Ciana’s eyes were wide with uncertainty.
Wesley leant over to her and whispered, “We must keep our hands locked until we reach the bed chamber.”
The crowd gathered around the couple, forming a tunnel between the people towards the side door of the feast hall. All the while, Wesley could not take his mind off the note Jodie had slipped him that remained in his pocket.
Hand in hand, Wesley and Ciana were funnelled through towards the door by the True Luminance’s followers.
In amongst the crowd, Wesley locked eyes with Jodie. She looked just as dejected as Wesley felt. But he knew he had no choice.
I’m sorry, Jodie. What am I doing?
“Once bled, it’s off to bed! Once bled, it’s off to bed!”
Wesley and Ciana were taken through the side door with a cheer from the crowd. They were led by the lumins up a stone spiral staircase to the candle-lit bed chambers, where the doors were barred from the outside.
They would be locked in all night.
His hand ached. His arm was bloody. And before him, Ciana stepped up to the bed and undressed in the moonlight as was expected of her.
I can’t do this.
With teary eyes, Ciana gently took Wesley’s hand and placed it against her soft breast. She hesitantly kissed his neck, sending a chill down his body.
He could not help himself but be aroused at the naked beauty before him, no matter how hard he tried not to.
Wesley felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. He was going to crack.
I have to do this, don’t I?
Chapter 10 - The Greater Good
King Emery Blacktree’s spinning head made it feel like he was almost levitating as he entered the guest chambers with his wife, Sirillia. It had been a long night of festivities, celebrating his daughter’s marriage to the Seynard prince.
His thighs were sore from dancing. His throat ached from talking. His head was pounding from thinking. And the wine hadn’t helped one bit.
Emery held the door open for Sirillia to enter before him. He faced Ser Yelin Mortimer and the other royal guards who had escorted them to their quarters at the end of the evening.
“That will be all for tonight,” Emery said.
The guards in black and silver armour bowed to their king respectfully.
“I will have someone watch your door, my king,” Yelin said.
“Oh, nonsense. That won’t be necessary.”
Yelin tilted his head in confusion. “My king?”
“We are probably safer here in Caldaea than we are back home,” Emery said. “The Seynards probably have plenty of guards roaming the Chateau at night.”
Ser Yelin was insistent. “My king, it is my job to keep you safe-”
“And to follow my orders,” Emery said in a light-hearted tone. “Relax, Yelin. Have a night off. Go have a drink and find a pretty eastern girl to dance with.”
Emery patted the man on his plated shoulder with a smirk.
“It would make me feel a whole lot more relaxed if I knew that someone I trusted was guarding your door, my king,” Yelin chuckled.
Emery huffed. “Alright, if you insist. Have one of your men stationed out here, if it makes you feel better.”
“Thank you, my king,” Yelin said with a bow. “I will have Davyd on first watch.”
“Have yourself a good night, Yelin.”
“And you, my king. Creator’s grace.”
The opulence of their room was astounding. Moonlight streamed in through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The canopy bed looked rather old, with beautiful patterns engraved in the headboard and spear symbols decorating the posts. Enormous ceramic planters adorned the corners of the rooms, spilling over with well-watered, lush foliage and flowers.
Sirillia was seated comfortably on the upholstered couch, picking at a platter of sweet fruits and cheeses on the knee-high ornate table before her.
Emery noticed that the candlelight made her skin look a far healthier colour than how it usually appeared.
He sat beside Sirillia, taking off his crown and placing it carefully on the table. Each time he did that, it felt like a huge weight off his shoulders.
Emery ran his fingers up his wife’s bony arm. Her gaze was elsewhere. He could see in her eyes that she was trying to get her mind off something.
Probably worried for Ciana. Emery had to admit, he did not like the idea of his daughter locked in a room with Prince Wesley for the night, but it was tradition.
He had no say in the matter.
“Would you like me to run you a bath?” Emery asked.
“How can you act so… so…” Sirillia began, brushing his hand away.
“So relaxed?”
She nodded. “Are you not anxious at all?”
“Of course, I am, dear. But I do not let it take hold of me.”
Emery poured a cup of water for Sirillia. He took out a vial of clear liquid he’d been given from one of the Seynards’ best apothecaries and added a few drops into the water to help her sleep. He handed her the cup.
“It’s fine, I’m not thirsty.”
“Drink,” Emery whispered, pushing her hands gently towards her mouth. “It will help. I want you feeling well-rested.”
Sirillia took a sip of the refreshing water, moistening her cracked lips.
“We should be proud of our daughter. Today she has become a true woman. She will be queen of Caldaea,” Emery said.
Sirillia took another mouthful of water as the king continued.
“This marriage is more than just a marriage. It sets Ciana up for a bright future. With this wedding, we will finally see piece between our kingdoms. She will help link our two powerful
