Render Me Starless

♛ | Chapter 35 - "forever never holding my peace"

I was in another hideous orange dress. This one is much more puffier and longer. Blue gems and thread decorated the bottom and the bodice which gave some intrigue to the otherwise ugly dress. I scowl at my dolled up reflection, hating how pretty they had made my face.

Despite all of this, the events of today loomed in the back of my mind, reminding me of the upcoming carnage. A part of me still didn't trust Thorin but as of right now he was my best chance at getting back to my mate and remaining free from The Day Throne.

"This is yours," Anne, the maid who has been helping me, hands me a single sunflower that is wrapped with blue silk ribbon. It was a familiar image, one that has me struggling to catch my breath. I had seen this already. In my visions. The realisation that I haven't had a vision in a few days has me frowning but I shove that away as I reluctantly accept what I assume to be the bouquet for the wedding.

Anne stands behind me, giving me a onceover. She smiles gently and I hate how nice it makes her appear. "You truly look fit to be a royal," she compliments although it makes me want to hurl. I wanted to look like a royal sure, but not for this throne. This was wrong, completely wrong. I fight off the nausea and offer the maid a small smile. I couldn't bring myself to be rude to the mage. After all, I could have gotten a total bitch to help me so I had won some luck today at least.

"You and Prince Thorin will be walking down the aisle together. I know that in the human world it's usually your father that takes you, right?"
I nod and she continues. I can't help but think about my parents and Ash. Lords, I missed them.
"Our customs are different in that sense but otherwise, they're mostly the same besides the fact that we pray to the Day Lords." Anne flits over my dress, straightening it here and there. "You won't see many people at the actual ceremony but you will see many cameras. Only select members are allowed to be here in person and the rest get to view it at home." I huff out a small breath. At least there was that.

A knock interrupts Anne's fretting and she goes to open the door. Thorin walks in wearing a very modern black tuxedo with an orange flower tucked into his breast pocket. "Anne, will you excuse us for a minute while I talk to my future bride?" he says and the maid simply bows her head and leaves. "Isn't it bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?" I ask sarcastically.
Thorin looks as if he's trying not to show distaste as he replies, "that's a human thing."

"Oh right right," I nod. "So is the plan still going? You know-" I slide my finger across my neck. "The whole beheading thing," I whisper.
Thorin nods. "I've contacted my mate and yours."
This has me instantly straightening up. "You have?"
"He has informed me that his father let him in on how to enter our kingdom and I've been able to formulate a plan. I knew having your prince would help my case," he says matter of factly, crossing his arms.

Hope blooms as I think it all over. I could be going home today. I could be seeing Orion again. I will see Orion today. I feel tears creep in as emotions pile up. I've had to keep all emotions at bay these past couple of days because if I didn't, I would be having a 24/7 breakdown. "Really?" I manage to sniffle out and Thorin's alarmed look keeps my tears at bay as I let out a small chuckle. "You're not going to cry, are you?" he asks me, taking a step back.
I shake my head. "Not right now," I say. This somewhat appeases the soon to be king.

"So Ferah is coming too?" I ask, pulling myself together.
I watch as Thorin's face completely transforms into a much freer version of himself at the mention of her name. He nods. "Yes, she will be leading some of my warriors into our battle."
Before I can say respond, a soft knock interrupts. "Come in," Thorin shouts and we turn to face the door. Anne pops her head in almost sheepishly. "The ceremony starts in five minutes, my prince," she says. Thorin offers me his elbow and I reluctantly loop my arm around it.