A Song of Roses

CHAPTER V

The moon shone brightly in the night sky, its light sparkling gracefully off the palace as our carriage came to a stop. The palace's walls were surrounded by a large garden full of white roses, their petals gently swaying in the evening wind. A footman swung open the door of the carriage and helped me step out of the carriage into the warm air, the night breeze blowing through my hair. I stood there for a moment, staring at the splendour that was my new home. As the footman helped the prince move out of the carriage, William turned to me, his hand stretching out to mine. I took his hand in mine, its warmth surrounding my palm and caressing the skin. His fingers were laced between mine, and his grip was gentle yet firm. "Welcome to Zepha."

"Your things will be transferred to our chamber, and your lady-in-waiting—Alina? will be on her way tomorrow." He said this as we moved towards the grand stairs. I lifted my dress slightly as I followed behind him, the fabric flowing gently down my legs. The air was filled with an atmosphere of grandness and beauty, and I felt a sense of awe as I took in the splendour of this palace. We entered, and I was overwhelmed by the sight of the line of gardes, maids, and servants standing. They all bowed as I passed by, and I felt like a queen, not just a princess. The number of people paying reverence and bowing before me was unexpected. I was nervous and overwhelmed.

A lady came bowing before me, her tone of voice gentle and polite. "Your grace," she said, telling me to follow her. The lady led me down a long hallway to a set of double doors, where she opened them and ushered me inside. The room was lush and regal. There was a large bed at the centre of the room, its sheets strewn with pillows and blankets, and the carpet beneath my feet was soft and plush. More ladies came to my side, each assisting in taking off the dress. They were efficient and quick in their actions, and I felt the dress being stripped away from my body. This felt odd and awkward, but I kept quiet and let them do their job. Soon, I was left wearing only my undergarments, and I could feel the cool air touch my skin. They proceeded to remove the hair pins, brushing my hair out softly and letting the locks flow freely. They combed through the strands of my hair with gentle fingers, making sure that it was neat and tidy. Once my hair was undone, they removed the necklace and bracelets I was wearing. The ladies eventually removed my corset, their fingers working gently to loosen and untie the ties. My body felt relaxed now that the tight constriction was gone, and I sighed with ease as they finally pulled the corset off my body. The ladies then put on a soft and silky nightgown on me. The nightgown was soft and lightweight, its fabric clinging nicely to my body and filling me with comfort. It had a loose-fitting shape, wrapping loosely around my curves as I ran my fingers over the silk. The colour was light and airy, a gentle shade of pale blue that complemented my skin tone.

As the maids finished, each said their good night quietly, leaving the chamber one by one, each with a soft smile and a respectful bow. leaving me alone in the dimly lit chamber. Only candles were lighting it up; the small flickering flames created subtle dances of light on the walls. The chamber was decorated in red tones, and the walls were covered in a vivid shade of crimson. The bed was draped in a plush golden fabric, a stark contrast to the bold red wallpaper. The grand windows were covered with red curtains, casting the chambers in a soft crimson light. My eyes caught the fireplace opposite me, its glowing firelight filling the room with an air of warmth. He is going to come any moment now... I can't bed him; I am too afraid. My thoughts began to run wild with fear as the moment of intimacy drew near. The prospect of being intimate with a man who meant nothing to me was terrifying, and I could feel my stomach twisting in knots at the thought of it.

The golden doors swung open, and the prince stepped into the entrance of the chamber. The moment we locked eyes, my heart dropped to my feet, and I felt a wave of terror wash over me. He looked beautiful yet frightening in the candlelight, his eyes bright and intense as they met mine. The prince's attire was all white. His nightshirt was white silk, its fabric sleek against his skin. The contrast of white against his fair skin made him look even more handsome and elegant, yet it also gave him a mysterious air. The prince's neckline was low-cut, exposing a glimpse of his pale neck and the delicate skin of his shoulders. I stood still, my eyes fixated on the floor, unable to meet his gaze. His steps were slow and steady, one after the other, slowly bringing him closer to where I stood. His soft fingers landed on my chin, gently lifting my face. The touch of his fingers made me flinch, and I felt a wave of dread wash over me. I looked up at him, our eyes locked in an awkward standoff. The prince's gaze was deep and intense, as if he were looking right through me. I struggled to maintain my composure, my breath catching in my throat. "You look astonishing," he said softly, his eyes still locked on mine. His tone of voice was gentle and complimentary, yet there was a faint hint of mischief in his eyes. I could feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. His lips were inching ever closer to mine, and my fears and reservations were rising within me. Just when I thought he would close the gap between us, I blurted out the unexpected. "I would like to sleep in another chamber," I said softly, my voice shaky and trembling with uncertainty. His confusion was evident on his face, and he looked at me in momentary disbelief. "I beg your pardon?" He inquired with a hint of surprise in his voice. "I would like to sleep in another chamber." I repeated myself, my voice more firm yet still trembling. "I dread the darkness." An excuse was let out as I looked away from his expression.

Stupid! Stupid girl, What are you doing?!

I took a step back, feeling my heart beating faster out of fear and relief. "May I ask you something?" He said it, his voice quiet and serious. "Yes?" my voice still trembling. "Are you afraid of me, Princess?" The prince questioned calmly and eloquently, both hands clasped behind his back. "Nay," my word coming out as more of a murmur than a confident answer. His gaze remained intense and focused. William looked at me with a look of curiosity, his mouth curling into a slight smile. "Very well then," he said, his tone still firm yet calm. "I'll have one of the maidservants come to help you settle in. The palace is yours; choose any chamber you desire. Good night, dear wife," he said, his words carrying a hint of sarcasm. The grand door opened immediately after a single knock from the prince. I felt a wave of relief wash over me as he left the chamber, and I felt a moment of freedom once I was alone. I took a deep breath, the tension of the moment slowly fading. However, the tension returned once I remembered that the maids would be arriving shortly to help me settle in for the night. I sat on the edge of the bed, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment as the reality of the situation set in. a wedding night of nothing...

The maiden came into the chamber, looking confused to see that I was still awake and alone. She showed me another chamber that was just as luxurious as the first one, with a chandelier full of candles lighting the space. The chamber was grand and spacious, and the light from the chandelier gave the space a soft and calming atmosphere. "Do you want me to stay here, your grace?" The maiden asked, her tone soft and delicate. "No, thank you," I replied quietly. I felt a slight sense of guilt for rejecting her help, but the thought of having someone else in the room made me feel even more uncomfortable. She curtseyed politely, respecting my wishes and leaving the room without another word. I settled onto the bed, hoping to find some much-needed rest after the tumultuous day.