30 Days As A Substitute Prince

Chapter 11

“We gather here today, to celebrate the union of these two wonderful people...”

The looks on everyone’s faces were nothing less than pleasant as the two lovers beamed brightly at each other. Aria was nothing less than beautiful.   Her smile once again dominated the room, and the dress she wore looked so elegant on her, as if it was made specifically for her every feature.

Chad sat at the far back of the cathedral, trying his best not to feel envy or hurt. This day was bound to come after all, and there was nothing he could do about it. Besides, the two looked happy together, and he knew that Zadkiel would be the perfect husband to Aria.

He could already see it.

“If anyone objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace,” the priest offered as he eyed the crowd in scrutiny. 

What Chad didn’t expect was for every head in the room to turn towards him, as they all watched him expectantly, even Aria and Zadkiel.

Did he object? He didn’t think so. He wouldn’t even dare. So, all Chad did was hang his head, and from the corner of his eyes he watched as each and every person, even Joshua and the two other princesses sighed in relief before turning their attention back to the soon to be wed couple.

See, no one wanted them together. It was never meant to be.

Soon after, the two shared their vows and the wedding was deemed over. Everyone stood and cheered happily as the princess and the prince strolled down the aisle together.

However, when they were at the bench where Chad sat, they suddenly stopped, and Chad lifted his head to look at them both. 

Zadkiel was glaring at him--a look Chad didn’t recognise from his friend. Zadkiel’s eyes were always so bright and kind. Now, they were sharp and demeaning.

“You really thought you could steal my bride? You're nothing but a village artist. You couldn’t have her even in your dreams,” he snarled before leaving with Aria on his side. Everyone filed out after them, leaving Chad by himself in the cathedral as he listened to the celebration going on outside.

He was right. Zadkiel was right and Chad knew it. 

He could never have the princess as his. This was something he realised before it was too late, but that didn’t mean it hurt any less.

All the laughter they shared, all the joy and pain was all an act. And soon the real prince would be back to claim his wife.

It was doomed from the start. He let his heart leap too quickly, and now looked where it led him-- alone in a church with tears stinging his eyes as he watched the woman he was falling for, frolic away with another man.

It was never meant to be.

“It was never meant to be.” The words kept slipping from Chad’s mouth as he stared at the cross ahead of him. It chanted over and over in his mind until he squeezed his eyes shut, wanting it to stop so desperately.

It was never meant to be.

As if immediately, Chad found himself writhing in his seat, until he felt himself drifting back to reality, where he was no longer in a church, but in a bed.

Blinking his eyes open, Chad wiped the layer of sweat that formed on his forehead as he adjusted to reality. Through the window, the sun had already been setting and the heat  in his body was unbearable.

Contradictory, his nerves trembled as he felt like he was freezing out of his skin.

He caught a cold.