Sounds of horses arrived, causing stares from the people around. The white carriage decorated with red and white roses, carrying a symboled flag which halted drew the attention of those around. Whispers echoed faintly then silence followed.
"Princess Anisha Harton of Willowvale, Her Highness has arrived," an usher announced.
Dressed in a red satin decorated with bold silver baroque embroidery, cascading down, ornaments around her neatly beautified hair was helped down.
Stepping into a new life entirely, Anisha scanned her surroundings that helped reduce the knot in her stomach.
The springing water fountain pleasing to the eye and gave a feeling of welcome.
Seeing the servants who had formed up a path then turning her head to the side then to the other way as if looking for someone.
"This way Your Highness, you must be tired from today's ordeal."
Standing with her hands together elegantly, Anisha nodded with a strained smile.
Heels clicked on the polished floors of the castle, four maidservants behind her as she followed the man who looked middle aged with spectacles on.
Passing different halls that she wasn't at all familiar with, Anisha glanced at the intricate designs while wandering into her thoughts.
How could the Prince be so ill mannered, this Kingdom lacked the proper courtesy.
She couldn't recall any of her sisters getting married this way so why should hers be any different.
Halting in front of a door, Anisha's heart picked up speed as the knob turned and squeaking sounds followed.
"Show Her Highness from here," the butler turned around and bowed his head, "they'll help you get settled in My Lady if you're not pleased with any of their services, you may let me know I'm available anytime," taking two steps backward, his hands on his chest, he headed away.
"Your Highness are you okay?" A voice pierced in.
Anisha realized she hadn't taken a step forward, the bedroom's balcony graced her view yet she couldn't bring herself to go in.
How was he even like, was he fat, her stomach churned at the thought that he might be cruel seeing that he had sent someone in his stead to such an important event of ones life unless well to him it's nothing sort of important.
The maids gave each other a perplexed look, they couldn't understand why this Princess was giving them a hard time, they were all waiting on her tensed.
After what seemed like seconds, Anisha lifted her legs and entered.
"Do you think he'll go easy on her?" Anisha's heart raced at that word, she stopped and tried to trace where it came from.
Walking with the lightest step to the direction of the bathroom the conversation continued, "He's such a demon, how would he," a reply came in.
The servants who had been speaking in a low voice gasped and went silent after hearing footsteps.
Anisha breath hitched, she knew this would happen and that was why she tried to walk as light as possible but the maids who were behind her.
Two girls rushed out through the bathroom doors, one slipped and was saved by her colleague.
They hastily greeted nervously, "welcome Your Highness."
"Thank You." Anisha responded.
Sweat latched across their face keeping both heads as low as possible.
"I would like to know what you implied calling your Prince a demon."
The Princess looked as composed as any royalty should be, face relaxed, however deep inside was frightened as fear began to creep in .
"We…we are sorry Your Highness, we didn't mean to call Prince Nhel a de…. demon"
If only they knew how those words had thrown her off, an unsettling feeling washing over her. She would not be left hanging, they must tell her what they meant by that statement.
Feeling drained, shoulders aching, Anisha just wanted to take off her heavy attire and take a nap before her husband arrived. Her head turned across the room briefly .
Approaching the two servants, one of them had started letting out tears, they shrinked.
Anisha's lips that was painted red turned up, "I need your attention, don't be afraid."
The girls slowly raised but still refused to meet her hazel eyes.
"Of course it's not literally, you both have been in this castle longer than I have therefore something must have made you say that."
There was drop dead silence across the room .
"Hearing such a thing could make about anyone's imagination run wild talk less a new bride."
Looking for both their answers and still getting silence in return, Anisha's face tightened.
She needed these servants to spill it out, what did they also mean by go easy on her, being curious on that part as well, it was rather unfortunate that she couldn't feed her curiosity so as to not be seen as inquisitive, moreover what if they meant what she was thinking , it would be too embarrassing.
Blush covered Anisha's cheeks which made her grateful for the extra layer of makeup she had on.
Dismissing the maidservants after they were done helping her change. Sitting in front of the mirror, hair let down, wearing a white night garment looking simple at the same lovely.
Goosebumps appeared on her hands and she rubbed them out and wrapped herself.
Staring into the distance, those words from earlier echoed in her head. Due to this, images flashed in her head, a wicked laughter of a young man with ruged teeth on the bed, a lot of women entertaining him while she looked haggard pouring wine into their cups as per order.
Anisha shuddered and took a glance at the grand bed that looked untouched.
A maidservant who dressed differently from the other servants of the Palace and had arrived with the Princess pulled Anisha out of her thoughts.
"Princess Anisha, I brought your preferred tea just as you like it."
Carrying a white Saucer and setting it down on the tea table, vapour oozing out.
Anisha fixed her gaze towards the sunset reflecting a part of the room "Do set it out on the balcony."
"As you wish Your Highness," the girl who had a mole on her right eyes smiled and got to it.
Anisha watched her finish the set up and went over. Dusk radiantly shone upon her, it was worth the view from up here.
Taking a sip Anisha looked confused, trying to understand why he had not come up till this moment.
She placed the tea cup down, no longer feeling like taking it.
Staring at the distance, at the sun that was almost nowhere to be seen Anisha voiced out, "Madlyn did you at any time spot the Prince?"
The maids seemed to think for a moment, "I think I did Your Highness."
Anisha's head swiped at her response, "what was he doing?"
"My Lady, I wish I knew but I could only see his backview across the other hallway, I'm sorry your Highness."
Embedding an angry countenance, Anisha rised to her feet and made for the door without schooling her expression.
Her handsmaid hurried after her, " My lady you're not dressed properly," she then ran towards the wardrobe and scrambled for something, "Let me help you."
Anisha slided her hands through the thick dark green cloak and then on a second thought she got out it, her maidservant taking it back from her wondering what was going on in the Princess mind.
It's tradition that a newly married lady's first appearance must be with her husband so she could only remain here and wait for her apparently mysterious husband.
"Madlyn I didn't know a bride shouldn't see her husband before, during and after the marriage has taken place." Anisha let out a dry laughter.
Night breeze swirled her clad, the wind carrying an air of Ultimum silence, Anisha stroded to the window facing eastward, feeling overwhelmed.
The Night got deeper, having been by the window sill and now it was bedtime. Astounded that the Prince had even refused to honour their wedding night although she was not looking forward to it, nevertheless it left her stunned by the extent of his behavior, the person whom she had married turned out to be.
The servants who put out the brighter candles earlier had looked at Anisha with pity, well if not for rumours that may fly out that the new Princess was demanding, she would have asked them to give her ten reasons why they had looked that way.
Anisha didn't care but she was going to give him and his household a piece of her mind once she sets her eyes on any of them that they'll regret ever thinking of bringing her in.
She suddenly felt the cold wind of the night and brought her arms in a wrap when she felt a warm spread over her. Shocked by it and now feeling a presence, Anisha slowly turned to look and let out a stunned gasp.
"My Lady, you must be chilly," a soothing calm voice followed.