Thorns of Arrangement (f/f arranged marriage / enemies to lovers)

Deception

Light cast through the room forcing my eyes open. I sat up straight and put a palm to my forehead. I was meeting Alvena's council today, and I hadn't even risen for breakfast.

The bath was rushed and I dressed quickly, taking an extra look at my simple white dress with leather around the waist. I hoped to fit in with her council and it was the only outfit I felt they'd respect. No frills.

I pranced out the room and into the dining area to see father, Crynthan and Alvena discussing simplicities. It was refreshing scenery and I made my way to my seat to join in.

"And your personnel said what exactly?" Crynthan laughed, nearly spitting out his food. I grinned at his boyish spirit.

"He said, 'Haven't you seen a cock with colorful feathers before?' As though I'd ever seen a peacock." She exclaimed with a subtle and adorable snort.

Crynthan and father joined in laughing. "I didn't even know such a creature existed, and I've never heard such an explanation," father chuckled between breaths.

Alvena shook her head, smiling ear to ear. "Trust me, it wasn't the definition I wanted."

I joined the laughter, feeling so warm at the thought of my family bonding with her. She looked at me with that mind blowing smile and my breath caught. "So when does the council arrive?" I asked.

Just as soon a guard arrived at the entry and saluted my father. The king stood and nodded gladly, then the council followed. My father exchanged welcomes with all five of them while Alvena grabbed my hand to introduce me. Each nodded politely, firm handshakes and short interactions. They were rigid and serious besides one of the two women, a younger and pretty thing who pulled me into a light hug instead of a handshake. "I'm looking forward to seeing your plans," she said with a smile. I smiled back, brimming with joy. That was already a good start.

My father began giving us all a tour, though Crynthan snuck away to do whatever activities he found more amusing. Alvena and myself walked side by side as Krystos expressed grandly everything we walked by. The gardens were next and even the humans seemed impressed and possibly curious, whether positive or not.

Once pleasantries were over, we all met in the conference room where fathers right hand man joined us all at the table to support elaborations. It started with cordial nods and built up to genuine smiles by the end.

"We thank you for your generosity," the pretty council member, Sara, said. She placed a hand on Alvena's back. "Alvena has sent a note of some of your plans and it sounds even better in person." She glowed.

Father's grin spanned wide. "Well this is splendid. I hope you don't mind that I made plans for tonight, a celebration of sorts."

My eyes rolled in my head. Of course my father had a celebration prepared. It was his specialty. A tingle of excitement told me I would be dancing with Alvena.

—-

Night soon fell, the moon full and heavy in the sky, lighting the white marble in the garden. I had sat out there for some time, taking it all in. We were moving forward in the right direction and I was filled with hope. My trust was building. I stood and brushed my dress down. I was more done up than before, but still modest enough I hoped for them. Black chiffon and suede heels. My auburn hair in waves down my back with a clip of black diamonds my mother had given me. I touched it before building my strength and marching through a back door before proceeding to the ballroom.

As I entered, I saw the place was flooded. My father had to have invited all the lords and ladies along with our council and their partners. Grand it was.

Crynthan picked me out immediately and ran up to me, his suit disheveled already with a wine glass in his hands. "Brin you have to try this wine," he gushed and handed me the glass. I grabbed it before he spilled it onto me and took a grateful sip to calm my nerves.