The Cruel Prince Loves Her so She Agrees to Save the World

A blushing bride

Orion

It was the day before the wedding. The palace was buzzing with noise as people moved around. Guests arriving, finishing decorations and alterations for all the attire. She didn't know how her mother and Mrs. Evanstorm set up an entire wedding in two days is utter insanity.

The wedding came at the right time, it explained the increased military presence without giving the people something to fear. The wedding was going to be lavish. Everyone's so excited for tomorrow's festivities. For many this will be the first time they will see the royal princess. Some knew she was a little street rat in her free time, others had no idea, that street rat was their princess. There was to be a banquet with performers and music and dancing. The colors were white, gold and purple. It was to be in the ballroom which had floor to ceiling windows that opened to the garden where I'll be married. There were garlands of white lilies and roses and purple orchids all around the room, ribbons wrapped the wall and pillars; a crystal chandelier in the middle would reflect the colors of the sunset. The effort was expressed in every meticulous detail, Orion would be sure to remember to give them all a bonus after this for their hard work and time.

There was an increase in guards stationed around the palace and in the courtyard.

Members from all the elven clans would be here and so the palace was on full alert.

There was a lot of prejudice among elven clans so tensions between them were high. Sun and Moon Elves were bitter enemies. The Wood Elves were relatively secluded and minded to themselves but also weren't fans of the high elves. The Dark Elves weren't as dark as their name suggests. At least not anymore. That clan was one of the clans where women had equal standing. And the High Elves. There were humans from nearby villages and the dwarves from the northern and southern mountains of our borders. There were bound to be some fights between clans. But they had increased the presence of guards around the palace. There had already been some minor fights among other guards that were stopped quickly, but the clans were here in good faith and to heal from the pain of war finally or so they claimed. But their people still struggled with the idea of merging the clans this way. Some people even thought it was an abomination. Even some High Elves were against a sun elf marrying into their royal family. Despite it everything, here they were.

***

"You look beautiful Rion" said the ladies in the room with me.

I was wearing a long white wedding dress. My sleeves draped over my shoulders, my bodice shimmered with stones of white and purple, with designs of suns and flowers and vines embroidered into it. My skirt cascaded to the floor. Hugging the top of hips but widened at the upper thigh. My face covered in crystal gems and my hair styled in waves with gold beads and braids running through in random places. Golden chained garments adorned my body and on my head. I was beautiful.

I was a blushing bride.

Sera wore a lovely lavender dress similar to mine but hers had flowy length to it and no jewelry except for a gold chained head piece and a gold bangle that matched mine.

I was barefoot with gold jewelry on my feet. At weddings shoes weren't worn, it was so we could be closer to Ether and the gods.

The wedding was in the garden out back. And not the vegetable one I frequented, but the floral one meant for guests. The garden is has a vast variety of flowers and trees, their branches forming natural arches adorned with blossoms in full bloom. You could tell the garden was well taken care of. Pathways littered with flower petals that guided guests to the heart of the garden, where the ceremony is to be held.

At the center of the garden, an elegant gazebo was set up for the ceremony. It was crafted from intertwining branches and adorned with purple and white drapes. The gazebo is surrounded by a circular arrangement of chairs, each beautifully decorated with ribbons and fresh flowers. As guests take their seats, they are serenaded by a musicians on harps and pianos.

My nerves were shot. I was trembling. Glad I didn't eat breakfast or I might puke all over my dress.

The ceremony begins and as custom dictated my father lead the family down the isle. My brothers followed oldest to youngest, my best friend Sera followed and walking with me was my mother. She held my hand at the level of my stomach making me light on my feet. My steps accompanied by the rustling of leaves and petals as they lead me toward the gazebo, my train flowing behind me. Everyone stopped and looked at me. Mouths dropped, eyes widened. I really did look like a goddess today.

What?

Are those The Sisters? Ah hell. What are they doing here?

Wait.

They're the ones officiating it?

Why are they here? Out in the open completely exposed! I look at my mother confused.

She just smiled and nodded. When did she learn those witches would be here? I thought they were all about their privacy or whatever.

That's a big secret that's not a secret anymore, I guess.

I thought I was nervous before now I think I'm gonna faint. If I don't faint, I think I might throw up.

My family takes their spot at the front of the audience and Sera standing beside me. And then Theo's family came into view first his two older brothers, then Carter and then him.

Wow he was the most gorgeous person I've ever seen. His hair actually combed and styled. His hair was slicked back except for some bangs in the front that curved over his forehead. He looked regal. He wore a white a full suit, his jacket embroidered with gold designs of suns. A white shirt underneath it was open at the top so his chest was showing slightly. His attire matching perfectly with me. He wore a golden leaf crown atop his head. He walked barefoot to me taking my hand from my mothers and leading to the altar.

T: are those The Sisters standing decide you?

O: yep, sure is

T: todays going to be interesting.

O: just because of the Sisters?

T: no because of you... and the Sisters.

I glare at him and dig my nails into his hand.

T: Ow that hurts.

***

Theo and Orion stand at the altar in front of Elysium.

Palm to palm they face each other with both their marks touching.

The crowd of guest quieted.

Many were still so surprised at the appearance of ancient witches. Many had no idea who they were or what they were.

The Sister three chant together:

"Goddess Calanthian, we hear your will"

"The time has come; it will be fulfilled."

"On this day, in this hour, we combine these souls"

"On this day, in this hour, the two halves become whole"

"On this day, in this hour, this union brought to light"

"On this day, in this hour, we witness death tamed by life"

The sisters raise their heads to the sky and then raise their hands palms up to the sky.

"So say we Sisters Three"

"Maiden, Mother, Crone"

"So shall it be"

The crowd mutters "So shall it be"

Theo and Orion kiss and as they kiss the sky had changed. The sky a deep purple; the sun turned white. And then in a flash it was normal again.

Everyone was in awe, except the Sister's, it was almost as if they knew it would happen...

The guests were completely mesmerized by seeing the blessing from the gods. The towns folk were in an uproar surprised at the Gods response to the union.

"Well it seems Nether god of the Netherworld and Ether god of the Etherworld approve." The Crone says sarcastically to us.

"Let's go have a party!" Shouted the Maiden who takes off down the isle. The two other Sisters laughing.