CHAPTER FIVE
1516 Words
Ayara/Elena POV
The morning light streamed through the tall windows, gilding the edges of the luxurious room.
I sat frozen on the edge of the bed, watching as Sela and a dozen other maids bustled around me, preparing for the day I was dreading with every fiber of my being.
A wedding. My wedding.
They all seemed so happy like this was a good thing but I wasn't so sure especially not when my mind was stuck on the Queen Dowagers words from the night before.
"The mute princess lives."
There had been nothing reassuring about her tone, and the cold glint in her eyes had told me everything I needed to know
.
I was a pawn in some larger game valuable, but only as long as I served my purpose.
And what that purpose was I had no idea.
"You'll look breathtaking today, Your Highness, " Sela murmured, her tone filled with cautious optimism as she helps me out of bed and into the bath that had been prepared for me.
She was trying to be comforting, I realized that, but I had no way of telling her how futile her efforts were.
And there was really no need to rain on her parade, she helped me out the bath and led me to the mirror.
I stared at my reflection in the mirror still stunned by what I was seeing, the woman who stared back at me was impossibly beautiful. I had to admit if only to myself, I looked very beautiful.
I wasn't Elena Solon anymore.
I was Ayara, the soon-to-be crown princess. A mute woman, poisoned by someone who clearly wanted me dead, trapped in a political alliance I didn't understand.
Sela fussed over my hair, her deft fingers weaving the dark strands into an elaborate style that I barely saw in the large mirror before me.
"You'll be the most beautiful bride," Sela said with a small smile, stepping back to admire her work her voice filled with satisfaction
"You'll be the envy of the kingdom, the Crown Prince won't be able to take his eyes off you. "
The Crown Prince. My supposed husband-to-be.
A sharp pang of panic, tightened my throat and my breath quickened.
Who was he? What was he like? Was this a love match, or was I being sold into some political alliance?
The answer seemed obvious, given the way everyone spoke about duty and the best for the kingdom.
I wanted to laugh or scream.
A knock sounded at the door, startling us both. Sela rose quickly, brushing her hands over her apron before opening it.
A woman stepped inside, and I almost gasped, something had to be flowing in the water here, the woman was beautiful.
Lady Hari. A voice called, and I stilled was that her name.
She was tall and poised, her hair a slivery blonde falling down her back. Her eyes, were a piercing shade of emerald, they flicked over me with worry
"Your Highness," she said, her voice smooth and melodic.
"You look very beautiful this morning." I stared at her, unsure how to respond.
Lady Hari,Sela bowed low,
She must have been important to me maybe a confidante since Sela seemed almost comfortable in her presence.
Hari smiled at Sela, the smile reached her eyes making them seem more beautiful.
"You shouldn't be bothering her highness" she said to Sela who looked suitable chastised
" I'll finish preparing the princess myself." she muttered and Sela hesitated for a moment before nodding, she gestured for the maids to leave the room closing the door behind them.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Hari's smile dimmed, it wasn't any less sincere
She crossed the room in a few graceful steps, her gaze locking onto mine.
"You don't look very well" she muttered joining me.
"I'd hoped the poison would have worn off by now."
I made a sign
Do you know who poisoned me?
She sighed
"To find that out will take time and I'm sure the royal family is already working on it My stomach twisted. She knew about the poisoning or at least had an idea who had done it, so they had to be a reason she was not saying.
She began sorting through the clothes Sela had laid out for me, her movements precise and deliberate.
"We don't have much time. The ceremony cannot be delayed after what happened"
I watched her warily, unsure of what she wanted from me.
I was new to this world and just like the world I was coming from I was weak, I didn't have any allies here.
She looked up, catching my eye, and for a brief moment, her expression softened.
Ayara, she said quietly, her voice losing its sharpness.
"I don't know what's going on in that head of yours, but you need to hold yourself together at least for today."
“I didn't want to scare you but if you falter, it will be seen as weakness. And weakness, in this court, is a death sentence.
Her words struck a nerve, and I looked away, clenching my fists in the folds of the bath robe.
She was right even though I didn't know what was going on I couldn't afford to falter, not now.
Hari picked up the first layer of my wedding attire and motioned for me to stand.
I stood looking to the bed and sighed, that was a lot of clothes for one wedding.
The under-layers were a soft cream, delicate and simple,
" Lift your arms, Your Highness," Hari said gently.
I complied, letting them slide the under-layers over my body. The fabric was cool against my skin, and as each piece was added, I felt like I was being encased in something far heavier than cloth, they put it on me one at a time until we got to the final out layer
My breath hitched at the clothes, the fabric was exquisite, a deep crimson with golden thread embroidered into an intricate patterns of phoenixes and peonies that shimmered like molten sunlight. The skirt flowed like water, its fabric lightweight yet regal in a beautiful blue more phoenixes embroidered at the hem.
"This was made specifically for you," Hari said as she tied the sash around my waist.
"Every detail was overseen by the Queen Dowager herself. She's taken great pains to ensure that this union is flawless. "
The way she said it made my skin crawl.
I raised a brow and she laughed
"I know, you would think she would be more interested in keeping the bride alive"
Layer by layer, she dressed me in the ceremonial garments, each piece more elaborate than the last.
The weight of the clothing, made it difficult to move, let alone breathe. Finally, she stepped back, her emerald eyes scanning me from head to toe.
"Perfect," she said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.
"You look every bit the crown princess. "
Are you sure? I gestured and she smiled
"I may not be able to stop this, but I won't let you look like a fool" she mumbled
Sela knelt at my side, opening a jade jewelry box and pulled out a shimmering golden headpiece.
"The queen dowager was very specific about this piece," she murmured, her tone more cautious now.
"She said it must be worn for the ceremony. "
I tensed, another thing to worry about. I swallowed hard, staring at the headpiece.
Sela handed it over to Hari who placed it carefully in my hair. The weight of it seemed to press down on my head.
Hari hummed softly as she selected more ornaments from a nearby box golden pins and jeweled combs that sparkled like fireflies. She placed each one with care, her hands deft and confident.
"You've always worn duty well, my friend" she said, almost to herself.
"Even when you were a child, you knew what was expected of you. That strength will serve you today." I swallowed
I turned to the mirror, and for a moment, I didnt recognize myself. The woman staring back at me was breathtaking, a vision of power and grace wrapped in gold and crimson.
My reflection was striking, yes, but I didnt feel like a bride. I felt like a prisoner walking to her execution.
Hari moved to stand beside me, grabbing my hand .
"You may feel trapped, Ayara, but remember this you hold more power than you realize."
I straightened my spine, if I was going to survive this, I needed to think like a princess, not a frightened librarian.
The queen dowager warning echoed in my ears
****
" I trust you understand the importance of tomorrows ceremony," she had stated
"Your marriage to Crown prince will give a sense of security to the people. There is no room for error. "
"Do not disappoint me," she said, her eyes narrowing.
"Or I will ensure you regret it."
****
The game had begun, and I was a player whether I wanted to be or not.
- Writer
