Chapter 2

Six days passed and I still can't believe I'm going to be married at 24. Not to the person I loved. Not even to someone I knew. Why did it have to be from a different planet? These past days have been hectic. The government has sent different teams to help prepare me to my marriage to crown prince Maven and the life I would have to live after. Many people came by the house to thank me or to give their sympathies. Others were just curious. I didn't really care by then. I only wanted everything to be over. The one thing I am comforted by is the fact that Ari offered to go with me. For that, I am very grateful. Ari and I have known each other since we were 10 years old. I won't be so sad with her by my side.

"Hey, Vi. How are you feeling? It's your big day tomorrow. Just making sure you're still breathing." Ari joked. Others would have been annoyed by her seemingly insensitive remark. But Ari can always make me feel better.

"I'm still very much alive, you witch. You're still going with me. Don't think you can back out now."

"Damn, I was hoping that would happen." She laughed.

"But seriously, do you really want to go with me? You don't have to, you know. I'll be fine." I assured her.

"Oh, Vi. You know I love you, right? I want to go with you. I promise this is what I want to do. It's my choice. Besides, how can I pass up the opportunity to finally get to visit another planet?! We've always been fascinated about extraterrestrial beings and now's our chance! We could turn this into an adventure!" She gushed, her eyes bulging.

"Now I know why you're coming. Turns out it's not because of me!" I grabbed a pillow and threw it at her face. She reciprocated. It turned into a pillow fight. The room was a mess after. But we finally got a good laugh. "That was fun." I smiled at her. "But you better help me clean this up."

The day I was dreading finally came. The wedding will be televised all over the world and will be attended by representatives from different countries. A team of professionals came by my room this morning to do my makeup and help me with my dress. It was beautiful. They had me choose a wedding dress a few days ago. I opted for a simple white off shoulder dress with sheer lace sleeves. They gave me a necklace to wear with the dress. It was also simple but adorned with diamonds. My hair was braided and I wore a tiara of flowers. I'm not bad-looking but I'm not the prettiest either. But today, I look so good I almost can't believe it's my face I'm seeing in the mirror. They obviously hired the best makeup artists.

"Hey, you ready?" asked Ari. Beside her stood my family. They're trying so hard not to cry.

"Yes, I'm ready. Shall we go?" I just want this to be over. I tried my best to calm my nerves. I don't like attracting attention and this event is the total opposite of that. I will be walking down the aisle with literally billions of eyes looking at me. Please, lord, don't let me embarrass myself. My father gathered my hands, kissed my temple and looped my right arm around his.

One, two. One, two. Just a few more and I'll reach the altar. Damn it! Why did the Vanhals agree to a traditional wedding ceremony? One, two. Almost there. I can do this. Finally, I'm only two feet away from Maven. I can't see his face clearly because my eyes are brimming with tears. But I can tell he's not looking at me. This is obviously just as painful to him as it is to me.

"Pa." I turned to my father, silently begging.

"Go now. I love you, my daughter. Always." He swiped at his eyes and gave my hand to the prince. Maven took my hand and still did not look at me.

The officiant started talking. I couldn't understand anything he was saying. I just let myself stand still and wait for everything to pass. The only thing I could recall was me saying "Yes, I do." Then Maven and I faced each other. He lifted his head and finally looked at me. I almost stopped breathing. I thought Mr. Argon have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen. Until now. Maven's eyes are the color of diamonds with dark blue rings and flecks of lightning blue. It's utterly breath-taking.

I had to crane my neck to look at him as he's so tall. I only stand at 5'4. He looks intimidating. His face is not showing any emotion but I can feel he doesn't like this at all. Great, that makes the two of us. He bent his head and quickly kissed me on the lips. The cheers erupted. I felt my cheeks getting hot. I swallowed and took some deep breaths to try to calm my racing heart. I faced the cameras and smiled. I at least have to make it look to the world that I'm okay. And that they'll be okay.

"Hey. You okay? My god, Vi. If only they said the crown prince looked like Adonis, I would have offered myself up." Ari grinned. "Did you see how handsome he was?!"

"Yes. But he seems like the mean type. Enough about him. Come on, let's go to my room. They said our other companion's waiting for us there.

There was no reception after the wedding. The Vanhals agreed to have the wedding ceremony done the Earth way but they didn't want a reception as they need to prep for the space travel. So I went straight to my room to spend the rest of the day with my family and friends. Ari and I also met the other person who's to come with us to Vanhalshem. She's a 30-year old multi-lingual woman who's been trained in combat, diplomacy and even fashion design. It's obvious they sent the best person who's able to adapt to a completely new environment. She would have been most suited to be the crown prince's wife if it had been her who met Mr. Argon.

The next day, I almost begged everyone to let me stay. It was so hard for me to say goodbye to my family. I wasn't sure when I'll be able to see them again. When the door of the ship started closing, Ari held my hand. I waved goodbye for the last time. I had to be strong not just for myself but also for my family, so I kept my tears from falling.

We've been told that the journey would take 8 hours only. Vanhalshem is located 4 galaxies away from ours. They were able to devise the use of a portal much like a wormhole to easily travel through space. It was the most frightening but most exhilarating experience I've had so far. Ari was right. This could turn out to be a great adventure after all.