Fated To The Fae King

Chapter 6

▪️G O L N A R▪️

"I can't believe him..." I muttered.

As I processed the news that I was to marry the Fae King Alaric, a torrent of emotions roiled within me. Shock, disbelief, and a twinge of fear mingled together, threatened to overwhelm my senses. My heart pounded in my chest, echoing the weight of my uncertain future.

I could feel numerous Fae eyes on me as I left the courtyard. Their gaze, filled with a mixture of curiosity and disdain, seemed to sear into my skin. It was as if they already knew what was to come, while I stood on the precipice of an unknown destiny.

Thyra, one of Alaric's trusted advisors, walked beside me in solemn silence. Her ethereal presence was both comforting and unsettling. I stole a glance at her face, surprised at the burn scars that were etched into her skin. Some traced a path along her cheek, like delicate rivers forged by a tumultuous firestorm.

As my gaze shifted, I noticed that the burns did not confine themselves to her face alone. They continued down her neck, disappearing underneath the collar of her clothing. Her hands, weathered and strong, bore their own share of scars.

There was a grace in the way she carried herself, a quiet confidence that belied the marks of struggle. Her scars, far from diminishing her beauty, added a depth and character that made her presence even more striking.

Unfortunately, my thoughts pulled me away from my silent observation as my mind began to whirl again with the prospect of becoming Alaric's bride.

At my heavy sigh, Thyra spoke, "You seem troubled, My Lady."

Choking on a bitter laugh, I responded, "One could say that..."

Her gaze lingered on me, intense and probing, but she did not say anything. Her dark eyes seemed to delve deep into my soul, as if searching for the unspoken fears and doubts that plagued me.

In the past, I would have remained silent, but remembering how Mahala and Izara told me to give others a chance, I figured that I would place some trust in Thyra. Especially as it seemed like Alaric trusted her greatly.

"I must confess, this is all too much to take in. I mean, having to marry Alaric was the last thing that I would have expected," I admitted.

Thyra's gaze softened, and she nodded sympathetically, "I understand, but please know that King Alaric is a fair and just ruler. He will treat you with the utmost respect and kindness."

I appreciated her reassurance, but the weight of my impending marriage still pressed heavily upon me as I replied, "Well, I don't know him well enough to judge. He's still a stranger to me, a former rival even."

"Fair enough, My Lady. Trust takes time to build, especially in matters as weighty as these."

"Please, call me Golnar..."

Thyra nodded and we fell into a comfortable silence and continued along the path as we walked through the large castle. The tension in the air was palpable as Thyra and I manoeuvred our way through the opulent halls of the.

I could not help but notice the disdainful glares of the Fae handmaidens who watched our progress. Their delicate features twisted with scorn; their gazes fixed on me. It was a familiar feeling; one I had experienced many times before among the orcs. These Fae were judging me, I was certain, because of my orcish blood.

I stole a sidelong glance at Thyra, whose graceful demeanour seemed impervious to the hostile stares. There was something else about her that drew their attention, something I could not quite put my finger on.