Nyssa sat before the large oval mirror as the maids dolled her up. Their snickers and little bursts of laughter about how irresistible she looked echoed around the room, but she stayed silent.
When it was time to wear the corset, she stood, gripping the bedpost.
"Ouch!"
She winced as her fingers tightened around the wood.
"Sorry, my Princess. Bear with me," Estelle, her assigned maid, whispered, drawing another string tight around Nyssa's waist.
Nyssa inhaled sharply, her ribs protesting.
"Make it extra tight, Estelle. The gown has to fit perfectly."
Her mother's voice floated from behind, and Nyssa's eyes snapped toward her.
"Mother… I can barely breathe."
Her mother patted her arm, almost affectionately. "You'll get used to it, Dear. You seem to have gained weight. The corset wouldn't be this tight otherwise."
Nyssa pressed her lips together, swallowing the retort burning up her throat.
"All ready." Estelle said to her and Nyssa gulped. She literally couldn't breathe. Walking stiffly, she faced herself in the mirror.
Her hair flowed freely down her back, the tiara perfectly placed. Golden jewels shimmered against her skin, and the green gown with black embroidery fit her like a second, suffocating spine. She took a slow breath.
"Mother."
"Yes, my child?" Her mother drifted toward her, smiling at their shared reflection.
"This suitor… May I know who he is?" Normally, she was told every detail. Today was different.
"It's meant to be a surprise," the queen said.
Nyssa frowned. What was surprising about handing her over to a stranger?
"But since you seem so eager… no harm in spilling." Her mother adjusted the necklace on Nyssa's neck.
"He's actually a King." Her eyes sparkled with excitement, like she was the one about to be married.
Nyssa froze. "A King?" Didn't that mean he already had a wife?
"I don't understand, Mother."
"You heard me. He's a King. Isn't that wonderful? You will be Queen!" Her mother laughed, thrilled at the idea.
Nyssa shook her head. "But if he's a King, he must have a wife already."
Every prince was required to be married before being crowned.
Her mother only smiled, evading the question. "Be fast. We mustn't keep His Majesty waiting."
The maids finished their last touches on her but Nyssa stared at her mother, disbelief knotting in her chest.
"Mother, you didn't answer me."
"You talk too much, Nyssa. Don't bore your husband before he even marries you." Her mother's sharp look cut into her, and Nyssa swallowed hard.
Her throat tightened. "Gav…" she whispered, wishing desperately for her brother.
When they arrived at the throne room, Nyssa felt the sudden urge to run. She looked around. Guards were to her left and right, guards were behind her, and her knight stood watchful . No escape. She clenched her fists. It was hopeless.
She and her mother walked in and the guards lined up, bowing to them. They touched the King's golden scepter and took their respective seats.
"Your Majesties, Your Highness, welcome His Royal Majesty, King of Askye!" The herald announced.
Nyssa's stomach dropped. She glanced at her brother's empty seat. Where was he?
Panic tightened around her ribs. She looked at her father, but his attention was locked on the doors. There would be no help from him.
Then the double doors opened. Knights marched in and a man in royal apparel stepped forward with a grin that immediately repulsed Nyssa.
"King of Askye, Damon," her father said. "A pleasure."
"Same here, Your Majesty. I'm honored to come for your beautiful daughter." Damon's eyes flicked to Nyssa, and she looked away.
She suddenly felt a nudge on her arm.
"Greet him, Nyssa. Don't be rude," her mother sent her a glare and Nyssa nearly rolled her eyes.
"It's an honor to meet you, King Damon." She said flatly.
His smirk widened. "Fierce. I like that." He lifted her hand and kissed it but she snatched it back immediately. Her mother's glare burned into her.
Nyssa felt the man's stares but she didn't look his way. She knew right now, her parents were angry with her. But at this point, she didn't care. She wasn't going to marry a married man!
Her father laughed awkwardly. "Don't mind her. It's probably that time of the month."
Nyssa's stomach twisted. Her father had already accepted this man, if he was acting this way.
"You'll stay here for some days," her father continued. "Get to know your wife better."
Nyssa's head whipped towards him. Wife?
Damon grinned. "Of course, Your Majesty. That's pleasing." He bowed.
"I'm sure you already know my intentions." He looked at Nyssa briefly, then he walked out.
"Ceres," the King called one of the royal servants.
"Yes, my Lord."
"Show our guest his chambers."
"Yes, my Lord."
Ceres followed Damon out and immediately the double doors shut close, the Queen grabbed Nyssa roughly by the arm. She winced in pain.
"Mothe–!"
"What was that attitude, Nyssa!"
Her mother glared at her. "Do you know you disrespected a King?!"
Nyssa gritted her teeth. "If I had the chance, I would disrespect him more!"
Her mother gasped. "How dare y–"
"That's enough!"
The King's voice cracked through the hall. Nyssa's eyes filled with tears as she looked at him.
"Nyssa, explain that stupid behavior." His narrowed eyes could bore a hole in her skull.
"Father…" Her voice shook. "You can't expect me to marry him. What would that make me? A second wife? A thir-"
"It would make you a queen." His eyes hardened and Nyssa felt her head spin.
"W… what?"
"You are marrying Damon. And that's final."
Nyssa stared in disbelief. No, she won't. She won't!
"No!"
Her parents stared at her outburst in shock. They had never seen her like that.
"I am not marrying that man! So, you will sell your daughter out, because of what you want to gain?! Father, how can you be so insensi–"
SLAP!
Nyssa's world went still as a sharp pain shot through her cheeks.
"M… mother…"
Her mother's eyes blazed. "You can disrespect me, but don't you ever disrespect your father. Are you defying his decree?"
Nyssa's lips trembled. Tears slid down her face, wondering how her life had turned to this end.
"You are marrying Damon. Consider yourself his wife already," her mother said, settling back into her seat.
Her father's cold stare met hers. "Don't disappoint us this time, Nyssa."
Nyssa felt her heart shred in pieces. How could her father….?
She burst into tears and ran out of the throne room.