The ceremony ends, and we're pronounced husband and wife. Rainer kissed me softly, and the guests erupt into cheers and applause.
There I retired to my bed chamber for an outfit change.
As I turn to the reception hall, I was met with the realization that the reception has already begun without me, maybe cos i stayed too look changing my outfit. The guests are enjoying food and drink, celebrating my union without my presence.
I guess they are just happy the kingdom will not longer face anymore threats from the other foreign kingdoms.
Rainer offers me his arm, leading me outside where a grand carriage awaits. The horses are adorned with flowers and ribbons, matching my wedding colors.
What about the party? I asked
"It's getting late" he replied and we'll have to head back today,the road to my kingdom is quite far and dangerous at night.
We'll return to my castle, and you can rest, my father the king will hold a grander celebration when we return,Rainer said, helping me into the carriage. He climbs in beside me, closing the door behind him.
As the carriage sets off, I turn back to my parents, who stood in the chapel doorway, looking at my father beaming with pride and my mother had a sad look on her face. My ma wipes away tears, while my pa smiles broadly. I'll write you often, I promised, my voice trembling. My parents nod, smiling bravely.
I still feel a lump that formed in my throat as they both hugged me tightly before leavening the castle.
I've never been away from home before, and the thought of leaving filled me with deep sadness.
As i pull away, i glance around for Ryker, but he's nowhere to be seen. I feel a pang of disappointment, but quickly push it aside.
As the carriage began to move further away , i gaze out the window at my childhood home, feeling a sense of loss wash over me.
As the carriage rolls away from my childhood home, i turn to Rainer, really looking at him for the first time that day. He's gazing out the window, his profile strong and handsome.
His dark hair is perfectly styled, and his sharp jawline is accentuated by the fading light. His lips are full and inviting, curled into a soft smile as he watches the scenery pass by.
I realize with a start that I barely looked at him during the ceremony. I were too distracted by Ryker's presence and my own doubts. But now, as I take in Rainer's handsome features, i feel a flutter in my chest.
He turns to me , catching my gaze. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles, and i felt my heart skip a beat.
Rainer's eyes lock onto mine, they're bright blue sparkling with warmth. His gaze is intense, but as I search his eyes, i sense something beneath the surface. Something I can't quite place.
His eyes seem to bore into my soul, as if searching for something. But what, I'm not sure. I feel a shiver run down my spine as he continues to gaze at me, his expression unreadable.
His chiseled features are perfectly proportioned, his nose straight and strong. His lips curve into a gentle smile, but his eyes... his eyes are a different story. They seem to hold a secret, one he's not yet ready to reveal.
He asked if I was comfortable offering me his hand still smiling I took his hand I smiled back that I was just a little tired.
Relaxing my back on the carriage wall.
As the carriage rolls on, my eyelids grow heavy. I lean against the soft cushions, trying to stay awake. But the gentle rocking motion and warm sunlight streaming through the window prove too much. I drift off to sleep, my head falling against Rainer's shoulder.
"Huh" she's asleep? She looks tired,he smiled.
Hours pass, and the carriage finally comes to a stop. Rainer gently lifts me into his arms, carrying me inside the castle. I stir slightly, but remain asleep as he carries me up the stairs and into my new bedchamber.
Rainer lays me down gently, pulling the blankets over me. He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear, his touch gentle. Then, he turns and leaves, closing the door softly behind him.
I woke up slowly, groggily opening my eyes. The room is dimly lit, with only a few candles illuminating the space. I sat up, looking around in wonder. The room is twice the size of my old one, with towering ceilings and large windows. The bed is enormous, with plush pillows and soft blankets.
The room is stunning, with rich tapestries hanging on the walls and a massive four poster bed. The blankets are soft and plush, and the pillows are adorned with intricate lace. I throw off the covers and stood up, walking over to the window.
The view is breathtaking, with the castle gardens stretching out as far as the eye can see. I can see a small pond, a fountain, and even a few swans gliding across the water. I feel a sense of peace wash over me as i gaze out at the beauty below.
I turn back to the room, noticing a small door on the opposite side. I walked over and opened it, revealing a large closet filled with gowns and dresses. They're all exquisite, with intricate embroidery and delicate lace. I run my fingers over the fabric, feeling the rich foreign fabrics used in making them.
I turn back to the room, noticing a small note on the bedside table. It reads:
Welcome to our home, my love. I hope you find everything to your liking. I'll be back soon.
Rainer
I smiled, feeling a sense of belonging wash over me. I looked around the room again, taking in the beautiful decor. I notice another small door on the other side of the room, which appears to lead to an adjacent chamber.
I walk over and open the door, revealing a beautiful sitting room. There's a fireplace, a few comfortable chairs, and a small desk in the corner. I walk over to the desk, running my fingers over the detailed carvings.
Suddenly, I hear a noise behind me. I turn to see a young woman standing in the doorway. She's dressed in a simple maid's uniform, and she curtsies low.
Welcome, milady, she says. My name is Sophia. I'll be your lady's maid while you're here. Is there anything you need?
Sophia's eyes are warm and friendly, putting me at ease. I smile, feeling a sense of relief.
Thank you, Sophia, I say. I'm still getting used to the castle. Could you show me around?
Sophia curtsies again, then steps forward. Of course, milady. Right this way.
She lead me out of the room, into a long corridor. The walls are lined with tapestries, and the floor is made of polished stone. I followed Sophia, taking in the sights and sounds of the castle.
As i walk, Sophia tells me about the different rooms and their uses. I listed intently, trying to remember everything. After a few minutes, Sophia stops in front of a large wooden door.
This is the throne room, milady, she says. The king holds court meetings here.
I nod, looking at the door with interest. Suddenly, I hear voices coming from inside. Sophia's eyes widen, and she grabs my arm, pulling me away from the door.
We both move quickly down the corridor, Sophia's grip on my arm tight. She leads me around a corner, she apologizes for holding me that way, that we can't be seen eavesdropping,we then stopped, listening intently. The voices fade into the distance, and Sophia breathes a sigh of relief.
We shouldn't have gone that way, milady, she whispers. The prince is meeting with his brother, Prince Ryker. They don't like to be disturbed.
I feel a shiver run down my spine at the mention of Ryker's name. I remember the way he looked at me during the ceremony, the intensity in his eyes.
What's Prince Ryker like? I ask Sophia, curiosity getting the better of me.
Sophia glances around nervously, as if afraid of being overheard. She leans in close, her voice barely above a whisper.
Prince Ryker is... complicated, milady, she says. He's quiet and reserved, but there's something about him that's... intense. The other servants are afraid of him, but I think he's just lonely.
Sophia straightens up, looking around the corridor again. She seems to relax a bit, then smiles at me.
Shall we continue the tour, milady? she asks. There's still much to see.
I'm afraid I'll retire for the night,still quite tired from the journey, I say, smiling at Sophia. The palace is so big... I don't think I can see it all in one night.
Sophia nods understandingly, then asks if i'd like to return to my chambers. I agree, and she lead me back through the winding corridors.
As i walk, i find myself thinking about food. I realize i haven't eaten since the brief breakfast earlier that morning before my wedding. I try to hide my hunger, but Sophia notices my glance at a nearby servant carrying a tray of food.
Would you like something to eat, milady? she asks, smiling. I can have something sent up to your chambers.
I nod gratefully, feeling a bit embarrassed at being caught. Sophia smiles and curtsies, then heads off to arrange for food to be sent to my chambers.
I continue on my way, lost in thought. I'm not sure what to make of Sophia's words about Ryker. Part of me wants to believe he's just lonely, but another part remembers the intensity in his eyes during the ceremony.
I arrive at my chambers, and a guard opened the door for me. I step inside, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I realize how tired I am, and how much i need to rest.