Prince of Hearts

Chapter 7: The Vows

[Y/N]

The dress was too heavy. Layers upon layers of fabric were arranged on your body, embroidered and threaded with beads of silver. The train was too long, trailing behind you like white foam in the wake of a boat. The pins stuck in your hair pulled and tugged painfully every time you moved your head.

And to top it all off, your concealed dagger lay flat against your spine, a constant reminder of the danger you were walking into.

"Can you at least open the windows?" You choked out. "It feels too stuffy in here."

The guards exchanged looks among themselves, and one of them shook his head.

"We are sorry, Your Highness. It is too much of a risk. Your safety is important."

You huffed, turning away.

"Announcing Lord Damien of the Merchant Guild, here to meet the Princess of Aldreth", a voice announced, and the door creaked open.

Lord Damien was one of those men who looked like they were young and old at the same time. You knew that he was in his thirties, but his greying hair and yellow-stained teeth clashed with his glinting eyes and smooth skin.

You had met him before. When he had stopped you in a dark corridor during a feast many years ago, his breath smelling like sour wine. He had stumbled and fallen on you, pinning you to one of the pillars. He had sniffed your hair and chuckled.

"Someday, Princess," he had whispered as his fingers dug into your arm. "You will be mine."

That memory had haunted you for a few nights after that.

"Princess Y/N," he said, bowing. "Please allow me to present my humble gift to you."

You smiled at him, in spite of your revulsion.

He walked up to you and grabbed your hand. The guards at your side jerked to attention, their hands going to their swords. The man's eyes darted between the guards and then came back to you. His smile was a slimy one, not quite reaching his eyes.

He had snapped something onto your wrist. It was a heavy bracelet, made of gold and studded with gems of many colours. A garish statement piece. You wanted to rip it off and throw it away, along with the man who stood in front of you.

But you forced yourself to smile and whisper a "Thank you."

The man's eyes burned into yours, even as he stepped back and left the room. You couldn't quite put a finger on it, but something was unsettling about this Damien.

Fanfares sounded from the grand hall. The Prince must be entering.

You rubbed your shaking hands together, trying to bring some warmth to them. The cheers were dying down. They would be expecting you at any moment.

Cordelia parted the curtains and slipped in.

"Princess," she said, a forced smile on her face. "You look radiant."

She ran her hands over the back of your dress as if checking that everything was in place. Under the guise, she leaned close to your ear and whispered, "Min Yoongi wants to meet you."

"I forgot to put the garter on you!" She exclaimed loudly, throwing her hands up in the air. "Would you two be so kind as to step outside?" She turned to the guards.

The men looked at each other, hesitant.

"Oh, so are you going to stand here and watch?" Cordelia raised her voice. "Have you no regard for the honour of the Princess?"