In Oculus, a new precedent has been set following the inception of fempires (empires led by non-men). As this precedent set in, King Jonathon Vulgari rose to power. Now in his 18th year of terror, his daughter is suited to take a husband. Yet, all H...
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In the grand hall, Hillary stood on a small podium as the seamstresses twirled her around. They were doing the final fitting for her festival dress, and it felt like torture. After they had made the measurements, the lead seamstress patted Hillary's stomach with the back of her hand. "Leaving no room for the baby, I see," the seamstress said.
Hillary raised her eyebrow. "What baby?" She asked.
"The one you'll conceive on your wedding night, per tradition," the seamstress noted. And it was true. Kela was born just 9 months after Jon and Winnie were married. Realizing that she had an unwanted duty to fulfill, Hillary said, "I will eat to my heart's content if it means that Marauder can't put a baby in me."
The seamstress frowned. "Indignant just like your mother," she hissed. "Now let's get that stomach down." She pulled out a corset that looked about eight sizes two small and said, "Hopefully it fits. This is the largest size we have."
Hillary grew irritated at the backhanded commentary. "So, what is it?" Hillary wondered. "You mad your son wasn't able to ascend to the throne, so you take shots at me?" The seamstress grew quiet, and Hillary knew she'd gotten the upper hand.
At teatime, she told Nandi, "Oh, you should've seen the look on her face when I clocked that her son was a failed betrothal. She must've thought he was a shoo-in cause momma worked in the castle." "And what a sad day that was," Nandi chimed. "But how did Nez become your betrothed?"
"He was the highest bidder," Hillary said dryly. Nandi sighed because this was a preview of her future. To keep the conversation light, she asked, "Is it true that you're in a love triangle with him and another girl?"
Hillary raised her eyebrow. "Who told you that?"
"Castle ramblings say there's another girl in Serenity, but I would pay them no mind," Nandi advised. Hillary did the exact opposite.
EN ROUTE TO: SERENITY
"So who is she?" Hillary asked Nez on their ride to Serenity. "You might as well tell me now."
Nez sighed. "Zola Reaux, a filthy Serene renegade."
Hillary nodded. "Thank you for your honesty."
After this, it was silence. Their betrothal was beginning to feel more dutiful these days. Midway through the trip, Hillary had more questions. "When did you plan on telling me?" She wondered.
Nez looked out the window and pondered his answer. On the one hand, he wanted an amicable relationship with his future wife. On the other, it was none of her business. He'd paid his dowry, so their marriage was a guarantee. "Princess," he said. "We will discuss this matter at a more convenient time. I think that right now we should focus on having a good parade."
"Nonsense," Hillary insisted. "If I'm to marry you, I don't want to be embarrassed by your past follies." "And what of yours?" Nez challenged. "I'm sure you weren't just knitting while living in the castle."
