Chapter 5
1092 Words
Outside the wedding hall, Alastair Maynard was standing under the shade of a gigantic tree. The gentle sunlight filtered through the leaves of the tree touched his flawless skin, making him look like a majestic person. While waiting for the bride, he talked to his knights, caressing the rough fur of his stout black horse.
"Alastair!" A vexed Uphara strode towards him, clenching her hand into a fist.
"Mother?" Alastair frowned upon noticing the cranky mood of his mother. He glanced at his companions who bowed to the mentor, showing respect.
"What's with the chutzpah you had in the wedding hall?!" Uphara snarled, gritting her teeth while her brows knitted into a deep frown. "How could you leave the bride and wedding hall like that? This is what you call good etiquette?"
"Mother…" Alastair let out a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly. Abruptly, a series of memories played in front of his eyes like a drama, making his face twitch. "I don't know why but I couldn't stand her."
"No matter how powerful emperor you are, you cannot just forget your manners." Uphara's lips raised upwards, showing annoyance. Rubbing her fingers against her thumb, she continued. "Why couldn't you stand her? She is so beautiful, graceful and fragile. I didn't expect her to be so well-mannered."
"She looks too fragile, as if she will break if she isn't taken care of properly," Alastair replied, showing his indifference in his mother's words. Pulling his shoulders back, he continued. "She belongs to Dralia and it's a mistake to trust those who have fox blood running through their veins."
"But Alastair-"
"Mother, please…" Alastair trailed off, interrupting the lady's words. His voice turning into a grim one, he continued speaking. "We had to conquer Dralia. As a result of which, I had to marry the princess. Moreover, I am not interested in this love and marriage stuff. So, please don't force me."
Letting out a deep breath, Uphara shook her head briefly, expressing her dismay. Perhaps I was too harsh on him, training him like a dog without any mercy. I completely neglected to teach him about feelings like love. Adding to this, the past incidents left him with scars, keeping him away from romantic feelings. She thought, cussing herself.
"Mother, I'll ride on the horse while the woman and you can share the carriage," Alastair suggested, pulling the woman out of her daze.
"No!" Uphara said in an authoritative tone. Adjusting her embroidery shawl, she looked at her son. "The newly wedded couple will depart on a carriage. I'll be sitting in the other carriage."
"But why?" Frowning, Alastair asked, lips curving downwards.
"Because it's my final word," Uphara replied in a magisterial tone, lips curving upwards into a smirk. All of a sudden, Uphara's eyes fell on the Duke and Duchess of Dralia. "Your wife is here." She snickered.
"Your Majesty, my daughter is in your care now," the duchess said, wiping her tears. "She grew up with such love and care. She is the apple of my eye."
"Please, don't worry," Uphara flashed a gentle yet reassuring smile. "Your daughter is now the Queen of Wrisian. She will lead a royal life."
"Thank you so much for such assuring words, Your Highness," The Duke said, faking a worried facial expression. "Now, we can live in peace."
"Queen Alexina, get into the carriage," Uphara advised, straightening her back. "We have to reach Wrisian as soon as possible." Glancing at her maids, she signalled them to follow her to her carriage. "Farewell." She slightly lowered her head, bidding goodbye to the Duke and Duchess of Dralia.
The Duke and the Duchess bowed to the woman before she walked to her carriage. An anxious Alexina glanced at her husband, who was standing at the carriage while waiting for her to get it, biting her lower lip. Pattering, she went to the carriage, stopping in front of the door. Gulping, she glanced at the majestic figure standing in front of her.
Alastair extended his hand, intending to help Alexina to get into the vehicle. Taking a glance at her, he hummed in a deep voice, signalling her to take his help. Hesitating, she slowly extended her hand. No sooner had her hand touched his palm than his fingers clasped her gently, helping her to get inside. Sitting comfortably on the soft cushion, she waved her hand at her adoptive parents to bid them goodbye.
"Farewell," Alastair said in a stoic voice, nodding his head gently before getting inside the carriage.
As the emperor ordered, the knights as well as the carriage drivers pulled the reins of the horses, causing them to neigh, preparing for departure. Soon they departed for Wrisian.
During the journey, neither Alastair nor Alexina uttered a single word, maintaining a pin-drop silent environment. Fidgeting, she kept taking glances at her husband while the latter kept looking outside the window, ignoring the presence of the lady.
"Y-Your Majes-"
"Don't talk to me unless it's necessary," Alastair replied in a cold, stoic voice, making his wife flinch.
"S-sorry," Alexina muttered, looking down, clutching her clothes.
I didn't expect him to like me, but I didn't expect him to be this cold either. Does he hate me even though he met me for the first time? Maybe he really hates me since he acknowledges me as the princess of Dralia. What will he do if he realizes that I am not the real princess of Dralia but just a mere scapegoat? Alexina gasped at her thoughts, clenching her fingers into fists. Will I be subjected to ruthless torture? Or will he kill me? Even in the worst scenario, would he send me back to Dralia? No no no! That's impossible! I will be subjected to flaying!
"Why are you trembling like a newborn fawn?" Alastair inquired in a deep yet cold tone, brows twitching while lips raising upwards in annoyance.
"Huh?" Alexina flinched, coming out of her thoughts. She looked away, trying to avoid his gaze. "I j-just t-thinking-"
"Such a stuttering mess!" Alastair clicked his tongue out of annoyance. "Stop the carriage!" He roared, causing the carriage to stop instantly. Opening the door, Alastair got out of the carriage, leaving his wife alone.
"What's wrong, Alastair?" Uphara asked, calling out from her carriage.
Ignoring his mother's words, he gently caressed the neck of his black horse before mounting it. Pulling the reins, he commanded, "Depart."
No sooner had he commanded than the thundering sounds of the hooves of the horses echoed, departing for Wrisian.
- Writer
