The wedding day arrived beneath a sky washed in pale gold, as though even the heavens had decided to witness the union of the empire's most feared prince and the mysterious woman who had suddenly become the center of his world.
Invitations had been sent weeks ago across kingdoms and empires alike. Nobles, royals, military commanders, and dignitaries from distant lands had gathered within the capital, each carrying curiosity hidden beneath practiced smiles.
The entire palace buzzed with excitement.
But inside her chambers, Samara felt strangely detached from it all.
The maids moved around her like silent butterflies, adjusting ribbons, smoothing silk, pinning jewels into her hair. Every surface in the room glittered with extravagance. Gold trays overflowed with perfumes and gemstones. Rare flowers filled the air with a sweet fragrance that almost became suffocating.
Yet none of it settled the unease twisting quietly inside her chest.
This was real.
Painfully real.
