The room was filled with the smell of roses and the faint sound of giggles.
While her maids combed her hair and adorned her ears, neck and hands with jewels, the young woman of twenty three years old watched her anxious reflection in the mirror.
— Her highness looks exquisite, doesn't she? Everyone will be dumbfounded by your beauty, dear princess. — Her main maid, Zena, exclaimed. The other maids smiled in agreement.
— Indeed. — Queen Letinna looked proudly at her daughter. — I am sure prince Rhovian will be very satisfied.
With her mother's words, princess Ylenna's heart sank to her stomach.
— What if… his highness actually dislikes me? — She muttered, almost all to herself.
— Nonsense! — The queen dismissed the thought with a wave of her hand. — You're always much pretty, my child, but there's no one in the world who would not be captured by your beauty today. You look splendid. Of course, you take after me. They wrote many songs about my splendourosity when I married your father.
Ylenna, who would normally laugh and roll her eyes at her not a little humble mother, now could only nod nervously, blinking and taking deep and short breaths to regulate her speeding heart.
Noticing her daughter's anxiousness, Letinna approached, taking the girl's hands in hers.
— Ylenna, my baby. Do not you worry this pretty little head of yours. Prince Rhovian is a man, after all. And, God forgive me, son of King Ronan Kozhar, who took another wife even after his deceased first wife gave him two boys. — Letinna did not hide the outrage in her voice. — Moreover, only a blind man would not be heels over head for such a beauty as his bride. And Prince Rhovian has quite a good sight, I must say, since he's so good of an archer. There's no way he will not be pleased with you. And… what could he do, after all? It is not as if he could call off the engagement just because the bride does not suit his taste. And he has seen you before, one many times. What are you worried with?
— You are right, as always, mother. — Ylenna forced a smile. — I am just nervous… It is all.
— That is completely normal, my darling. It is your grand day. All women surely get nervous on their white veil occasions.
Letinna bought her daughter's excuse, but Ylenna still couldn't lay aside the concern, when she knew the truth.
Prince Rhovian Kozhar hated her.
Since the first time she met him, he had the same dull expression on his face when looking at her, as if she could not be more interesting than a blank wall. Whenever talking to his or her family, though, he was always warmer and even smiled a lot.
But that wouldn't be enough for her to infer that he had such strong negative feelings toward her. On the day their engagement was announced, at a banquet in her family's castle, though, she realized how much he despised her.
It was one of the many times one of the three kingdoms would hold a banquet and invite the other two kingdoms' representatives to their castle. As always, Ylenna always asked for her ladies-in-waiting to doll her up, so she could meet prince Rhovian with her best appearance.
But, as always, the young man didn't ever pay any more attention to her than, obliged by the rules of courtesy and etiquette, kiss her hand and greet her with a nod.
That evening, though, when her father, King Yann Behrman, announced to all the guests about the union between the two kingdoms' through Ylenna and Rhovian's marriage, she could see the hatred in his eyes.
It was a surprise for her, too, who didn't even have a say nor a heads-up regarding the matter, but she was sure that her face only showed a shocked expression, while Rhovian seemed to burn inside with so much anger. His face was wrinkled and he held his cup with such strength that, even a bit from afar, she could see his hand shaking and his knuckles turning pale.
Later that night, Ylenna was taking a stroll at the garden when she heard arguing voices.
— (...) strong and needed alliance between the nations.
— Why me? Why could it not be Rhemo? — Rhovian's voice sounded anguished from anger.
— You are my second son, Rhemo is younger than you and even too young to get married. He will have his wedding later on, but right now, it is your turn to be of help to our nation.
— I do not want this. I will not marry princess Ylenna, no matter what you say. I have lived my whole life by your design, but please, not this.
— Careful, now. I am your father and king, Rhovian. You cannot possibly disobey me. I advice you to be reasonable. Do not make things harder…
Without wanting to hear anything else, Ylenna fled from the gardens as fast as she could.
The Kozhar delegation went back to their kingdom as soon as the next dawn came, and princess Ylenna could only wait until the day this so dreadful event would come.
A few months had passed when she arrived at Kozhar's nation with her family, two days before the wedding. Now, whatever was from that argument between the prince and his father, and whatever the prince tried to avoid this fate, they were about to get married.
— Your highness, we are finished. You are ready. — Her maid spoke, dragging Ylenna from her sour thoughts.
She stood, finally looking at herself in the finished outfit for the occasion.
Ylenna had long, brownish hair that fell to her waist in big waves. Her skin was slightly tanned and her eyes were a strong copper color.
Her wedding dress had a discreetly revealing neckline, the sleeves were puffy on the shoulders and just on the arms. The fabric adjusted to her waist and the skirt opened up in a beautiful rounded shape. She looked, indeed, magnificent.
— Come, dear. Let us head to the church.
She stood on the outside of the church, holding a big bouquet of white roses. The doors were closed, as everyone should be accommodating to their seats, inside of the building.
"Breathe" she thought to herself, trying her best not to faint.
Whatever Prince Rhovian's opinions on her were, the day had come, and he would not be disobedient enough to refuse to marry now, after he had let all those months come and go without calling it quits.
Before she could think too much of it, the doors opened while music started to be played. Ylenna took a last short breath before walking down the aisle, concentrating so she would not stumble. Everyone rose in their places and looked at her in awe with encouraging smiles. She did her best trying to smile back to the guests, without daring to glance at her fiancee at the altar. Ylenna was sure that seeing his despising face before making it to his side would make her freeze in her steps.
When she got close to him, Rhovian bowed politely. Ylenna answered with a curtsy and took the hand he offered without so much as looking up. Then, they both faced the archbishop and kneeled. Ylenna could barely make sense out of the words being said, but she managed to answer a reasonably sonorous 'I do' when asked if she accepted to take Prince Rhovian as her husband. Rhovian repeated the words, accepting her as wife.
— I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, your royal highness.
The prince got up and offered her his hands in help. She turned to face him, but maintained her head straight, staring at his neckline. She could not help but notice how strong he looked from up close. His neck had some bulging veins and the muscles were popping up. Before she could pull her thoughts together, the prince removed the thin veil and, in that short moment, she lifted her eyes, meeting his.
Rhovian had dark brown hair that usually reached his thick eyebrows, but it was combed back for the wedding. His skin was a shade lighter than Ylenna's, and his eyes were of an intense black. His full lips caught her attention even more than his pronounced jawline.
The princess noticed that he had a different expression on his face. All she could make of it was that he didn't seem angry, nor completely dull. It was more like curiosity, maybe, but she still didn't have the time to figure out what it meant, because he soon cupped her face in his hand, approached her and sealed their lips with a gentle, soft kiss. In a fleeting moment, Rhovian moved his lips a bit more and she could feel the humidity of his mouth in the last second of the touch. When he drove them apart, she found herself longing for more.
At the banquet, they sat side by side at the table, greeting the guests and thanking them for the gifts they had brought. Their fathers sat each on their sides, accompanied by their wives. When the gifts finally ended, they were then allowed to dine.
During the whole dinner, though, Ylenna tried to force herself to eat, but could barely manage to gulp a few pieces of pie, some spoons of pumpkin cream and a goblet of wine. She was nervous when she realized that the prince — now her husband — hadn't spared a word for her.
"I do not know why… but he really hates me. It cannot be my looks, since everyone kept praising me, my parents and him for them. We never even had a conversation, and I have never been a brat to anyone around us so of course he cannot dislike my personality. So why? What have I done so wrong?"
— Well, it is time. — Her now father-in-law had stood up, bringing the big room to silence. — The bride and the groom may head to their chambers to consummate the wedding.
The room erupted in applause and cheerings. A cold sweat started dripping on Ylenna's back. She was reminded too suddenly that it was not over yet. She would still have to face him alone in the bedroom for their nuptials.
The prince stood up and offered her a hand, which she took with a shaking one, and they left the banquet room accompanied by their servants.
— We will prepare you in the nuptial chambers, princess. His highness will get changed in the room next to it. — The maid explained to her on the way. Rhovian and his personal servants were a step ahead of the young woman and her ladies-in-waiting.
After the women took off her jewelry, dress and undergarments, she entered the bath with rose petals and perfumed oils.
— Don't forget, your highness. Lay down and let him take the lead.
Ylenna nodded, feeling her head lighter now with the warmness of the water and the effects of the wine.
When they finished drying and dressing her with a thin and quite revealing nightgown, the ladies took the bathtub and left the room.
Ylenna's heart was beating faster than ever. She was standing in the middle of the room, doing her best not to be pacing around while waiting for Rhovian to come. He didn't take long. Less than five minutes after she was left alone, she heard the knock on the door.
Rhovian entered before she could utter a word and approached her. Ylenna kept her gaze to his chest, even after realizing he was staring at her face. Her chest went up and down, her breath quick and superficial going through her parted, shivering lips, and her hands clinged to the fabric of her gown. The just-married couple stood for a long whole minute, completely silent. Finally, Rhovian spoke:
— Well, then. You take the bed, I will get the sofa. — Those were the first words the prince had ever addressed directly to her, aside the formal greetings.
— I-I… — stuttered Ylenna when noticing he was turning away and going to leave her there. — I have heard from my maid that… we must lay together on bed and fulfill our marital… duties. And that it is necessary for the bride to… bleed. She said that, if the woman does not bleed on her wedding night… either she was not pure since before the wedding or… the marriage was not consummated, so on the day after, it can be cancelled… and that could cause quite a stir and dishonor both families…
Rhovian looked at her with quiet intrigued eyes, before saying:
— Your maid said so, huh? Then… did she also tell you about what exactly happens when the couple lays together on the wedding night? What is needed for the woman to bleed?
— She did not say much, unless… — the young princess took a deep breath, fruitlessly trying to avoid the redness on her cheeks. — unless by the part that the married couple gets… undressed. And the man somehow plants something in the wife's womb.
The man sighed, gazing down and appearing frustrated.
"Great. Now he will find me dumb, as well."
— Do not worry about it. We can just make it look as if you've bled. A small cut will do. Though I cannot be the one to draw my own blood. I am afraid that will have to be you.
— Is… Is there a problem? I-I mean… are you sick? But… Of course I can do it. But again… why cannot we… We can just… fulfill the marital duty.
— No, we cannot. And also no, I am not sick. But I will be if I do it. It is just that I hate the sight of my own blood. But do not worry, I will make it so that you do not feel much pain.
Ylenna nodded, realizing that the man would not agree to whatever other engagements she tried on the matter. He surely was not willing to lay beside a woman he hated.
He reached out to the table, analyzing the varied cutlery on it, then chose a small knife that seemed sharp enough, turning back to her.
— Get on the bed. Put your hand here. — He instructed, carefully taking her hand and taking a breath before pricking on a line in its palm with the edge of the knife. Ylenna held up a grunt when he squeezed the blood out of the cut. — Sorry if it hurts. It'll end soon.
When the sheets had three small red stain marks, he took a handkerchief, wrapping it around her hand.
— This way, it will heal soon and not leave any noticeable scar. — Rhovian said, with a weak smile.
— Tha… thank you, your highness. — Ylenna muttered.
— You do not need to call me by my title when talking to me. — He answered, looking into her eyes for the first time since the kiss at the altar. — Call me husband, or Rhovian, if you wish.
— Ah… then… thank you, hu-... husband. — The last word was nothing more than a whisper. She gazed down and pulled her hand back, again failing in avoiding the rubor on her face.
— You also shall not need to thank me for something so trivial like this. I hurt you. It is nothing more than my obligation to do something to remedy it.
Ylenna simply nodded, rehearsing a smile.
"Is he suddenly being nice because I look so miserable that he felt pity? Or is it just his chivalry, since he must have a high sense of honor and nobility?"
— Well, now let us sleep. It has been quite a day. — Rhovian got up from bed, picked up a pillow, and went to the sofa.
— Are you not gonna be uncomfortable on the sofa? — She asked when he sat, his back to her, about to lay down.
Rhovian scoffed lightly. Shaking his head without turning around to look at her.
— Believe me, it will be less uncomfortable than the bed, for me. Good night.
With his finishing tone, Ylenna took a deep breath and blew the candles, laying down on bed and lulling herself to sleep.
When Ylenna woke up, Rhovian was sitting at the table, staring at her. He had the same inexpressive face as before and was dressed with an all black attire.
— Good morning. Glad you woke up. They will come to inspect the bed sheets soon.
— Good… morning. Okay, I should get up to have breakfast anyway.
— They will bring it soon. — He took a book that was resting on his legs and started reading it. Without knowing what to do, Ylenna got up and got her robe, covering her body and staring at the window to pretend she was not nervous with his presence.
Less than five minutes passed until the servants knocked on the door. Rhovian allowed their entrance and they quickly arranged the table with the breakfast and took the stained bedsheets with them on their way out.
— Come, eat something.
They had breakfast in silence, until the prince stated:
— I will be heading to my private training grounds for today. The servants will take you to my wing of the palace. You should take the time to get yourself familiar with it. I suppose you have never been there before in your previous visits.
Ylenna shook her head.
— I have only just stayed at the guests' wing and the main banquet room. And also the gardens. That is all.
— I see. Well, this is gonna be your home from now until my young brother gets married and I finally get my permit to leave the palace. So make yourself acquainted with the places and people here.
He stood up and headed to the door.
— May I ask you something? — Ylenna gathered the courage to ask, standing to face him.
— Go ahead. — Rhovian answered, his hand on the doorknob.
— Why did you not want to fulfill our wedding duties last night? I mean… I have heard that every man seems to live for sharing a bed with a woman, so I wondered what was… the reason.
Rhovian sighed heavily, going back to where she stood and crossing his arms against his chest.
— You said yourself that you have no idea of what happens between a couple in bed. That is precisely why I did not want to fulfill it. I am not fond of doing things to people when they do not even know what they are going through.
— Since… I do not know much… should it not be your role to teach me?
— Maybe, but also… — He hesitated. — I know very well that you despise me… Only more the reason for me not to force myself upon you. And… it is not yet time to produce an heir of mine. So I shall not.
He turned again and left the room before she could even understand the meaning of his words.