It's been some hours since the Nightbane kingdom left but Aurelian couldn't stop pacing. A wave of nervousness crept over him, tightening his chest and making his heart beat faster than usual. His palms grew damp, and his fingers dug into his palm without rest. Thoughts raced through his mind, one after another, refusing to slow down. He was now bethroned to Prince Draven and he wasn't sure he was ready for this. Aurelian looked at his father "This is so unfair, how can you just give me out like that" "we need to end the war and secure the political alliance" king Alaric says already tired of repeating the same thing over and over. Aurelian sighs "I'm retiring to my chambers" he says already walking away.
In his chambers, restless energy filled the air, making it impossible for Aurelian to sit still. His thoughts refused to settle, jumping from one to the next. He shifted in place, tapping his fingers, pacing without purpose. He wasn't sure if he was mad or nervous about the arrangement but one thing was sure, this marriage wasn't going to be that easy and he was going to make sure of it. A knock came on his door but before he could send the person away, his sister walks in "hey little brother" "go away Elowen" he says without looking at her, she sigh and take a sit on his bed "look I know both you and Draven are not very fond of eachother but right now you have to think not only of yourself but the kingdom"
"I know but it's just so unfair"
"I know but don't be dramatic"
Aurelian pouts and hugs his sister "I'm being sold of" "no you're not, and who knows you guys might end up falling in love" Elowen wriggles her eyebrows "shut up that's never happening" Aurelian retorts.
King Alaric was already making arrangements to visit the Nightbane kingdom by next month, and the queen, Amara was busy already making preparations for the wedding, she had sent out servants accompanied by princess Elowen to get the best silks for the wedding dress, she has the palace tailor taking Aurelian measurements and even the buying of brochures, hairpins and shoes. She was full of nerves trying to put in order a wedding that won't take place until in three months.
Aurelian was stressed by all this and somehow wished it was all a dream but he knows it's reality especially after that sting the tailor's needle had pinched into his side "ow! Watch it!" He snaps at the poor woman "I'm so sorry your highness" she quickly bows, Aurelian looks at his mother, "really mother? It's too early! It's like you're eager to throw me off!" He snaps at the queen too and storms out of the measuring room.
All this was getting to him in the worst way yet, so he runs to the garden, his comfort zone and the garden rested in a quiet kind of peace, where every sound felt soft and distant. Flowers bloomed in delicate colors, swaying gently in the breeze, while sunlight filtered through the leaves in warm, golden patterns. The air was fresh and sweet, carrying the faint scent of blossoms. It felt like a hidden world, untouched by noise or worry, where everything simply existed in calm harmony. Aurelian let out a breath of relief, finally feeling relaxed the first time the whole day.
The wedding looms ahead in three months and neither of them knows what it holds in place for them.
Back at Nightbane palace, preparations are already being made for the upcoming wedding. Draven stares at the decorations and thinks "this is all for you pretty prince", he goes to the training ground, the combat centre, puts on a light training armor and begin to spar with one of the guards, he easily defeated the guard like it was nothing and after a few rounds of combat training, Draven steps to the side to wipe off his sweat and up at the right side of the palace someone was watching "He is mine not Aurelian's" she whispers to her friends who sneers.