The Alliance

Chapter 26: The wedding banquet

The golden sun hangs high in the sky as Jasmine makes her way toward the grand hall, her silk gown whispering against the marble floors. She had barely rested, her mind a tangled web of fear and uncertainty. But today, she must play her part. The princess. The wife.

As she turns a corner, she halts abruptly. Prince Phillip stands before her, leaning casually against a pillar, though his fingers twitch with impatience. The moment he sees her, his expression softens.

“Bianca,” he breathes, closing the distance between them in two strides. He cups her face gently, his thumb brushing over her cheekbone, eyes darkening with concern at the faint swelling beneath her eyes. “Have you been crying?”

Jasmine forces a smile. “I’m fine now,” she lies, lowering her gaze.

He exhales sharply, then tilts her chin up, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead. “If anything troubles you, you must tell me,” he murmurs. “You’re my wife now. I will protect you.”

Guilt coils in her stomach, but she simply nods.

Before Phillip can say more, a flurry of footsteps announces the arrival of Princess Aurora and her sisters. Draped in regal splendor, they move with practiced grace, their eyes lingering on Jasmine with unreadable expressions. Aurora says nothing, merely falling in step behind them as they make their way into the grand hall.

The banquet is a spectacle of wealth and celebration. Gold chandeliers cast a warm glow over the hall, where nobles from both kingdoms drink and dine at long, lavishly decorated tables. The scent of roasted meat and spiced wine fills the air, mingling with the melodies played by skilled minstrels.

Jasmine tries to keep her composure as she is guided to the high table beside Phillip, her trembling fingers hidden beneath the folds of her gown. She looks to her far right, scanning the movement of the princesses who also sits at the table. She swallows hard as Aurora whispers gently into Queen Eleanor’s ear.

As they sit, servants present exotic delicacies—succulent venison, golden-baked pastries, and fruit dripping with honey. Gifts are also laid before the couple: fine silks, jeweled daggers, and rare perfumes. A nice gesture by the nobles to congratulate the newlyweds.

Soon after as the music shifts to a softer melody, a court herald announces the ceremonial first dance. Phillip rises, extending a hand to Jasmine. “Shall we?”

Her breath catches. There’s no escaping this.

With a trembling hand, she places her fingers in his, allowing him to lead her to the center of the hall.

The minstrels play, and they begin to move. Phillip guides her effortlessly, his hold firm yet gentle. Their bodies move in perfect sync, spinning beneath the candlelight. His eyes never leave hers, burning with something intense—something that makes her stomach tighten.

“You dance beautifully,” he murmurs, his lips inches from her ear.

Jasmine swallows hard. “You lead well.” Suddenly her mind trails to all her classes with Bianca and how she had to forcefully learn the ways of the royals.

“Then follow me.” He whispers.

The world around them fades as he pulls her closer, their bodies nearly pressed together. She feels the strength in his hands, the warmth of his breath against her skin. Her heart pounds, the weight of deception pressing heavy on her chest.

Soon the dance ends, but the tension lingers.

Laughter and applause fill the air as Jasmine and Phillip bows to the court after the dance. The court herald signals an attendant to show Phillip the wedding cake. Jasmine can barely hide her astonishment. She’s seen nothing like this in Eldermere. They stride to the middle of the hall with hands intertwined to cut the wedding cake, a towering creation of sugared roses and spun gold. Afterwards acrobats and fire-dancers take the floor, dazzling the crowd with their performances.

Calista and Amira takes the stage, dancing with noblemen in other to blend in, while Aurora sits still next to the queen with lingering eyes on Jasmine. Where did she learn how to dance like that, she thought. She can still smell the stench of sweat and dust on her, a mere servant sitting and dining with royals, she spat. She cannot hide her disdain “You can put a lipstick on a pig but you cannot take out the filth from it” the conversations in her head is making her attention fade away. She shifts her gaze from Jasmine, resting it on Phillip, who’s chatting with his inaudible wife. “Phillip is already lovestruck, it’s a pity he’d have to wake up soon.”

As the celebration was coming to an end, A nobleman from Mercia’s court; Lord Dordson , raises a toast to the couple. While goblets are raised in celebration, Princess Aurora takes this moment to lean toward Queen Eleanor.

“Your Majesty, I must inform you that Eldermere’s court will be departing very soon,” she says smoothly. “Urgent matters require our attention.”

The Queen’s brow lifts slightly, but she nods in understanding. “I see. It is unfortunate, but I must see you tomorrow. I received another letter from your father and he has been able to secure Mercia, an irresistible deal.”

“I’m happy our proposal pleases you, Your grace.” Aurora only smiles, her fingers tightening subtly around the stem of her goblet.

As the final toast is made and the banquet begins to wind down, an elder court member stands. “It is time for the prince to escort his bride to their chambers.”

A hush falls over the hall.

Jasmine’s pulse quickens as all eyes turn to her.

Phillip stands and offers his hand, his gaze unreadable.

Jasmine takes a steadying breath, placing her palm in his.

As they rise together, the weight of what awaits them in their chambers presses down on her.

“You will play your role without fail. That means you will dine with the prince, you will smile at him, and you will bed him if necessary.”

She locks eyes with Aurora one last time, the sting of her threats coming back to taunt her. There is no turning back now. It’s either this or a retaliatory war.