George walked through the palace halls with determined strides. His hair was messy and fell over his usually calm face, now displaying an unmistakable anger in his eyes. As he passed, maids and servants quickly lowered their gazes, bowing as they moved aside. It was rare to see the crown prince like this; most had never witnessed him in such a furious state. It seemed like he might burn the place down, and perhaps he would—starting from his brother's room.
He soon arrived at his chambers and entered. Approaching the large windows, he leaned against them and tried to regain his composure. Deep breaths weren't working. Damn it! When had he last felt this angry? Forcing himself to calm down, he took a deep breath, lifted his head, and let the air out slowly.
George didn't plan on getting blood on his hands today. Not on the day of his wedding. He wasn't excited about the marriage, but he hadn't expected to walk down the aisle with a scowl on his face.
Oliver. His mind replayed the thought. He had killed him, and he felt no regret. Known for his secrecy, George had built a reputation for his careful planning and execution. No one had ever guessed his next move—until now. He had taken his time selecting his men, needing loyal and trustworthy allies, and until now, his judgment had been sound. But nothing had prepared him for the shock of discovering that one of his new recruits, still in training, was a spy. Oliver.
He had liked that boy. Strong and determined. And now he was gone. George's brother's actions didn't surprise him, but the anger bubbled within him, leaving him puzzled. Was it because he had liked Oliver? It wasn't a safe time for him. His brothers felt threatened by his upcoming marriage. If the crown prince had an heir, his claim to the throne would grow stronger. George didn't feel threatened by the children his brothers had with lesser women—they could never be true heirs. He often wondered why they didn't marry to create proper heirs, but now he understood. If they married and had children, his father and the court would pressure him to do the same. Even if he had a son after all of them, that son would still be seen as second heir.
It didn't help that they all shared the same goal of taking him down first. He was more worried now, not for himself, but for Lady Emerald. Her striking green eyes flashed in his mind. He didn't know how he felt about her. What he did know was that he didn't dislike her. It amused him that she thought she could stand up for herself; she looked so delicate. With a sigh, he turned away from the window. He needed to prepare for the wedding.
Emerald stood before her mirror, staring at her reflection. Her handmaids fluttered around her, ensuring she looked flawless. When they stepped back, their satisfied expressions confirmed it—Emerald looked stunning. The white dress, adorned with gold beads at the waist and veil, shimmered softly. The rest of the gown was decorated with white beads, and a delicate tiara sat atop her head, her light makeup enhancing her natural beauty.
Her mother stepped forward, smiling. "Come on, we don't want to keep the prince waiting." Emerald nodded and followed her mother, her handmaids lifting her dress as they exited. Outside, she saw the king's special carriage waiting just for her. Her father, sisters, and brothers were in separate carriages while she rode with her mother. She paused to look back at the house she grew up in, filled with both cherished and painful memories. Feeling emotional, she took a last look before entering the carriage.
The ride to the palace felt too short. She would now live there as the wife of the crown prince. She'd heard rumours about the tense relationship between George and his brothers. She hoped she wouldn't get caught up in their family drama. Oh! She was about to become part of that family. She sighed for the fifth time.
"Emerald," her mother suddenly called out. Emerald looked up, her mother's eyes softening as they connected. She had never seen her mother like this before.
"I know our relationship hasn't been easy. I admit I share some of the blame for that." Some? Emerald thought. "But," her mother continued, "I do love you. I hope you find happiness in this new chapter of your life." Emerald stared in surprise. Was her mother really saying this? "Mother," she whispered, moving forward to hug her. Her mother hugged her back tightly. Emerald could hardly believe it. "Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotions. "And I love you too." Even though her mother hadn't always been kind, she was still her mother, the one who had given her life. And for that, Emerald loved her. "You are looking beautiful today, do not spoil it by crying," her mother said, pulling away after a moment. Emerald nodded, a smile on her face. The rest of their trip was quiet, and soon, they arrived at the palace.
Getting out with her mother, Emerald looked up at the palace. This would be her new home. Her father and siblings had already arrived. "Come on, the prince is waiting for you," her father said, gesturing for her to join him. They walked towards the huge doors that led inside the palace. They were closed, and Emerald could only imagine how many people were inside. Her mother and siblings went in through a different entrance.
Soon, she heard her name called, and she realized she had been announced. The doors opened. Emerald paused for a moment, looking at the people inside, before her eyes stopped on the prince standing at the far end. He wore a deep red outfit with unique designs. His hair was neatly styled back, and then there was his face. Emerald's heart skipped a beat. Why hadn't she noticed it before? The prince was incredibly handsome. She had seen handsome men before. Many had come to ask her to marry them, and many of them were definitely good-looking. But the prince was different, above them all.
"Emerald," her father said quietly, just for her to hear. Then she began to walk, her arm linked with her father's. She could feel many eyes on her, but she tried her best to ignore them. It felt like the prince knew she was nervous because he kept looking at her. He didn't break eye contact even once until she reached him. When she got to him, he held out his hand to her. Emerald let go of her father and placed her hand in his. She walked up the few steps to stand beside him, and now they were facing each other.
A man, who she guessed was there to marry them, started to speak, but she barely listened. Soon, it was time for her to say her vows, and she tried her best to speak without her voice shaking. When she finished, he said his vows without any nervousness, making her wonder how he could always be so calm.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife; you may kiss," the man finished with a smile.
Emerald's heart skipped again. Would he really kiss her? She looked back at his calm face, and he leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers. The hall filled with applause, but all Emerald could focus on was the feeling of his lips on hers. It was soft, and she liked it. He pulled back, looking at her as if he was trying to read her thoughts. He took her hand, pulling her out of her daze, and they turned to face the crowd.
After that, it was all celebration. Her parents came to meet the king and queen, and they all toasted to their new connection. The queen hugged her warmly and kissed her cheek. She seemed so genuine; Emerald already liked her. The king surprised her with a gift, a box filled with beautiful jewelleries made of gold. She hadn't expected it at all. They were so welcoming; it made her feel comfortable. But that feeling didn't last long as she noticed a man in the crowd staring at her. He just looked at her, and she found it strange. Then he smiled, raised his glass of wine, and walked away. Emerald watched him go until he was out of sight. Who was that?
All thoughts of him disappeared as she said goodbye to her parents and siblings. She cried as she hugged her father and brother, who just laughed and patted her back. "You'll be alright," her father smiled at her, and then he left with his family. Her sisters didn't even look her way.
"Your Highness," she turned to see two young men standing behind her. Their hands were behind their backs, while one had his hand on the sword at his waist. They were guards. "His Highness has sent us to take you to your chambers," the blonde one said.
"And where is he?" Emerald wanted to ask. She wondered where he had gone. He had excused himself and left her while she was saying goodbye to her family. Instead, she just followed the guards. She was tired anyway.
Following them, they walked through large double doors into a long hallway. One guard walked in front, leading the way, and the other walked behind her. Soon, they arrived at what she guessed would be her room. They opened the doors, and she walked in. Bowing, they closed the door behind her. Her eyes fell on four young women standing in the middle of her new room. They bowed.
"Your Highness, my name is Margaret. I will be your handmaid," she finished, bowing again. 'Your Highness' was her new title. It felt odd to Emerald. She nodded.
"We are here to help you prepare for the night," Margaret said, and Emerald froze.
It was her wedding night.