A Hand for a Kingdom

Treasure

Treasure

Void
Anatolie Bran Dwyer stood in the center of the room on a stool, watching in the massive mirrors as the seamstress and the tailor bustled around him, making last-minute adjustments to his wedding garments. Tomorrow was the big day... and today he met his bride for the first time. He had written to her and knew about her, somewhat, but he had never met her. And now he was about to be joined with her for all eternity, or until one of them died. He sighed softly as the servants backed away.
"Your Majesty, do you approve?" the tailor asked while he and the seamstress watched nervously.
Bran stared at himself in the mirror. "Yes," he said quietly even though he couldn't tell much difference. "It looks perfect. Thank you. Now please excuse me. She will be arriving soon."
"Of course, your Majesty!" They walked away, bowing with each step.
Bran didn't move until butler stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Sir, as you said, she shall soon arrive."
Bran stepped down and gave him a nod. "Thank you, Alfonz. Please help me out of these rags."

~

Bartholomew Veldkamp stood at the forefront of the royal welcoming community in the shadow of the great gothic style castle. The road led through the front gates, circled before the sweeping front steps, and led back out the second gates. Bartholomew stood with the other eleven members of the high council at the bottom of the steps, the steps themselves lined with guards standing in perfect precision as they awaited the grand procession escorting the Princess Kezia Nisrina Pinelyn through their lands to Thornley Castle. The procession was made up of those loyal to the Pinelyn empire and their princess, accompanied by the finest guards of the Genevian army. Bartholomew had been to the Pinelyn Empire as part of the negotiation and had met the Princess, albeit briefly, and so was here to be a familiar face. He was rather vampiric in appearance, tall, slender, and pale with blonde, perfectly coifed hair, but at present, he was the only human in sight. Most of the guards were werewolves, and several of those gathered merely to watch were vampires or Nyx. The tall, striking vampires stood out sharply against the short, dark Nyx.

Bartholomew walked down and bowed as the carriage rolled up to the steps. "Princess Kezia Nisrina Pinelyn! Welcome, welcome to Thornley Castle!"
 
"Princess please be still." Marin, Kezia's handmaiden, was trying to pin the final adjustment's on her wedding dress. Which proved quite difficult with the princess shuffling her feet and sighing the entire time. Kezia turned to face Marin with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry Marin, it's just- I'm worried. This king, we've only spoken through letters. What if he really is a monster." Kezia took her lip between her teeth chewing it anxiously, a bad habit she needed to rid herself of. Marin could only sigh, the girls were close in age having grown up together, they we're practically best friends. Marin only being a tad older. "You'll be fine my lady. There has been nothing thus far you cannot handle. From what you've shared he seems quite the gentleman, if not a bit ragged around the edges. But remember the Queen said keep your eyes sharp because everything is not what it seems." Marin had finished the adjustments to the dress and moved to hold her lady's hands in hers. Kezia smiled and embraced her. "You are right. Come let us change so we may leave, I feel the day only become longer if I try to avoid it." Kezia stood with her chin held high and a proud smile on her face as she stared at her reflection.
~
The ride to her new home seemed to stretch on forever, saying she was nervous was an understatement. Luckily Marin was with her to ease some of her worries. When the carriage stopped her heart all but dropped. Marin immediately put her hand over Kezia's "Princess, I will be with you every step of the way." Kezia relaxed her posture had been tense and sighed before pulling out her best smile. It wasn't long before the carriage door opened. "Princess Kezia Nisrina Pinelyn! Welcome, welcome to Thorny Castle!" The princess quickly stepped out and smiled at the familiar face before giving her best curtsey. "Lord Veldkamp! Thank you for your welcome, though the pleasure is all mine." Lifting herself from her curtsey she looks past him to the various beings behind him. She noticed some followers of the court and the guards, which seemed a bit unsettling. Swallowing the lump in her throat she brought her attention back to Veldkamp and smiled. "The journey was not long, but I cannot say I am not anything but eager to meet the man I am to marry. May we head inside please." Kezia felt Marin's soft hand on her back and relaxed slightly but still held her head high and proud. There was nothing to fear, these beasts we're merely beneath her just like her father said she was to be a Queen. Her brother had been too much of a coward to face her or even see her off, though she hadn't expected him too. But an unfamiliar place was scary nonetheless. As they were guided to the castle she took in the greatness of design, admiring the art that surrounded her before they came upon the front door. She kept her gaze high and her posture proud and true.
 
"Of course! Of course." Bartholomew bowed deeply. When he straightened, he took two polite steps back before turning to lead the way. It was considered bad form if not outright rude to immediately turn your back on royalty. The other advisors bowed, as well, murmuring polite greetings before gliding up after Bartholomew, moving like well-trained dancers.

In order to reach the castle doors, they had to pass through the gauntlet of guards lining both sides and holding the doors. Bartholomew had warned them not to be intimidating, but werewolves were hard to dissuade when it came to intimidating someone. They stood neat and proper in their uniforms of black under simple leather armor and a blood-red sash angled from one shoulder, looking entirely human, but it was not hard to tell the difference if one knew how to look. All of them, no matter how cleaned up they were, looked like back-alley scrappers with a hint of stubble and a red gleam in their eyes as they studied these trespassers into their territory. Every man here would die for their king at the snap of the fingers, and what's more, they would debase themselves to do anything he asked, even if he asked them to form a stairway for him to walk up their backs. He was their king, and they were highly suspicious of this "princess" coming in from the outside. Oh, they knew the legal and national reasons and accepted them, but a territorial wolf was hard to assuage. And so it was that without moving, they somehow managed to lean closer, and if ever someone could "growl" with their eyes, these men were succeeding.

The doors opened, and Bartholomew led the group into the huge, sweeping hallway. The focus of the room was the extra wide staircase leading up to the second floor. The stone stairs were a work of art in of themselves. Arched doorways on either side led to different parts of the castle. The one to the right glimpsed the ballroom, and the one to the left appeared to be the dining room. There was another doorway behind the stairs, but it was mostly meant for servants and not visible from where the group now stood. People milled about, waiting and watching. Several stood on the stairway, some in the doorways. There were more werewolf guards stationed in discreet corners, and one or two Nyx stood watching, but of course, the vampires always drew the eye. Tall, delicate, graceful, with bright hair colors usually ranging in the reds, golds, and white-blondes, they reminded Bartholomew of the Elves in some fairy stories, right down to their arrogant expressions. They felt old. Just as a werewolf felt shabby no matter how cleaned up he was, or a Nyx felt shadowy, vampires felt ancient and regal. Even the young ones. They watched the newcomers in absolute silence, every expression one of stone.

"Welcome to Thornley Castle!" Bartholomew said as warmly as he could manage. He knew all of these people, and even he was getting a chill from this reception. He could only imagine how their guests were feeling. "Thornley is our oldest and most significant landmark. It is only opened to the public for the most important of occasions, such as the one we are about to have tomorrow! The rest of the time, it is kept closed to preserve its historic value."

Maids of the Nyx and Vampire variety glided forward to take the visitor's coats to be hung.
 
Kezia nodded her head to the advisors, she knew better than to entertain them. They were merely puppets to her brother so their kindness oftentimes was a facade. They were also the reason she was to be wed, so to say she held resentment was an understatement.

Kezia tried her hardest to not let her growing fear and concern take over her proud manner. But, ever so slightly she knew they could see the fear in etching her face as she held her head high. She bit her lip the further they walked, wolves, she knew the guard's lined werewolves. Animals they practically looked like peasants ready to kill. Kezia thought to herself, 'They are just peasant beasts, they cannot harm you. Do not show your fear.' She couldn't help but let out a small breath as Marin gave her a fearful but comforting smile. She was to be Queen if she was afraid of these beasts what would become of her people. Knowing this she straightened her back and dared herself to look one of them in their eye lifting her chin to prove she was not afraid, pulling her gaze from the beast she followed the others inside the glorious castle.

Of course, her home was also a castle, but it wasn't nearly as regal as this. Her brother had adorned it with bright colors and trinket's, her home reminded her more of a child's playroom than a King's castle. "Welcome to Thornley Castle!" Kezia felt the hush that covered the room and frowned, the power of fear that these monster's held over them all.

Marin politely, if not awkwardly, declined the maids offers to take the princess' coat, after all that was her duty as her handmaiden. She noticed the frown on her lady's face and let out a small breath, she knew that her views of these people were a bit skewed especially since her mother was gone. Marin also knew that the more everyone showed their fear and concerns the more unnerved it would make the Princess. Marin did the only thing she did best. "My lady look, this castle is beautiful, the art and design of it is so intricate and beautiful."

Kezia took a moment to pull her gaze from the men of the court and started gazing around the castle. "Thornley is our oldest and most significant landmark. It is only opened to the public for the most important of occasions, such as the one we are about to have tomorrow! The rest of the time, it is kept closed to preserve its historic value." Kezia could feel the history, she turned herself from the court and looked towards the ballroom, it looked gigantic in comparison to her. She hoped later she might be able to see more of it, she wanted to dance to release some of her anxiousness. Looking to her left she saw the long table, everything was indeed beautiful. But, she felt like it all lacked life, everything seemed so dark, she slightly felt like she was suffocating. Kezia had been so distracted by her own thoughts she hadn't noticed herself moving from the group towards the ballroom. She stopped as soon as her eyes met a guard, he was tall and lankly with light-colored hair. 'Vampire' She thought to herself, backing up towards the group she quickly turned around to face Lord Veldkamp again. "Lord Veldkamp, if I may be so rude as to interrupt. May we continue with this exploration, please. I am sure everyone is feeling rather anxious in this open setting. And I am rather eager to meet my husband-to-be." Kezia cleared her throat as Marin and her made their way to the front of the crowd. The faster they sped this up the faster she could hide in her chambers until the morning.
 
"Oh, of course! Of course, I completely understand," Bartholomew said with a calming smile. Everyone was on edge right now, and the fact that these newcomers were all human and facing a room full of what they would consider to be monsters was not helping. "King Dwyer shall be down in just a moment." He moved a bare inch closer and lowered his voice, still trying to sound kindly and not stressed. "Please do not be alarmed. Those in attendance here are all fiercely loyal to the king, and they wished only to see the princess who had won his hand." He stepped back. "Perhaps the guests could have a bit of-" He trailed off, his eyes drawing upward. As did the eyes of every person in the room.

King Anatolie Bran Dwyer stood at the top of the stairs, one hand in his trouser pocket, the other resting on the banister as he looked down at the group. He was dressed plainly, all in black, and one could have mistaken him for a pleasant in not for the fine make of his clothing and the sheen on his shirt that revealed it to be silk. His dark hair fell across his dark brow in a carefree tangle, and a black cloak hung heavy on his shoulders. He stood for a moment, staring down, then slowly descended the stairs, his steps soundless. He was short, stocky, lithe in movement, not someone you would think to be wary of, but as he walked, every person he passed lowered their gaze, bowing slightly as they moved out of the way, even the proud vampires.

"So," he said, his voice soft with a delicate touch of a lilting accent, "this is the princess I have heard so much about and known only through letters." He stopped a few feet away from the group from Pinelyn and folded his hands behind his back. "Pictures do not do you justice, My Lady." True, she was prettier and softer than he had expected, though with a proud tilt to her chin and a distrustful gleam in her eyes. It was rare he found himself taller than anyone, but here she stood a good three inches shorter. That was a pleasant surprise.
 
"Oh, of course! Of course, I completely understand." Kezia let out a small sigh of relief, "King Dwyer shall be down in just a moment." She gave Lord Veldkamp a small smile and nod before leaning towards him as he lowered his voice so she could hear him better. "Please do not be alarmed. Those in attendance here are all fiercely loyal to the king, and they wished only to see the princess who had won his hand." Kezia gave him a reassuring smile, "It is very hard not to be alarmed when they stare at us like cattle on a farm Lord Veldkamp." Kezia gave a small chuckle as she whispered this, it was a funny thought but hopefully would lift his spirits as well. "Perhaps the guests could have a bit of-" Kezia stared at the lord for a brief moment before following his gaze to see what on earth had disrupted his speech.

Kezia's gaze met his in almost an instant and her breath caught in her throat. There he was; the king, her husband-to-be, and nonetheless one of these beasts. She analyzed him as he stood there; plain clothing, were it not for the finely etched stitches in his clothing she'd have mistaken him for a peasant boy. But, with his looming gaze, she could feel the power he held over the people in the room. There was no mistaking that he was King. He was handsome, if not intimidating. She looked around as he made his way towards their group, everyone bowing showing their respect to their king to which they were loyal.

Kezia stood tall and proud, as tall as she could, being that he was just a few inches taller. She felt like a doe in the middle of a forest with a wild beast ready to strike. Kezia felt defenseless. Marin curtsied politely to her new king and backed away from the pair just so slightly. "So." Kezia positioned herself before giving a polite curtsey, "Your Majesty." Kezia raised herself and looked at him with distrust in her eyes, though he seemed pleasant through his letters looks can still be deceiving. "This is the princess I have heard so much about and known only through letters." Kezia held her chin higher, she would not let this man keep delude her, or make her submit. "Pictures do not do you justice, My Lady." Kezia flushed slightly but maintained her composure, "Thank you, Your Majesty. Nor do they do you any as well sire." Kezia gave him a small smile, the best she could muster before speaking again. "Might I add my lord, that your castle is very beautiful. We were just touring the surroundings before you arrived. Are you joining us, Your Majesty?" Her brow lifted in curiosity, of course, she hadn't meant any harm other than to ask. She had wondered why he hadn't come to greet her when she first arrived, but she knew better than to overstep her place. Kezia chewed her lip anxiously, she was growing nervous as the minutes passed. She tried her best not to let the worry pass her face, but the surroundings being filled with these beasts were quite overwhelming.
 
Bran did not answer immediately. He studied the fine woman before him, considering several thoughts. Then he dismissed those thoughts and gave her a small, thin smile that did not quite reach his eyes. "Thank you for your compliments. Thornley is a matter of pride, as I am sure Lord Veldkamp has already been informing you."

The human gave a polite little bow and murmured something with a smile.

Bran turned slightly and gestured toward the ballroom. "I saw you eyeing the ballroom. That is where the reception is to be held. Would you like to view it and give your approval for the decorations?" He did not offer his arm or approach to close. He saw the worry and fear in her eyes. He could practically smell it, and if he saw it, it would be a glaring sign for the vampires and werewolves. He knew what she likely saw them as; nothing but beasts and monsters, and while she might be the "superior race," she was more or less trapped here. He would not frighten her any more than he could manage.

"The ballroom is absolutely fabulous!" Batholomew Veldkamp said brightly, leading the way. "The servants have done a magnificent job scrubbing it clean, and the colors reflect our great Genevian flag as well as your own national colors, Princess."

The Genevian flag was blue and green with a black unicorn rearing in the center with horn poised for battle. The black unicorn was absent from the decorations, but blue and green had made careful, tactful appearances as well as the Pinelyn colors. The bride and groom's table was set at the front of the room up on a dais and draped in white satin.
 
"Thank you for your compliments. Thornley is a matter of pride, as I am sure Lord Veldkamp has already been informing you." Kezia analyzed his words and noticed that his smile never reached his eyes. 'Of course, it wouldn't, this is just merely a formality.' Kezia didn't know what to make of her thoughts.

"I saw you eyeing the ballroom. That is where the reception is to be held. Would you like to view it and give your approval for the decorations?" Kezia followed his gesture, her gaze pulled towards the ballroom. A sudden dread filled her, that was right they were to be married tomorrow. She cleared her thoughts and mustered another of her best smiles, "Yes Your Majesty. I would love to see the decorations." Surprisingly that was her honest truth, she really was eager to see the beautiful colors, after all the darkness that surrounded them it would lift her mood. She noticed he stood just as far as he had when he first descended the stairs. He was being considerate of her, he knew she was afraid. She cursed herself inwardly, she was trying not to make it so obvious. But, if he could see it that meant maybe the others could as well. She dismissed these thoughts, she was concealing it well so there was no possibility of that.

"The ballroom is absolutely fabulous!" Kezia snapped herself back to reality, she hadn't noticed that they had all reached the ballroom. She looked around in awe, "The servants have done a magnificent job scrubbing it clean, and the colors reflect our great Genevian flag as well as your own national colors, Princess." Kezia noted the Genevain green and blue, then marveled in the mixture of her own flags silver and violet. She noticed the table adorned her home country cherry blossoms. "Yes, they have done a marvelous job. The mixture of colors is grand indeed." Kezia started moving around the room, she ran her hand along the edge of the decorations. They were soft like silk but so bright in color. She picked up a cherry blossom from the flower pot adorning one of the tables and closed her eyes inhaling the scent. In the mass of bright colors, she looked ethereal, like an angel in heaven. A small sad smile was placed on her face as she placed the flower down. "Just as mother liked them, they smell like a spring morning." Kezia turned to face her new king once again. "Please allow me to thank the servants personally for these wonderous decorations. I have no fault with anything, it is all very lovely." The smile that adorned her face lit up her eyes, Marin smiled and sighed relieved that her lady was now relaxed.

"If I may ask Your Majesty, may we finish the tour? I want to become familiar with my new home, and after long travels, I am feeling rather weary." Kezia tilted her head ever so slightly and made her way next to Marin. She was pleased with the decorations, but she also wanted to rest and leave herself time to clear her mind before the morning.
 
"I am glad you like the cherry blossoms," Bran said, watching as she moved to pick them up. "It was far easier to include the symbol of Prinlyn rather than Genevia." He wasn't sure if the Unicorn even existed anymore, let alone a black one. Oh, unicorns were real... but they seemed to be extinct now. Even if they weren't, having one in attendance at a wedding sounded like a horrible idea.

Kezia truly was beautiful. Bran had to admit to himself, he'd been expecting someone much more homely who had been done up in the pictures he'd been sent. Why else would the king of Pinley agree so readily - even suggest - such a union between beauty and beast? There had to be something "wrong" with her. Perhaps even "monster sympathies." Yet, here she was, and as far as he could tell, she was absolutely humanly perfect. He could not help returning her bright smile with a slight one of his own, this one a bit warmer than his first. His smile faded a little as she continued.

"The servants are all rather busy right now, I am afraid, with last-minute details for the wedding. The chapel has not been used in a wedding ceremony in some time. Truly, this is a momentous occasion!" Bartholomew said apologetically.

Bran was about to say something when a werewolf guard came up and knelt on one knee. He sighed inwardly. He'd tried to get them to stop doing that, he really had, but they insisted that it was honor befitting someone of his station, and he gave in. He indicated for the guard to approach, and he did so. The guard whispered softly in his ear, and Bran nodded before dismissing him.

"Bartholomew, will you please take her to the suite and let the maids know she is ready?" Bran asked briskly. "I have some matters I need to attend to."

Bartholomew bowed then smiled at the princess. "Would you follow me, please?"
 
"I am glad you like the cherry blossoms, It was far easier to include the symbol of Prinlyn rather than Genevia." Kezia chuckled lightly at his words before she moved towards Marin. She noticed that his smile faltered at the continuance of her words. Had she sad something wrong? She thought for a few moments before Lord Veldkamp spoke. "The servants are all rather busy right now, I am afraid, with last-minute details for the wedding. The chapel has not been used in a wedding ceremony in some time. Truly, this is a momentous occasion!" Kezia frowned slightly, "That's quite alright. I will find the time to thank them later."

Kezia noticed the guard come up behind them to kneel before their king. It was a bit unnerving to see the loyalty that these beasts possessed to their king. She frowned slightly before raising a brow at the whispers. "Bartholomew, will you please take her to the suite and let the maids know she is ready?" Kezia noted the brisk tone in his voice, his words were more of a command than a request. A part of her was a tad upset that he was dismissing them but relieved she would get a chance to breathe. "I have some matters I need to attend to." Of course, Kezia was curious as to what matters could be troubling him at this time, but she was raised that women were not welcome in the court. Her father and brother had reminded her of that plenty over the years, she of course was raised to adorn a man's side.

"Would you follow me, please?" Kezia turned to the lord and smiled softly, "Of course, Lord Veldkamp. Please lead the way." Kezia curtsied to Bran and lifted herself keeping her gaze low as was proper for a lady. "Thank you kindly for your time, Your Majesty." Kezia turned and followed Lord Veldkamp to her new suite. She stood in awe, "My lady is this not simply marvelous?! It's bright with color just like your room back home." Marin giggled and pulled Kezia by the hand towards the bed. Lord Veldkamp gave a small farewell before leaving the two ladies alone. "Oh Marin that was a most terrifying morning for me. Did you not see the way these beings look at us, like were rabbits ready for a feast." Kezia sighed and laid back on the bed. "My lady please, you are overthinking. They were just admiring their new queen is all. No need to fret. All will be fine." Kezia at up and let Marin brush her hair, sighing she took in the room.

She smiled at the bright violet colors that laced the walls, he had taken great considerations to make her comfortable. She had written in her letters about her favorite colors, in Pinelyn her room was decorated by the maids her father had assigned. Her mother had redesigned it to suit her better. She and Marin chatted for a bit about the morning before they heard a knock at the door. "You may enter."
 
A plain-looking, incredibly human woman entered and curtsied, her eyes lowered. "Your Highness, my name is Matilda," said the pudgy, rosy-cheeked woman of about 25 years of age. "I am to be your lady-in-waiting." She nodded toward Marin. "Your other lady-in-waiting, that is, Mistress."
 
Kezia gave a small sigh of relief and relaxed her posture. "Hello, Matilda." Kezia gestured towards Marin and she pulled the other lady towards the bed. "Are you from Pinelyn Matilda?" Marin smiled and continued to brush Kezia's hair. Kezia peeked at the woman curious as to why he sent her a human. She all but assumed it was to accommodate her fears.

"Matilda, if I may ask why did the King- my lord send you? I would have assumed he'd have sent one of his own kind?" Kezia had so many questions and took her lip between her teeth once again. "You seem to be more familiar with this place, the beast- the people here. Are they like the stories? I am so fearful wit their calculating eyes. And I know my place as a woman in court regardless is to stay quiet but I am oh so worried about the morn. My brother held n concerns for me since my father died, and his only escape was to hand me off like a coward with no concern about my well being. " Marin lifted Kezia up and undressed her before bringing her to the bath, it was a lovely bathroom with a large mirror. Kezia slid in the bath and allowed the ladies to help her wash. They all chatted for quite some time about this new country she was in.

Not too long after she stepped out and changed into her night attire it was dark outside, she peered outside the window toward the balcony that she was graced with. The night air was much too cold to step out. "Marin, Matilda. Do you believe the King will be kind to me? I know after this night it is custom to share chambers but I am nervous. What if- What if he really is a monster?" Marin smoothed the hair on Kezia's head as Matilda tucked her in. "Princess, all will be well. Please ret now for there is a grand day ahead of you tomorrow." Kezia smiled and squeezed Marin's hand before watching them leave the room and drifting off to sleep.
 
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Matilda patiently helped Kezia, following Marin's lead as, technically, though Matilda might have been slightly older, Marin had served her longer. "I was born and bred here in Genevia, Mistress," she said cheerfully, almost smirking. "Humans are every bit the beast in Genevia as any other race. And the king asked me to come and serve you because, like you said, I know a lot about this country, and I've proven myself a good lady-in-waiting with other members of royalty, and my mother served-" She caught herself. "Another."

When Kezia was in the bath, Matilda patiently washed and brushed out her hair. "The beasts here are no different than the humans. Odd sometimes, you may find, with different behaviors and diets, but there's good ones and bad ones and ones that like to play in the grey areas. They'll be understanding of you thinking of them as beasts, but even as a princess, I would be careful who you say that to their face. And as long as you are the king's princess, you are protected, no matter how you see them, as long as you treat him well. He gave up a lot to this country, and they show their gratitude through their service. Besides, most of the ones in this castle will not follow you to your home. Most are stationed here to protect Thonley. They won't be going to Knockdrin Castle."

She waited until Kazia was tucked in. "You are to be married. Don't all married couples share a bed? If they don't, then there's something wrong with that marriage." She spoke with down-home wisdom more than an in-depth knowledge of how other royal families worked.
 
Kezia smiled at Matilda's jest, "I suppose you are not wrong in that aspect. My brother seems more monstrous than your- I mean the King. He gave me away without a wink just to save his own skin. And he lets the court treat him like a pawn. He has been very considerate of me." Kezia closed her eyes as her cheeks flushed slightly. She was being judgemental and had given the people of this country no chance. They hadn't harmed or debased her in any way, and yet she had done nothing but turn her chin to them the entire time. Of course, her fear wouldn't disappear in a day but she did feel guilt.

"I am ashamed. And as of now, I don't know what to think. Though it is comforting to hear that my home will be void of worries like this-" Kezia let out a sigh and allowed the water and the two maiden's to relax her. "Please tell me more about this country, if I am to be queen I do wish to be prepared... And more about your King as well, I am marrying a stranger tomorrow and we have yet to properly chat face to face." Kezia flushed thinking about their awkward encounter earlier, "He is quite handsome, I was expecting something more-more beastly in form. My brother makes him out to be a monster."

Kezia smiled at Matilda, "When I was younger my mother only sometimes shared the bed with my father. But, they also quarreled a lot. My mother was a very strong-minded woman. Though I do hope this marriage really does turn out well, I don't want to disappoint my late father. This is after all what he would have expected from me were her alive." Kezia yawned and rubbed her eyes feeling tired from the days hustle and the warm water lulling her to sleep.
 
Matilda smiled as she rinsed out Kezia's hair. "It takes time to get to know anyone, and much longer to get to know the country. You will learn. King Dwyer, though, may seem strict and hard at first, but he is a very kind man who has been hurt a lot in the past. He will not use or abuse you, but he may keep his distance for a time while he tries to learn to trust you. In fact, I know for a fact that in Knockdrin Castle, he made certain that everything was just right so you'd be comfortable."

Matilda fell silent for a moment as she carefully braided Kezia's hair. "There is one thing, Mistress... There are plenty of folk who are frightened of you, and frightened people tend to be very... silly. The King will protect you, but you should be careful. Just in case."

It was strange to think of anyone being frightened of tiny Kezia, but it was true. Matilda finished braiding the hair in no time at all and wrapped up her hair.
 
"He really is considerate given the circumstances." Kezia chewed her lip and sighed as her hair was braided. She looked at Matilda in disbelief, "Scared of ME? Why that's absurd, why would anyone in their right mind be scared of me? My brother and father may be but for me?.... I will keep your words in mind Matilda. But, I still find it absurd." After her hair was wrapped up she laid back and smiled at her handmaidens. "We should get some sleep in, aye? Thank you for easing my worries ladies. I am rather tired-" Kezia rose a hand over her mouth as she yawned and her eyes fluttered heavily from the long day.
 
Matilda helped Marin get Kezia to bed. "You are an outsider, and especially a human, and humans from the outside attack all in Genevia, even fellow humans. In any case, it is nothing to be worried about, only aware of. Sleep well, Mistress." She left Marin to get Kezia settled and went to lay out everything for tomorrow.
 
"Princess! Princess, it is time to get up. You must get ready for the wedding." Kezia groaned and opened her eyes, she rubbed them slightly before sitting up. She hadn't slept well, she was ridden with nightmares most of the night tossing and turning made it hard for her to properly rest. Her hair was in a tangled mess from the tossing and turning and sweat from the nightmares. "Oh dear, my lady we must get you into the bath quickly. Matilda may you please grab the princess a tea or something to wake her." Marin sighed and lifted the sleepy princess towards the bathroom into the bath, to help her wake before Matilda made it back she poured cold water over Kezia's head. "AH! MARIN WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!? THAT WATER IS FREEZING!" Kezia turned to Marin glaring before letting out a sigh, "I am sorry my lady but you must be awake for the ceremony." Marin scrubbed the princess clean before letting her out of the bath. Matilda had arrived with the coffee and some tea to settle her stomach along with so biscuits to eat. Kezia's dress was laid out on the bed and the vanity across from it was ready with makeup and ornaments for her hair. Once she was dressed she peeked a look at herself in the mirror, her hazel eyes looked brighter being surrounded by the reddish-brown shadow. Her face almost seemed to glow with the makeup, she looked like her mother.

Kezia was guided downstairs by Lord Veldkamp to the wedding hall. She once again looked in awe at the decorations, now she only had to wait for her cue. She would be walking the aisle alone, her brother wouldn't dare show his face until the reception. Kezia suddenly felt alone, and so small in comparison to the large castle. She mustered up all her courage to stand proud. As she heard the music that was her cue she walked down the aisle proud and graceful. You could say she looked like a goddess. She dared not to look anyone on the sides in the eyes, too afraid that they would see the worry etched in her own. The veil that covered her face kept most of it hidden. When she made it to the alter she kept her gaze low waiting until he lifted her veil. She only hoped he didn't see the sadness, worry, and uncertainty that laced her eyes.
 
Bran had spent his morning being cleaned, dressed, and powdered, much like Kezia, but in his case, it was much more relaxed. He'd woken early and the time thinking. A complete stranger. He was marrying a complete stranger. Most people said they were married to a complete stranger a few years after getting married. Even so... he would make this work. He had to. Genevia needed Pinelyn, and a war would destroy them both. He had to keep his people safe. Right now, the best way to do that was to marry a human. He stared quietly at his sleeve as Alfonz finished the laces.

Alfonz looked at the King and smiled. "Do not worry, Sire. She seems to be a sweet thing. I am sure all will be well. Thank you."

Bran glanced at his butler and gave a slight nod. "Thank you, Alfonz. Now, we need to get down to the chapel."

The butler bowed and followed Bran as they walked down from the groom's rooms and through the small, ancient castle to the adjoined chapel. Everyone hustled and bustled about, getting last minute things ready. The chapel looked pristine, elegant, and somewhat intimidating. Bran listened quietly as the judge once again explained the order of events. Genevia had no "official" religion, and Bran, himself, had never really adhered to any, personally, so finding a priest or other officiant had been challenging, to say the least, especially considering the fact that whoever was chosen had to be agreeable to the Pinelyn way of doing things. He'd almost sent someone to get a ship's captain to perform the ceremony but had eventually settled on a well-respected judge. The man was clearly nervous about his role, but professional and clear-spoken.

At last, Bran stood in his wedding finery of silver and black with a heavy black cloak before the altar and waited. It seemed to take forever until the music started, signaling the beginning of the procession. Kezia walked alone, something Bran had been uncertain of, but that had been the choice. He stood watching her traverse the long aisle alone feeling like it got longer with every step she took. At last, she stepped up before him, hidden behind a veil.

The judge cleared his throat and began. "Dearly beloved, friends, countrymen... We are gathered here to witness the union between King Anatolie Bran Dwyer of Genevia and Princess Kezia Nisrina Pinelyn."

Bran listened quietly and repeated his vows, his voice strong and steady despite the painful thumping of his heart. Steely dedication kept his hands still when they tried to shake. He would not fidget. He would not falter. Then came the line he was fearing.

"If any here has any reason why these two should not be joined, speak now or forever hold your peace."

A slight stirring at the back. Bran glanced over to see one man being discreetly held by two guards. His face was red from effort, but the guards kept a hand clamped over his mouth. He would not be allowed to speak. If the judge noticed, he made no indication of it.

"Then I pronounce you Husband and Wife!" he announced proudly.

Bran turned and gently lifted the veil. She truly was beautiful. He leaned forward, his heart seizing up as he kissed her briefly then pulled back. He took her hand and turned to present his new bride to the cheering masses. Her hand felt cold.
 
"Dearly beloved, friends, countrymen... We are gathered here to witness the union between King Anatolie Bran Dwyer of Genevia and Princess Kezia Nisrina Pinelyn."

Kezia stood still and silent. There would be no sign of her falter today, this was her role, her duty to her kingdom and her country was standing here marrying a stranger. She clenched the violet pasque flowers tightly in her palms. Kezia listened to her lord repeat his vows, his voice was strong and unwavering despite the situation. Maybe Matilda and Marin were right, all would be fine.

Kezia lifted her gaze to Bran when it came for her to repeat her vows. Matilda's voice rung in her ears, "...he is a very kind man who has been hurt a lot in the past. He will not use or abuse you, but he may keep his distance for a time while he tries to learn to trust you." That was right, he also had his fears and hold against her kind as well. She lifted her shoulders and repeated her vows clearly with no falter in her voice.

"If any here has any reason why these two should not be joined, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Kezia's heart dropped, of course, there had to be a few who didn't agree. She couldn't see much through this veil and she dared not to turn her head. When the time passed she let out a quiet breath of relief.

"Then I pronounce you Husband and Wife!"

Kezia blinked as he lifted her veil, she only stared up at him. He was a truly handsome man and a worthy king. When he leaned forward to kiss her briefly she didn't pull away but flushed as her eyes widened only slightly. His hand was so warm in comparison to her own, she felt a chill run through her bones. She was cold and nervous more so than before but she dare not let it show. She looked toward her new kingdom, towards her people and his, before giving a beaming smile and tightening the grip around his hand. If not for a bit of comfort. 'Now for the reception, mostly for the official's. At least Marin and Matilda will be there.' She looked up at her husband, maybe she would even get a few moments to spare to get to know him and more of his kingdom.
 
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