Arkvine's Bride

1 - The Bride-To-Be

🎵 Thousand Eyes - Of Monsters and Men 🎵

The sky is dark and it is raining nonstop. I'm sitting by the window nook as I silently watch the welkin cry as if it's sympathizing with me. As I listen to the calming raindrops, the governess resumes her lectures, outlining my obligations, and reminding me once again of my responsibilities and duties as a wife.

A wife... Never in my life had I imagined that I would be someone's wife... Yet here I am being taught how to be one. She keeps on reminding me of how should I act every chance she gets. Perhaps worried about a simple mistake that could tarnish the name of the family or how I would embarrass the Gonzalos.

"Lyanna, are you listening?" I looked at the governess, now in her fifties, consistently attired and behaving with grace and elegance. Mula pagkabata ay siya na ang tumayong guro ng pamilya. The Governess of the Gonzalos, the one and only Ruth Hooper. She's from a well-known family of teachers from the capital, the Hoopers. And they have always been in charge of the Gonzalo's well-being and education, even way before my father took over the pack.

I slowly smiled at her, "Yes, I am listening, Lady Ruth."

Tumingin siya ng mariin sa 'kin at bumuntong-hininga. "What did I say, Lyanna?"

"Right after this lecture, I shall go to my room and bathe. Then prepare for my departure, yes?"

She's not happy with how I always have an answer to her questions. Actually, she's not happy with this setup and with me at all. Not happy with me being chosen and living in the mansion with the rest of the family. She strongly dislikes me and my whole being.

She frowned and reminded me again, "The stylists will be waiting in your room right after you bathe. The staff has prepared your dress. Your luggage is already waiting in the portal room. Soren is waiting for you there and you'll be escorted to Arkvine, is that clear?" I nodded.

"Don't forget what you learned from here and behave while you are there, do you understand?"

I nodded once again.

"All right, now off you go and make yourself presentable."

I stood up and slightly bowed my head. Dire-diretso akong naglakad pabalik sa kuwarto ko. It's funny to say that it is my room when It's only been a month since I stayed here at the main mansion. It was never my room. This was never my house and it will never be.

It was a month of unending training, lectures, and awkward dinners with the family. Sitting every damn dinner with your jealous half-siblings, insouciant father, and a displeased matriarch was a nightmare. It was very uncomfortable especially if you know that you are not welcome to this place and this family.

Nang makarating ako sa kuwarto ko ay nakahanda na ang pangligo katulad ng sinabi ni Ruth. I went to the bathroom, took off my clothes, and bathed myself in a rose-infused elixir. Pagkatapos kong maligo ay nakahanda na rin ang mag-aayos sa 'kin. I was lavishly attended by experts who meticulously and fashionably crafted my makeup, hairstyle, dress, and overall look.

I stood up in front of the mirror to see what I looked like after the makeover. They made me wear a black off-shoulder double-breasted mini dress with intricate details such as gold buttons adding to its overall aesthetic. My long hair is deftly arranged into a sophisticated bun fastened with a complementary hairpiece.

The maids and stylists did all of these silently and also left me alone in the room without talking. Hindi ko na rin sila napansin na umalis dahil natulala na lamang din ako sa nakikita ko. They did a terrific job making me look pretty. I'm in awe that simple make-up could change my appearance. Who would've thought that I could look like this... Bathe, decorated, and dressed in expensive clothes to make me look like a princess and a favored child of the Gonzalos.