The sound of approaching horses drew the attention of everyone nearby.
A white carriage decorated with red and white roses rolled into view, its symbolic flag fluttering softly as it came to a halt.
Whispers spread through the small crowd before silence followed.
"Princess Anisha Harton of Willowvale, Her Highness has arrived," an usher announced loudly.
Dressed in red satin adorned with bold silver embroidery cascading down the fabric, and ornaments decorating her neatly styled hair, Anisha was carefully helped down from the carriage.
This was it.
The beginning of an entirely new life.
Anisha scanned her surroundings, trying to calm the knot tightening in her stomach.
The springing water fountain at the center of the courtyard sparkled under the daylight, giving the place a strangely welcoming atmosphere.
Servants had already formed a path for her.
Yet Anisha's gaze moved from one side to the other, searching for the man she had just married.
But the person she expected to see was nowhere in sight.
Not a single trace of Prince Nhel.
"This way, Your Highness. You must be tired from today's ordeal."
Standing elegantly with her hands clasped together, Anisha nodded with a strained smile.
Her heels clicked against the polished floors of the castle as she followed the middle-aged man wearing spectacles. Four maidservants walked quietly behind her.
They passed through unfamiliar halls decorated with intricate designs.
Anisha glanced around, though her thoughts had already begun to wander.
How could the prince be so ill-mannered?
This kingdom seemed to lack even the most basic courtesy.
None of her sisters had been married this way.
So why should hers be any different?
They finally stopped in front of a large door.
Anisha's heart began to beat faster as the knob slowly turned with a faint squeak.
"Show Her Highness the rest from here," the butler said as he bowed respectfully.
"They will help you settle in, My Lady. If you are not pleased with any of their services, please inform me. I will be available at any time."
Taking two steps backward with his hands placed over his chest, he turned and left.
"Your Highness, are you alright?" a maid asked gently.
Anisha realized she hadn't taken a single step forward.
The bedroom's balcony stretched into view, but she couldn't bring herself to enter.
What was he like?
Was he fat?
Her stomach twisted at the thought that he might be cruel, especially since he had sent someone in his place to such an important moment of her life.
Unless… to him, it meant nothing at all.
The maids exchanged puzzled glances, unsure why the princess seemed hesitant. They stood waiting tensely.
After what felt like an eternity, Anisha finally lifted her foot and stepped inside.
"Do you think he'll go easy on her?"
Anisha's heart raced at the words. She stopped and tried to trace where the voice had come from.
Walking with the lightest steps toward the bathroom, she heard the conversation continue.
"He's such a demon. How would he?" another voice replied.
The servants who had been speaking in hushed voices gasped and fell silent upon hearing footsteps.
Anisha's breath caught. She had tried to walk as quietly as possible, but the maids behind her had given her away.
Two girls rushed out of the bathroom. One slipped but was quickly caught by her colleague.
They hurriedly bowed. "Welcome, Your Highness."
"Thank you," Anisha replied.
Sweat dotted their faces as they kept their heads lowered.
"I would like to know what you meant by calling your prince a demon."
The princess appeared as composed as any royal should be, her face calm. Yet deep inside, fear had begun creeping into her heart.
"We… we are sorry, Your Highness. We didn't mean to call Prince Nhel a de… demon."
If only they knew how their words had unsettled her. An uneasy feeling washed over Anisha.
She would not be left hanging. They had to explain what they meant.
Feeling drained and with her shoulders aching, Anisha longed to remove her heavy attire and rest before her husband arrived. Her gaze swept briefly across the room.
Approaching the two servants, she noticed one of them had begun to cry.
Anisha's red-painted lips curved slightly.
"I need your attention. Do not be afraid."
The girls slowly raised their heads but still refused to meet her hazel eyes.
"Of course, you didn't mean it literally. You have both been in this castle longer than I have. Something must have made you say that."
Silence filled the room.
"Hearing such a thing could make anyone's imagination run wild, especially a new bride."
Still receiving no response, Anisha's expression tightened.
She wanted them to speak. What had they meant by saying he might not go easy on her? Unfortunately, she couldn't push further without appearing overly inquisitive.
Besides, what if they meant exactly what she feared?
That would be far too embarrassing.
A blush crept onto Anisha's cheeks, though she was grateful the extra layer of makeup concealed it.
After dismissing the servants once they had helped her change, Anisha sat before the mirror. Her hair was now loose, and she wore a simple white night garment that made her look both modest and beautiful.
Goosebumps rose on her arms. She rubbed them away and wrapped her arms around herself.
Staring into the distance, the words she had heard earlier echoed in her mind.
Images began forming in her imagination, of a wicked young man laughing with rugged teeth while lounging on the bed, surrounded by women entertaining him while she looked miserable, pouring wine into their cups at their command.
Anisha shuddered and glanced at the grand bed, which remained untouched.
A maidservant who had arrived with the princess, and who dressed differently from the palace servants pulled Anisha from her thoughts.
"Princess Anisha, I brought your preferred tea, just the way you like it."
She placed a white saucer on the tea table, steam rising from the cup.
Anisha looked toward the sunset reflecting softly across the room.
"Please set it out on the balcony," she said.
"As you wish, Your Highness," the girl with a small mole near her right eye replied with a smile.
Anisha watched as she arranged everything before stepping onto the balcony. The glow of dusk bathed her in warm light.
The view from above was breathtaking.
Taking a sip of tea, Anisha frowned slightly, wondering why the prince had still not appeared.
She set the cup down, no longer interested in drinking.
Staring into the distance at the sun that was almost gone, she asked, "Madlyn, did you happen to see the prince at any time?"
The maid thought for a moment.
"I believe I did, Your Highness."
Anisha quickly turned toward her. "What was he doing?"
"My Lady, I'm afraid I don't know. I only saw his back across another hallway. I'm sorry, Your Highness."
With an irritated expression, Anisha stood and headed toward the door without bothering to hide her feelings.
Her handmaid hurried after her.
"My Lady, you're not dressed properly," she said, rushing to the wardrobe and pulling out a cloak. "Let me help you."
Anisha slipped her arms into the thick dark-green cloak, but after a moment of thought, she removed it again. Her maid took it back, confused.
It was tradition that a newly married bride's first appearance must be alongside her husband.
So she had no choice but to remain and wait for her mysterious husband.
"Madlyn, I didn't know a bride wasn't allowed to see her husband before, during, and even after the marriage ceremony," Anisha said with dry laughter.
The night breeze swirled around her gown as she walked toward the east-facing window, feeling overwhelmed.
The night deepened.
She had spent hours by the windowsill, and now it was bedtime.
Anisha was astonished that the prince had not even bothered to honor their wedding night. Though she had not been looking forward to it, his absence still stunned her.
The servants who had earlier placed the candles had looked at her with pity.
If not for the rumors that might spread about a demanding new princess, she would have demanded ten reasons for those looks.
Anisha didn't care.
Once she saw any member of this household, she would give them a piece of her mind they would never forget.
Just then, she felt a cold gust of wind and wrapped her arms around herself.
Suddenly, warmth spread across her shoulders.
Startled, she slowly turned around.
A stunned gasp escaped her lips.
"My Lady, you must be chilly," a calm, soothing voice said.