Hepthan Kingdom Nayla

I made my way down the aisle amongst the piercing eyes of every member of the Hepthan King's royal house. Before I was left to walk alone, Taera whispered to me that the King lied that I was one of his children so I could be married off. She told me that even though he acted like he was good friends with the other king, who I learnt was called King Raslin, he hated the man and wouldn't let any of his children be associated with him.

Which is where I come in. I was the perfect scapegoat to serve as a fake link between both kingdoms while Degar kept his children under his watchful eyes. As I walked, I kept my head dead ahead. I fought within myself to suppress the urge to run away, but I knew it would be a useless and futile effort. I was a small, malnourished twelve year old. I wouldn't get far before I am caught, bound up in chains and thrown somewhere dark and smelly.

As I got closer to the altar, my eyes caught sight of the husband I was getting married to. I was terrified, hoping I wouldn't be married off to someone twice, or even thrice my age, but the moment I saw him, my eyes lightened. He was also young, probably too young to get married also but older than I was. His eyes brightened when they saw mine, almost as if he was also relieved to finally see who he was being married off to.

Aside from being young, he was incredibly handsome. Maybe the most handsome boy I had ever set my eyes on. The type of boy you fall in love with at first sight. His smooth, fair, egg shaped face with slightly big and light brown eyes was enough to sweep me off my feet. He had wavy long hair that was tucked nicely into a small bun, although little of it was left to fall to the right side of his face. I could feel myself breaking into a smile as with every step, I closed the gap between us.

“Stand over here child.”

The priest whispered to me, gesturing I move even closer to my soon-to-be husband. I did as I was told and we were now looking into each other's eyes. I seemed like he was smiling at me but I wasn't sure.

“Princess Nayla, daughter of Degar and Prince Xerian, son of Raslin,”

The priest began. This was the first time I heard his name. Xerian. I had never heard that name before, but I liked it.

“I hereby join you two in the sanctity of marriage, bound by faith and love, to be with each other until death."

I almost chuckled at his speech. I was being married to a total stranger and I was supposed to be bound in love and faith. It seemed only both families knew that this was basically a sham marriage.

He took our hands, joining them together while putting his own hand over our joined hands.

“Go."

He mumbled and slightly shoved us forward. With my hand in his, we walked through the cheers of the attendees. From the corner of my eye, I noticed King Degar and King Raslin pulling each other into a kingly embrace. I had so much hate for Degar. He was a liar, an evil man and I wished him nothing but death.

“You have a beautiful name Nayla.”

For a moment, I had forgotten I was holding the hand of Xerion. His voice took me out of my thoughts and I looked at him. Now I was sure he was smiling at me.

“Thanks, so do you," I said with a smile before realizing what I meant. “I mean not beautiful, you have a…”

"I know what you mean silly.”

He teased me and we both laughed. I couldn't believe I was laughing with him. I feared that he was going to be an entitled brat, like Degar’s kids, but he wasn't like that. He smiled at me, he laughed with me, he held my hand gently but firmly.

I scanned my crowd with my eyes, looking for one person. The only person who was like a family to me. Taera. Finally, I noticed her waving in the far right of the big hall. She must have noticed I was searching for her.

I wanted to run to her and tell her she shouldn't worry about me. I wanted to tell her maybe this was a blessing after all. I wanted to tell her that I would pay her a visit soon, but I knew maids weren't allowed to come close to the royals without instruction. She could be put to death.

Instead I waved back at her with the biggest and truest smile I could muster. A smile that would tell her that I truly believe it'll be okay. I noticed her take her finger to her face to wipe off a tear. She gave me a one-way nod then I knew she was convinced.

As Xerian and I made our way out into the streets of Hepthan, where more people gathered to cheer us, I found myself looking forward to a lifetime with the stranger beside me.