The steps of a woman with long, beautiful hair curled up with a dark blue ribbon moved gracefully back and forth. A sparkling crown adorned the top of her head. The symbol of the Evrolian Kingdom in the form of white flames was neatly engraved on the grand shawl she wore, adding to the graceful impression of the queen's appearance.
A thin smile formed beautifully on Queen Estelle's lips. The ruler of the Evrolian Kingdom looked very excited today. The day she had been waiting for years had finally arrived, the wedding day of her only son. She had personally overseen the decorations and arrangements.
Even when the sun was still reluctant to rise, the woman of royal blood was struggling in the royal kitchen. Making sure the treats would be served perfectly.
The people were also happy on this big day. Their prince who was known to be friendly, humble but firm would marry a princess from a neighboring country. Princess Inessa, someone who was also known to be warm-hearted and gentle.
With steady steps, the Queen stepped into the crown prince's room. Walking along the large supporting pillars that were specially decorated with white flowers today and looked beautiful. Her pretty lace dress swept the floor made of glass. The flowing water could be seen clearly when passing through it.
A male servant who was no longer young saluted when she arrived at a room with a large carved wooden door. His hand was carrying a tray containing a glass of white-golden drink that was only a third full.
"Your Majesty," said the servant with a bow.
"Is the Prince ready?"
"Prince Alter has just finished putting on his royal robe, Your Majesty," he answered, still with a bow.
The brown-haired Queen nodded and opened the door while the middle-aged servant withdrew. Entering the spacious room with shades of off-white and burgundy, her son was seen struggling in front of a large mirror with classic and gothic accents.
"Alter, my son. Are you ready?" asked the mother as she approached.
She could see the reflection of her son who looked dashing in his father's robe. His handsome face, pale white skin, brownish hair and melancholic eyes. Her only son was born very similar to her late husband.
'King, can you see your son from there?' the queen thought. The corners of her eyes were slightly wet. But it was not a happy expression that was seen on her son's face.
"Mother, I'm uneasy. I feel like something bad is going to happen ...," Alter said softly. He looked at his mother. The anxiety in his eyes was clearly visible.
"Enough, don't give bad suggestions for today. You're just nervous because you'll soon marry Princess Inessa." The Queen tried to calm her son. Although it was undeniable that she also felt the same feeling.
The woman who still looked beautiful helped Alter adjust the position of the ribbon on her chest. Her once-smooth hands, now beginning to wrinkle, reach out to gently stroke the crown prince's hair.
Hearing the name of his future bride mentioned, Alter's smile immediately appeared. He had dreamed of this for a long time. Even since the first time he saw Inessa, ten years ago.
This marriage was indeed a political marriage but they had known each other since childhood. Growing up together, fostering a fear of loss. And today, right on Princess Inessa's seventeenth birthday, their love would be united.
**
Princess Inessa seemed to float rather than walk, her ivory gown scattering white petals in her wake. The auburn hair beneath her veil caught the sunlight, kindling embers in the gloom of the sacred hall.
Her hands tightly held a bouquet of white flowers with crown-shaped petals. She tried to suppress the tension that had been controlling her. Two maids walked not far behind carrying the princess's long dress.
All eyes were on her. Including Alter who had been waiting for her in front of the High Priest and Royal Elders of the kingdom. His eyes were slightly wet looking at how beautiful the woman who would soon be his wife was.
The wedding vows went smoothly. After the vows were said, the bride and groom pressed their foreheads together. Alter touched the right side of Inessa's neck just below her ear while closing his eyes. A few moments later, a white flame symbol appeared on the beautiful woman's neck. As a sign that she had legally become the wife of the crown prince of the Evrolian Kingdom.
The invited guests were also happy to enjoy the all-white wedding atmosphere. The palace servants were immediately busy for the coronation of Prince Alter as king, replacing his mother.
In the middle of the party, Popilo, the minister of defense and war, hurriedly approached Queen Estelle who was sitting on the throne.
"Your Majesty, I would like to report. The rebel group has taken over the south gate. All the guards there have been killed by them," he said in a whisper.
Queen Estelle tightened her grip on her glass. Her jaw tightened. She knew that sooner or later, the rebellion led by Fergus would attack her kingdom again. But she did not expect why it had to be on a happy day like this.
Fergus was her husband's older brother. He had a very bad temper. Not only was he cruel, he was also vicious and arrogant. Of course, her wise father-in-law was unwilling to hand over the kingdom to her first son. The previous king finally chose Adelard, the second son, as his successor. And since then, Fergus's war drums have been echoing.
Fergus increasingly showed his cruel and cruel nature. He even did not hesitate to kill his biological brother when Alter was still in the womb. Luckily, Queen Estelle was saved by the elders of the kingdom. Now, after seventeen years have passed, the brutal man is back. He wants to kill his own nephew and seize what he calls his 'rights'.
The Queen asked all soldiers to prepare, the smile no longer visible on her calm face. Her eyes showed pain as she looked at Alter who was chatting casually with Inessa on their throne. For some reason, she felt that there would be bloodshed today.
Not waiting long, a loud bang was heard. Surprising everyone who was enjoying the party. Alter quickly pulled Inessa, taking her to take shelter with her mother and mother-in-law. He knew who the uninvited guest was.
A large rock suddenly fell, on top of which an elderly man sat relaxing. His almost tattered black robe and scarred face, two combinations that were hard to forget. Alter approached but kept his distance. He had heard that his insane uncle had the ability to control wind and black magic.
"You've grown up, kid!" Fergus spat and stood up.
"Uncle, can we talk nicely?" Alter asked politely to protect the lives of everyone in the palace. Even though he really wanted to kill this man, his father's killer.
"I came here to take my rights. Don't act all powerful. Seeing you reminds me of your late father. Makes me nauseous!!!" Fergus moved one of his hands, and a sword almost hit Alter, luckily he was able to avoid it.
Alter took a deep breath. His uncle seemed serious. He thought about distracting Fergus when suddenly someone had fallen behind him.
Inessa's body lay helpless. Her white dress that was originally charming was now no longer intact and covered in blood. The sword that was stuck in her shoulder and stomach seemed to be throbbing horribly, blending with the wound and the red color symbolizing death. Blood flowed from the corner of his lips, wetting the pale skin that was starting to lose its life. She groaned softly, looking at Alter with a gaze that was starting to fade.
Alter's knees creaked as they hit the slowly cracking glass floor, as if responding to the destruction in his chest. His trembling hands reached for Inessa's body, placing the girl's head slowly on his lap.
"Princess ... no ... don't be like this ..." Alter whispered almost inaudibly, like the last breath of someone who was drowning. His eyes were wet, his chest rose and fell with his breathing starting to become irregular.
Inessa raised her hand with the remaining strength, touching Alter's cold, tear-filled cheek. She smiled weakly, a smile that carried a message of farewell. Blood trickled from her lips, staining skin gone ghostly pale. A soft gasp escaped her, not of pain, but regret.
"I... apologize... for... making you cry..." Inessa replied softly before her eyes closed slowly, and her hands fell limp, lifeless.
The scent of Inessa's rose perfume twisted into copper. Her wedding veil, still tangled in his fingers, was no longer ivory but crimson. Somewhere, a string quartet played on, the melody now a funeral dirge screaming in his skull.
He lowered his head, his lips trembling to hold back a scream. But the wound was too deep to be silenced. A heartbreaking scream escaped his throat—a loud sound that tore through the silence and shook every wall of the palace.
"AARRRGGHHH!!!"
The glass cracks grew larger, spreading like terrifying living roots. The ground shook, the palace pillars that were once beautiful shook violently. The sky that was previously clear suddenly turned cloudy, thunder rumbled as if in mourning. Objects around him floated aimlessly, as if pulled by an invisible storm. Candles went out, flowers withered instantly, and the air turned cold to the point of piercing the bone.
Alter's face turned dark, tears mixed with blood dripped from the corners of his eyes. His hands clenched, his body began to be covered in a burning dark aura, like a white flame that had lost control. The power of his father's inheritance, which had been sealed by the spell of the elders, broke out in an instant. And everyone could feel it.
The people gathered in the palace courtyard panicked. Some fell as the ground shook. Children cried, mothers hugged their children with shivering bodies. Screams and prayers mixed together.
"What's happening?!"
"Queen! Please stop this!"
"Is this a curse?!"
Meanwhile, the Royal elders stood in a row with their hands outstretched, chanting a protective spell. Golden magical light formed a shield around the palace, trying to hold back the rampage of Alter energy that continued to rage wildly, uncontrollably.
Queen Estelle stood in the distance, her face pale. Her eyes filled with tears as she saw her only son kneeling amidst the rubble and chaos, hugging the body of his deceased wife. She knew, her son was destroyed.
Meanwhile Fergus and his men retreated in fear, not daring to look directly at the brutal force that was now awakening. Fergus swallowed, his face turning pale. "What have I done…?" he whispered, fear gripping his heart for the first time in years.
The wedding day that was supposed to be a new beginning for the Evrolian Kingdom had now turned into a day of mourning.
**