Chapter 2: Different From The Rumors

Asteria>

"Your Highness, your bride is on her way," Camden, Prince Ethan's aide informed him.

Ethan stopped what he was doing, as a bright smile appeared on his face.

"She finally decides to show up, I thought I would have to go to her country just to bring her here," Ethan scoffed, but one could see that he had an excited smile.

"Why did you decide to get married to Princess Adelaide?" Camden asked. He was still confused by this. But then again, Ethan was not one to take drastic actions, there must have been a perfect reason for his decisions.

"Isn't this the best way to end the war? You have always wanted me to end the war, and I have called it off, why do you keep asking questions?" Ethan asked with visible confusion on his face.

"I know, but I believe there is a better way to end the war, than getting married to the Princes of Dystopia, the Elders would not be happy with this, and although they are not complaining in your presence, I have heard rumors about them being dissatisfied with your decision," Camden explained to him.

"Is that so? I had no idea the Elders would want to teach me how to take care of my country, this is such an eye-opener," Ethan laughed, but with obvious distaste.

He did not take the Elders seriously, as they had shown how incompetent they are. Ethan did not need their approval.

"But, Your Highness, the Elders have been in power for a long time, I don't think it is proper to dismiss their worries," Camden sighed.

Ethan had always been a stubborn Prince. Camden still wondered how he was able to cope with Prince Ethan's erratic mood.

"Ohh, they have been in power for long? I guess it is time for them to retire, that aside, do you know when my bride would arrive? I can't wait to see her," Ethan effectively changed the topic.

He did not want to listen to anything regarding the elders. They were such a nuisance.

Camden exhaled. It was a hassle to work with Ethan.

"Dystopia is quite far from Asteria, she should be arriving in three weeks' time," Camden replied.

"Three weeks? That is too far, I want to see my bride," Ethan complained.

"Your Highness, I feel it is best you let her stay on the road for a while, it will give her time to adjust to the news, after all, you have such a horrible reputation, so she needs to adjust to being your bride," Camden advised.

Ethan turned silent, as he quietly considered Camden's words.

"You are right, I should wait for her then, meanwhile, let's visit those traitors, don't you think?" Ethan had a mysterious smile on his face as he rose from his seat.

Camden silently lit a candle for the people in the dungeon. Ethan always got excited when it came to torturing the truth out of people, and the three people in the dungeon just happened to betray him, which was a crime Ethan despised.

Dystopia>

Adelaide's carriage moved at a normal pace.

"Princess, don't look out the window, you could catch a cold easily," Marie suggested.

"I'm fine, I might not get to see these trees anymore, so it is best I enjoy the sight while I leave," Adelaide replied as she admired Dystopia's beauty.

The carriage turned silent at Adelaide's words.

In the carriage, there were two people, that was Adelaide and Marie.

While outside the carriage was the coachman and Kael who was Adelaide's bodyguard.

"Everything will be fine, Princess," Marie consoled her, and Adelaide nodded, though she did not take it to heart.

"Do you have any idea when we will arrive at Asteria?" Adelaide asked.

"If we do not encounter any trouble, three weeks should be enough," Marie answered, and the carriage turned silent.

*Three Weeks Later*

"Princess, I can see the Asterian Tower, we should be entering the city tomorrow," Marie happily informed Adelaide who looked pale.

"That's good," Adelaide replied. She was not as excited as Marie was.

During the past three weeks, they always stopped their journey during the night. They could not travel during the night, so they would set up tents.

Fortunately, rivers were present in the locations where they set their tents, so they could take their bath.

As for dinner, they would have roasted carbs or animals.

Adelaide had fallen ill two days ago, which is the reason for her pale face, and her looking listless.

"Princess, have this, it will help you regain your color, you have been less energetic these past two days, Prince Ethan would not want to see you this way," Marie said, as she handed Adelaide a bowl of black liquid.

Adelaide instinctively frowned on seeing the liquid.

"I will take it later, I would rather not have it now," Adelaide rejected it immediately.

Marie sighed.

"Alright Princess," Marie nodded as she put the bowl away.

*The Next Day*

The carriage finally made its way into the city, and due to the Dystopian emblem on the carriage, it brought the citizens' attention to it.

The citizens were aware that their Crown Prince was getting married to the Princess of Dystopia.

They had praised Prince Ethan when they heard the news. They felt that this was the best way to end the war, and having a beautiful Princess would increase the prestige of both countries.

Finally, the carriage arrived at the Palace of Asteria.

"Wow," Marie exclaimed when she saw how big the Palace was. It was two times bigger than Dystopia.

Ethan and Camden, alongside a young girl were waiting outside the Palace. They were about to welcome Adelaide and her aides.

Adelaide smiled as she stepped down from the carriage with the help of Marie.

"She is beautiful, but why does she look pale?" The young girl asked as she observed Adelaide who took slow steps while she approached them.

"She must be worn out, Dystopia is quite far, so I believe she must be tired, what she needs is a good bath, and a good rest," Camden replied, and the little girl nodded.

Ethan, on the other hand, stood still, completely entranced by Adelaide's beauty and elegance.

"Greetings, Your Highness, Princess Adelaide from Dystopia greets you," Adelaide curtsied as she greeted him with a bow.

"Prince Ethan greets Princess Adelaide," Ethan smiled.

"How was your journey?" Ethan asked, his face could not mask the concern he felt.

Adelaide was taken aback. Ethan did not act like what the rumors made him to be.

The rumors said he was ruthless, and aggressive, but the person who was standing in front of her was entirely different from the rumors.

She did not know if her eyes were playing tricks on her, but he was entirely different from what she expected him to be.