Aurora had dreamed of a simple life, one where she could forge her own path and be content. But now, as she walked through the gilded halls of Auridon's palace, she felt like an imposter, a commoner playing dress-up in a world of royalty. Every corner of the palace exuded elegance-the towering columns, the golden chandeliers, and the glistening tapestries that adorned the walls. For Lyra, it was both breathtaking and intimidating.
Her mornings began early, filled with lessons in etiquette, history, and diplomacy. Every gesture, every word was under scrutiny, analyzed by royal advisors and her appointed ladies-in-waiting, who whispered to one another when they thought she couldn't hear.
"Lady aurora," one of them murmured one morning, struggling to keep the judgment from her voice, "a future queen must not slouch. Stand straighter."
Aurora bit back a sigh and straightened her spine, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. She knew these women looked down on her-they had made it clear from the beginning that they saw her as nothing more than an intruder. And as the days dragged on, their disdain wore on her. They reminded her of her "shortcomings" constantly, as though she could simply shed her common background like a worn-out cloak.
It didn't help that the palace's older nobles eyed her with cold disdain. They were used to noble bloodlines, refined manners, and intricate politics. The idea of a commoner becoming queen was, to them, a disgrace. Aurora could feel their gazes following her every time she entered a room, and more than once, she overheard whispers about how "unsuited" she was for the role.
Finally the royal wedding had approched, with invitations being sent to every nuke and corner of the Kingdom inviting noble men from highest to the lowest of ranks and the commoners were not left out after all one of them was becoming a princess of the Kingdom, Aurora family we are so happy after receiving an invitation it had been weak since the last saw her and now they had an opportunity to meet her again and see how she is doing they have been so worried about her but had no means of reaching her.
The morning of the wedding dawned with skies as clear as glass, and a soft golden light bathed Auridon's grand cathedral. Banners in rich shades of sapphire and silver draped from the high towers, billowing gently in the breeze, and flowers from the royal gardens adorned the steps leading to the cathedral's massive doors. The entire kingdom was in attendance, eager to witness the union of their prince with the commoner he was about to marry-and their curiosity.
In her private chambers, aurora's heart raced. she was standing in front of the mirror bewildered by the reflection she saw, she had been dressed in a gown unlike any she'd ever seen: the finest ivory silk, embroidered with tiny silver stars that seemed to shimmer with a life of their own. A veil, light as mist, draped over her shoulders and fell to the floor. Her hair was woven with delicate strands of pearls, and in her hands, she held a bouquet of royal lilies, said to symbolize courage and resilience.
As her ladies-in-waiting fussed over her appearance, aurora took a steadying breath, feeling the weight of her decision more than ever. She wasn't just stepping into a new role-she was entering a life vastly different from anything she had known. And though her heart was filled with both excitement and trepidation, she had promised herself that she would face whatever lay ahead with grace and strength.
A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. It was Alistair, who had insisted on seeing her before the ceremony, breaking a centuries-old tradition. When he entered, his gaze softened, and he paused, as though truly seeing her for the first time.
"You look... like a queen," he murmured, his voice filled with admiration. And there was a glint of warmth in his eyes that gave aurora the courage she needed. She managed a small smile, her heart lifting slightly.
"Are you ready for this?" he asked, his voice gentle yet serious. "It's not too late, aurora. If you feel unsure, I-"
She shook her head, cutting him off. "I'm ready, Alistair. I wouldn't be here if I didn't believe in this... in us."
A smile touched his lips,but disappeared almost immediately, and he offered her his arm. Together, they walked through the towering corridors toward the cathedral, where the murmurs of the assembled guests grew louder with each step.
When they reached the grand entrance, the doors opened, and all eyes turned to them. The sunlight poured in through the stained glass, casting a kaleidoscope of colors onto the marble floor. Musicians played a soft, ethereal tune as aurora and Alistair began their walk down the aisle, their footsteps echoing in the cavernous hall.
Aurora's gaze drifted over the guests-the nobles with their elaborate attire, the commoners who had come from every corner of the kingdom, and the curious stares of those who knew nothing of her past but were eager to judge her.As she walked future,she could see her parents,her younger sister arya, and her brother Mathew smiling brightly at her, looking impressed, she drew strength from them and kept her chin high, focusing on each step and the feel of Alistair's arm beneath her hand. Her heart pounded, but her resolve was strong.
When they reached the altar, the high priest stepped forward, his voice resonant as he began the ancient vows that had united Auridon's rulers for generations. Alistair's gaze remained steady, a calm reassurance in his eyes that seemed to ground her.
As they repeated their vows, Lyra felt a shift-a connection, something almost tangible forming between them. It was as if their words held a power greater than the ceremony, something binding and unbreakable. And as they exchanged rings, Lyra felt a warmth spread through her, as though the kingdom itself acknowledged her as one of its own.
When the ceremony ended, Alistair lifted her veil and looked into her eyes. "From this day forward, Lyra," he said softly, his voice filled with sincerity, "you are my equal, my queen."
A hush fell over the crowd as he kissed her, a brief, gentle moment that marked the beginning of their shared journey.
As they turned to face the congregation as husband and wife, the guests rose in applause, but aurora felt a prickle of tension in the air. Among the crowd, she caught sight of a beautiful young lady, dressed in elegant and expensive garments, glaring at her, her expression unreadable, her gaze cold and calculating. A chill ran down aurora's spine, wondering why the young lady was staring at her in that manner.