Kaia And The Rogue King

By midnight, the moon came out in full. It cast a silver glow over the streets. The air was alive, filled with excitement and aromas of all kinds of food. There was a carriage moving through a city, and inside was a woman seated among three other women. She was staring outside the window, at the beautiful decorations, people running around, and some crowding the space, waiting for her. Kaia's heart was beating loudly as the carriage rolled down the streets. Her mother held her hand tightly as she gave an encouraging smile. “Don't worry," she said. “Everything is going to be alright." Kaia said nothing. Her friends, Ariane and River, who sat by her, spoke up too. “I'm sure you'll be fine," Ariane encouraged, her voice gentle. Her other friend, River, spoke, smoothing her dress. “Also, you're such a beautiful bride. You should be proud." There was really nothing to be proud of, but Kaia again didn't say anything. Kaia simply sighed. She was dressed in deep and rich red fabric that also hugged her curves in all the right places. The sleeves, which were long and flowing, also sparkled in the night. Apart from the dress, her long and dark hair was styled beautifully, in loose waves. Her face was made up subtly, but it couldn't be seen because she had on a mask the same color as her skin. A dress that covered her face. She looked like royalty. Like a queen. Kaia really wasn't happy, but she didn't want her friends and mother to worry too much. They were really trying their best, and she should appreciate that. Kaia was feeling a mix of emotions. She wasn't exactly excited to marry Dane Verdenius, the Rogue King, whom she'd never met. Nobody wanted to explain anything to her. She was just to do as she was told, and she didn't like that. She was tired of it. But how exactly could someone like her fight back to have some control? Her thoughts were swirling as she kept looking out the window. But then the carriage stopped. She felt her stomach drop. This was it. “It's time, Kaia," Ariane said beside her. She felt her body get heavy from the weight of her dress and her face mask. Like she couldn't move. “We should go outside,” her mother urged. Kaia had no choice but to nod as the door was pushed open. As she stepped out of the carriage, she was hit by the noise of the crowd outside that was waiting for her. They seemed like they were trying to see what she looked like, but were unsuccessful. There were guards everywhere, seemingly emotionless and scary. Kaia was helped in by her mother and friends, who were crying all over themselves, their hands trying to adjust her dress to the best of their abilities, before only her mother took charge to walk with her as was tradition. Soon her eyes found Dane Verdenius as she kept walking, trying to ignore the murmurings and stares of people. She briefly wondered about her father's absence, but soon put that aside the moment she saw him standing by the groom. Her groom. Dane Verdenius wore a royal attire that she'd never seen before, but it seemed to fit him perfectly. It really showcased his broad shoulders and chiseled features. His eyes remained on her as she walked as elegantly as she could towards him from the door. Her hand on her mother's arm tightened to steady her steps. The King's eyes were quite piercing to look at, but they also gave nothing away. He looked unaffected by anything and everything. However, his eyes didn't move away, and that bothered her. She wondered if she was nervous, whether it was fear or… It was definitely fear. There was anticipation in the air as the murmurings of the important members from different packs quietened when she got closer. Then her mother let go of her hand. Her mother subtly told her to keep walking, encouraging her with her eyes and squeezing her hand arm one last time. Kaia took in a few deep breaths. Her heart was beating hard in her chest, feeling more weight on her shoulders as Dane. Verdenius never moved his eyes from her face. It all felt like a long and stressful journey that she wanted to end. A few steps later, she stood by his side, and the ceremony began. He nodded at her before they both faced the ceremony’s officiant, who was a man with white hair. The officiant cleared his throat loudly. “Let's begin." He said a few words that Kaia wasn't paying attention to. Her mind was on the man beside her, who didn't seem to show much emotion. What was he thinking? A small, sharp knife was brought to them, and with a swift motion, they cut their palms. Kaia winced in pain, but Dane seemed unaffected. They joined their hands as the blood in their palms welled up. The blood dripped into a large golden bowl that reflected the moonlight through the window. It was really a beautiful sight. The full moon came on rare occasions, so this was very special. They promised to remain together, to live in love and harmony, till death do them part. Everyone cheered in happiness as their blood mingled, celebrating this historic union. “And now… You may kiss the bride,” the officiant declared, nodding at Dane with a smile. They faced each other by his instructions, taking closer steps. Dane offered a polite smile. His hand appeared to have already healed, though still bloody as his fingers brushed against her mask. She felt nervous as he reached out, his fingers curling around the fabric’s edge to gently remove it. The cold air of the night caressed her skin when her face was revealed, and she shivered. Then she watched in surprise as Dane’s polite expression quickly changed. His eyes widened, expressing surprise and shock at her.