The Royal Contract

5

As the sun rose on the morning of the wedding, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air in Benjamin's kingdom. The streets were adorned with colorful banners and flowers, and the castle gleamed in the early light, a symbol of grandeur and opulence.

Inside the castle walls, servants bustled about, putting the finishing touches on the preparations for the ceremony and festivities to come. The great hall was adorned with tapestries and candelabras, casting a warm glow over the room, while the aroma of freshly cut flowers and sweet pastries filled the air.

In the bridal chamber, servants attended to Miranda's every need, bathing her with gentle hands and expertly styling her hair, but she couldn't shake the sense of dread that weighed heavily on her heart. Despite their efforts to make her look radiant for her wedding day, her inner turmoil remained, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous occasion.

With each passing moment, Miranda's apprehension grew, her thoughts consumed by the prospect of marrying a man she barely knew and, worse still, had come to dislike. Despite her best efforts to find common ground with Ben in the days leading up to the wedding, their interactions had only served to deepen her aversion to him.

As she stood before the mirror, clad in her bridal gown and adorned with jewels, Miranda couldn't help but feel a pang of resentment at the thought of the life that awaited her as Queen of Ben's kingdom. Though she understood the importance of their union for the stability and prosperity of their kingdoms, she couldn't ignore the voice inside her that longed for something more, something she feared she would never find in a loveless marriage of convenience.

Queen Elena, approached her with a gentle expression on her face. Placing a comforting hand on Miranda's shoulder, she met her daughter's gaze in the reflection of the mirror.

"My dear Miranda," Queen Elena began softly, her voice filled with a mixture of empathy and understanding, "I know that this is a difficult day for you."

Miranda's eyes brimmed with unshed tears as she turned to meet her mother's gaze, finding solace in the warmth and compassion reflected in her eyes. "Mother," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion, "I... I can't do this. I can't marry someone I don't love."

Queen Elena's heart ached at the pain she saw in her daughter's eyes, her own eyes shimmering with tears. "I understand, my dear," she replied, her voice gentle yet resolute. "But you must remember that sometimes duty and love are not always aligned."

Miranda shook her head, her brow furrowed with frustration. "But why must I sacrifice my happiness for the sake of duty?" she asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

Queen Elena sighed, her expression filled with empathy as she reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from Miranda's face. "My sweet child," she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness, "sometimes the path we are called to walk is not the one we would have chosen for ourselves. But know that whatever lies ahead, you shall never walk alone."
As they embraced Miranda felt a brief sense of comfort.

Ben stood in the opulent chambers of his palace. Servants also attended to his every need, preparing him for the momentous occasion that lay ahead. With practiced hands, they bathed him in warm water infused with fragrant herbs, their movements precise and efficient.

"Your Highness, if you would kindly lean back," one of the servants instructed, her voice soft and respectful, as she poured water from a silver pitcher over Ben's shoulders.

Ben complied, reclining in the marble tub as steam rose around him, enveloping him in a cocoon of warmth and relaxation. The soothing sensation of the water eased the tension in his muscles, allowing him a moment of respite amidst the flurry of activity that surrounded him.