The Crown's Entrapment

It was the day of the royal wedding of the King of Cordon, and everyone who was to witness the special event couldn’t help but feel excited about all of the festivities that were scheduled to happen. While political marriages were usually more for the benefit of kingdoms and their realms, it was also a chance for the ruling monarch to strut their wealth and show to the rest of the world that they were more than capable of grandstanding on the political stage.

As such, it was expected that the whole affair to be both grand and exuberant. Lavish gifts alongside lavish food and wine being served, all while being surrounded by guests that also wore lavish and extravagant gowns and dresses to show both status and respect for the would-be bride and groom were anticipated.

And yes, that meant that they were all keen to see the bride who was almost assuredly wearing a gown worthy of standing up to the giants of luxury and elegance.

“T-This… This is perfect…”

Xenia couldn’t help but stare in awe at the gown that she and the Queen Mother had designed together. Draped in gold and silver, the gown represented Ebodia and Cordon alike with its intermingling colors clashing vibrantly through the hem. It glowed and sparkled against the light, its silky strands glistening whenever the light hit it in certain places.

“Thank you, Princess,” the servant that presented the gown to her bowed respectfully.

“I’m sure that making this in a single day was no task for you all,” Xenia addressed in kind, her gratitude only growing the more she stared at her dress. “I can only thank you for your efforts.”

“You’re too kind…”

With her designs thoroughly followed, Xenia was more than happy with what she got. She was sure that the Queen Mother would be delighted to see that their designs had borne such fruit, but her future mother-in-law refused to see her before the wedding. She said something along the lines of wanting to be surprised, and Xenia understood the sentiment all too well.

Nodding to the servants, Xenia closed her eyes as they began to help her get ready. As the servants assisted her in getting dressed and putting on her makeup, she couldn’t help but imagine what was waiting for her once she arrived. Would Darius be waiting for her down the aisle? Would both her mother and father be there for her?

Would they be proud of what she had become?

“All done, Princess.”

Opening her eyes, Xenia couldn’t help the gasp that came out of her mouth as she stared at herself in the mirror. The difference between her from yesterday to now was practically night and day. She looked absolutely stunning, the gown fit her like a glove as it accentuated all the right curves and features that she already had. There was no denying it. No matter how much she wanted to be humbled, she was just that radiant wearing it.

“You look beautiful, Princess,” one of the servants dreamily complimented.

“T-Thank you,” Xenia absently replied. “My hair’s done up into a bun. Is there anything left to wear?”

At her seeming confusion, one of the servants let out a gasp before then pulling out an ornate box. Xenia didn’t know when or how it got into her room, but from the design and make of it, she could already tell that it was made in Ebodia.

“Is that what I think it is?” she couldn’t help but ask.

“Indeed,” the servant smiled. “Your Mother, the Queen of Ebodia had instructed to us to deliver this to you posthaste. We haven’t opened it yet, only that we should fit your hair for fitting regalia for the wedding.”

Xenia couldn’t help her anticipation as she took in a breath, her hands slowly lifting the box’s cover. And sure enough, her excitement was warranted as the bright and beautiful gleam of its contents practically shone against her eyes.

“Oh my…”

“That’s beautiful…”

Xenia couldn’t help but agree with the servants around her. Looking at her from inside the box was a crown circlet she had only seen worn by her mother during important gatherings or diplomatic meetings. Its silver frame shone against the light, the massive diamond right in its centerpiece almost making her feel as if it could work as a magical focus if she concentrated hard enough.

Gingerly, she took the precious circlet out of the box, her hands almost shaking before she placed it over her head. Looking at the mirror, the final addition to her wedding dress had practically elevated her presence to a whole new level, the Ebodian regalia fitting her in a way that felt as if she was destined to wear it in the first place.

“Are you ready, Princess?”

Xenia blinked, the servant’s question bringing her back down to reality. Looking out of the window, the light of the sun’s rays told her that she had been preparing for long enough.

Taking a deep breath, the bride-to-be made her way through the doors, her life almost flashing through her eyes as she descended through the castle’s many stairs. Around her and behind her, the servants did their best to keep her steady, holding up the tail-end of her gown aloft to avoid it getting dragged through the hard ground.

Absently, Xenia couldn’t help but miss Jayra’s presence beside her. Her friend had wanted to be with her every step of the way, but her duties as a mage of Ebodia came precedent, her being the one assigned to usher in the warrior-mages that her parents had brought with them.

With every step towards the great hall, Xenia could only try and still her beating heart as the wedding jitters finally came to being. She knew it was stupid, but her mind still somehow managed to make her worry about any possible disaster that might unfold. Thankfully, all of it melted away as soon as she stood right before the doors of what she could only assume to be the room where she’d be wed. Already, her father was waiting for her, his own regalia making it clear that he was just as much of a king as the one being wedded.

“This is it…” she couldn’t help but whisper to herself, a beautiful smile perfectly carving itself onto her lips

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AN: Can’t find the exact wedding dress  I wanted but the one I posted in the comment section should be close enough to what I have in my mind. *wink