"Ow!" I almost scream as the corset is pulled even tighter. At this point I can barely breathe.
"Oh my, dear I apologise, but I'm almost done." Ava's voice is sincere.
After an hour or so of trying on dresses with my seamstress, whose name I learnt to be Ava. We finally decided on a gorgeous ball gown.
It was a plain dark green with embroidered details along the bust. It was truly breathtaking, but the corset I had to wear was not. I was told by Tina that Nikolai and I were to match. So in turn he would have the same shade of green on.
Earlier today I had been made aware of a ball happening tonight. But not just any ball, no, an engagement ball, my engagement ball. For some reason unknown to me, Nikolai didn't think I would be fit from knowing about this until the day of it taking place. Absolute idiot.
The timing of the ball is strange, considering the wedding is in only a weeks time. Which is starting to creep up on me.
I'm fucking terrified!
But back to the ball. Nikolai said it's being hosted to prove the legitimacy of our marriage. He said hosting a ball will being all the kingdoms together and hopefully prove that this is a true marriage of love. Love my ass. This is nothing of love, only power. A way for my father and Nikolai to gain power.
And to my dismay I'm being forced to wear this dammed corset and high heels. Which to be fair aren't as bad, just an inconvenience. And Ava is lovely, she reminds me of my mother in a way.
"Okay you're all done. You look beautiful hunny" Ava said as she finished up on my hair and makeup. Normally myself or Tina would do this, but Tina is busy with helping set up the ballroom for tonight.
It's currently 6:30, half an hour until the ball starts. But I know royals are never one to be late, rather early actually. So I better head down just in case.
So, I thank Ava and leave my room.
As I walk out and down the stairs towards the ball room, I start to smell the amazing aroma of food, and the sound of violins and piano.
After almost getting lost I find the room. Entering, I look around, there's extraordinarily decorations all around the large room. The architecture is fabulous; high ceilings, and silver adornments. But the first thing I see is a chandelier hanging in the middle of the room. It's crystal, and even bigger than the one in the dining room. The candles flames reflect off of it, making to look truly magical.
"Arabella!" A males voice calls me.
Looking for the source of the voice I find Benedict, standing next to Matteo. I make my way over to them excitedly. Even though I've only known them for a week or so, they have become close to me. I enjoy spending time with them.
"Benedict, Matteo! It's so nice to see you, I was worried you wouldn't be here." I had made a slight connection to the two, they were both very nice and welcoming to me.
"Oh of course we would! You look gorgeous by the way Arabella." Matteo compliments me.
I only smile back, as I go to hug them both. "Do you know if anyone has arrived early?" I ask.
"No, I don't believe so - ah, Nikolai is finally here!" Benedict says with a smile.
Oh god, here we go.
Turing around I see Nikolai. He's obviously wearing his fabric covering. But he also has a black suit on with an all-too familiar shade of green on his tie. And as much as I hate to admit it, he looks hot.
He turns to look at me, I can tell he is looking me up and down - studying me. Trying to find a way to critique me. Why else would he be staring at me?
Nikolai P.O.V
She looks beyond breathtaking. Her brunette hair curled perfect, and the makeup she's wearing makes her brown eyes stand out. But most of all her dress. The way it makes her look. Oh god, the things I would do-
Stop! Jesus what are you thinking, you can't think like that!
After checking her out for a bit too long, I make my way over them all.
Arabella P.O.V
He makes his way over to us. Once he's over here, he looks at me again, "You look nice."
Sorry? Did the Nikolai Witlock just tell me I looked nice? I must be hallucinating. "I-uh thank you, you as well." I manage to stutter out.
Another voice saves my embarrassment from getting any worse, "Your highnesses, the royal family of Fernvale has arrived." Tina comes to inform us.
We both mutter out our thank you's then start to walk to the front door.
"You have to at least pretend like you love me, princess. That's what this is all for, so put a smile on your face and suck it up." Nikolai tells me.
I forgot I have to do that; act like Nikolai is the love of my life. 'That's we're getting married. Not because I was forced into this', keep telling yourself that.
Once we make it to the front, I am hit with cold air, making me shiver. Nikolai seems to notice and puts his hand around my waist in an attempt to provide me some warmth. I hate how the things he does makes my face heat up. I hate how I'm starting to not hate him. Despite being nothing but rude to me, I somehow am starting to fall for him. How?
"Prince Nikolai! Hello, where are your parents?" A deep, warm voice welcomes. I look at the man. He is wearing a suit much like Nikolai's, only a different tie. He has short, light blonde hair and a green earring. He looks friendly, and kind.
"King Phillip, Hello. Yes, the are down south currently for business." Nikolai replies with a smile.
"Ah- Oh! Who is this?" The king asks.
"This is my fiancé, Princess Arabella." Hearing Nikolai call me his fiancé is strange, and it makes everything feel a little too real.
As I smile at the king. I look behind him and see the rest of this family getting out of the carriage. There is three boys, and one woman.
The woman also looks kind, with dark hair, and a black dress on. She's very pretty. The three boys I assume to be brothers. Two have brown hair and one has blonde. The blonde one looks young, along with one of the brunettes. The last brother looks around my age, or older. And I can't help to shake this feeling of familiarity as I look at him.
They walk over to us, the blonde leading. Once they all make their way over, we greet them.
"The Teckett family! Welcome to Athline. This is my fiancé, princess Arabella," Nikolai introduces me.
"Well hello, you're gorgeous love. I'm Queen Lilly, but just call me Lilly, pleasure to meet you." The dark haired woman greets me, her voice is soft. I shake her hand.
"I'm Ashton- Prince Ashton! And this is Prince Gregory," the blonde introduces himself and his younger brother. He's very loud. I smile at his enthusiasm.
The last brother yet to say anything though. His gaze stays on the ground, but with the nudge of an elbow from his mother, he looks up at me. As we connect eyes, I get this eerie feeling. I know this man. "Will," is all he says.
Will.
Who are you? Why do I know you?
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next chapter will be the actual ball! also sorry for the pov change half way through... thank you for reading :)
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Tied to the Throne
Romance"This marriage is nothing but an alliance to me. Don't expect anything else, because you won't get it. I will never love you." "It felt as if my parents had tied me to the throne. Tied me to him." - A princess and a prince, forced into a marriage th...
