A Traveler's Curse

Chapter 7- The Reluctant Bride

I swiftly make my way back to the amenity of my bed chambers, my heart pounding in my chest. As I enter, I find Keana impatiently waiting for me. I can see the anticipation in her eyes, knowing she was probably ready to style my hair for this stupid wedding. The thought of it makes me feel queasy, my stomach churning with unease. I know my mother and the other ladies would be bustling about, attending to their duties in preparation for tonight's event. But deep down, I can't shake the overwhelming dread of marrying a man I despise.

"Kyla... If I may speak honestly," she says, her voice laced with concern.

  
I nod, grateful for her candidness. "Of course, Keana."

  
"I saw you just now, in the gardens, with Sir Rowan," She began, her words cutting through the air. "And, with all due respect, your highness, as a friend, I must ask, what the hell are you doing?"

  
Her words catch me off guard. How could she be so hypocritical? The frustration wells within me, fueling my response. "I saw you weeks ago, in the gardens, with my brother, our king!" I retort, my voice tinged with anger. "So, let me ask you this, what the hell are you doing?"

Her eyes widen in surprise as my words hang in the air. But then, her gaze softens, and I see the understanding flicker in her eyes. "You're right, I was foolish and thoughtless. I allowed my desires to cloud my judgment, and I should not have betrayed your trust. That was hypocritical of me."

"Keana, I understand," I said softly, reaching out to touch her arm. "We've both made mistakes, and I don't want this to come between us. But I can't deny the truth. I don't love Kieran, and I can't bear the thought of a life spent in a loveless marriage. And I do love Rowan. Very much."

Her eyes brim with compassion as she takes in my words. "I know. I'll stand by you, no matter what. I understand because I love Aldrin and now I must watch him marry someone else. Sir Rowan and I are the same in that way, I suppose."

"Help me get ready for the wedding," I say, determination seeping into my voice.

With Keana's assistance, I slip into the breathtaking jade green wedding dress, its voluminous skirt adorned with delicate gems and diamonds that glisten under the light. The sweetheart neckline accentuates my figure, making me look every bit like a fairytale bride.

Once my dress is on she expertly begins to style my curly red hair, taming the spirals and tangles. She adds jade flowers to match the gown, pulling the entire look together. As I gaze at my reflection in the mirror, I can't help but acknowledge how stunning I appear. However, today is a day of surrender as I prepare to wed Kieran. The thought of him entering my bedchamber tonight twists my stomach with a sickening feeling. Today, I will lose my freedom.

Just as the weight of my impending fate threatens to consume me entirely, Sila and Caitir enter the bedchamber. Only a couple of hours remain until the wedding, and they, too, look stunning. We gather by the fireplace, seeking comfort in the numbing effects of whiskey and ale, hoping it would dull the pain and uncertainty that plague me. How the fuck would I get through today? Tonight?! I might just gouge my own eyes out.

Sila and Caitir offer words of consolation and reassurance, attempting to ease my burdened heart. But their efforts fall flat, they could not understand the unrest that ravages my soul. As if timed perfectly, the doors to my bedchamber swing open, revealing the face of Rowan.

He bows before me, his voice steady as he addresses me as "Your Highness." But his eyes tell a different tale. I can see the pain that lurks within them, a reflection of the forbidden love we share. I long to reach out to him, to offer comfort in this moment of despair, but I know better. The weight of this dangerous secret weighs heavily on my heart.