OH MY GOD!
The monster she had expected to see… was surprisingly beautiful.
The man standing before her looked like an angel fallen from the heavens. His skin was pale and glowing like glass beneath the moonlight. His raven-black hair framed a face so perfect it almost seemed unreal, and his deep brown eyes were the kind that could pull a person's soul in with a single glance.
Perfection was an understatement for this man's beauty.
Serenya snapped back to reality when he slowly stretched his hand out toward her.
She hesitated for a brief moment before quickly placing her hand in his.
The moment their skin touched, a chill ran down Serenya's spine.
She quickly pushed the feeling aside as they both turned to face the priest and the wedding began.
The priest first chanted in the ancient language of Ariathenia before switching to the tongue of the Veyrs.
He carefully performed the traditions and rituals of both kingdoms , making sure neither side feels dishonoured
Then it was time for the main event.
The Blood Covenant.
This was the part Serenya had been dreading.
The Blood Covenant was an ancient ritual that sealed a couple for life. It bound their souls together.
And the most terrifying part…
Once it was made, it can never be undone.
Serenya's chest tightened...
'This is it....
After this there's no turning back'
A handmaid stepped forward carrying a silver bowl and placed it in the priest's hands.
The moment the bowl appeared, everyone in the courtyard rose to their feet and bowed their heads.
Serenya couldn't believe her eyes, this is the first time ever recorded in history that both kingdoms did something together.
The priest started chanting as the ancient words echoed through the courtyard. The silver bowl trembled slightly in his hands as he finished the incantation.
Then he spoke in the common tongue so that both kingdoms could understand.
"Both the bride and the groom shall cut their palms and let their blood flow into the sacred bowl. Afterward, their wounded hands shall be bound together with the cloth of union."
The courtyard fell into complete silence.
A servant stepped forward carrying a small ceremonial blade and a strip of deep red cloth.
Serenya's heart pounded in her chest.
She glanced briefly at Kaelen before taking the blade.
Without hesitating, she pressed the edge against her palm and cut.
A thin line of crimson appeared as drops of blood fell into the silver bowl.
Kaelen did the same.
The moment his blood touched the bowl, the liquid inside began to swirl slowly…
And then the bowl glowed faintly, casting a soft crimson light across the altar.
"It is done," the priest declared.
Slowly, the congregation lifted their heads.
"I hereby pronounce you… man and wife."
He paused before continuing.
"You may now bind the cloth of union."
Serenya and Kaelen both reached for the red cloth placed before them and carefully tied it around the palms they had just cut.
It's finally over…
Serenya let out a quiet sigh.
That was… intense.
Moments later, a servant stepped forward carrying a parchment scroll.
The peace treaty.
It was placed upon a small table before the altar.
The rulers of both kingdoms stepped forward—her father, the King of Ariathen, and the Elder, Prince Kaelen's uncle.
Without a word, they signed the document that would mark the end of a war that had lasted decades.
Immediately after the treaty was signed, The Elder and his foot soldiers left along with other Veyr citizens. It was left with prince kaelen and his escorts.
Serenya's father kept her behind in the yard, speaking to her in a low tone
" Even with the treaty signed, that doesn't guarantee your safety" He said while staring at Prince kaelen from across the yard
Serenya followed his line of sight and her eyes met Kaelen's....for a moment, her heart skipped a beat.
He was causally sipping a glass of red wine, with his guards....he took off his cloak and was on a black ceremonial robe.
He looked ethereal...
He raised his glass slightly in her direction before taking another sip.
She shook her head
Then she turned to face her father
"I've assigned our best soldiers to go with you and keep you safe"
He faced serenya
" Once you've gathered enough Intel, I will come to get you myself. Until then you need to be vigilant"
Prince Kaelen began walking toward her, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.
He stopped a few steps away and looked directly at the king.
"Your Majesty," he said calmly, "may I speak with my bride?"
The courtyard fell into a heavy silence.
Serenya slowly turned toward her father.
His jaw had tightened so hard that the muscles in his face twitched. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides.
She had seen her father angry before…
But never like this.
The hatred in his eyes was so intense it almost felt like the air between him and Kaelen might ignite.
For a moment, Serenya thought he might actually refuse.
Or worse—order his soldiers to strike.
Instead, the king slowly turned his gaze toward her.
Their eyes met.
He said nothing.
Then he turned and walked away.
'what just happened??'
Serenya was certain another war was about to start. That was how deeply her father hated the Veyrs. Her thoughts were pulled back to reality when Kaelen extended his hand toward her.
Serenya hesitated before slowly reaching out to take it—
But before their fingers could even touch, five heavily armed soldiers stepped forward and surrounded her.
At that exact moment, a tall pale-skinned man suddenly appeared beside Kaelen, his movements silent and swift, as if he had stepped out of the shadows themselves.
His red eyes scanned the soldiers like a predator...ready to strike.
Serenya subconsciously held her breath.
'He appeared out of nowhere'
He was another beautiful creature, with features so delicate and soft you'd think he couldn't hurt a fly. But his aura alone , was suffocating.
She studied the man and her soldiers.
Even if a fight were to burst out, he could handle all five of them without breaking a sweat.
Even if a fight broke out, she knew he could handle all five of them without breaking a sweat.
"Stand down"
Kaelen's voice was calm, almost bored.
Instantly, the pale man froze. Though the killing intent in his eyes slowly faded, he remained standing protectively beside the prince.
"Princess..." Kaelen called out.
"The road to Veyr is treacherous. For your safety, we need to get there before dawn " He said sternly, the both him and his bodyguard walked away.
Serenya gasped, she didn't notice she has been holding her breathe the whole time.
'That was terrifying '
If she was this frightened in her own homeland… what would happen once she stepped onto Veyr soil?
She took a slow breath.
' I'll be fine. Everything will be fine
Gathering her courage, she walked outside with her soldiers following her closely
***
Outside the Ariathen castle,
A beautiful carriage waited. Four Veyr soldiers sat mounted atop black horses, forming a silent escort around it.
In front of the carriage, Prince Kaelen sat on a white horse. To his left stood the pale bodyguard from before, mounted on a dark steed. To his right was another white horse without a rider.
Serenya assumed that one was meant for her.
Her soldiers walked her forward and helped her climb onto the horse.
Once she was seated, Serenya turned for one last look at the beautiful white towers of Ariathen — the kingdom she had always called home.
Soon knights and nobles began gathering outside the castle gates. Some of them stared at her with pity. Others looked completely indifferent to what was happening.
Her gaze searched through the crowd until she spotted two familiar figures.
Her father.
And Meristele.
Her father looked at her the same way a commander would look at a soldier he had just sent off to war.
There was no warmth in his eyes. No empathy. No love.
"Of course… what was I expecting?'
Serenya slowly turned her gaze toward her godmother.
Meristele gave her the most beautiful smile.
And despite everything, Serenya couldn't help but smile back.
That single smile was all the reassurance she needed.
She turned toward Kaelen and gave a small nod.
He took it as a sign that she was ready.
Kaelen raised his right hand into the air.
Immediately, the convoy began to move.
Serenya took a deep breath as her horse stepped forward, carrying her away from everything she had ever known.
Into unknown.