Chapter 1 Married to the crown prince
Lily's pov:
"You are not good enough. Just be glad you are getting married to the royal family. If not for your father, I wouldn't care if you got married to an old man. The royal family is too good for you."
I released a breath, trying to free the pressure in my chest as my stepmother's words came, echoing in my mind. My hands ached from clenching them too tightly.
I can't let her words get to me, not now, when am I about to walk down the aisle and marry a total stranger.
I stood frozen waiting for the grand doors to open and usher me into my new life.
And it did.
Taking a step, my bridal gown shimmered, its rich velvet fabric a deep, jewel-toned blue that seemed to glow with an inner radiance. The fitted bodice was adorned with intricate embroidery, threads of gold and silver woven together in a pattern of flowers and leaves. The sleeves were long and flowing, gathered at the wrist with delicate lace that sparkled like diamonds.
The gown seemed to embody the very essence of the bride, a perfect blend of elegance and innocence. But it felt like a costume to hide my anxious nerves.
The sounds of drums and trumpets welcomed me as I walked with practiced grace, slow steps, my head held high, and I could still hear their scornful thoughts.
" A girl birthed by a harlot is getting married to a prince. A stain on the royalty bloodline"
The halls closed in on me, making me feel claustrophobic. I stumbled under the weight of anxiety and the snickers swelled with the music. Mocking me.
Reaching the altar, I stretched out my hands to the stranger I was getting married to, only to be ignored as he turned to face the priest, leaving me hanging.
This was the person I was getting married to. The crown prince.
A pang of humiliation shot through me, but I stood tall. The priest's voice droned on, asking questions I barely heard.
"Do you take the crown prince, Elliott Saveste, to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness and in health. In riches and death ? Till death do you part?
I hesitated, my voice barely above a whisper. "I do."
The words felt like a lie, a promise I wasn't sure I could keep.
I didn't have a choice. I was a pawn in a game of politics and power, traded for the sake of the throne.
Elliot gripped my wrist tightly as he wore me the ring. Wincing internally, I looked at him and noticed his jaw tightening. His gaze met mine and I saw his blue eyes flashed in distaste, disgust written boldly on his face.
I knew that look. The look has always been part of my life, reminding me how truly insignificant and worthless I was.
The crowd cheered as the priest proclaimed us couples and, for the first time, I saw my dad smiling at me.
I know I should not be glad about that, but I was. Watching his lips curled up into a smile was already replaying in my head. If being married to the Crown Prince will make him happy, then I have no problem, no matter the humiliation.
The rest of the ceremony was just me being paraded around and introduced to the nobles and elites, until it was time for the first dance as a couple. I rose up gracefully from the cushioned chair, expecting Elliott to ask me to the dance floor, but I got another humiliation as he walked past me and asked another lady for a dance.
This was too much.
My eyes prickled with tears, as the music started. I could hear the guest murmuring, but I kept my head high, smiling at any gaze that came in contact with mine.
At the end of the wedding ceremony, I felt shattered. My mental exhaustion and emotional vulnerability threaten to overwhelm me.
"Crown princess Lily." Right, that's my new title.
I turned, my eyes meeting the queen's. For a moment, I forgot to bow. Queen Rhoda's beauty was undeniable. Her maroon gown presented her with that regality that would make ladies jealous. And, her smile.
God. Her warm smile was a stark contrast to Elliott's icy gaze.
I bowed, my voice low and gentle. " Your Royal Highness"
As she reached me, she held my hand in her soft hands.
" How are you feeling?". Her excitement was noticeable, but I could not match her enthusiasm.
I hesitated, unsure of what to reply. "It's an honor." Your Royal highness"
The queen's smile grew wider. "Nonsense. You deserve it" Her words were kind, leaving me wondering if she really meant it or was being sarcastic.
I mean, she saw how Elliott humiliated me.
Before I could respond, she tugged my hands. " Come, let's get something in your stomach before the consummation begins". Her winks sent a flush to my cheeks.
As I entered the grand palace, rows of servants bowed. The dining hall was indeed a feast for the eyes, with the golden chandeliers refracting and casting lights on the walls.
My family were already seated with the King, my stepmother's expression pinched, my three stepbrothers' eyes gleamed with curiosity. My dad stood up, but his hug caught me off guard.
He has never been affectionate to me.
I stiffened as he smiled and bowed low. "Crown princess". It was surreal.
My family reluctantly followed, their bows awkward and their resentment flashing in their eyes.
During dinner, I noticed Prince Elliott was absent. So curiously, I asked about his whereabouts, "Where is the Crown Prince?"
The king and the queen exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable.
"He's tired". The queen said, her smile tight. "Retired early".
I knew that was a lie.
The dinner conversation faltered, and I felt bad for being the cause of it.
Dinner ended early, and I rushed to meet the Prince. The queen and Father cheered me up, but every step I took as I ascended the sweeping staircase sent my heart sinking more.
The grand staircase curved upward like a ribbon, its intricately carved banister gleaming in the candlelight. As I reached the top, I was led down the long corridor lined with ornate tapestries. The crown prince's chamber was down the hall, hidden from the prying eyes.
However, imagine my shock when I was stopped by the crown prince's servants.
" Is anything wrong?". I asked, my tone hinting at curiosity.
They dodged my questions and avoided my gaze, leaving me more confused. But the confusion didn't last.
Sounds of moans and slapping cheeks could be heard. I thought I'd gotten used to insults and mockery, but I guess not.
I stood frozen, forced to listen even as the unknown lady emerged from the room, a limp in her steps but a satisfied smile on her face. That smile faltered when she saw me, standing a few steps away. She ran away before I could say anything.
A servant decided to inform Prince Elliott and all he could reply was, " Tell her I don't want to see her abominable face anywhere close to me."
That was disgraceful enough for me.
I turned to flee, blindly running away from the humiliation. The cool night slapped me awake, making me realize I'd stumbled into the Royal garden.
I took a deep breath, trying my best not to burst into crying, but that was futile, as a tear streamed out and then it flood
ed out.
Consumed by my heartbreak, I didn't realize I wasn't alone in the garden.
"Want me to kill him?”