Royalty: Shadows of Past

❀Episode 3❀

*＊✿❀Evelyn's POV❀✿＊*

Time passed and at last, the day of my wedding dawned. Despite countless urges to flee, I remained. Now, in my room, Anna and several maids busied themselves preparing me for the ceremony. It wasn't a grand affair, but merely a formality. The maids worked in silence, tears glistening in Anna's eyes as she fashioned my hair into a low bun. Despite how small this event was, Lucas insisted I wear a long white dress to avoid any potential backlash-after all, I was once the Princess of Asther.

The time arrived for our wedding ceremony. Anna adjusted my veil, my white dress cascading around me, adorned with the diamond necklace my mother once wore. With Anna by my side, gently holding my hand, I made my way to the Great Hall. I couldn't help but wonder how different it would be if my parents and brother were still alive. Instead of Anna, I imagined Alex escorting me, and my father waiting at the altar to guide me down the aisle. Lost in my thoughts, the sound of the giant doors snapping shut snapped me back to reality.

Entering the Great Hall, I observed a handful of esteemed guests-lords, governors-occupying the chairs. The hall was sparsely populated, with Lucas seated on the throne and the priest already positioned on the stage. However, someone crucial was missing.

"Where's the Grand Duke Arthur?" I leaned towards Anna, whispering anxiously. What if he had a change of heart?

"I'm not sure, Your Highness. Let's proceed to the stage and await the Grand Duke," Anna replied, her touch comforting as she gently squeezed my arm. Nodding, we walked towards the stage.

Standing there, whispers filled the hall, and an air of uncertainty hung heavy in the atmosphere. As time passed, the hall buzzed with curious glances directed my way. Silence no longer remained; instead, whispers filled the air as guests exchanged questioning looks, puzzled by the absence of the Grand Duke of the North. I glanced towards Lucas, but he remained unruffled, a victorious smirk playing upon his lips. I despised it, opting instead to lower my gaze

Standing there for what felt like an eternity, my feet throbbed with discomfort. It became increasingly apparent that the Grand Duke was not coming. So why was Lucas dragging this? He could easily call it off, having already subjected me to enough humiliation in front of these onlookers.

Frustration boiled within me, and I reached my breaking point. If Lucas wouldn't act, then I would. I couldn't endure any more humiliation.

That Grand Duke of the North could go to hell.

Summoning my courage, I took a deep breath and turned to face Lucas. "Your Majesty, forgive my interruption, but I highly doubt that His Grace, the Grand Duke of the North, will be joining us today," I spoke up, my voice trembling slightly. It had been so long since I had addressed infront of these lords. Once, I had felt confident and cherished among them. Now, I was nothing but a target for ridicule.

Lucas tilted his head slightly, a regal aura enveloping him as he sat upon the magnificent throne of Asther. Crafted from gold and adorned with jewels, it was a symbol of power and authority. Lucas wore the crown of Asther, once donned by my father, and despite the passing months, I couldn't bear to look at him in such a manner. Memories of the past haunted me relentlessly.

Clearing his throat, Lucas spoke in a serious tone, addressing me."My Lady, have some patience." His posture exuded confidence as he leaned back, one foot resting casually on his knee. With one hand resting on the arm of the throne and the other holding the scepter.

"I believe we should wait. The Grand Duke will surely arrive." he declared, his words carrying weight in the solemn hall.

Before I could utter a word, the massive door of the Grand Hall swung open with a resounding creak. The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned towards the entrance to catch a glimpse of the newcomer. Lucas's smile widened, and he gave a subtle nod, encouraging me to turn and look. But I couldn't bring myself to do so. Deep down, I already knew who it was.

All eyes turned towards the figure that had just entered. The rhythmic click-clack of boots and the rustling of clothes echoed through the space, filling it with an uneasy tension. I remained rooted in place, facing the priest, holding my breath in anticipation.

Arthur had arrived, standing beside me. A chill ran down my spine as I summoned the courage to glance at him.

Arthur was tall and pale, with dark black, slightly red hue irises that seemed to pierce through the dim light of the hall. I had never encountered eye color like his before in the whole empire .From the mature aura around him he looked older than his actual age. His broad shoulders covered in heavy cloak. Anyone could tell from his looks that he was a warrior.

The scent of blood emanated from him, making me feel nauseous. It reminded me of the day my family was brutally murdered. A tear escaped my eye, but I quickly composed myself refused to show weakness to anyone.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for the delay," Arthur spoke, his voice deep, cold, and resonant. It sent shivers down my spine, and I understood why he was known as the grim warlord. "The North was besieged by demons, and as the Grand Duke, I deemed it my duty to prioritize the safety of my people. I hope you understand."

"I understand, Arthur. But perhaps you should ask your bride that, as she seemed rather impatient," Lucas retorted, casting a smirk in my direction.
"Forgive me, My Lady," Arthur turned towards me, offering a small apologetic bow. The overpowering scent of blood made it difficult for me to focus, but I managed a nod in response.

"Let us commence the ceremony," Lucas signaled to the priest, who began the proceedings. As the priest recited the vows, my mind was elsewhere. I was merely going through the motions, biding my time until I could escape. Once I was ready, I would flee and return for my revenge.

Do you, the Grand Duke of the North, Arthur Von Bernadotte, take Evelyn Ian Zachary, previously the Second Princess of Asther, as your bride?

The priest's words hung heavy in the air, and my heart sank at the realization of my fate. Summoning every ounce of courage within me, I met Arthur's cold gaze, silently conveying that I was not weak.

"Yes, I do" Arthur's deep and intimidating voice resonated through the hall as he affirmed his commitment, his eyes piercing into mine.

Evelyn Ian Zachary The Royal Lady of Asther, do you take Arthur Von Bernadotte as your groom?

All eyes turned towards me, awaiting my response. Despite the weight of the moment bearing down on me, I gathered my resolve. Though my voice trembled, I forced the words out. "I do."

In that moment, as I uttered those words, I felt as though the last vestiges of my royal identity slipped away. Today marked the death of the last member of the Asther Royalty-Evelyn Ian Zachary.

*＊✿❀To be Continued❀✿＊*

Hi, How are you all doing??
So another very important character just appeared.😅
What do you think about Arthur???