|| 20th of Junil, 999 || Kainesborough, Edan ||
Everyone in the room stands. I am the last to move, my own petty form of resistance before I finally stand up and face the door as well. The doors open and I watch as my father and Alice enter the room, their faces as stern and unreadable as ever.
Alice is wrapped in pale blue silk and jewels, her pale blonde hair catching the light as she moves down the carpeted aisle. My father cuts an imposing figure in his royal blue regalia, the gems on each of his metals glistening with each step. His dark black hair is slicked back from his face in a sharp peak, where a thin whisp of silver cuts through at his temple.
I can feel Lia stiffen beside me, straightening her posture before Father sees her slouching. I roll my eyes and purposely loosen mine, just to spite him.
I watch as he approaches, Alice on his arm like a prized trophy. When he sees me standing next to Lia, a flicker of something like pride flashes in his eyes, quickly replaced by his usual stern expression.
“Sonny,” he nods, acknowledging my presence begrudgingly. I manage a tight-lipped smile.
Alice gives me a small smile from beside him but doesn’t speak.
Good, no one wants to hear that grating drawl anyway.
I ignore her and return my father’s gaze with a steady one of my own. His eyes narrow for a moment, the muscle in his jaw tightening in clear irritation.
Finally, he gives in, and they take their seats at the private table reserved just for the Crown. But just as I'm about to sit down, the trumpets ring out once more, reminding me of the arrival of my bride to be.
Fucking fantastic.
Here we go.
I try to ignore the twisting in my stomach as I force my gaze to the entry way where Averie now stands, wearing a traditional Edanian gown, the same pale blue color as her family’s crest. Her hair is piled high in pale blonde curls with multicolored pearls scattered throughout.
Very subtle.
I roll my eyes as she glides gracefully to the center of the room. She first bows to her mother, Alice, and then to my father. Finally, she meets my gaze and offers a respectful curtsy, her dark blue eyes shining nervously up at me.
I nod in acknowledgment but say nothing. From the corner of my eye, I notice Lia’s knuckles turning white as she grips the fabric of her dress tightly and stands up a little bit straighter.
Fuck, I’m the worst brother ever.
Averie comes to stand beside me and finally everyone is able to take their seats. I plop down into my chair with a sigh, relieved for that portion of the evening to finally be over.
But then I hear someone clear their throat to my right. I don’t need to look over to know who it is, who it always bloody is.
I force my gaze over to my father, noting the impatient look he directs my way, accompanied by a subtle nod toward the crowd.
Lovely.
Now I’m expected to give a speech.
That’s just fucking wonderful.
I stand up reluctantly, fixing my gaze on the room. The crowd is a blur of colorful silks and stiff faces looking up at me expectantly.
I truly hate each and every one of you.
If only I could tell you that.
I take a deep breath and plaster on a fake smile, hoping it’s believable, as I begin to speak. “I’d like to thank everyone for coming. This is quite the celebration and a long overdue one at that. I’ve been engaged to Averie since I was 17 years old, though I knew her long before then. I remember spending many summers at Whitlock manor, swimming in the sea until my arms grew sore. Playing games with the other children, it was truly some of the best memories of my childhood. My um…” I hesitate, the words feeling heavy on my tongue all of a sudden. I swallow down my discomfort and continue. “My mother insisted on all of us spending time together those summers. She wanted us to be like one big happy family. Little did she know that years later that very thing would happen. So, join me, in raising a glass to our late queen and to our ever-expanding family, Cheers!” I lift my glass in a feigned toast, forcing a smile. The crowd joins me, and we drink as one before the guests begin to cheer.
My father looks somewhat pleased, but I can still see the disappointment in his eyes, though he tries to mask it with a smile. I know he wanted a grand speech, something memorable at least, but it looks like I’ve fallen short like I always do.
Why do I even try really?
Next time I'm just going to bark at the crowd.
Take that dad!
I settle back into my seat as the grand feast begins. The servers bring out carts laden with trays of steaming food, placing them before each guest with a flourish. The tantalizing scents of roasted meats, savory vegetables, and freshly baked breads fill the air. The clinking of silverware against plates mixes with lively conversation and laughter as everyone begins to dig in.
A few minutes into our dinner, Averie leans over towards me and whispers, “Your speech was beautiful by the way. Your Mum would have loved it.”
My mouth turns down in a scowl before I can stop it. Her words are meant to be comforting, but they only serve to irritate me further. I resist the urge to snap at her, to tell her that she has no idea what my mother would or wouldn’t have loved. Instead, I plaster on a tight-lipped smile and mutter a noncommittal “Thanks,” before returning to my food.
To my left, Lia faintly clears her throat before casting a look between me and Averie.
Like father like daughter.
With a soft sigh I turn to face Averie, “So, uh…are you excited for the wedding?” I ask casually, as if we were talking about the weather and not the future of both of our houses.
Averie nearly chokes on her drink when she hears the question. She quickly regains composure and musters up a friendly smile. “Oh um, yeah I mean, of course!” she responds before hastily stuffing a piece of food in her mouth to avoid any further elaboration.
Right then, no talking.
Silence stretches between us like a yawning pit, the only sound between us being the scraping of our forks against the porcelain plates. I start to wonder if this is what our marriage will look like, silent dinners and one-word conversations.
Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.
Just then, she breaks the silence. “Can I ask you something strange?” she whispers conspiratorially.
“I’m always for something strange. Let’s hear it.” I respond, my mouth still half full of food.
Her lips twitch nervously before she speaks, her voice soft and hesitant. “Do you think I’ll be a good queen one day?”
How the fuck would I know?
I nod a few times before swallowing my food and saying “yeah, I do. I think you’ll be great. I have no doubt the people will love you.” I force a supportive smile onto my face.
They loved Mum too.
Lot of good that did her.
Averie nods slowly, taking in my words, but it’s clear she still has doubts. She fidgets nervously with her napkin and casts a sidelong glance my way. Finally, she speaks again, her voice smaller than before. “What about…well…what about us? Do you think we’ll be happy together?”
I pause before answering, caught off guard by the question. My natural instinct is to say no, to be completely honest, but with everyone watching, I know that’s not an option. God forbid I accidentally made her cry; it would be a scandal for months and I'd never hear the end of it.
I take a deep breath and give her a reassuring smile. “Of course,” I say, forcing a warmth into my voice that I don’t really feel. “Of course we’ll be happy. I mean, we’re already off to a good start, right?” I pat her hand lightly, hoping it comes across as affectionate instead of creepy.
Averie returns my smile and nods, but there’s a hint of sadness behind her understanding gaze.
On the other side of me, I can feel Lia’s eyes on me, silently judging as always. I can practically hear her saying 'You could stand to be a little nicer' in that disapproving tone she uses so much.
“What are you most looking forward to?” I casually ask Averie, trying to seem more interested than I truly am.
She bites her lip, mulling it over for a second before answering, “I don’t know…I guess being able to actually help our people?”
I offer a soft genuine smile, enjoying her subtle streak of defiance. “You seem like you’ve got something brewing. Lay it on me, I’m all ears.” I encourage.
She smiles softly and leans closer to me. “Well, I’ve been thinking…maybe we should open up an orphanage in the lower ward? Or something. It’s just a silly little idea really, don’t mind me.” She back tracks, but her excitement is unmistakable.
I find myself surprised yet again. “An orphanage?” I repeat, raising an eyebrow. “That’s…actually not a bad idea. Why an orphanage though?”
Her face lights up at my interest. “Well, you know how many children in the lower wards are orphans now a days,” she explains. “I’ve seen them on my visits. They have no family, no support, no education. They deserve better, don’t you think? A chance to grow up in a stable home, go to school, have a future.”
I pause, once again surprised and slightly impressed by her apparent thoughtfulness about the matter. I had always assumed she was the product of a typical noblewoman, trained on social etiquette and the like rather than having any real ideas.
No wonder Lia likes her.
“You have a real passion for it, don’t you?” I remark, my tone more genuine than it’d been all night.
“I do,” Averie replies with conviction, her eyes shining. “I want to make a difference. I don’t want to spend my life throwing fancy parties and having tea with other nobles. I want to do something real, something that really helps people.” She looks at me, suddenly a little hesitant. “You… you don’t think it’s silly do you?”
I shake my head, a faint smile tugging at my lips. “No, I don’t. I think it’s a damn noble idea.”
I have to admit, her passion was starting to rub off on me. I find myself actually listening to her, imagining how we could go about this.
How exactly does one acquire a building permit?
She looks over at me with a surprised smile “Really? You don’t think its…wasteful?”
My face drops a bit, realizing that’s something my father would say. I turn towards her with a determined expression, “I think it's more wasteful not to invest in the well-being of our citizens. Its a good idea, and a needed one.”
Averie’s smile widens at my words, and she reaches over to squeeze my hand. Her touch, which would normally feel foreign and unwelcome, suddenly feels a bit more bearable.
“Thank you,” she says softly. “That…that means a lot to me.”
We fall into a comfortable silence once again, but this time it’s less awkward, more companionable. I find myself almost…enjoying her company?
Gross.
Once everyone is done eating dessert, a flaming 3 tier cake, my father stands up and clears his throat. All conversation in the room dies out as everyone’s eyes lock on him.
I can’t help but roll mine.
“I would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight to support the union of our two great houses. I have no doubt that this marriage will prove itself fruitful, for both our families and the kingdom. This day marks the beginning of a new legacy, one that will extend well into the future.” He raises his glass and the crowd follows, taking a drink after he does. I down my entire glass of wine in disgust. But it seems Father has more to say.
“And I expect to see you all sober at tomorrow’s ceremony, no excuses.” He receives a small trickle of nervous laughter in response, as most people are aware of the implied threat in his words.
Stick to your day job Dad.
Over the next few minutes, the nobles start to leave, but before I can slip out unnoticed, Aiden Whitlock appears behind us.
Oh goodie, it's my shadow.
He gives his sister a hug from behind, giving her a soft kiss on the back of the head before saying, “Don’t think just because you’ll be queen that I can’t still beat you up.”
Averie punches him in the stomach, rolling her eyes. “Shut up, you’re just jealous I outrank you now.”
Aiden gasps dramatically, clutching his stomach and stumbling back from the blow. “You wound me, baby sister.” he replies with a devious smile.
She just rolls her eyes and mutters, “Please, you’re older by two minutes…”
Aiden shrugs, then turns his attention to me, playfully slapping a hand down on my shoulder, “If it isn’t my brother from another mother.”
I grimace in disgust, “Perhaps now isn’t the best time to emphasize our odd family dynamic yeah?”
Aiden laughs and slaps my shoulder again “Yeah well I doubt you’re the only Kaine to marry his sister mate.”
“Step-sister,” Averie and I correct him at the same time.
“Oh yeah because that makes it so much better” Aiden laughs and then leans down to whisper into my ear, “You ready to party your bollocks off tonight little bro?”
I let out a fake laugh. "You know it."
What a wanker.
Averie looks over at us suspiciously “What are you two whispering about?”
Aiden comes up behind her and hugs her again, a little too tightly judging by the look on Averie’s face. “Oh don’t worry you’re pretty little head, I’ll take good care of your betrothed, I promise.”
“Somehow I don’t believe you” she responds before looking over at me as Aiden continues to hug her tightly, “Don’t let him get you into trouble please.”
“We’ll both be on our best behavior, I swear.” I respond politely, my gaze flickering over to Aiden with a pointed look.
Aiden scoffs and let's go of her, standing up straighter, “I didn’t agree to that.” He starts to walk away but gestures for me to follow him.
I sigh and stand up slowly, giving Averie a weary look before saying, “I suppose I’ll see you in the morning then?”
She smiles back softly and nods before joking, “I’ll be the one in the white dress.”
I manage a faint smile before gently leaning down, pressing a brief kiss to her forehead, a gesture more for appearance than genuine affection.
“Right… well, see you in the morning,” I respond awkwardly, as she nods along silently, her eyes open wide in slight shock and confusion.
I go to walk away and but stop behind Lia before I do. I playfully push the back of her head and when she whips her head around in anger, I smile innocently before walking over towards the group of men surrounding Aiden.
I recognize a few of the nobles, some around my age and some far older. They all bow slightly when I come over, but I wave the gesture away.
Aiden throws an arm around my shoulder and says, “we’ve got something very special planned for you tonight.”
I really don’t like that freaky way he’s looking at me.
“Oh yeah? Nothing too crazy I hope.” I respond with polite smile, despite my growing dread.
Aiden laughs at me and responds in a mocking voice, “yes lads, let’s be on our best behavior tonight, the prince says so!”
Some lords chuckle along, but most refrain from openly mocking the heir to the throne.
Aiden smiles widely before gripping my shoulder and saying far too loudly, “Just fucking with ya mate. you lot ready to go? The Garden awaits.” he asks the rest of the men.
Everyone in the group nods and I crane my neck to see Haz standing dutifully by the entryway. I raise my hand, gesturing for him to join us. He hesitates for a moment but follows orders and approaches the group anyway.
Aiden’s face scrunches up when he sees Haz approaching, and he immediately cracks another stupid joke, “Oi, who invited the tin can?”
I smile tightly and respond smoothly, “I did. It is my party after all so I can invite anyone I wish, correct?”
Aiden shrugs and tries to play it off cool, “yeah of course. Hell, who knows, we might even need a man like him around if the whores get too unruly.” he laughs loudly, the sound beginning to grate on my ears already.
Aiden walks past Haz and I, but not before giving Haz a hard slap on the shoulder as he heads to the exit.
Haz gives me a look that seems to say, ‘I’m going to get you back for this,’ but I just smile and drag him along with the rest of the group.
Like hell if I’m dealing with this dickhead by myself.
