Sophia trailed after her father, following him into the hall. There were a lot of guests present. Including those that came from the groom's family, and also some of her own family members.
As her father led her inside, all eyes turned to her. With everybody wanting to catch a glimpse of the famous and beautiful princess sophia.
On the other end, Erik was seated at the high table. He caught a glimpse of the lady trailing behind king Jovan. She seemed to be the one he was getting married to, judging from the way she's dressed.
She really lived up to her name as one of the most beautiful ladies in the human realm.
Erik swallowed, this woman will be the one he has to spend the rest of his life with. It's not as if he cared about their marriage, since it's just for the title, but seeing sophia, something ignited deep within him. She seemed so pure, he couldn't bear to drag her down his sinful path.
As Sophia approached the altar, her heart heavy with reluctance, her eyes met the man who was to be her husband. Erik's piercing dark eyes, as black as ink, seemed to bore into her soul, his chiseled features stern, yet captivating. She felt a sense of duty wash over her, but no spark of excitement, no flutter in her chest. Her mind was consumed by thoughts of Liam, the man she truly loved, and the heartache she was about to endure. The thought of her father, Jovan, King of Azura, standing proudly beside her, only added to her unease. Their relationship was strained, to say the least, and Sophia couldn't help but feel like she was betraying herself, and Liam, by going through with this marriage.
As she curtsied, her eyes never leaving Erik's, she felt a spark of defiance ignite within her. His gaze was unnerving, but she would not be intimidated. She was Sophia, the youngest princess of Azura, and she would not be swayed by duty alone.
"My lord," she said, her voice firm, polite, but reserved.
Erik's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his voice low and husky. "You look lovely, Sophia." The way he said her name caught her off guard, and she wondered fleetingly how he knew her name. Foolish girl, she scolded herself inwardly, it's your wedding day, of course he knows your name.
"Thank you, my lord," she replied, her tone measured. "You look... quite dignified."
Erik's chuckle was low, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Ah, 'dignified'?" he said, his voice teasing. "I'll take that as a compliment, coming from the lady who'd rather be anywhere else."
Her cheeks warmed, but she refused to back down. "I don't know what you're insinuating, my lord," she said, her voice cool.
Erik's eyes glinned with amusement, his gaze never leaving hers. "Oh, I think you do, my dear," he said, offering his arm. "Shall we?"
She hesitated, her hand hovering over his arm, before placing it on his sleeve. She felt... nothing. No spark, no warmth, no sense of comfort. Liam's face flashed in her mind, and she felt a pang of sadness. Why couldn't she be marrying him?