Prince of Pain

Chapter one: Tania Keres

The awkwardness of having to hold that man's hands during the vows which were now over with would be stomped on by what would happen next. Our first dance. We weren't yet a married couple because Keresan and Keyairan had many wedding traditions of their own and we were set to do a great deal of both kingdoms'. It was called the first dance because it was the first dance we would have after pledging ourselves to the other person. It was an Keresan tradition. My hand wa in the crook of Sorin's arm as we led all the attending guests into the ballroom. We would lead them there then separate for a change of attire. He seemed indifferent to this entire wedding. Or maybe he wasn't, but his face let nothing on. He just looked....numb?

We reached the doors of the ballroom and the guests went ahead of us, their loud chatter following them. According to tradition no one was allowed to congratulate us until after the first dance, or our marriage would be cursed. Like it wasn't already? I detached myself from him and made my way across the hall and up the opposing staircase. A maidenary room was a room a bride entered after the vows to switch into a new dress. It was charmed by fairies and other magical objects provided by the Groom to lessen the Bride's stress and anxiousness. And it worked like a bomb. The second I entered the room I felt less tense. My posture became less stiff and I felt like I could finally breathe. I slowly started unbuttoning and untying everything keeping my in the dramatic piece of clothing.

When I was finally rid of it I sat down in a chair. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. How I wished my mother was alive for my wedding, as arranged as it is she would have found a way to brighten up everything. Of course she would offer me an out. She'd propose some ridiculous escape plan I whole heartedly believe she would have followed through with.

Tania Keres could make raging ocean's still if its what she desired.

And how desperately I wished I could be like my mother. A brave, strong, fierce powerhouse of a woman. But I wasn't. I was a princess of a kingdom who saw me as a spoiled, sheltered brat. I was sheltered, as I had been imprisoned inside the walls of the castle since my mother's death, but I was the furthest thing from spoiled despite my title. I hadn't cried since my mother's funeral when I was thirteen. But I couldn't stop th tears from falling today. I missed her. I missed her so much and it was tearing me apart that she couldn't be here because of my selfishness as a child.

Maybe that's why my father had arranged for me to specifically marry Prince Sorin Keyair. Maybe this was his final punishment before he sent his bastard daughter off. The only punishment left to give was one where I saw the mistakes of my past everyday for the rest of my life. Marrying into a family that's robbed my kingdom of all happiness and prosperity.

But this was my chance to prove that could take care of my kingdom, even if it meant I would be a snowflake in the avalanche. I wiped my eyes and made my way to the closet. I picked out a floor length gown with a lacy bodice and skirt. The sleeves came down to my wrist and weren't too fitting which meant it wouldn't hug my poorly shaped figure too much. The dress was comfortable enough.I settled down infront of the mirror and went to work on removing my ruined mascara. When I was done I had a smokey eye with dark nude lips instead of the blushing bride look I had on earlier.

I put on a thin pearl necklace with a little black diamond in the centre and the matching earrings. I undid the braid in my hair and let it cascade down my back. I pulled on a black heels and sighed, "This is going to be a long night," I mumbled to no one in particular. There was a knock at my door and I prepared myself for having to see my-the groom again. I took a deep breath and walked towards the door, letting it creak open. Sorin had traded in the tux for a silky black shirt he rolled up at his elbows, nicely fitting black pants and a white tie.