"Kind Cedric, no, this marriage is happening tonight," King Woodshin muttered, his voice sounding desperate.
Or maybe it was the look on everyone's faces in the hall.
With the Vampires closing in, their only hope of survival, of not meeting the same fate as the witches who have now gone extinct, is this union; this alliance between Shin-ey and Eldrid.
"Priestess Ize, you are in no position to make such an utterance," King Woodshin, who had never reacted angrily to Priestess Ize, half-yelled, his gaze now fixed on her. "You should either obey your king and bless this union or disobey your king and be branded as a traitor."
Adelaide, who stood as if she were invisible, couldn't help but pray inwardly that this wedding doesn't proceed as planned. That the goddess comes to their rescue.
But has the goddess ever heard her cry? Not even when she tried saving her mother. Not even when she tried to become a pure-blood fae and possess powers ordinary maids have.
"I dare not, your majesty," Priestess Ize's voice echoed in surrender. "I was only—"
"Like your king said, you shouldn't be the one worrying about her! She is nothing but a tribute in exchange to save your asses from the Vampires," Cedric's cold voice cut Priestess Ize, his words more hurtful than the pain Adelaide experienced from the stab in her dream.
Priestess Ize let out a deep sigh, her gaze moved from Adelaide, who seemed to be holding back her tears, to Cedric, who seemed like he just had a big catch.
Without saying any more words, she began the ritual. She rubbed her palms together, releasing those glowing blue lights, while chanting the goddess of beauty's words, known to be words of blessing.
The words of blessing were chanted for a while before the wedding properly began.
"Adelaide, from tonight, you are married to King Cedric Greenleaf of Eldrid. You will be his wife, his queen, and his property," King Woodshin's words were stressed, sounding like he didn't want to let go of Adelaide.
Adelaide nodded her head to his words before closing the gap between herself and Cedric Greenleaf.
They exchanged rings according to the Fae tradition.
Even though it was hard to feel the touch of the same hand that would stab her, lead her to her death, she endured it. For her family's sake. For Shin-ey's sake.
Adelaide walked back to the spot she stood earlier, leaving her father and Cedric, who were already completing their alliance process.
While she stood alone, she couldn't help but flash back to her dying mother's wish. As much as she didn't think it through, it was now beginning to scare her.
Why did her mother warn her to avoid Beasts as if they were a plague?
"Now that our alliance is formed, I will fight the vampires off until my warriors return from Eldrid," Cedric's voice echoed, assurance laced in his voice.
Even though his words sounded like a joke, everyone was busy cheering up and showcasing their magic.
It was as if all the Faes were going all out just to express their excitement.
At least, they would be free from the crude and greedy vampires.
"Princess Adelaide, won't you dance?"
Adelaide chuckled at her maid's words. How in seven hells would she be able to bring herself to dance when she is suddenly getting married to the same beast she was warned to run away from? Not just anyone, their king; the same person who she saw in her dream stabbed her to death.
Without saying a word to Isla, she walked to the corner of the hall, watching the impressive sight of powerful Faes.
****
The wedding went on for what seemed like forever to Adelaide. Her legs were already weak and cramping up from the long stand.
While others were busy dancing, all she was doing was standing, stealing glances of Cedric, who was having a deep conversation with her father and the high lords.
"Princess Adelaide, can I have a few minutes of your time?" Priestess Ize's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.
She narrowed her gaze down to her father, then to her stepmother, who was busy with the high-class females.
"Okay," the single word rolled out.
She led the way to her room, which wasn't a long walk from the wedding hall.
Before Priestess Ize could start talking, she let go of the gown, which was beginning to make her chest ache. Then releasing her hair, which was like she carried a heavy load.
"Princess Adelaide, please sit down, this is very important," Priestess Ize's voice echoed calmly, the look on her face unreadable.
For the first time in five years of knowing the priestess, this is the first time she was going to have a conversation with just her.
She hesitated before sitting down. "Priestess Ize, I—"
"I am sorry to interrupt you, my princess," Priestess Ize reached for Adelaide's hands. "I know you can see the future through your dreams," she paused, her words making Adelaide gasp.
Without giving Adelaide the chance to speak, she continued, "What future did you see? No, tell me the future you foresaw in your dream."
"I don't dream. I am a fae," Adelaide half-yelled after pulling herself together.
She had been doing fine hiding this reality of hers and would keep doing so until the day she dies.
"Princess Adelaide, I know you well enough. I know your mother too, so, tell me everything so I would be able to help you before it is too late," Priestess Ize said, her voice laced with concern.