But Mother smiles softly at him from the front row, and he knows that’s not true.
There is little he wouldn’t do for his mother despite the terror coursing through him now as he stands here with so many eyes upon him. He just needs to survive this. To keep his feet planted in this spot.
To not run.
He thinks through the coming sequence of events again just to have something other than this room full of people to focus on.
Soon, the human princess will enter through the door at the back of the assembly hall. She’ll walk toward him on her father’s arm, and then King Gerault will relinquish his daughter to Cerian’s keeping.
At least, that’s what the human queen said.
As the bride of the crown prince, Elowyn will enter last with Father.
Then vows will be exchanged, and Queen Yalisa seemed to indicate that Cerian will be expected to kiss the human princess. In front of everyone.
As if promising his life to a stranger while everyone watches isn’t enough. He has to kiss her, too?
Hopefully, he misunderstood the part about the kiss.
He should probably stop thinking of his bride as the human princess. Her name is Arisanna.
And he’s about to bind his heart fully to hers.
The music floating from a quartet of stringed instruments at the side of the assembly hall changes, and Cerian looks toward the double doors at the back of the large room.
Then she’s there on her father’s arm.
Whistling wind, what is she wearing? There’s enough fabric hanging from her slender frame to clothe his entire family.
He works hard to hide his dismay so Arisanna won’t pick up on it, but judging by the look on her face, he’s not exactly succeeding.
Ignore the dress. Focus on her face. Her rosy cheeks. The reddish-brown hair adorning her head in a crown of soft curls.
Aside from the dress, she really is...beautiful.
Her expression softens, and he exhales slowly. This is it. This woman is the other half of his heartbinding.
Hopefully, he won’t have to kiss her in front of all these people.
Just a little longer. He just needs to survive this spectacle for a little longer.
ArisannaleansonFather’sarm for support. It was impossible to miss the dismay that crossed Prince Cerian’s face before he schooled his features.
At least it was short-lived. And he’s making an effort. She smooths her own expression to match his.
They should probably pretend to tolerate each other.
Not that she loathes him. He’s just...prickly. Perhaps once they get to know each other better...
At least he’s not the crown prince with eyes on a throne and thoughts of heirs. That’s a small reprieve, at least. Surely no one expects her to consummate their unorthodox relationship tonight, despite what Mother said.
As she approaches Prince Cerian, he steps forward according to the directions he was given. He’s definitely making an effort.
With a kiss to Arisanna’s temple, Father places her hand in Prince Cerian’s. It’s warmer than she expected it to be. And Prince Cerian’s grip is firm but gentle.
Then Father takes his seat beside Mother, and Prince Cerian leads Arisanna to the right where he was standing as he waited for her. The side the elven delegation is occupying.
She dares a glance at his face and finds him studying her. His eyes are so green. Like emeralds.
