POV : Selena Noms
Today is my wedding day.
I was sitting by myself in the brides waiting room.
There was no one else in the room. The maids left as soon as they finished helping don the dress.
The dress I was wearing was the sa one my mother wore for her wedding.
Ever since I was a child, I always dread of wearing my mothers dress for my own wedding.
Several years after that, my dream had finally co true.
My heart, however, was mired in deep, dark sadness.
Why did things turn out like this?
I was supposed to be happy.
To be celebrated by everyone, to beco one with the person I loved, to reach a happy ending like in the fairytales.
However, reality was different.
More than half of the invitation letters I sent to my friends and acquaintances were returned to the sender, the seal still unbroken.
Even the maids who made preparations for the ceremony looked like they were just putting up a front and did not wish well from their hearts.
Where did I go wrong?
The answer to that question was clear, but my heart refused to accept it.
What did I do wrong? Where did I stray off the right path?
I recalled my life until now.
~
Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to beco a princess.
A princess just like in the picture books my late mother read to .
My mother was crippled by sickness even before she gave birth to . As long as I could rember, she was confined to her bed.
Father desperately sought a cure for her, desperate enough to even borrow money from Lord Maxwell, but could not find anything in the end.
I loved my mother and often slipped inside her bed, begging her to read stories. Thinking about it now, that might have worsened her conditionbut mother always listened to my requests, even when she was feeling worse than usual.
Dont worry, Selena, one day a prince will co for you
My mother used to tell that every ti she finished reading a picture book, patting my head.
The words dont worrywere what my mother said to convince herself, maybe.
Mother probably felt she wouldnt live the day to see grow up, so she said that to dispel her worries about my future.
Soti after my mothers death, a man claiming to be my older brother ca to the house. Father had sired a child with another woman.
Youre Selena, right? Nice to et you.
I dont know you!!
Eh? Ah, wait!
I always avoided my brother.
I couldnt believe father had cheated on mother, nor could I ever forgive him. I couldnt accept the existence of my brother.
Even if the decision ca from my fathers position as head of the family, as my sickly mother could not give birth to a male heir.
Even if my mother was aware of my fathers infidelity and gave her permission.
I could never forgive them.
Not my father, nor my brother.
Then it happened father arranged a fiance for .
Cheers Selena: I have the perfect fiance for you.
I was thirteen when I beca engaged.
He was the successor of the house of Margrave Maxwell Lord Dyngir.
Im Dyngir Maxwell. Nice to et you.
Lord Dyngir introduced himself in this friendly way.
At first, I planned to act disrespectfully towards my fiance, in order to sha my father.
The mont I saw lord Dyngirs face, however, such thoughts completely vanished from my head.
Eek..!!
Whats wrong?
The first thing I felt when I saw Lord Dyngirs face was fear.
At first glance, Lord Dyngir looked like a friendly, quiet young man. But I couldnt shake the feeling that sothing unfathomable, sothing more beast than human, was hiding inside him.
Yes, sothing like the dragon that kidnaps the princess in the fairytales
(What was the na of that terrible dragon? All black, as large as a mountainthe na of the dragon sent chills down your spine just by saying it)
I didnt know why I felt like that, but it might have been because of my mothers blood. Mother was a priestess in the royal capitals sanctuary until she married my father.
Lord Dyngir has taken the enemy commanders head in the last battle with the empire!
Father talked about Lord Dyngirs military exploits, to explain what an incredible person he was.
Who would start liking a person because they heard how they killed other people, I wondered.
My days of despair started like that.
Lord Dyngir was apparently aware that just looking at him scared witless, so he tried to gain my favor by sending flowers and other gifts any chance he had.
To , however, it looked like the evil dragon was just saying sweet words to lure the prey closer.
Father and even my brother tried to help and Lord Dyngir grow closer, but their actions always had the opposite effect: I hated them both, after all.
The relationship between Lord Dyngir and I never improved. Eventually, the day ca when we would go to the royal capital and enroll in the royal academy.
~
That day was simply unforgettable.
On the day of my birthday, I visited the academys rear flower garden.
The academy had a flower garden both in the inner and rear courtyards, but most students visited the inner courtyards flower garden, as it was larger and close to the academy buildings.
Few people ever visited the rear garden, so it was perfect to think about things on my own.
Phewwhat should I do with this?
I sat on a bench, with a birthday gift I received from my fiance in my hands. It was a silver bracelet adorned with erald gems, the sa color as my eyes.
its so pretty. Why does he send such beautiful things, every ti
Lord Dyngirs presents were always exquisite.
If only he sent sothing completely inappropriate, I could just throw it awaybut his presents always matched my tastes so perfectly, so I ended up accepting them every ti.
How does Lord Dyngir know my tastes so well? I was terrified just thinking about it.
one more year
The following year, Lord Dyngir and I would graduate from the academy. I would then beco Lord Dyngirs bride.
I was scared to death of that day.
I didnt want to be with him even for one secondhow could I ever spend my life at his side?
Uuh.
Tears started falling naturally, trailing on my cheeks and dripping on the bracelet.
Ah!!
.eh?
I heard soones surprised voice and raised my head, finding a man standing there.
Hair shining like gold, pearly white skin. Eyes as blue as the sky. A noble young man, just like a prince from the fairytales.
He was the kingdoms crown prince, Sullivan Lamperouge.
I apologize if I bothered you. I didnt think anyone except ever visited this garden, you see.
N-no, I must apologize instead!
I hurriedly stood up from the bench, but before I could, Sullivans handkerchief was gently caressing my cheeks.
Ah
Please, sit down. It is a gentlemans duty to wipe a womans tears.
T-thats
I timidly lowered my eyes, but Lord Sullivan smiled softly and continued wiping my tears.
Before I realized it, I had already stopped crying. My heart beat like crazy instead.
Who would ever think that a low class noble like could ever have the chance to speak with the prince?
When I saw you, I thought a flower fairy had co to this garden.
Eeh.!?
I ended up shouting in response to Lord Sullivans words.
I hurriedly apologized for my bad manners, but Lord Sullivans warm smile made forget everything.
Im the sa as you, actually. When cruel things happen to and I feel like crying, I always co to this place.
Cruel things?
I couldnt believe such a perfect-looking prince had any troubles.
You see, actually
Lord Sullivan then started talking. Surprisingly, his worries were very similar to mine.
Lord Sullivan also suffered because of the person he was engaged to.
Lord Sullivans fiancee, Lady Marianne, was a young lady that could be said to be without fault. She was very proud, however, and looked down on other students, as she was going to be the future queen.
She does not wish to beco my wife: all she wants is to be enthroned as queen, to rule over this country. She is just using for that end, there is no love between us.
Oh mythat is horrible! Lord Sullivan, you are such a gentle, wonderful person, and yetwhy are you forced to marry such a person!?
You are the only person who ever said sothing like that to Marianne isyes, like one of those evil witches from the fairytales.
Those words made feel even closer to him.
A perfect fairytale prince, with the sa problems as .
For so reason, it made really happy.
When I revealed my own troubles Lord Sullivan consoled kindly.
I see, we are the sa, arent we.
Yes
That was how I t Lord Sullivan.
That day onwards, our relationship progressed at a fast pace.
(My prince finally ca for )
This prince will surely slay the evil dragon and save , or so I fully believed.
I believed that there was no way the prince would lose to the dragon, even though I had no proof.
Lord Sullivan and I continued to et secretly in the rear flower garden, deepening our relationship.
When we were together, I could feel at peace. A feeling of pure bliss, sothing I had not felt since my mother died, filled my heart.
Our forbidden love, hidden from our fiances, burned brighter the more we saw each other, and eventually passed the point of no return.
Lord Sullivan invited to one of his residences. I went there, avoiding being seen by anyone, and we beca one.
Selena, I want you to marry .
On the bed, embraced by Sullivan, tears flowed from my eyes.
His arms, as warm as the sun, filled my body with comfort. His gentle words thawed my frozen heart.
Lord Sullivan caressed my head as I wept uncontrollably. Surrounded by his warmth, I replied.
gladly, my prince.
~
Eventually the fated day ca.
My noble prince set out to slay the evil dragon.
Dyngir Maxwell!! I hereby declare your engagent to Selena void!!
Lord Sullivan so announced to Lord Dyngir.
Lord Dyngir expounded on how breaking an engagent was sothing unjust, but Lord Sullivan faced him without fear. He was just like a brave hero ard with his holy sword.
His forceful words dispelled all fear from my heart. I never thought I could ever see the day when I could speak my true feelings to my terrifying fiance.
the cancellation of the engagent is accepted, for the ti being. We shall contact the royal house officially in the near future.
When I heard Lord Dyngirs words, tears of happiness started streaming down my cheeks.
I was finally released from the grip of that monster of a man, I was free at last.
Selena!
Lord SullivanI am so happy!
We embraced each other, without regard for the people watching. The garden was crowded, everyone was looking at us. But it mattered little to .
I will bring you happiness, Selena. I will never let you gonever.
Lord SullivanLord SullivanI love you, Lord Sullivan!!
It all felt like a dream, like the ending of our fairytale.
The evil dragon had fallen before the brave prince and the princess was rescued.
The two beca one and lived happily ever after.
~
The ti of bliss, which I thought would last forever, ended imdiately instead.
so? Is that all you have to say? Lord Sullivan?
AhnoI
We were overjoyed by Lord Dyngirs unexpectedly quick acceptance of the broken engagent, but it did not last long: words as chilling as cold water rained upon us.
Lord Sullivans fiancee, Lady Marianne Rosais. Before her, Lord Sullivan, who was a noble fairytale prince just monts ago, faltered and wavered.
Lady Marianne, surrounded by people probably her servants looked down at the fearful Lord Sullivan from her seat, as if she was utterly bored.
I had heard from Lord Sullivan about Lady Mariannes awful personality, but I did not expect her to be such a harsh person.
Lord Sullivan accused Lady Marianne of mistreating , pointing out the rumors that she made secret connections with the empire and more.
I had never heard such rumors, nor was I ever treated badly by her. It was my first ti eting Lady Marianne, after all.
I was surprised and looked at Lord Sullivan, but he did not spare a glance at .
I am afraid all of this is simply ridiculous. Did I make secret connections with the empire? Do you have any evidence?
There was no evidence, of course: Lord Sullivans excuses were all made on the spot. It was clear that there was no truth in them.
Lady Marianne sighed helplessly, then started preaching endlessly about how Lord Sullivans conduct was unfit for his title of the crown prince.
When Lord Sullivan was completely devastated, Lady Marianne said her last words.
You wish to annulour engagent, yes? That is fine. Let our relationship end here and now.
Lord Sullivans expression turned brighter. The words that followed, however, froze it again.
I shall duly inform my father, the chancellor. About Lord Sullivans infidelity and your false accusations towards as well. Rest assured I shall spare no details. Please prepare to receive a fitting punishnt for your actions. I trust you do not believe you will be king without the support of house Rosais, yes?
Ahert-thats
Lord Sullivan was visibly shaken and could not speak clearly.
My beloved prince was troubled and cornered, so I overca my fear and managed to speak.
L-Lady Marianne! Lord Sullivan is the crown prince!! Your words overstep your bounds!!
Do you know who you are talking to? Those of lower rank should not speak to those of higher rank, as the unspoken rule of high society goes. Sha on you, you miserable daughter of a baron!
Whipped by Lady Mariannes harsh words, I shook in anger.
(Shes really an evil witchjust like Lord Sullivan said)
I-I am Lord Sullivans lover
Ah, youre the mistress. How filthy.
F-filthy? No, thats
I would have cared nothing about whatever you two did after my engagent with His Highness was broken. Until proper procedures are taken, however, we are engaged. I have no ears to be soiled by the words of a woman who would lust after an engaged man. Do not speak another word, if you please.
H-how can you say sothing so cruel? What did I ever do to you?
What did you do? Well, I suppose you should tell where you went in the evening two days ago. You left a request to spend the night outside the dormitory, did you not?
Ah.
Lady Mariannes words left frozen too. It was the day Lord Sullivan and I beca one for the first ti.
Did you perhaps take for an ignorant fool? Margrave Maxwells heir was unaware of your relationship, apparently, but that is only because he only exhibited the least possible interest in your affairs. Did you really think your childish attempts to conceal your tryst would deceive the eyes of house Rosais?
Ah, Ithatsbut
I planned to overlook everything if it was ant to be a trifle, but now that things turned out like this, I will have no rcy. I have enough evidence for your infidelity, which I shall submit to the attention of His Majesty the King. How long will His Majesty protect you before He must abandon you? That will be sothing to see.
Lord Sullivan and I were both too shocked to move.
Our relationship was exposed since who knows when. We had been found out, just left alone.
If you will excuse , thenoh, andgoodbye, my forr fiance.
W-wait!!
Oh no, I shant do that. I have no duty to obey your words anymore.
Lord Sullivan attempted to cling to Lady Marianne nonetheless, but her servants stopped him.
Lady Marianne thus left, her graceful manners never leaving her person even a mont.
Her noble and proud silhouette made think for a mont that she was the perfect image of a queen.
Worried, I took Lord Sullivans hand.
The hand that caressed my head so gently when we were in bed together was now trembling ever so slightly.
Lord Sullivan
Its all right, dont worry. SelenaIll protect you no matter what. Father will never abandon so dont worry
.
Lord Sullivans face was stretched thin, his eyes wide open and bloodshot. He talked as if he wanted to convince himself more than .
The noble prince that bravely faced off Lord Dyngir was completely gone, leaving a husk filled with worry, fear, and traces of regret.
He was a fairytale prince no more, but a very realistic figure of a man driven to desperation.
My heart, on the other hand, was filled with concern for a future I could not predict anymore.
~
What awaited us next was fall after fall.
Before we could do anything, Lord Sullivan was removed from the royal register and forced to marry into the Noms house.
Father and brother condemned Lord Sullivan and : because of us, Margrave Maxwell now viewed the Noms with disfavor.
After marrying into my family, Lord Sullivan was at first confident that he would soon return to the royal family and sent many letters to His Majesty the King and his friends among powerful nobles in the royal capital.
However, Lord Sullivan gradually grew irritated by the fact that no reply ever ca and eventually started yelling at .
The gentle prince was nowhere to be seen. No, maybe this was Lord Sullivans true self.
If only you didnt exist
I pretended not to notice glimrs of such feelings in Lord Sullivans eyes and continued living while interacting with my father and brother as little as possible.
Then today eventually ca I was going to beco Lord Sullivans bride.
The bride of a man who lost everything.
A bride not blessed by her family, friends, or anyone else.
Lady Selena, the preparations for the ceremony are complete. This way, please.
yes, Im coming.
I replied to the maid who ca to call and stood up from my chair.
The beautiful dress left by my beloved mother. The pure white dress I dread of wearing now seed soiled by invisible, indescribable stains.
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