Love's Surprise

Part 1

A/N: Please give me some feedback so I can improve my writing. :)

I have yet to make a choice, but I know that I must. Today is my wedding, and it's my last chance. I gaze in the mirror at my lightly mussed hair. Any minute now someone will be busting in the door to prepare me for the big day. I've never met my husband to be, but from what I'm told he's a very kind and handsome man. I'm just not sure I can marry him when my heart belongs to another. My mind drifts back to Kane. He has promised to wait for me in our secret spot so that we can run away together. I know what the right thing to do is to go through with this marriage for the sake of my family. My heart aches for the feeling of Kane's reassuring kiss. The resolve I need rises up as I think of his sweet smile framed by his dark wispy hair.

"That settles it." I smile as I cram my things into a small bag. I throw on my riding clothes and some boots. I take one last look in the mirror, "Here I come Kane. Tomorrow we will finally be free." A door slams open, "Lilith! Where do you think you're going?!" My mother stands in the doorway a host of servants behind her. The anger on her face sends tremors of fear through my body. "Mother..." She waves her hand and four guards file in past the servants. "No please!" I fall to my knees pleading for her to stop, but she stands coldly by as the men grab me by the arms. "You will marry the prince, even if I have to force you. You know what this means for our kingdom!"

She slams the door behind her leaving a wake of startled servant girls. They look about unsure of what to do. Two of the guards stand by the door. The taller one takes charge, "Get her ready. Her majesty has given you her orders." They start to scurry about, but I pay no attention. When it is time for them to lay their hands upon me a small woman, much older than the rest approaches me, "Milady, please cooperate. We don't want you to get hurt." I can tell she's more afraid for her own safety than mine, but that is understandable. If they were to fail at getting me to that alter, then they would all be punished severely. Such is the way of my mother. "Worry not madam. I will not resist."

She smiles weakly and begins undressing me. Two of the guards keep a close watch to be sure that I don't try anything. It all goes by in a blur. The guards turn their backs only as I am undressed and bathed. Then my hair is combed until it shines, and is pulled into complicated knots and braids. They powder my face, rouge my lips, and line my eyes. I vaguely remember the dress, and under different circumstances it would have been beautiful. However, now it seems more like a cold shackle. A veil is dropped over my face and I do my best not to cry. I allow the emptiness to set in and swallow my sorrow.

The guards escort me from my room, and through the twists and turns of the castle halls. I don't see anything as we pass, and before long I am brought before two large double doors. My brother is waiting beside them, a sad smile on his face. He alone has known of my secret romance with Kane. He is my only sympathizer. "Lil, you look beautiful. Even in your sorrow." I hug him tight, and can feel emotions rising to the surface. "John, what should I do? I tried to run, but it was too late." He holds me tighter, "Don't worry dear sister. I know Prince Adam is a man you would like. It's not so bad."

"Without love, life is meaningless. Perhaps when this is all done, I shall take my life." He yanks me back and grips my shoulders firmly. "I will hear no such talk! As long as you live there is hope. The moment you die there is no chance of things ever changing." His words don't mean anything, but I nod anyways. He holds me again, but the trumpets begin to play, and I know that is my queue. I loop my hand into his arm, and the doors part. The room is filled with people, flowers, and candles. It's overwhelming how many people have shown up. Pink rose petals carpet the floor before me, and at the end of the aisle is a man I assume to be the prince. I cannot see his face, but I can tell he is a well-made man with a firm back and strong arms. Perhaps in another life I would have found him attractive, but he is not my Kane.

I walk slowly to my imprisonment, and a single tear escapes from my eyes. The beautiful atmosphere does nothing to appease the aching in my heart that grows with each step. I consider running, but I can see my mother's guards standing at every exit. All hope is lost by the time I'm half way down the aisle, and I am resigned to my fate. I recall the small dagger my father gave to me on my thirteenth birthday. Tonight after my new husband has fallen to sleep I shall end my misery.