Children of Shadow

Mark of Cain

The celebration of my marriage to Lord Louweris drags on without excitement. The attendees gather around me, their false compliments betraying that they are merely seeking an advantage. Lord Louweris remains steadfastly by my side, holding my hand tightly as if he never intends to let go. I struggle to find the right words—the ones he expects from me—and feign that his presence fills me with joy, even though it could hardly be more difficult.

Suddenly, Lords Velqorin and Sylas approach us. The two men shake hands, while Lord Louweris laughs loudly, and Lord Velqorin forces a smile.
"Zyar, my good old friend!" Louweris calls out with laughter, clapping him heartily on the shoulder. "How long has it been since we last saw each other?"
"Since last summer, if I remember correctly", replies Lord Velqorin. "I heard a few months ago that you were looking to marry again. But I never thought you'd take such a young girl as your wife."
"You know how it is", says Louweris, grinning as he places his hand on my shoulder and lets it slide lower than I would like. "At this age, they have a special charm!"
He laughs again, but inside, I curl up in shame. His touch is unwanted and degrading, yet no one seems to notice—except for Lord Velqorin and Sylas, who are aware. Their glances make the situation even more humiliating, and I don't know how to escape this embarrassment.

Finally, Louweris lets go of me, but not without giving me a slap as he passes by. I flinch and watch him, startled.
"I'll leave you alone for a few minutes", he says with a self-satisfied grin. "Stay where you are. The celebration will soon be over anyway."
I nod silently and watch as he walks away. Only when he is out of sight do I take a deep breath and place my hand on my chest to calm my wildly beating heart.

Lord Velqorin and Sylas watch me in silence. Not a word escapes their lips. They have already tried to sway my father without success. Now I am the wife of a man far too old for me, likely with children my age.
"Princess, I..." Sylas begins hesitantly, but his voice remains distant. He searches for words, but finds none.
Instead, Lord Velqorin speaks: "If you need anything, you are always free to come to me."
With a weak smile, I shake my head. "I've been surviving on my own in this world for a long time. This decision, made without my consent, will not break me."
The lord nods silently and accepts my rejection. Despite all his victories, despite the armies he has defeated, a great heart beats in his chest. Lord Velqorin sees me for the first time today, yet he treats me better than the king has in recent years. Is this the kind of relationship a daughter should have with her father?

"Zyar!" the king suddenly calls with his usual cheerfulness. "I was hoping to catch you. How about you and your family spend the night in the castle? And tomorrow we can go hunting together."
"We had planned to return to our castle after the departure of the princess and Lord Louweris", Lord Velqorin replies politely.
"Elowirn will stay the night", my father announces without looking at me. "The couple will depart only after the hunt. It's late, and they have a three-day ride ahead of them."
Velqorin hesitates briefly, his gaze shifting from his son to me. I say nothing, for my opinion does not matter.
"Very well", the lord finally agrees. "We will accompany you on the hunt tomorrow."
"Excellent!" King Mukuta exclaims joyfully, concluding the conversation with a hearty clap. "The servants will serve your favorite breakfast in honor of your visit tomorrow."
My father laughs and gives Velqorin a friendly clap on the shoulder before hurrying off to the remaining guests. Many have already said their goodbyes, as the hour is late and they have a long ride ahead.

Lord Velqorin and his son bid me farewell with a silent nod and turn away. Sylas throws one last glance in my direction, his eyes reflecting the sadness he carries deep in his heart.
At the moment we danced in the middle of the hall, a fire ignited in both of us—one that was quickly extinguished. Yet somewhere within us, a spark still glows.

"Congratulations on your marriage, Lady Louweris", the voice of Crown Prince Yula sounds. I glance to the side, surprised by his presence. "Your husband is truly a sight to behold. You've hit the jackpot!"
The queen laughs softly and adds, "Lord Louweris is already waiting for you in your chamber. Your luggage has been packed and is waiting in the carriage for tomorrow's departure. For your sake, I have selected a nightgown that you will find on the bed."
"In our chamber?" I repeat, confused and gripped by nervousness. "Surely it's not expected that..."
"What did you think?" the queen asks with a feigned look of concern. "Do you believe this man wants you merely for decoration? You are to bear him heirs, and soon. Your father expects a son—and so does your husband."
The queen snaps her fingers, and as if from nowhere, two maidservants appear beside me. They ensure I am taken to where I am expected.