1 Marriage of Necessity

"Catreena Collsend, what a pretty little thing you are." Queen Irina Oblivion comments idly as she watches the numerous servants buzz around the girl, making sure she looked dazzling for the day. "I know this isn't ideal, but it's for the best in the long run." The Queen continues, happy that they were able to hide her dark circles around her eyes. The strained look on the girl's face couldn't be changed, but would have to do. "I assure you, so long as you don't betray Prince Eldon, you will be well taken care of."

Catreena looks at the Queen behind her blankly through the mirror, unsure how they expected her to feel. Her family was flayed alive in a public display, her only being allowed to live so that their precious son, Prince Eldon Oblivion, would marry her and become the King of Tedian, setting her kingdom firmly in the control of the Kingdom of Krousedal. Though none in the room with her right now looked at her as though she was any less of a person, she could still feel the difference in the air. The Kingdom of Krousedal is a vampiric nation that is lead by their royal vampire family that wield strong and boisterous vampiric magic. The Kingdom of Tedian is primarily a human nation, one that was led by a strong, magic wielding royal family. However, tensions arose between the two kingdoms, resulting in a long war that had both sides suffering.

"All done!" A chipper voice rings out beside her, pulling her through her thoughts. Admittedly, the women did a rather good job at hiding her evidence of sleepless nights and many tears. Her stressed appearance was flawlessly nonexistent now. Her gown of cream had a short train with a matching veil, a small tiara to hold it into place atop her curled hair. She sighs as the other women clap excitedly about her appearance, no doubt congratulating one another on a wonderful job. Her figure was laid with shinning jewelry, only her fingers being left bare.

"It's time then, come along little Catreena." Queen Irina announces, regally moving forward to lead the girl to the ceremony. Catreena sullenly follows, allowing her veil to cover her face unashamedly. Her thoughts seemed everywhere at once, her heart heavy as she is lead down the aisle to the men waiting on them anxiously. One is her husband, one is her future father-in-law, and the last was the minister to marry them. Every seat was occupied by various nobles and members from both houses, most wearing sour expressions as well. She would have always had very little say in whom she married, she knew this. However, this arrangement didn't sit as easily with her given the circumstances.

"We are here in a tremendous time!" The minister starts, but Catreena barely listens as she studies her new husband closely, looking upon his handsome face for the first time in her life. His eldest brother she had saw once before the war got bad, a peace negotiation was to be led by him. That didn't work, but Prince Kayne was very easy on the eyes and one that held a noble air regardless. That being said, her new husband can be attractive, but she held so much unease in the pit of her stomach. She called upon all of her royal training as they exchanged rings, then turn to face the world as a new married powerhouse, as King and Queen of Tedian. The cheers of the people ring out as many cautiously celebrate, this union bringing some hope for the future as well as apprehension.

And what was Catreena to do? She sat and ate cake, dining with her husband, one side holding her in laws and the other her Aunt Elodia Vecoli and her cousins Leira and Pirro Vecoli. She lets her eyes drift across the room, taking note of the tense air and forced pleasantries spilling from the mouths of nobles, all plotting to take one another down. She didn't miss the looks of awe on her young cousin's faces, nor the look of barely hidden detest on her Aunt's face as they look around the banquet room.

"It's time for our first dance." Now King Eldon Oblivion whispers to her, causing her to pause, then slowly look at him. He holds his hand out for her to take, a guarded smiling mask on their faces to hide any thoughts going through their minds as he leads her to the floor, taking their first dance in an easy form. Though the pair looked good together, and their social masks of glee hid their true feelings, a tension still hung in the air.

Returning to her seat, she avoids the gaze of her Aunt Elodia. Her Uncle was Earl Henriqua Vecoli, a master of arms that held a large army, a true force to be recon with. And his death was the start of their kingdom's downfall. His eight year old son Pirro is set to take over his father's earldom, but at the cost of his arranged marriage to a cousin of her new husband. Luckily, they have left the affairs of her Aunt and the six year old Leira alone for the time being, allowing them to handle the earldom. Not many nobles were as lucky, but if you didn't accept their win over the Kingdom, you were recognized as an enemy, and the Oblivion Royals didn't take kindly to that.

"Please accept our congratulations and our hope that the kingdoms will be at peace now, our majesties." Her attention was snapped back to matters once more now that people were coming to congratulate them. Now, Count Devon Lebron and his wife Elizebeth Lebron bow before them with fake smiles. Their son Bradon Lebron bows curtly, a small amount of malice in his eyes. She knows that he had hopes of winning her hand in marriage, but now that could never happen.

"Your well wishes are happily received, we thank you." Eldon replies smoothly, easily speaking for them both. Catreena barely cared for now, while usually she would detest it and speak against anyone trying to speak for her, she found herself in a position of lack luster care. She could barely find it within herself to want to speak any pleasantries with anyone at the moment, nor would causing a scene with her new husband on their wedding celebration would do her any good. No, that would simply give many people ways to try and tear them down, and for better or worse, she was now tied to this man.

So, she tunes out their nonsensical conversation as she instead focuses on her cousins. She speaks with them, paying close attention to their actions as she listen to their stories. As childish and silly as they were, it was a welcome reprieve from the world around her that she wasn't ready to acknowledge at the moment. That was until a snippet of conversation was heard.

"I dare say that your new Queen will make a rather attentive mother. Congratulations brother." Crown Prince Kayne Oblivion announces as he glances at her with her cousins.

"I shall hope so, what a lucky man I am." King Eldon replies good naturedly with a smile as he too looks at her. Catreena tries harder to ignore them as they continue their conversation, her heart pounding as she feels alight flush rise. She knows that they would have to consummate their marriage, more so horridly it's expected to be seen and confirmed by their elders. Her Aunt and her new father and mother in law were on that list, and more so many hoped for children as soon as possible. Of course while that would be the best way to solidify their union and cause none to be able to defy their rule, it wasn't something Catreena felt ready for.

Then again, ready or not it's her new position in life as the Queen of Tedian.