The gown was heavy. Ariel stared into the mirror, the silk layers gleaming like moonlight, but her reflection looked nothing like a bride. The pale girl gazing back wore shackles disguised as lace.
Her hands trembled. She forced them still. Stop this. You can't let them see you break.
Behind her, the maids hovered like shadows. One of them—Rina—bent close, whispering, "Princess… you are like a goddess today."
Ariel's lips curved in something that wasn't a smile. She met Rina's gaze in the mirror, her eyes dull and resolute. "Don't pity me. I don't need pity." Her voice cracked but steadied. "Even if the man at the altar is called a monster… I will live. I will live happily."
The chamber doors creaked open. Queen Rifa entered, every step carrying the weight of chains she had worn all her life. Her words lashed out, sharp and cold. "Foolish child. Speak not of your groom that way."
But her eyes—those betrayed her. They glistened with sorrow. She came closer, voice trembling softer now. "Ariel… you are my only joy. But I cannot save you from the King's command. You must learn to protect yourself."
Protect myself…? Ariel's chest ached. She smiled—bright, desperate, false. "Don't worry, Mother. I am not weak."
When the maids were dismissed, Rifa clutched her daughter's hands tight enough to hurt. Her tears fell hot on Ariel's knuckles. "You are chosen by the goddess, Ariel. A Saintess. Never reveal it. If the King discovers, he will bleed you dry to feed his greed."
Ariel's breath caught. She pressed her forehead to her mother's shoulder, whispering, I'll be strong, I promise. Even if it kills me.
---
THE WEDDING
The imperial temple pulsed with whispers.
"She's pitiful, the bastard girl."
"Hah. Pitiful? She's infamous for seducing men. A perfect match for the monster Duke."
"Shameless wench. He'll eat her alive."
The air froze when the herald cried: "His Majesty Felix, King of Kings, enters!"
The hall erupted in forced cheers. King Felix strode in, his robes heavy with gold, his grin sharp as a blade. His gaze fell on Ariel, and for a heartbeat, she saw nothing but calculation in those eyes.
He's looking at me like… like I'm a pawn on a board.
Felix's thoughts curled dark in his smirk. Perfect. That old fool of a Duke signed his blood for this contract. One useless bastard daughter in exchange for his beast. Why waste a true princess? This stained one will do. Through her, I'll shackle the Drakin Duchy.
The great doors burst open.
Gasps slithered through the hall.
Maximillian entered—drenched in crimson. His armor dripped fresh blood onto the temple's white floor. Soldiers followed, their swords still sticky with gore. His presence pressed on the nobles like a suffocating weight.
Ariel's heart stuttered. She turned her face away, her stomach twisting. Is this hatred? Disgust? He doesn't want this marriage either. How could he… arrive like this? Covered in death? Maybe the rumors are true. Maybe he really is a monster.
When their vows were spoken, Ariel's voice shook. Applause scattered weak and nervous. Just like that—she became his wife.
---
AFTER THE CEREMONY
A man in a wheelchair wheeled himself into the chamber, smiling faintly. "Hey, Maxi."
Maximillian's glare cut like a blade. "Don't call me that."
The man lifted his hands, mocking. "Alright, alright. No need for blood. Ah, you must be my new sister." He inclined his head toward Ariel. "I'm Prince Growel. Forgotten son of the second queen."
Ariel bowed slightly. "I know you. I… I pray she rests in peace."
Growel's chuckle was bitter. "Peace? In this palace? You're kind, sister." His smile turned sharp, almost pitying. "Enjoy your wedding night."
Ariel flushed, hands knotting in her gown. Why does everything sound like a threat here…?
Moments later, a guard appeared. "Duke Maximillian, His Majesty requests your presence."
Maximillian's lips curled. "Of course. He never lets his dogs rest."
---
THE KING'S GIFT
King Felix lounged on his throne, one leg draped over the other, wine staining his fingers. "Ah, my bloodthirsty war hero. How fortunate you are. To gain such a wife."
Maximillian's jaw ticked. "Why have you called me here, Your Majesty?"
Felix leaned forward, voice smooth as poison. "A gift. Land adjoining your duchy. Consider it my… blessing."
The Duke's face betrayed nothing. "Your generosity is noted. Now, if you permit—"
"Yes, yes." Felix waved him away, laughter crawling in his throat. "Enjoy your bride. Try not to break her too soon."
Maximillian turned, boots thundering against marble. The doors slammed shut behind him.
Felix reclined, fingers tapping the throne's armrest. His grin sharpened. "The bloodthirsty Duke… Is he a weapon I can wield, or a beast that will devour me?"
From the shadows, a cloaked figure slid forward and knelt. "As you ordered, we watched him. He returned from war with… something. His men whisper. Some never returned at all."
Felix's laugh cracked the silence, echoing cruelly across the hall. "Good. Let him think he's free. A beast that doesn't know its chains will bite harder when pulled."
The spy vanished.
And in the distance—behind the palace doors—Maximillian stood beneath the torchlight, blood still dripping from his gauntlets. His eyes were void, inhuman.
Ariel's vow to survive echoed faintly in her mind.
What have I married?