I have never seen the city of Aurelia this quiet before.
From my balcony, I watched as banners were raised along the main road, their gold and white colour fluttering in the morning breeze. Soldier stood in straight and neat lines, amor polished and faces stiff with forced calm. The bell did not ring in celebration this time but in warning.
Th man from the other land had arrived in our borders before dawn.
I stood still as Liora tightened the rope of my gown. The fabric was heavy, royal blue and embroidered with silver thread, a dress chosen for message and not for comfort.
All I could see was power, pride and strength.
"The council wants to see you at the gate",Liora said
"Ofcourse they do", I said.
They want him to see me as a princess worth the alliance, they wanted him to be impressed but what the wanted didn't matter to me because I didn't care.
I walked through the palace halls with my head high, every step I took was measured. By the time I reached the outer gates, my patience was already thin.
The council stood assembled, my mother stood beside them, regal and composed. She reached for my hand as I took my place.
"You do not have to speak if you do not wish to", she whispered to me.
"I do", I replied. I want to.
Trumpet sounded from beyond the gate.
The gates opened.
Dust rose first, then the sound of horses.
They came in quietly, like a line of riders in dark armor. Their flags had special marks on them, but no gold or anything extra, they looked really serious and controlled.
A man on a black horse was leading them.
I felt something weird before I saw him, the air felt different and my chest felt tight but I didn't want to think about it.
Dane of Stonehaven did not like a monster the way people described him.
The man didn't have a crown, he had a big dark coat. His armor was kinda dirty, not shiny. He stood up straight and looked ahead, like he didn't care what anyone thought. He acted like he was the boss.
When he lifted his eyes and met mine, the world seemed to narrow.
They were not cold but assessing.
He came down slowly and stepped forward ignoring what the crowd said. His men were behind him and on alert.
"I greet you in peace", he said. I am Dane of Stonehaven.
No bow or whatsoever at all.
"My Lord", Lord Kael said, stepping forward. Welcome to Aurelia.
Dane moved his head a little, then looked at me again.
"You must be the Princess Amara".
"Yes", I replied. And you must be the man who believes that the kingdom can be won with a contract.
He looked like he was gonna laugh... or maybe he was mad, I just couldn't tell.
"I believe that peace is better than war", he replied.
I smiled and said how noble of you.
My mother cleared her throat, I welcome you to our city.
Dane finally bowed, "i thank you" he said
We went to the palace and he was walking next to me. He wasn't too close, not too far, he was just... there.
We walked quiet through the streets. People looked at us from windows and doors. They were curious but a little scared. I felt like they were hoping something would happen.
This was the man who would decide their fate.
We got to the palace and the big room filled up fast. People poured drinks and put papers on the table but before they could talk, Dane talked.
"I would like to speak to the princess alone", Dane said.
The room froze.
Lord Kael hesitated, "that's not how we do it here".
"So is marrying a woman you have never spoken to", he said calmly.
I agree, I said to the council.
My mother looked at me for a moment, then nodded, "very well then".
We went to a small room that looked out at the gardens. The door was shut, and it was quiet... except for the fountains outside making a sound.
For the first time, I looked at him.
He was taller than I thought. He didn't look mean, but you knew he was important. His face was calm, not mad or anything. He had some scars on his hands, like he'd gotten them doing stuff, not just showing them off.
You don't like me, he said plainly.
I hate what you stand for, I said.
He accepted that without offense.
I did not ask for this marriage, I said.
Neither did I, he replied.
That startled me.
But you agreed, I said sharply.
"Yes", he said because my people need security just as yours do.
"You speak as if it's equal".
"It is", he said. We are both used by necessity.
For a moment none of us spoke.
I will not be controlled or silenced by you, I said to him.
Good, neither do I want a wife who bents easily, he said.
The word wife made me shake a little.
This marriage will be political, I said to him.
That depends, he replied.
"On what", I asked.
"On whether we choose to make it a prison or an alliance",he said.
I laughed softly, you are confident for a man standing in my palace.
"I am very aware of where I stand which is why I will be clear with you, I do not need your affection, all I need is respect", he said.
And if I don't respect you what will happen?, I asked.
Then we would have to endure each other for the sake of our people, he said.
The meeting ended. They did the formal stuff and talked about agreements but I kept thinking…..Dane wasn't like I thought he'd be. That was weird. It was like he was nice or something. That night, I looked at the lights where he was staying. He came from far away and didn't even fight, but he kinda got me.