Prepare the chariots! " He instructed the chief army and he replied with a bow.

Instantaneously, loud music filled the entire hall and everyone screamed with merry and jubilation of hearts as I was ushered into the royal chariot.

" Farewell, fair one. Thy memories shall be filled in our hearts forever." My brother finally let out a scream as the auriga signalled the horse to trot.

To be continued...