The Forgotten Kingdom

[MC] Chapter 11: The Wedding Night

Mature content ahead:

From the moment he awoke, he rushed through various meetings for Romar. The King burdened Valor with extra work on most days, and his wedding day was no exception.

Romar often cared more about alcohol and women than his ordained duties, leaving Valor increasingly stressed. The day flew by until Nelsi interrupted a meeting with the court's advisors, "My Lord, it is time."

Valor thanked the advisors and excused himself. Nelsi was telling him it was time to prepare for the wedding, which was quickly approaching.

Nelsi was a commander under Denco. He and Valor have become closer as Denco drifted toward Romar. They never explicitly mentioned their shared opinions of Den, but it was very apparent.

Once, Denco threatened Nelsi with death when he recommended a different approach to a spy situation. Since then, Nelsi has kept quiet around the commander, and Valor does not blame him. He would do the same if he were in that position.

"It sounds as though we will not have to be dragging her down the aisle." Nelsi joked as they walked towards Valor's quarters.

The Prince smiled, thinking of the flushed Brielle he kissed the other day, "No, I do not believe so."

Nelsi smiled. "The Commander did not seem delighted about the news."

They entered his quarters together, and Nelsi shut the door behind him. "Did he mention to you that he approached Romar, challenging our union?"

Nesli sat on a nearby couch while Valor went through his royal garments. "Oh? No, he did not mention that..."

Valor began pulling on the different layers of his garments as Nelsi continued, "He did seem assured in reversing her mind."

The Prince scoffed, "He is too assured of things beyond his authority."

Nelsi laughed, "I am sure you are correct about that, my Lord."

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Brielle sat as Marci and some other ladies put the finishing touches on her hair. She looked upon her reflection.

Her mother had never let her wear rouged lips or cheeks, but today was different. She was a woman marrying a man. Brielle felt like if her mother had been here, she would have understood.

Gold thread from her dress pulled gold highlights from her hair. It was curled on the ends that were down, and the top part was pulled up.

A lady was rubbing oil onto her hands when she winced from pain, and the woman gave her an apologetic smile. When her hands were returned to her, she noticed bruises surrounding her wrists.

She felt disgusted knowing there was a reminder stained on her body from the night's events. Marci broke her from her thoughts before they could spiral anymore, "You are ready, your Highness."

______

Brielle took a sharp breath as two large doors opened before her. She first noticed the sheer number of people in the room.

Brielle looked about herself, and noticed a familiar face. A beautiful woman that had similar eyes to Valor, but hair that was of fire and smoke. She felt some relief knowing his sister Harpsie was smiling back at her.

Valor saw Brielle look at the sea of faces, with a steady panic rising on her face. When she finally met his eyes, he gave her a warm smile.

She smiled back and began down the aisle. He breathed a sigh of relief. A part of him feared that she would turn around and run away. But she did not do that.