As we wait in the throne room for Prince Caelen, I fidget with the fabric of my skirt and feel faintly nauseous, as my nerves flutter in a state of utter disarray. I peer over at my stepmother, who scowls as she studies my father.
I appreciate how much she cares for me, but deep down, I know that this decision is right. Prince Caelen does, too, or he would not have proposed in the first place. So, I am marginally less afraid than I was yesterday.
When the doors open and he walks in, surrounded by his entourage, I swallow against the knot of worry in my stomach and force my gaze to remain locked on him.
With his dark tunic and pants, he cuts a strong, lean figure. He strides closer, light streaming through the windows gilding his short-cropped hair like spun gold. His face is a perfect, impassive mask as he approaches the throne. He bows to my father, demonstrating respect, and I’m surprised when he turns to me and bows even lower.
His eyes snap up to mine, and I lose myself in their intense, green depths.
This is the man who will be my husband. The face I will learn better than my own. I only pray that our marriage will be blessed with friendship, at least. We already share a common goal—peace. We are both here, forging an agreement not entirely ideal for either of us. That must be a good omen for our future relationship. We will be the kind of rulers who put our kingdom and our people before ourselves.
Prince Caelen straightens. Rather than return his attention to my father to hear our decision, his gaze lingers on me. His expression remains cold, yet his eyes search mine with great anticipation. “I would know your answer to my proposal, Princess Lyana.”
“I accept your offer of marriage, Prince Caelen.”
He nods once. “If you are amenable, I propose that we wed immediately. We can hold a human ceremony here and an Elven one in my kingdom.”
My father leans forward. “Surely, you must realize my daughter needs time to prepare.”
“It is all right, Father.” I turn to Caelen. “How soon do you suggest?”
“I…” He blinks, and I can tell that I have surprised him. He clears his throat before resuming his unbroken, stoic mask. “Tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow?” Rina interrupts, alarm raising the pitch of her voice. “That is not enough time to—”
“It is fine, Rina,” I reassure her. I meet Caelen’s gaze. “We will wed tomorrow.”
Caelen’s eyes hold mine for a moment before he bows again. “Tomorrow, then.” His guards follow him from the room.
I slump in my chair. Only now does the true impact of my words hit me. I do not know what compelled me to agree so quickly.
I can hardly believe I’ll be wed tomorrow.
Perhaps it is my nature. I’ve always been one to face any challenge head-on, hating to delay the inevitable.
Father turns to me, his mouth agape. “You are certain you wish to do this so quickly?”
Rina steps over to me and clutches my hand. “You do not have to do this, Lyana. Prince Fredrik—”
“Prince Fredrik may have wealth, and I cannot deny he is handsome, but a marriage to him will not improve the lives of our people as much as one to Prince Caelen will.”
Tears brighten her eyes. “Oh, Lyana.”
I touch her cheek. “Do not weep for me, Rina. All will be well. The prince’s agreement speaks to his character. He is a ruler who places the needs of his people above his own, just as I do. Despite his cold exterior, he must have some sort of heart if he will sacrifice his freedom to secure a lasting treaty.”
Father wraps one arm around my shoulder and the other around Rina’s waist as he pulls us into a hug. “I will send out the announcements while you”—he gestures to Rina— “help Lyana prepare for her wedding.”
Rina sniffs and wipes at her eyes as she nods.
