When The Sun Weds The Moon

**Jasnah's POV** The whispers started immediately I sat in front of the mirror. "A Desert bride for a moon-shrouded King," one of my handmaids, Elara, murmured as she fastened the zipper of my gown. I studied myself in the mirror. My maids had spent hours preparing me, making me look more beautiful than I was. I was wearing a sun-colored dress, and my red hair was combed back beautifully with silver hairpins in the shape of flowers and heart. My honeyed skin, seemed unnaturally pale against the heavy woven silk. I was feeling sick because of nervousness. There was a knot in my stomach that refused to go no matter how hard I tried to stay calm. "My lady, don't you like the dress?" Liora asked. "No, it's beautiful." I offered a weak smile but the reflection staring back at me was a stranger. "Everything will be alright," Liora said. "Don't listen to the rumors, they are nothing but just rumors. Maybe your husband is a nice man." She tried to sound positive but I could hear the doubt in her voice. Not that I believed the rumors, but they did affect me. I wasn't scared because people said that he is a half-human half-vampire. They couldn't be speaking literally, they were probably referring to his personality as a cold, ruthless prince and a pure evil, and that's what scares me. A knock on the chamber door interrupted my thoughts, and shortly after a court maid came in. "My lady, it's time." She informed me while keeping her gaze down. I descended the palace stairs, carefully not to fall or stumble from nervousness. I gave the guard a nod, and he informed my presence then motioned for me to enter. Taking a deep breath, I strode into the hall elegantly and immediately all heads turned to look at me. I walked with my Head high but kept my gaze low, only looking at the floor until I reached the throne where my father was sitting with my mother next to him. While greeting them I felt a little dizzy. Mother smiled nervously, but my father just gestured for me to sit down at the table meant for the bride and groom. He was not bothered by the fact that he was marrying me off to a king rumored to be cursed. As I went to my seat I could feel everyone's eyes on me, whispering and staring at me with pity and repulsion. It wasn't my fault I seem like a cursed bride, I am doing this for the peace of the people. I had fought and cried the day father told me he was marrying me off to king Kael to prevent war with the kingdom of Anorexia–a very powerful kingdom. After a while, the guard informed the groom's presence and I turned my attention to the door as the room went quiet, the guests also waiting for the groom to enter. I was afraid and nervous as I felt the knots in my stomach returned. What if I don't like what I saw? What if the rumors were true? Would he have fangs and long claws? Don't be ridiculous I told myself. My heart hammered inside my chest and I almost gasped when the groom entered. He has a pair of golden eyes, like a lava, I had never seen eyes like that before. I suddenly had butterflies in my tummy as I gazed into his eyes. He was tall, broad-shouldered and his curly raven black hair fell over down to his back. The guests stared at him as well and began to whisper hysterically into each other's ears. Calling him a bloodsucker. He didn't look a bit bothered by the stares and whispers as he walked gracefully towards my father, taking each step majestically and with a confidence I wish I had. "Your majesty," he said, bowing slightly. My father didn't react, he just gestured toward me. As I saw him turn toward me, I quickly looked down avoiding his gaze. Then heard the clicking sound of his footsteps as he walked towards me sitting on the other end of the table, facing me. He didn't utter a word, didn't even look at me. Wasn't he supposed to ask of my name or greet me? Maybe father already told him my name. The ceremony was supposed to begin with a greeting exchange between the bride and the groom families. But it seems it's only the groom that is present for the wedding. “lady Jasnah of the Desert Empire,” my father’s voice shook as he announced, “is offered in marriage to king Kael of the Anorexia kingdom.” He raised his silver wine cup. "Let the ceremony begin and enjoy yourself." People clapped and drink as the musicians and dancers walked in to entertain us. People seemed to enjoy themselves. I was supposed to keep my gaze down as a lady so I just had to seat and watch. “Your hands tremble, little sun. Are you so afraid of me?” He finally asked, breaking the awkward silence between us. I peeked through my veil, but once I gazed into his golden eyes I feel captivated. "I'm not, your highness." I replied. He didn't respond, he just stare at me with a hint of smile on his face. After some hours passed. Now it was time for me to go to my new home. The knot in my stomach returned with high intensity I felt like throwing up. Mother came up to me while father spoke to my husband. Husband? The word stuck in my head. She took my hands in hers. "Everything will be fine," she said. "Just remember what I told you. Be a good wife, listen to your husband and don't make him angry." "Yes, mother." I said evolving her in a tight hug. The carriage was waiting outside. The prince, or should I say, my husband led the way. I looked behind me one last time and saw Elara and Liora crying. "I will miss you too." I whispered.