𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐮𝐞𝐬

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓

.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡love me not+..｡*ﾟ+

After Claude left after a cup of cozy tea. I layed on the silken bed, motionless.

"Is this truly the right way?"

I murmured slightly as I felt a heavy weight upon my shoulders, the realization slowly creeping up on me.

I was going to be the Empress of this country. The thought itself seemed surreal, but the thought of being married was a news that still seemed astounding. 

"Lady Alexandra, may I come in?" Selena said near the door. "Come in, Selena." I said as I tiredly stood up from the bed, the coldness of the bedsheets leaving my fingertips. Selena came in with a tea tray, and started to clean up the tea cups and leftover desserts. "How did the meeting go, Miss?" 

"Let's get ready for a wedding, it's going to be held soon." I said as I walked over to my desk. "Did you accept his majesty's proposal, my lady?" Selena asked joyfully. She started to jot down the plans in a paper scroll lying in my desk. "Let's see...it seems like your wedding will be held in the palace courtyard, at May 1st, is it right, my lady?" 

"Yes, it seems as if Claude is in a bit of hurry to get it over with. I reckon he wants to stop the opposition from positioning someone from their side to be the empress. Well, it's a bit of a understandable situation, really.." I said, my voice trailing off. Selena's face seemed slightly sad. 

"Lady Alexandra, I know you always wished for a happy wedding with your loved one..are you happy about this? Is this truly what you wish for?" She asked, her face rueful, filled with unease. She nervously started to clench onto her silken apron. "Oh..I'm sorry my lady, it seems as if I asked you a rather rude question. I shall not implore you to answer this." She said. 

I had also pondered over the very same question. Will this marriage truly benefit me in a slightest? But if I don't, who shall? Who shall lead this country?

"Oh no, it's alright. Claude is rather a polite young man, you see. He will make a great husband and a ruler, and I shall do my best to assist him, that's all. There are couples whole actually get along as friends, even among political marriage, you see." I said, keeping up my smile as I turned to her. Selena's face got brighter, and she let out a sigh of relief. "I just wish the best for you, my lady. Even when your young, I loved to take care of you as your nanny and also as your friend. I'm glad that you are finally getting married with someone you care for." She beamed as she finished her sentance. 

I managed to crack a smile as Selena started humming, her face twinkling at the thought of my marriage. 

But will I truly have a happy marriage? Or was it just a wishful thinking?

.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡

The palace was bustling with energy. Hundreds of servants hurried along the echoing chambers, getting ready for the big wedding ceremony that has yet to come. The luxurious silk lined up the courtyard, and blooming roses decorated the gardens. The sun was shining brightly in the late afternoon light. soothing melody glided softly across the garden, it's music dimming as the time for the wedding ceremony dawned near. In the room of the empress, servants busied themselves at getting The newly crowned Empress ready for the wedding. They adorned her with jewelary, and puffed out a sweet-smelling perfume, it's smoke leaving trails. 

"My lady, you are truly looking magnificent today!" Selena said as she gasped at me. 

My long hair was lovingly combed into a half-down hair. The locks were all cleaned thoroughly, and had slight waves at the end. The wedding dress was intricate and beautiful, with little drops of diamond adorning the frills. The necklace shimmered in the chandlier, its beauty unrivaled. The face has been adorned with various makeup. lips pink and rosy hues on my face, it was a face that would be acceptable for the ceremony. However, the expression of the wearer was a bit crumpled. 

"Do I deserve to marry him?"

"He surely has someone else in his heart.."

The thoughts akin to sharp glass kept poking my throbbing heart. Selena and the other handmaids, fortuntely took no notice of my changings. 

"Lady, do you want to take a look at the alter? His highness decorated it beautifully, just for you!" Selena blurted out, her face excited. "Sure, let's go there." I said as I smiled towards her. With a heavy step, I walked out to take a peek at the scenes. And lo and behold, the exquisite scene came to view. The guests were seen wearing the best cloth and jewelary for this day. I could see my father and mother looking happy, but albeit a bit sad about today. I could see the fading sunset, as the night sky was slowly emerging. 

"The wedding ceremony will began soon, my lady." Selena whispered to me. I slowly let out a small breath, and smiled softly. 

Then, I walked out into the bright light, into the shining future.

.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡

"Will the groom take his bride as his rightful and lawful wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"Yes." replied Claude in a calm voice.

"Then, will the bride take her groom as her rightful and lawful husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?"

"Yes." I also said.

"Then, you may kiss the bride." the priest said as he turned to Claude. 

Then, I was met with a soft but warm kiss. 

The first kiss that I had ever got.

I saw the people around us smile and congratulate Claude for the wedding. I smiled next to him, feeling quite happy I truly believed this was happiest day in my whole life. 

"My lady, it's approaching night soon, let's get ready for the first night." Selena said, her eyes sparkling mischeviously. I felt my cheeks heat up with soft, rosy hues. 

"Silence Selena, we can't talk about that here.." I trailed off, unable to resist Selena's sturdy cluthes. Then, I was dragged off into the chambers once again.

.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡

[3rd person's point of view]

The night was slowly approaching, the hidden stars starting to light up the night sky. The newly crowned Empress, with her dark blue hair and a deep ocean hues was grasping her skirt, feeling that an anticipated event will be starting soon. Then, the two kissed, and she fell softly into the sheets.

It was a long night, for him and her.

The night was deep, and their hearts entertwined.

.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡.｡*ﾟ+.*.｡

Hello everyone, this is the end to the reminiscing by the main character (Alexandra). Due to some exams & events happening in my life, I was unable to post often, and I apologize for that. I will try my best to post more often from now on. Thank you for reading this fanfiction, and i hope you will enjoy the future chapters.

Thank you!

Sincerely,

INQU1SITIVE