Forever Bound to the Night

Journey To A New World

I found myself staring at the solitary mirror hanging in my modest and unremarkable room. Mary was standing behind me, her words a jumbled mess that my distracted mind struggled to comprehend.

Today was meant to be my wedding day, but instead, I was to be handed over like chattel to the fearsome Lycan king. The mere thought of it sent a surge of fear through my body, causing my heart to tighten with anxiety

If only...

If only my mom were alive, maybe I wouldn't have to endure this cruel and painful situation that I find myself trapped in. My eyes quickly became filled with tears that I fought to hold back, reflecting the depth of emotions stirring within me.

As the maids had already come in to dress me up and apply makeup on my face while I anxiously waited for my supposed groom, I glanced at Mary's reflection in the mirror, noticing the worried creases on her face. In a concerned tone, she pleaded, "Oh, my lady, you don't want to ruin your makeup, please."

"I don't care if I ruin anything, I don't want to get married to that man and I don't want to stay here anymore. I...I don't even want to live anymore, Mary," I whispered out frustratingly, the tears were now streaming down my face. Mary immediately came to comfort me and embraced me tightly.

"Do not worry, my lady. Despite the hardships you face, please remember that you possess an inner strength far beyond what you may believe. Trust me when I say that everything will ultimately be fine." I looked at her to see her eyes were already teary.

Am I really that pitiful?

"Of course not, my lady. You're not pitiful. It's just that I understand your pain". She gently wiped the tears on my face.

"Did I say that out loud?", she nodded and gave me a little smile. I sighed deeply and glanced back at the mirror. My makeup was now a mess. I heard Mary crackle a laugh.

"You look hideous, my lady." I quickly glared at her from the mirror.

"Can you do me a favour, Mary?" She quickly nodded. "Just get this whole makeup off my face."

"Gladly." She opened one of my drawers and brought out some face wipes. She wiped my face till it was rid of any sign of makeup, and then she dried it with a towel.

After taking a small amount of powder, she delicately applied it to my face in order to enhance its radiance. As I felt the relief wash over me, a comforting wave of relaxation took hold.

In that moment, I couldn't resist casting a glance at the exquisite royal dress that graced my body. Its ethereal beauty was composed of a harmonious blend of white and ocean blue shades, adorned with intricate silver beadwork that formed elegant designs. I couldn't help but marvel at the stunning attire, realizing that it had been quite some time since I had worn something so breathtaking.

However, a bitter feeling began to surface as I pondered my father's motives for making me appear presentable. With a hint of disdain and disbelief, I scoffed at the feeble and self-centered thoughts that consumed him, knowing that he was essentially throwing me into a dangerous situation akin to a den of wolves.

"You look absolutely stunning, my lady. Your ethereal beauty is so captivating that it might possibly enchant the Lycan king and leave him utterly mesmerised." I quickly glanced at her and shook my head in response to her statement.

"If this is your way of trying to make me feel better Mary, then it's not working". She groaned out and hit her forehead lightly.

"I'm being honest here, my princess. Just loosen up a little, okay..." I was about to reply her when a knock came from the door.

As I swivelled my body, my gaze fixed on Mary who gracefully moved towards the door. With a subtle motion, she pulled it open, revealing a displeased Jarvis whose face contorted into a scowl upon seeing us.

With a forlorn expression on his face, he inquired, "I've stood here patiently for more than two hours. Have you not finished yet?"

Mary quickly nodded.

"Then, let's move. Your groom's people are here." After saying that, he turned around and walked away, leaving me alone with my heart pounding in my chest.

And what does he mean by groom's people?

As I stood up to leave the room, I felt a reassuring touch as Mary gently grasped my hand.

We were now standing just outside the grand throne room, eagerly anticipating the moment we would be granted entry. Overwhelmed by nerves, I anxiously bit down on my lower lip and incessantly tapped my right foot on the cold stone floor. Sensing my unease, Mary held onto my hand tightly, offering a small but comforting smile.

Suddenly, the door swung open abruptly, and we stepped inside. My eyes immediately lowered to the ground, a futile attempt to steady the rapid beating of my heart.

So, is this really happening?

"And here comes my beautiful and adorable daughter." I looked up at my father, where he sat on his throne with a smile on his face. A smile that depicts and masks his inauspicious and devious intention.

"She's adorable indeed, king Philip." I quickly turned my head towards the direction of the strange voice only to find a man donned in an elaborate royal attire making his way towards me. His face was adorned with a warm smile, radiating friendliness and joy.

My breathe immediately hitched and I cautiously took a step back. Is this my supposed husband? The formidable Lycan king?

He gave me a small bow when he got to where I was. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, my princess." He took my hand in his and gave me his warmest and most radiant smile.

My voice failed me, leaving me unable to utter a single word. However, despite my silence, my eyes intently examined his features. Although he appeared to be in his mid-fifties, he possessed an undeniably striking handsomeness that defied his age.

I jolted out of my thoughts when he spoke again. "My name is Jerome. I'm sorry that my nephew - your groom isn't here as he has much more important and urgent matters to take care of. So, he sent me here to represent him."

I quickly let out a small release of breath I didn't even know I was holding. So, he is not the Lycan king after all?

"That's alright, Jerome, he doesn't even have to be here." My heart churned at my father's words. It was astonishing to realize the extent of his desperation to rid himself of my presence. Feeling a mix of anger and betrayal, I turned my attention towards him, fixating my eyes on him and casting him a glare filled with pure hatred

"I have a request to make father," I stated, turning to fully face him.

"What is it you want my adorable daughter?" I scoffed at his pretentious and fake endearment.

"I would love Mary to follow me to my 'new home'", I said, making emphasis on the new home. I looked at Mary who was looking at me surprisingly. There's no way I'm leaving her here.

"Request granted, you can take more maids with you, if you like," he said, giving me a smug smile but I totally ignored him.

I turned to Jerome and asked, "Can we go now?"

"If you wish, my princess. Lead the way, princess." I spurned around and left the throne room, not caring if any of them was following behind me.

I stood in front of the opulent and grand royal carriage. Feasting my eyes on the intricate carvings and scrollwork that adorned the body. There were also gilded accents and symbolic emblems that showed that it was indeed a royal carriage.

"I got the things you asked for, my lady."

Mary said, and I gave her a curt nod without turning to look at her. I had told her to get me the charm bracelet and the necklace my mum gave me on my sixteenth birthday and a few other things I would be needing. We didn't pack any clothes as Jerome said we wouldn't be needing them.

"Please take good care of her, she's my only precious jewel." I rolled my eyes at the spurious words my father just vomited.

Precious jewel indeed!

I turned to give him one last glance, his eyes met mine but before he could say anything I turned and entered the carriage that was now ajar. Mary entered after me and the door was slammed shut.

I turned my gaze towards Mary, casting a puzzled and inquisitive look in her direction. "Is Jerome not riding with us?"

"No, he isn't. He'll ride in the second carriage with the guards," she replied.

"There are two carriages?" She nodded. "I didn't know that."

"Are you alright, my lady?" She queried, giving me a concerned look and I gave her a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

As I cast a quick gaze throughout the carriage, my eyes were immediately drawn to the opulent details that adorned every inch of the space. The plush and lavish velvet upholstery exuded an air of luxury, perfectly complemented by the intricate silver embellishments that added an extra touch of elegance. The delicately lit crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling softly illuminated the entire carriage, casting shimmering reflections off the surrounding surfaces. It was impossible not to appreciate the exceptional design and craftsmanship displayed in this stunning carriage.

"This carriage is magnificent and beautiful," I blurted out and looked at the excited Mary.

"I know right...I've never ridden a carriage before, not to talk of one as luxurious and beautiful as this. I'm exa...". The door opened and Jerome appeared before us.

"Hope everything is alright here, ladies?" Mary nodded. "Good, we're moving now." With that he smiled at me before shutting the door.

As the carriage gradually began to move, I turned my gaze towards the window, acutely aware that this would be my final glimpse of the place that had been my home all my life. It was a place that held countless bittersweet memories, both joyous and sorrowful. A lone tear cascaded down my cheek, its presence swiftly concealed as I hurriedly brushed it away, hoping to shield my vulnerability from Mary's discerning eyes. However, my efforts proved futile, for she immediately seized me in a warm, consoling embrace, whispering soothing words that offered solace during this difficult transition.