LONELINESS

The sun had barely risen over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the bustling palace. Servants scurried about, preparing for the grandest ceremony the empire had seen in years: The wedding of Emperor Arvin to Princess Nailah.

In the heart of the palace, Princess Nailah stood poised, her dark wavy hair styled in intricate braids adorned with delicate gemstones. Her attendants, led by Kanha, busied themselves with the final touches of her wedding attire.

Kanha's skilled hands delicately fastened the delicate silver clasps on the queen's ornate gown. The fabric shimmered in the morning light, its intricate patterns woven with threads of gold and white.

"Your Majesty, you look breathtaking," Kanha said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

Queen Nailah's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, Lady Kanha. I couldn't have asked for a more diligent and talented attendant such as yourself, You have done it again, my dear cousin."

As the princess's ladies-in-waiting helped her into her elaborate headdress, Kanha took a moment to survey the room. The air was thick with excitement and anticipation. Today marked not only the union of two souls but also the forging of a powerful alliance between nations.

As I sat in front of the mirror, my ladies-in-waiting buzzed around me, their hands moving deftly as they worked their magic. Kanha, my chief attendant, also my cousin, was styling my hair, her fingers weaving an intricate pattern of braids and curls.

Mirha, on the other hand, was focused on my makeup, her brush strokes gentle as she highlighted my cheekbones and defined my eyes and applied a perfect peach tint onto my lips.

"Mirha, you're a genius!" Kanha exclaimed, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "Nailah, you look stunning!"

I smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. Today was my wedding day, and I was ready to make a lasting impression.

Mirha, usually the quiet one, spoke up, her voice filled with awe. "Your Majesty, you're so beautiful. I've never seen anyone as lovely as you."

I blushed, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Mirha. She was always so reserved, but her words touched my heart.

Kanha chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Mirha, you're making the future Empress blush!"

The other ladies-in-waiting laughed, their voices filling the room with warmth and joy.

I smiled, feeling grateful for these wonderful women who had been by my side throughout my journey.

As Mirha finished my makeup, I gazed into the mirror, hardly recognizing the woman staring back at me. I looked...regal. Powerful. Beautiful.

Mirha's eyes met mine in the mirror, and I saw a glimmer of admiration there. She smiled, her lips curving upwards, and I felt a sense of connection with her. God, she's so cute.

"Thank you, Mirha," I said, my voice sincere. "You've made me feel like a true queen."

Mirha smiled in response.

It was now time for the carriage, and we arrived, ready.

As I stepped out of the carriage, the crisp morning air enveloped me. My ladies-in-waiting, a flurry of silk and satin, each with a colour pattern of gold and white, they all swirled around me, their hands gently grasping my veil, which billowed behind me like a cloud.

I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of excitement and nerves, as I gazed up at the chapel's imposing facade. My parents, resplendent in their finery, awaited me at the entrance, their faces beaming with pride.

"Nailah, darling, you look exquisite," my mother whispered, her eyes shining with tears.

My father smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You are a true Empress, my dear."

With their hands on my arms, they escorted me down the aisle, the music swelling around us like a wave.

As we walked, I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the beauty of the chapel. The stained-glass windows filtered the light, casting kaleidoscopic patterns on the stone floor. The air was thick with the scent of incense and flowers, and the soft murmur of the crowd created a soothing background hum.

I glanced up at Emperor Arvin, who stood tall and imposing at the altar, his eyes fixed on mine. For a moment, I felt a pang of nervousness, wondering if I was truly ready for this moment. But as I looked into his eyes, I saw a glimmer of kindness and warmth, and my doubts melted away.

The ceremony began, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. The bishop's voice was soothing, his words a gentle reminder of the vows I was about to take.

I repeated my vows, my voice clear and steady, and Emperor Arvin did the same.

As we exchanged rings, our hands touched briefly, sending a spark of electricity through me. I smiled up at him, feeling a sense of joy and wonder that I had never felt before.

The ceremony ended, and Emperor Arvin took my hand, leading me down the aisle as husband and wife. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and I felt like I was floating on air as we were heading to the royal ball room.

As we stepped out of the chapel, I was greeted by a sea of smiling faces. The emperor's guards stood at attention, their uniforms gleaming in the sunlight. The air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the sound of laughter and music.

I felt like I was in a dream, like nothing could ever bring me down from this high. I was married to the Emperor of Èvana, and I was ready to start our new life.

But as the day wore on now, it was close to nighttime, and I began to feel a pang of disappointment. Emperor Arvin was busy attending to the guest more than to me well i couldn't blame him he doesn't really know me and i could very much bore him but yet still he could atleast try to get to know me. I brushed it off. i mean, we have forever to get to know each other, and I was left to entertain myself since my ladies have escorted my parents to the imperial castle Where they will sleep for the night and head back home. I'm practically alone here.

I sat still one my thorwn in this massive ball room, feeling a little lost and alone. I had expected to spend the day with my new husband, but it seemed like he had other plans.

As the sun began to set, I received notice from Heman, Arvin's right handman saying im to go to the Malaka (the eastern) castle i hadn't seen him for a while now so I set off following Heman hoping to find Emperor Arvin waiting for me. But when I arrived, I found myself alone again and this time in complete silence

I felt a pang of disappointment and hurt as I was heading to my chambers following Heman and with several staff greeting and welcoming me into the castle. Was Emperor Arin avoiding me and covering it up with his plans? And why was he leaving me alone on our wedding night?

I tried to shake off the feeling of loneliness, telling myself that I was being silly. After all, Emperor Arvin was a busy man, and he had responsibilities to attend to.

But as I lay in bed, waiting for sleep to come, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Why had Emperor Arin not come to me on our wedding night? And what was this urgent business that he had to attend to? A voice shortly interrupted my jumbled thoughts

"May I come in you, Majesty?" I heard Heman's voice

Sure, come in, please, I answered.

"I'm sorry but his Majesty won't be joining you for dinner he is still tending to his guests back in the Imperial Castle, he said to inform you that he might take a while" Heman announced and left immediately as thou he was dodging being asked any questions. anyways, a beautiful girl came in

I stared at her. She bowed down her head

"You Majesty, my name is Elara. I will be your personal maid from today onwards," she stated.

Elara, what a lovely name. I thought she raised her head, and she looked at me. I smiled back.

"Is there anything you would like to start with My lady it is your wedding night, or are you to go to bed now? Are you exhausted, my lady?" Elara asked, concerned.

She reminded me of Mirha, but she did remind me it was my wedding night

I told Elara to prepare the bath and have my dinner brought here. I didn't have the energy to go out now. The emperor could come anytime and find me unprepared

After my bathe and dinner, I was just sitting on the bed waiting patiently for Arvin to be back it is our wedding night he can't possibly miss it, I thought to myself as the night wore on

 Just as I was starting to drift off to sleep, I heard a knock at the door. My heart leapt with excitement as I threw off the covers and sat upright.

"Come in!" I called out, expecting to see the emperor standing in the doorway.

Instead, it was Elara and one of the staff members holding a small letter in her hand. "I'm so sorry, Your Majesty," she said, looking at me with sympathetic eyes. "But the emperor sent this notice. He apologizes, but he won't be able to join you tonight."

I felt a pang of disappointment, the words, feeling a sense of confusion and uncertainty. Why had the emperor not come to join me? What was going on?

I looked up at the staff member, feeling a sense of vulnerability. "Thank you," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'll just...I'll just go back to bed, then.

What did I expect he is The Emperor Arvin of Èvana and above all, this was a political marriage, so should I blame him or myself for having explanations.

No! I shouldn't beat myself up for such a trivial matter. This is only the beginning. I will make this political union an actual marriage. I stayed optimistic the rest of the night as I drifted to sleep.

When I woke up the next morning, I felt a sense of determination and purpose. I would make this marriage work, no matter what. I would win Emperor Arin's heart, and I would be the best Empress this empire had ever seen.

But as I sat at the table, picking at the delicious food, I couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness. Where was the emperor? Why had he not come to join me yet? But I quickly brushed it off.

I excused myself and made my way back to our room, telling the staff to call me when the emperor arrived. I lay in bed, waiting for what felt like an eternity. Four hours passed, and I was starting to feel like I would never see the emperor again.

It was already evening, and I once again had my dinner without Arvin

As I was heading to my chambers with Elara trailing behind me, I was met with a giant bouquet of roses and Heman standing aside them

"Your Majesty I'm truly very sorry once again there was an urgent matter His Majesty had to attend I bring you this gesture and a token of his Majesty's sincere apologies for the distress caused and his Majesty added you could have my head if you desire Your Majesty " as he bowed

I couldn't help but laugh as I reached for the roses. I obviously couldn't lift them, but I could touch them they were beautiful. I smiled

"Elara, find them a special place in the garden, please. I don't want them dying," I ordered

Turning my attention to Heman," Thank you, send my gratitude to The emperor wherever he is."

 Heman bowed and left. I went straight to bed with a smile on my face. I could only just imagine how much we could be in love if he was available.

Looking back at it.........it was merely just the beginning.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***