“But, your highness, don’t you require me?”
Kathlyn’s voice broke a little and although I didn’t want to push her away or upset her, it suddenly dawned on me. She had
been my lady’s maid since I was three and never left my side. If what Dorian did was real, where was she those nights?
Heading up the staircase to my rooms, she followed and if it weren’t for the fact the rest of the staff would hear, I would
have turned on her and demanded she tell me.
Once I stepped into my room, she again followed me in and tried to offer some help. Perhaps to get me undressed and into
something more comfortable. I told her no and dismissed her services. Then, I sat on my balcony, waiting for nightfall with the
hopes my saviour would come.
To which, he did not.
Chapter 17
ORNELLA
Icried every night. Right up until the day arrived where I would become Dorian’s wife, and my saviour was nowhere to be
seen. Now I stood, dressed in a blush pink dress with ivory lace trim. Beneath it was an endless amount of petticoats.
There was enough to make me fall over with a single step. To finish off the look, I wore the longest veil I think Mother
could possibly find.
Kathlyn beamed at me in the mirror as she did the final touches of my hair by sliding in diamond encrusted pins and fixing a
few strands of loose hair. I could feel my eyes start to well up with tears. Despite the fact that my tears were anything but
happy, they were made out to be happy tears. Of course, no bride should be unhappy on their wedding day.
The entire kingdom was buzzing with happiness and lively music. A festival of love was pronounced—even if the entire
court knew this would be loveless marriage. I began to deeply hate my parents, all while begging the Goddess for Norok to
wake from his slumber and save me.
Save me from this fate I had been sealed in.
“Oh, your highness, you look as beautiful as a portrait. Your wedding painting will be hung in the halls for centuries to
come.”
I wanted to slap Kathlyn across the face for saying such a thing. She had wiped away my tears when she arrived each
morning and saw the fresh cuts on my arms from where I scratched myself out of frustration. We had to add gloves to my dress
just to cover them up.
But I wanted them to see. I wanted everyone to see how their princess felt about what she was being forced to do.
“Kathlyn, I wish to be alone before I am due downstairs please.”
“I’m sorry, your highness, but her majesty insisted I stay with you.”