5 years ago

I stood looking at my reflection in the full-length mirror; my waist-length white hair pulled back into a loose braid with fresh spring flowers weaved into each plate. Most days I chose not to wear make-up as it only ran after I became sweaty from training. However, today was different. Cassandra made sure it was perfect, my lips were as red as a rose today. My blue eyes looked unusually bright and large. It was as if another person was looking back at me.

“My lady, you are beautiful as always.” Cassandra smiled next to me.

Cassandra, my friend, and loyal maid. She has served me since I turned 15 and I look up to her as an elder sister. As always she kept her long hair pulled back into a high ponytail except instead of her maid uniform she was wearing a dress I chose for her.

“Cassandra, do commoners get to marry for love?” I looked at her pleadingly.

“Yes, my lady.”

“Do you know why nobles cannot?” I raised my eyebrow.

“Nobles are an entirely different class Lady Celeste. You go under much more education than we do and more is expected from you.”

“But why must I marry a man I have never even met?” I sighed. “He never even appeared at the designated courting times only saying he had work to finish.”

“Well, he is the Crown Prince.” Cassandra shrugged. “He is to become emperor shortly after the wedding.”

“Hoity Toity, Royal Brat. If he cannot show up he doesn’t deserve her.” My 19-year-old comrade, Allen piped up from his chair.

 In two short strides, my right-hand man Dominic made it next to him and hit him on the back of his head. “Ow!” Allen complained rubbing the back of his head.  “Shut up and watch your mouth. Once we are in the palace, the crown’s spies are everywhere and your mouth can get her in trouble.”

            I couldn’t help but smile at their exchange. Being near my team brought me more comfort than I thought was required. I have heard stories of his good looks and charisma. Women fawn over him left and right and are lining up to be me at this moment.  Allen was able to bring me information on how the palace staff responded to him. The consensus is positive and hopefully true. He sounds like a good man. However, the pit in my stomach warning me to run wouldn’t go away.

A knock on the door snapped me back to attention. Emperor Alexander De Cassetica; my soon-to-be father-in-law entered smiling. He wrapped his arms around me, gathering me into a warm fatherly hug before I could give him a proper greeting. He stepped back, holding me at arms-length looking me up and down. “You look beautiful my dear. Rion is very lucky to have such a lovely bride. I am happy to welcome you first into the Imperial Family. Today you become a Cassetica however, once Rion officially seals your documentation of acknowledgment then you may take on the name De Cassetica and your children may inherit the name as well.” He tucked a stray hair behind my ear and smiled lovingly at me. “Such is tradition.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty” I gracefully bowed in my dress.

“No more formalities, we are family. Call me Father please.” He gently pulled me up by my hand. “Now, it is time. I just wanted to make sure our blushing bride was ready. Since your father is pacing up and down the hallway.” He bent down to my ear and whispered “I never thought I’d see the day when the former commander of Valhalla would be so nervous.”

A small giggle slipped past my lips. Valhalla, my father’s personal militia force. For centuries the Emperors of Cassetica have had a last resort to call upon in wartime. It is not a secret that the commander’s all come from the Andromeda family, it is why we promote strength and acknowledge courage. On top of having several children.  The people of Cassetica believe either of my elder brothers Roland or Theo to be the current leader of the force. Never in their wildest dreams would they believe it was the only daughter of house Andromeda.

Time felt like it was going by too fast. Far too soon the emperor’s right-hand man came to me and told my father and me it was time. We all took our places and soon heard the orchestra begin to play the wedding march. This was the first time seeing the Crown Prince. He was notorious for skipping the Imperial balls. As I walked closer I could see his expression, it was the exact expression my father made for political reasons. He did not want to be here. This marriage was arranged not for political, but because our fathers are good friends and wanted to unite our houses.

            I was busy studying Rion the entire ceremony, while his face was smiling his eyes were honest. They were screaming that he hated me already. I haven’t done anything to him and he was glaring at me. It caused me to flinch when he put the ring on, he immediately noticed and raised an eyebrow at me. Thankfully the officiant didn’t notice and kept going, I played my part. After we said “I do” we became husband and wife. When he was told to kiss me, his smile slipped for a fraction of a second. If I wasn’t trained in interrogation, I wouldn’t have noticed it. He quickly cupped both my cheeks and covered my lips with his thumbs then turned his head and kissed me. He then released me and offered his arm. I was so shocked my eyes widened as I took it. It is our wedding day and he didn’t even kiss me! I looked at my family, who were all glaring at him, they all saw through his charade.