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Chapter 4: Into the Unknown
The first light of dawn crept into Selene's chamber, casting long golden rays across the floor. She lay in bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, her stomach twisting into knots. Today was the day. The day her life would change forever.
She slowly sat up, inhaling a deep breath. I have to be strong. I have to be brave. But no matter how many times she told herself that, the weight of uncertainty pressed heavily against her chest.
A soft knock on the door pulled her out of her thoughts. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and Mara stepped inside, her expression a mix of sadness and forced strength.
"It's time to get ready, my princess," Mara said, her voice gentle.
Selene swallowed hard and nodded. She slid off the bed, her legs feeling unsteady beneath her. The maids entered soon after, carrying luxurious gowns and delicate jewelry. They worked quickly, bathing her, dressing her in an elegant white and gold gown, and adorning her hair with golden pins.
As they styled her long, curly braids, Selene sat motionless, her mind drifting. She was supposed to feel like a princess today, yet she felt like a prisoner walking toward her sentence.
Her stepmother, the Queen, entered the room with a satisfied smirk. "You look... presentable," she said, eyes scanning Selene from head to toe.
Selene didn't bother responding. She knew the Queen was delighted to see her leave. She had never hidden her hatred for Selene, and now, she no longer had to.
Mara carefully adjusted Selene's gown before whispering, "You don't have to be afraid, my princess. You are stronger than you think."
But was she?
As the maids finished, Selene stood before the mirror, taking in her reflection. She looked beautiful, almost ethereal. Yet, the sparkle in her eyes was missing.
She clenched her fists. No matter what happens, I will not break.
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Selene expected her father to come and see her off, to at least offer a few words of farewell, but the longer she waited, the more reality set in.
He wasn't coming.
A lump formed in her throat as she stood at the palace gates, watching as Mara and a few servants loaded her belongings onto the grand carriage. Her father, the man she had tried so hard to please, the man whose love she had longed for all her life, wasn't here.
Selene turned her gaze toward the towering palace, silently hoping praying that he would appear. That he would tell her he cared.
But he didn't.
Pain clawed at her chest, but she forced herself to remain composed. If her own father couldn't even say goodbye, then she would leave without looking back.
Mara gave her a reassuring squeeze on the hand. "Stay safe, my princess," she whispered.
Selene swallowed back the lump in her throat and nodded. She climbed into the carriage, her hands trembling slightly. The moment the doors closed behind her, she felt like a bird trapped in a golden cage.
As the horses started moving, she turned her gaze to the palace one last time.
Her father was nowhere in sight.
Tears threatened to fall, but she blinked them back. I will not cry.
With that, she faced forward, leaving behind the only home she had ever known.
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The journey to Prince Draven's kingdom was long and silent.
The road stretched endlessly ahead, the towering trees casting eerie shadows as the sun dipped lower into the sky. The carriage rocked gently with every movement of the horses, but Selene barely noticed.
Her mind was consumed with thoughts of what lay ahead.
What would Prince Draven be like? Was he truly as terrifying as the rumors claimed? Would she be safe in his palace? Or was she walking straight into a nightmare?
Mara's words from the previous night echoed in her mind:
"He is a man that no one dares to cross. Even kings tremble before him."
Selene tightened her grip on her gown. Then what am I supposed to do? How do I face a man who even my father fears?
The carriage hit a small bump, jolting her back to reality. She exhaled a shaky breath.
Hours passed, and soon, the sky darkened. The stars twinkled above like distant diamonds, but Selene felt no comfort in their glow.
Then, in the distance, she saw it the palace.
Her heart clenched.
It was massive, standing tall and ominous against the night sky. The walls were dark, almost black, and torches flickered along the stone pathways. Even from afar, she could sense the coldness that radiated from it.
As they approached the gates, she noticed the guards. Their expressions were stiff, their movements precise. There was no warmth in their eyes, only discipline and fear.
The carriage came to a halt, and the doors were pulled open.
Selene hesitated.
Her heart pounded so loudly she could hear it in her ears.
This was it.
She stepped down, her gown brushing against the cold stone ground. The air was different here heavier, suffocating.
The grand doors of the palace swung open, and the first thing she noticed was the silence.
It was unnerving.
Inside, the palace was just as intimidating as its exterior. Dark marble floors gleamed under the candlelight, and towering pillars lined the vast hall. The air smelled of metal and burning wood.
Then, she saw him.
Prince Draven.
He stood at the far end of the hall, his broad frame casting a long shadow. His presence alone filled the room with an overwhelming sense of power. He was undeniably handsome, with sharp features and piercing eyes that seemed to see through her soul.
Yet, there was no warmth in his gaze.
Selene's breath hitched.
The rumors hadn't been exaggerated if anything, they had fallen short.
This man radiated danger.
He didn't move, didn't speak. He simply stared at her, as if she were nothing more than an object that had been delivered to him.
A shiver ran down her spine.
The silence stretched on until finally, he turned away, dismissing her without a word.
Selene clenched her fists.
He didn't even acknowledge her presence.
The weight of reality settled heavily on her shoulders.
She was alone here. A stranger in an unfamiliar world.
And she had just stepped into the lion's den.
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