Cursebound Hearts

Rozdział ósmy

As Winona stood before the grand doors of the hall, a knotted feeling twisted in her stomach. The doors opened before her, revealing the opulence within—an elaborate scene of grandeur adorned with flickering candles casting dancing shadows on the walls.

The grand hall was a breathtaking display of wealth and power. Opulent decorations adorned every corner, and a sea of candles bathed the space in warm, flickering light. The air was thick with anticipation, and the assembled guests, members of the royal court, and curious onlookers turned their gaze toward the entrance.

Winona reluctantly stepped into the hall, the rich fabric of her gown trailing behind her. The crowd parted, their eyes trained on the unexpected arrival. The atmosphere buzzed with whispers, and the members of the court exchanged intrigued glances.

Her path led her through the sea of guests, their eyes following her every move. The elaborate altar loomed before her, crafted from darkened wood and adorned with ancient motifs that seemed to resonate with an otherworldly energy. The candles flickered as if acknowledging her presence in this ceremonial space.

Winona's steps echoed through the hall, the hushed murmurs growing louder as she approached the altar. She felt the weight of the gown and the heavy expectations that now rested on her shoulders. The grandiosity of the event was not lost on her, and the knowledge of the curses that befell the previous queens lingered in the back of her mind.

The air crackled with a strange energy, a blend of anticipation and trepidation. The members of the court, adorned in their resplendent attire, observed Winona with a mix of curiosity and speculation. Whispers passed through the crowd, speculating on the mysterious bride who had captured the attention of their king.

The altar, a symbolic stage for the impending union, awaited Winona at the end of her path. Its darkened wood seemed to absorb the candlelight, creating an almost mystical aura. The ancient motifs carved into the altar hinted at a history steeped in tradition and, perhaps, darker secrets.

As she stood before the altar, Winona's gaze shifted from the intricacies of the woodwork to the sea of expectant faces. The court and its guests were silent, awaiting the unfolding of this unexpected union. The atmosphere hung heavy with anticipation, and Winona couldn't shake the feeling that the very air around her was charged with the weight of the kingdom's history.

Reluctantly, she took her place before the altar, the heavy gown settling around her like a cloak of destiny.

As Winona stood before the altar, she could sense his presence even before turning slightly to meet his piercing blue gaze. King Aurelius, majestically dressed from head to toe, exuded an imposing aura that only heightened her disdain. He was cloaked in a large black fur coat, both ends held together by intricate silver chains that seemed to shimmer in the flickering candlelight.

His attire spoke of power and opulence, a stark contrast to the torment Winona had endured in the days leading up to this unholy union. The grandiosity of his appearance did little to mask the dark shadows that clung to his presence, shadows that hinted at a history of tragedy and the ominous fate that befell those who dared to stand beside him.

Winona turned her eyes away, refusing to be swayed by the visual spectacle of his regal attire. The elaborate coat seemed to encapsulate his formidable presence, emphasizing the ruthless nature of the man standing beside her. The chains, though ornate, carried an air of captivity, a symbol of the fate that awaited her as Draconovia's newest queen.

The grand hall, with its ornate decorations and silently observing court, framed the tense tableau of the bride and groom. The flickering candles cast shadows on their figures, adding an eerie ambiance to the ceremony. The air was thick with unspoken tension, and Winona's gaze lingered on the ancient motifs carved into the altar, as if seeking solace or guidance in the face of impending doom.