The fact that I couldn’t remember actuallydoingany of that was a bit unsettling, but I was here wasn’t I?
The sick feeling threatened to return, but the lift came to a stop on the first floor, and its golden doors slid open to reveal Stellon waiting for me.
He was resplendent in a blinding white tunic and breeches, his wavy blond hair shining. His eyes shone too as they raked over me, examining my appearance from head to toe.
He stepped forward with his hands outstretched.
“My lady,” he breathed. “There has never been a more beautiful bride.”
I stepped out of the lift, followed by my attendants, who held the back of my dress to keep it from dragging the floor.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I said stiffly.
Stellon laughed. “You don’t have to call me that. You’re about to become ‘Her Majesty’ in a few short hours. Come… everything’s ready for the wedding feast.”
Taking my hand, he tucked it into the crook of his arm and began walking toward the ballroom.
My feet felt like they were made of lead as we walked together—it must have been the heaviness of the dress. As we reached the ballroom doors, two footmen opened them.
Hundreds of faces turned toward us. A hush fell over the previously noisy room.
Then the crowd parted, and Stellon escorted me past scores of staring eyes up to the dais.
Some things hadn’t changed about the space. I remembered the massive chandeliers and the wondrous glass dancefloor with the ocean creatures swimming beneath it.
I remembered the incredible sea glass throne as well, where King Pontus had sat watching the Opening Night ball festivities.
But now there was a matching, albeit smaller, throne beside it.
Stellon led me up the dais stairs and to the smaller throne. As I turned to sit on it, my attendants moved and spread my dress so that its long train flowed down over the steps.
My groom took his seat beside me and waved a hand. The music resumed along with conversation.
I looked over at my soon-to-be husband in his crown and wedding finery and then out at the crowd.
This was all so surreal.
I couldn’t remember everything about my captivity in Pharis’ castle, but I remembered luxury and incredible beauty. During that time I’d grown used to grand spaces and Elven faces.
But this was… it was alot.I hadn’t felt like such an outsider since the night I’d infiltrated the Opening Night ball in disguise.
How was I supposed to serve as Queen to these people? I was barely even familiar with their way of life. And yet, that title came along with being Stellons’ wife, so itmustbe the right thing.
He took my hand, running his thumb over the backs of my knuckles, and I had to suppress a shudder. It took effort not to snatch my hand back to my own lap.
What was wrong with me?
This was my wedding night. I was about to marry Stellon, my true love.
“I’m so happy you’re here, my heart,” he said with a smile. “My only regret is that I didn’t know where you were earlier. If I’d known you were being held against your will by my selfish brother, I would have marched up to his castle and rescued you sooner. You and I could have been long-married by now.”
My head nodded in agreement, but something deep inside me began a silent chant ofno, no, no, no.
The start of the entertainment was a welcome distraction.
A bard performed first, his high, haunting voice touching my soul.
Though he sang in Old Elvish and I couldn’t understand most of the words, I was nearly in tears by the time his song ended.
