After saying that, Rayan gently covered my eyes with his big, warm hands. I couldn't help but smile at his sudden gesture and asked happily,
"Now what is this?"
He didn't reply, and with my eyes still closed, both Alice and Rayan carefully guided me to a room.
When I finally opened my eyes, my breath caught in my throat.
Before me stood the most beautiful dress I had ever seen.
My wedding dress.
I froze, my mouth slightly open in awe, unable to take my eyes off it. It was as white as a swan, shimmering softly under the golden lights. The detailed embroidery was breathtaking, made from the finest of fabrics, every stitch whispering elegance and grace.
It was… perfect.
It looked like it had been made just for me.
I turned around to see Rayan standing there with a soft smile on his face, pride shining in his eyes. Even Alice stood speechless, her expression mirroring my awe.
Overwhelmed, I rushed forward and hugged Rayan tightly.
"You liked the dress, right?" he asked, his voice gentle yet eager.
"I don't just like it," I exclaimed, unable to hide my excitement. "I love it!"
A satisfied smile spread across his face as he replied, "Well, of course. I selected the design myself and had it made especially for you. Go on, try it."
I smiled back, my heart fluttering, and hurried off to the dressing room.
When I stepped out wearing the dress, silence fell over the room. Everyone stared — stunned.
The gown clung to me perfectly, its soft curves and delicate shape enhancing my figure effortlessly. It felt so pure, so graceful, as though it had been woven with pieces of my soul.
Even the guards and servants standing nearby couldn't hide the admiration on their faces.
But the one who admired me the most was, of course, Rayan. His cheeks were faintly flushed, his gaze fixed on me as if I were the only thing in the world. Slowly, he walked closer and whispered, his voice low and soft,
"I wish I could hug you… but I'm afraid I might ruin the dress."
I couldn't stop the shy smile that spread across my face.
Alice bowed her head slightly, her tone full of sincerity as she said, "This dress on you is just perfect, ma'am. You look… breathtaking."
From the very next day, I began noticing the excitement of the upcoming marriage spreading all around the castle. The air itself seemed different — lighter, warmer, and full of anticipation. I even overheard some servants whispering that news of the wedding had already reached the public outside the palace. Celebrations were beginning in the nearby towns, though there were also complaints among the people.
Some said the royals were being too secretive about their queen, and rumors had begun circulating — whispers claiming that their queen was a nobody.
But honestly… it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. So, I decided to let it go.
As I strolled through the long corridors of the palace, my eyes caught the breathtaking decorations adorning the walls and ceilings. Everywhere I looked, there were elegant drapes, intricate floral designs, and shimmering ornaments — everything looked magical.
While admiring the beauty around me, I suddenly noticed another admirer — standing there with a sweet smile on his lips.
Rayan.
I walked closer to him and teased softly, "Well, I think someone's a little too happy."
He turned to look at me, his eyes lighting up the moment they met mine.
"Of course, I'm happy," he said warmly. "In just a few days, I'll be the happiest man in the entire world."
Saying that, he gently held my hand, his fingers intertwining with mine.
My heart skipped a beat, pounding wildly — from both the warmth of his touch and the overwhelming excitement of the wedding drawing near.
As for my classes, I had improved far more than anyone expected — surprising everyone around me.
It felt as though I was meant for this. Or perhaps… it was simply my determination that made everything seem easier.
And then, almost in the blink of an eye, the days flew by, and suddenly, I found myself standing just one day before the marriage.
It was the last day of the class. That day, I did everything with perfection — walking gracefully, sitting elegantly, eating with poise, speaking thoughtfully, and even laughing softly, just the way I had been taught.
By the end of the class, Mrs. Margarette finally looked at me, her sharp eyes softer than usual, and said:
"Well, this is quite unexpected for me… but I'm glad to say that I think you're finally a bit ready for the marriage. So, at least for that day, don't embarrass me."
Her words might sound a little harsh, but honestly, coming from her… this was the best compliment I could have ever hoped for.
After the class, I returned to my room and collapsed onto the bed, my mind overflowing with thoughts about the marriage. Excitement bubbled inside me, so much that I was almost kicking the air like a child.
But then… there was a knock on the door.
My heart skipped a beat.
Could it be Rayan?
What was he doing here now? He had told me earlier that morning that he would be busy with preparations all day and that we wouldn't see each other until the wedding.
Maybe… maybe he managed to find a little time and came to see me.
Smiling at the thought, I quickly got up and walked towards the door. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for the handle, my heart pounding with anticipation.
But when I opened it…
It wasn't Rayan.
It was someone I never expected to see standing there.
The Great King himself.