CHAPTER 26. Wedding DATE

As the princess adorned herself in a breathtaking gown, the fabric cascading around her in elegant waves, she couldn't help but feel a sense of vulnerability beneath the layers of silk and lace. The dress, while beautiful, felt like armor of a different kind, shielding her true emotions from the prying eyes of the court.

With delicate hands, she fastened the golden veil around her head, its shimmering threads adding an air of regal sophistication to her ensemble. As she surveyed herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but acknowledge the allure of her appearance, yet beneath the surface, a storm of emotions raged on.

Before she could gather her thoughts, a soft knock echoed through the room, and the maid's voice broke the silence. "Princess, young master Krish and Her Highness the Queen have arrived at the dinner table," she announced respectfully.

With a steadying breath, the princess composed herself, her resolve firm as she prepared to face the challenges ahead. "I am coming," she replied with a calm yet determined tone.

Exiting her chambers, the princess stepped into the corridor, her footsteps echoing softly against the polished marble floors. With each step, she steeled herself for the encounter awaiting her at the dinner table, knowing that her every move would be scrutinized, her every word weighed with significance.

As she approached the grand dining hall, the princess squared her shoulders, ready to face whatever lay ahead. For she knew that in this game of diplomacy and alliances, she was not merely a pawn, but a player in her own right, determined to shape the fate of her kingdom with every breath she took.

Pov of Rina

As I entered the grand dining hall, the opulence of the surroundings enveloped me in a sense of awe. The gilded walls, the sparkling chandeliers, and the long, polished table set with fine china and silverware all spoke of the grandeur of the Kingdom of Verdía. At the head of the table sat Queen Isabella, her presence commanding yet welcoming, and beside her, Prince Krish, his demeanor composed as he conversed with his mother.

Taking a deep breath, I approached the table with measured steps, aware of the weight of everyone's gaze upon me.

I exchanged pleasantries, and I introduced myself as Princess Rina von Dreadnought from the Kingdom of Sovernia. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," I said with a polite nod.

"Welcome, Princess," Queen Isabella greeted me warmly, her voice echoing through the hall with a regal grace. "We are delighted to have you join us.

"With a graceful curtsy, I acknowledged the queen's welcome. "Thank you, Your Highness," I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil of emotions swirling within me.

As I took my seat at the table, flanked by Krish on one side and Queen Isabella on the other .

Queen Isabella inquired about my comfort, to which I replied, "Yes, Your Highness, my stay is comfortable."

"You can just call me Mom," she suggested kindly, adding, "Don't be nervous, since you're going to be our daughter-in-law."

Alright, Your Highness, I mean Mom," I replied, feeling a flutter of shyness at the thought of addressing her so informally.

Krish's voice broke the momentary silence as he asked, "Hey Rina, why are you wearing a veil?"

I hesitated for a moment, collecting my thoughts before replying but before I replied

Queen said Well, it's the custom of the Kingdom of Sovernia, in which a woman only shows her face to her husband. Do you understand, Krish?"

Yes, Mother," Krish responded with understanding.

Queen Isabella then turned her attention back to me, asking, "Rina, do you know when your wedding is going to happen?"

"Pardon!... I don't know," I admitted, surprised by the question.

"The wedding is going to happen next week," Queen Isabella informed me.

"So soon!" Krish exclaimed, voicing the surprise I felt.

"Yes, it is. Is that alright with you, Rina?" Queen Isabella asked, her gaze searching mine for any sign of hesitation.

I hesitated for a moment, feeling the weight of the impending commitment settle upon my shoulders. But eventually, with a nod, I agreed, knowing that this was a step I must take for the sake of my kingdom and the fragile peace between our lands.

Throughout the meal, I found myself drawn into the rhythm of the conversation, my own voice joining the chorus of voices filling the hall. I spoke of my homeland, of its culture and traditions, of the challenges and triumphs that had shaped my people's history.

But beneath the surface of polite conversation, a wellspring of emotion churned within me. With each passing moment, I was reminded of the weight of my responsibilities, of the sacrifices I was expected to make in the name of peace and diplomacy.

As the dinner drew to a close, I rose from my seat, exchanging polite farewells with the royal family of Verdía. Krish's gaze lingered on me for a fleeting moment, and I felt a flutter of something unfamiliar stir within me before I turned to take my leave.

As I made my way through the corridors of the palace, the weight of my duties pressed down upon me, a heavy burden I carried with grace and dignity. For I knew that in the delicate dance of diplomacy and alliances, I was but a single player, navigating a labyrinth of intrigue and ambition in pursuit of a greater purpose.

But as I looked ahead to the days to come, I found within myself a spark of determination, a flicker of hope that guided me forward on this journey into the unknown. And though the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, I walked it with head held high, ready to face whatever challenges lay in store.

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To be continued