Silver Moonlight

Marcus

Marcus’ number one chartered on, about what, he didn’t know, what ever the man felt like nattering about. He was only second in command because his father had chosen him, and this Marriage was his crazy idea. Sighing loudly Marcus gave Romad a look that would have shut anyone else up. Roland simply returned the dead stair. Repeating “this marriage isn’t something to be taken lightly, if her family feels she is being abused or mistreated we will be right back where we started.”

Marcus nodded “I know in the end I want peace for my people, if a tiny girl can provide it she will be treated fairly.” Romad nodded and seemed to relax looking across the kingdom of his sworn enemy. He glanced at the training area his heart skipping a beat as he caught a glance of a woman in silver running for the castle. Probably a human servant by her size, but for some reason his body reacted to her image. It was like being broadsided. Once she was out of side he was able to relax again the uncomfortable sensation leaving.

Marcus shook his head, how very dramatic of himself to believe a glimpse of a woman could cause such a reaction. It must be nerves entering enemy territory. He glanced at the men riding beside him his first Romad his half brother, three of his cousins and his uncle. This was a peace meeting so he couldn’t bring the might of his army, but these men would die for him as he would for them.

He forced himself to relax pushing his hand through his shaggy black hair, and refocusing his attention to the approaching castle. His future bride awaited, goddess help them all of this turned into a disaster. Another century of feuding would serve no purpose than Destruction, he did not want to see his own people suffer for a feud they had nothing to do with starting.

Once he reached the courtyard he dismounted and allowed a human to take his mount his riding party doing the same. An older graying man stepped forward the anger in his green eyes barely hidden. If Marcus didn’t have a weres senses he would assume this man calm and welcoming, the stench of his anger and distrust was obvious to all who stood nearby. Marcus lifted his head tilting it to slightly reveal his throat, showing he was no threat.

“Your highness, how thoughtful to great us yourself,” how he managed the words he didn’t know. The uncomfortable sensation was back like tiny needles pricking his skin. King Theo matched his submissive pose, “as you have come for my only daughter, I have little choice, I want to see this war end but not at the expense of my daughter. Your word she will be treated fairly as a member of your family?”

Marcus wanted to growl, how dare he imply that they would abuse the girl, the purpose of the treaty was to stop the fighting not magnify it. From the looks of her father, any slight against his daughter would be an act of war. “ You have my word she will be treated fairly and with the respect due to the queen of her people.”

Though King Theo seemed to have his doubts he lead the riding party into the great hall of the castle purple roses were everywhere. On the benches, the columns, a pale silver material creating an isle of the bride littered again with purple rose petals. There where white and yellow flowers mixed in, but he assumed his future wife’s favorite color must be purple. King Theo smiled proudly “A wedding fit for a princess. If you will follow me gentlemen I will show you where you can freshen up.” He lead them upstairs to several rooms where bathes were waiting as well as fresh clothes. In Marcus’ room a silver shirt and black pants awaited him.

“My daughter thought you might want nicer clothing for the wedding.” Theo grimaced as the shirt was tossed to the side. “I will wear my own colors, as my bride should.” He gave a threatening look to Theo who returned his own. “Before the wedding is complete Mercy is still the princess of Silvermoon. She will represent her people.”

Marcus was impressed Theo did not back down the king was old, where Marcus was young the fight would be over quickly. He shook his head to clear the thoughts. If he attacked on a mission of peace he would be no better than Silvermoon. “If she wishes.” He could not hide the growl. The sensation of needles in his skin had grown more persistent as they moved above stairs. He needed a moment to get himself together before dealing with anyone else.

Once he was alone Marcus quickly entered the bath scrubbing his skin raw with the Lilac dented soap, who sent flowered soap to a warrior? The sensation did not stop no matter how hard he scraped at his skin. Once satisfied the water wasn’t helping he dried off and dressed quickly. Wearing black pants and a midnight blue silk shirt. Not only displaying the colors of his people but the wealth they had obtained.

He did not linger in the room wanting to hurry this wedding along so he could escape whatever here was causing the middling sensation all over his body. He quickly gathered his men and headed back to the great hall. The decorations the same as his clothing a display of wealth to the enemy.

Marcus searched the faces of the people who were gathering the humans did not seem afraid of their royal family as if they were invited in the castle often. They were clean well dressed and well fed. The boded well for the future for him and his bride. The humans were their responsibility and one he didn’t take lightly. As surprising as he found it that his enemy cared for his people he wouldn’t want a wife who didn’t care for the ones she was supposed to protect.