RULING HEARTS

II - Wedding

Elara stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection in the bridal gown that was supposed to symbolize a beautiful beginning. But all she could feel was a mixture of trepidation and melancholy.

"This is it," she thought to herself, "the beginning of a life with someone who doesn't care about you, who doesn't even want to try."

Her mother bustled around her, fussing over the fit of the dress and the placement of her jewelry.

"You look lovely," said her mother, stepping back to survey her work. "Prince Lucien will be so pleased."

Elara forced a smile to her face, but internally, she was skeptical. The prince had made it clear that he had no interest in emotional entanglements, and she doubted that he cared one way or another how she looked in her wedding dress.

"Come, it's time," her mother said, offering her arm. Elara took a deep breath, steadying herself for the moment when she would walk down the aisle and become the bride of a man who cared more about duty than love.

As she took her place beside the prince, her mind was racing with unspoken thoughts. She looked at him from the corner of her eye, taking in his serious expression and unsmiling face. Internally, she thought, "How could this be the man I'm supposed to spend my life with? He doesn't even look happy to be here." She felt a pang of sadness and resignation, knowing that her wedding day should be one of the happiest days of her life, but instead it felt like a sentence.

The old priest staryed the ceremony, his voice a low and sonorous drone in the hushed chamber.

"We are gathered here today, to witness the joining of Prince Lucien Aurelian and Lady Elara Valrose in holy matrimony," he intoned. "A union destined by fate and forged in the fires of duty."

"Duty...that's all it is," Elara thought to herself, her heart sinking.

"Prince Lucien, do you take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?" asked the priest, turning to the prince. Lucien's voice was firm and steady as he replied, "I do."

The priest turned to Elara. "And do you, Lady Elara Valrose, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?" he asked.

Elara swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat. She knew that her future was now tied irreversibly to a man who did not want her love. But she raised her chin and replied, "I do."

The priest smiled, satisfied. "Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."

Elara suppressed a shiver as the prince took her hand in his, his grip firm but ungentle. She looked into his eyes, searching for any hint of affection or warmth, but all she saw was a stoic detachment.

As they turned to face the crowd, Elara put on a false smile, trying to appear happy and grateful for all the congratulations and well wishes.

But inside, she felt a growing sense of emptiness and despair. She had expected her wedding day to be filled with joy and love, but instead it had turned out to be a hollow formality, a ritual to satisfy their families' ambitions.

After the ceremony, the newlyweds were ushered into a grand reception hall, where guests were gathered to celebrate their union.

The room was opulent and elegant, with candelabras casting a warm glow over the lavish decorations. Servants moved discreetly through the crowd, refilling glasses and offering tidbits of food.

The prince was engaged in conversation with several dignitaries, while Elara stood silently beside him, feeling invisible and alone in the crowded room.

As the evening wore on, Elara stood in the corner of the room, sipping a glass of wine and trying to look engaged. Prince Lucien was holding court with a group of nobles, engaged in animated discussion.

One of the nobles, Sir Marcus, approached Elara and struck up a conversation. "Lady Elara," he said, bowing slightly. "You look beautiful tonight. I must congratulate you on your marriage."

"Thank you," she replied, managing a smile. "It's been a wonderful day."

Sir Marcus chuckled, looking over at the prince. "You must have quite a challenge ahead of you, my lady. The prince is not known for his...affection."

"Yes, I'm aware of his reputation," she said dryly. She could see Lucien across the room, his expression stern and aloof as he spoke with the others. He gave no indication that he was aware of her presence, or concerned with how she was coping with the evening.

Sir Marcus shook his head, clucking his tongue in mock sympathy. "It's a shame, really. Such a catch, and yet so cold and distant. I suppose you'll have to find affection elsewhere."

Elara felt a pang of irritation at his words, but kept her expression neutral. "I'm sure I'll manage," she said, taking a sip of her wine. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to find affection elsewhere when she was now bound to a man who didn't want hers.

"Suit yourself," Sir Marcus said with a shrug. "I wouldn't blame you if you found someone willing to give you the attention you deserve."

Elara's heart skipped a beat at his words. Was he suggesting that she look for a lover? The thought was both attractive and terrifying. Could she be unfaithful to her husband so soon after their wedding?

Before she could respond, the prince suddenly appeared at her side, his expression dark and forbidding. "Excuse us," he said to Sir Marcus, his voice cold. "I need to speak with my wife."

Sir Marcus raised his eyebrows in surprise, but dutifully backed away. The prince took Elara by the arm and steered her through the crowd, towards a secluded corner of the room.

Once they were out of earshot of the others, he released her arm and turned to face her, his gaze sharp and intense. "I saw you talking with Sir Marcus," he said, his voice low and controlled. "What did he say to you?"

Elara felt a pang of nervousness at the look in his eyes. She knew she couldn't lie, but she also didn't want to reveal the full extent of her conversation.

"He...he was just making small talk," she said, keeping her voice steady. "He complimented my dress."

"I saw the way he was looking at you," the prince said, his voice cold. "He's a notorious flirt. You'd do well to avoid his advances in the future."

"I appreciate your concern," she said, trying to keep the sarcasm from her voice. "But I'm perfectly capable of handling myself. I know how to deal with men like him."

"Perhaps you do," he said, taking a step closer to her. "But remember, you are now my wife. It is my responsibility to protect your reputation, and I will not have you being gossiped about as the object of another man's affections."

"I understand," she said, trying to ignore the flutter in her chest at his closeness. "But I don't need you to protect me like a porcelain doll. I'm a grown woman, capable of making my own decisions."

"I recognize that," he said, his eyes narrowing. "But you are now a part of my world, and there are rules that you must follow. You may be a grown woman, but you are also my wife, and I do not take kindly to any kind of...infidelity."

Elara felt a pang of guilt. She knew that she had done nothing wrong, but the tone in his voice made her feel defensive. "I have no intention of being unfaithful," she said, her voice firm. "I took my vows seriously, and I intend to honor them."

"Good," he said, his expression softening slightly. "I am glad to hear that. I am aware that this marriage is not one of love, and I do not expect any romantic gestures from you. But I do expect loyalty and discretion. Is that clear?" he says repeating his words from a few weeks ago.

Her heart sank a little at his words, the reminder that this marriage was nothing more than a business arrangement. She swallowed her disappointment and nodded.

"Yes, I understand," she said quietly. "I won't do anything to disgrace you or your name."