Tied to the Throne

chapter three

After my parents finally told me what was going on, it felt as if time had stopped. I couldn't tell you how much time had passed since the news was told, but a feeling of emptiness washed over me.

The dining room had been deserted, well, almost.

Sitting beside the head of the table a few chairs away from me, sat a familiar white fabric. Nikolai. Of course he had to be the only one left.

Why do I have to marry him? He clearly has no desire to even talk to me, let alone like me. How I am I going to spend the rest of my life with a man who does not like me?

I started spiralling again. Thoughts fogged my mind, but the sound of chair legs scraping against tile stopped my thoughts from going any further. His footsteps grew closer. So close in fact that I could feel his looming presence behind me.

"I don't want this either. You're not special." His words brushing against my ear, hot, merely a whisper. I start to feel a blush creeping up my neck, and I am truly thankful I'm facing away from him.

After a few seconds I muster up the courage to retort, but just as I went to respond, the footsteps started up again.

He leaves.

Now I was truly alone. Just like I'm bound to be until the day I die. Because I knew that he would never treat me as a wife, but more as an asset. An asset for his kingdom, and an asset for his benefit.

Finally deciding to get up, I made my way over to arc that welcomed you into the dining room. But unlike when I walked in, this felt anything but welcoming. Faint whispers of my name lured me outside. My parents were waiting for my beside the carriage.

"Arabella! We have been waiting for you for half an hour, where we're you?!" My father's voice was filled with disappointment, and detest.

Ignoring him, I walked past the couple and into the warmth of the carriage. I sat down on the soft cushion, my parents did the same soon after, my father still demanding answer.

"When we get back you're packing your bags." His voice struck once again.

"What?" My voice sounding disoriented and strained as I answer.

"You're going to live in Athline leading up to the wedding."

I tried so hard not to cry, but I start to feel tears welling in my eyes. Tears of rage, tears of sorrow. It was all hitting me now. I was being taken away from my family. Well more like given away, but I couldn't leave Raeywell, It was home. My home.

The rest of the journey home was silent. The only thing being heard was light rustling and sniffles. My mother tried to comfort me every one in a while, but her attempts turned futile, always ending with me hastily shoving her away.

Stepping out of the coach, the bubble of laugher, and comforting smell of freshly baked bread surrounds me. I was going to miss this. My attire now felt too warm for the sun that caressed the kingdom. I didn't mind though.

Making my way through the courtyard, and eventually through the castle, I find my bedroom. Standing in the doorway, I know this will be the last time I'll be in my childhood bedroom. I bathe in the bittersweet moment for a while. But I know I must pack. So finally, I decide to make my way inside. The relief of being able to take off my layers provides a moment of quiet.

I needed a bath. I needed something to relax, I can always pack later. I'm leaving sunrise tomorrow. Well that's what my mother told me. Heading towards the luxurious bathroom, I undid my hair. Soon followed by my clothes once I make it inside and close the door.

I remember his voice. How it made me feel hot. How it made me hate him a little bit less. And I hated that. All he did was speak, how in's gods name could that be hot?

Turning around to get the bath going, Nikolai was still pacing in my mind. The man had not seemed to have left it the moment I made eye contact with him. My head was full of him, and my future, and eye thing I had not wanted, how could this happen-

The chaos of my daydream shattered abruptly as the delicate, porcelain vase collided with the unforgiving tiles, fracturing the spiral I was bound to be dragged farther in to. Blue and purple hydrangeas, once nestled in the vessel, now lay scattered, their delicate petals contrasted against the stark, cold surface beneath. Water, once held captive in the vase, formed small, glistening puddles amid the floral debris.

A sigh of frustration escaped me, echoing the remorse that surged within. My thoughts, captivated by him, had blurred my surroundings, allowing for this unfortunate accident to occur. With a muttered curse at my own distraction, I resigned to clean up the mess later.

This big fucking mess...

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Roughly 40 minutes passed before I decided to get out of the hot, bubbly water. Despite residing in a region known for its warmth, I remained steadfast in my preference for indulging in scorching showers and baths. There's an inexplicable solace found within the depths of such intense heat, a sensation that transcends mere physical comfort. It felt so comforting, and that was something cold water couldn't provide for me.

The plush, fluffy towel enveloped my skin, its softness cocooning me in a gentle embrace that felt as though it molded itself to my body. Absorbing the lingering warmth from the bath, it offered a comforting reassurance.

Once I'd drained the bath and slipped into my cozy night attire, I turned my attention to the scattered remnants of the once-elegant arrangement. Methodically, I began to tidy away the fallen flowers, each delicate bloom a testament to the fleeting nature of beauty. As I meticulously restored order to the tile, my mind shifted gears, focusing on the impending task of packing. The room filled with the quiet rustle of clothes being folded and the rhythmic zipping of bags, signaling the start of a new chapter awaiting beyond these familiar walls.

The cold climate of Athline didn't stop me from packing dresses I would wear here. No, I was determined to get a use out of them. Of course I also packed everything else in my closet (to the best of my abilities).

After decided I had sufficiently packed, I made my way over to the bed. Almost tripping over my own feet along the way. It was early, but I was so tired I decided to sleep anyway. The mattress was perfect. It felt inviting and warm, but I knew I couldn't relish on my love for it too long. For this would be the my last time on it. I fell asleep to the sound of rain pattering against the window.

A soft knock awoke me. I opened my eyes, noticing it to still be dark, and late in the night. I recognised the thump as Mother's. I had learned to leave the door unlocked since the last time. So the knock shortly followed by the door creaking open.

She made her way over to my bed, and seeped under the covers with me as I moved over. We both lay beside each other, enjoying the moment. I had come to the hesitant conclusion that she had no say in the matter of my marriage. But I knew she felt guilty. And my suspicions were confirmed when I heard her mumble an apology, and what somewhat resembled an 'I love you'. I saw a teardrop fall down her rosy cheek, glistening in the moonlight. And in that moment I hugged her tighter than anything.

She always tried her hardest not to cry, especially in front of me. It broke me to see her like this.

For the next hour or so, no words were exchanged. Just the silent comfort of my mother playing with my hair, and the understanding agreement between us.

We were going to miss each other.

Me and my mother both fell asleep, hugging each other dearly.

I love her more than I let on.

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hate this chapter, also i feel like i'm switching tenses, can someone confirm or deny that for me? i'll try to fix it if i am, but it's a habit. thanks for reading :)
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