Ceremony

She turned around with a frown and a light gasp left her lips when she saw him standing before her. She didn't miss the way her heartbeat increased at his arrival

"What are you doing here? What did you talk about to my father?" Orchid asked, walking towards him

"So many questions, I wonder which one to answer first" he said with a playful smile

"Don't joke around. What did you say to my father?"

"Hmm, I simply told him about my interest and His Majesty seemed pleased by my words. I told you the next time we'd cross paths, you'll be walking down the aisle with me"

"Did you...what? Are you nuts? I'll never agree to get married, especially to you"

"It's for your safety, princess"

"I told you I don't need your protection. Is this how you plan on ruining my life? What wrong have I done to you?"

Ciaran took a step closer to her and stared directly into her eyes. He could tell she was furious, but what could he do, it was her fault for getting his attention

"I do not intend on ruining your life, princess. I simply want to make you mine, I want to protect you"

"You-"

"Do you think those demons are going to stop coming after you? I'm certain by now, they would have mastered your scent, just like I did" he stated and Orchid shook her head

"I have bodyguards to-"

"You're at a more risk staying in this palace. I'm here and nobody knows, I could easily just take...what I need"

"Then do it! Just end it right now" she snapped

"But I'm not going to do it, I said it before...I want more than your blood" he paused "Not only are you at risk but everyone in this palace. I know you don't like your step mother and sisters much but you're not the type to see them die, because of you"

Orchid took a sharp intake of breath and looked away from him. Does she really have no other choice?

"You should get some sleep. You have to wake up early for our wedding tomorrow"

"Tomorrow? What do you mean tomorrow?"

"It has to be tomorrow. Who knows, someone might end up stealing you from me if we delay it any further. I wouldn't want to risk it. Well then, good night...my bride" saying this, he disappeared from the room

"Tomorrow?" she asked herself. She hadn't gotten to digest the news yet and he had dropped another. What was it he had against her?

.

The very next morning

Orchid stared at her reflection in the grand mirror, her brown eyes held sadness and her lips were curved in a frown. She studied herself in the mirror as Ava took care of her hair

She was dressed in a luminous golden gown with white and golden straps at the end, her inky hair was combed backwards with beautiful butterfly shaped hair pins and the maids tied the knot on her back

"Everything will be alright, princess. For all we may know, the prince might be a good man, don't do anything to upset him" Ava said with a reassuring smile

"Good man indeed" she muttered

"You look dazzling!" exclaimed Greta as she stepped inside the room "I'm here to get the bride, it's time"

Orchid took a deep breath before leaving the room with Greta

"Men love an obedient and elegant woman. Try not to do anything to go against him" Greta said with a smile "Let's go, dear"

Orchid took another deep breath to calm her rapidly beating heart before she walked into the hall

Orchid's steps were slow and she walked with her head up high, trying not to be intimidated by the eyes of everyone present

"Announcing the arrival of the third princess of Atlank" informed the guard by the door. Orchid bowed to her father and then her stepmother before walking over to her seat

"Announcing the arrival of the prince of Regalon" the guard once again informed the guests who immediately whipped their heads to the entrance

Ciaran stepped in, dressed in a dark regal attire. He didn't mind the gaze of the guests nor did he bother greeting the King and Queen. He walked over to where she was and sat down, facing her

"Let this melodious ceremony begin" King Gabriel said

The slow music of the violin was heard and the dancers went up their perform their routine

Ciaran's eyes were fixated on Orchid who tried her best to avoid his gaze, it was hard to and she tried to focus her attention on the dancers

"Don't you like the music or the dance, prince Ciaran? I find it hard to enjoy it with you staring at me like that"