Publicly Denied by Alexander
"Adeline the significance of this alliance cannot be overstated, for it holds the key to the stability of our kingdom.”
“You must heed every word that Prince Alexander utters, for his desires shall be your utmost command."
I inclined my head in agreement.
"Fear not, Father, for I shall fulfill my duty without falter."
My father's piercing gaze locked onto mine.
“When your mother and I were joined in matrimony, she had to comprehend her position.”
"I have faith that you are aware of your own."
I swallowed with difficulty, fully understanding the significance of my father's words.
"Yes, Your Majesty.”
My father's gaze intensified, a stern admonition evident in his eyes.
"Ensure that you do not disrupt the harmony of the peace treaty.”
"If you dare to do so, do not even consider presenting yourself in my court again."
I nodded solemnly. Content with my reply, my father gracefully gestured, beckoning me to accompany him on our path towards the sacred sanctuary. While we strolled, he persistently shared his wisdom.
"This alliance transcends mere matrimony, Adeline.”
“It encompasses safeguarding the prosperity of our realm.”
“Your obligation is unequivocal, and I anticipate your unwavering commitment."
I listened attentively, my mind absorbing my father's instructions. We approached the church. The echoes of solemn music reached our ears. My father stopped, turning to face me one final time.
"Remember your place, Adeline," he warned, his voice a low murmur.
"Remember the consequences if you fail."
Together, we entered the church, the grand doors closing behind us, sealing the fate of the alliance and my destiny. The grandeur of the church enveloped us as we walked down the aisle towards the ornate altar. The pews adorned with white roses, the luxurious gold silk runner beneath our feet, and the sweet scent of flowers in the air all set the stage for the momentous occasion.
We neared the altar. The customary tradition dictated that Alexander's back remained turned to the approaching bride. The air in the church was charged with a hushed expectancy.
Upon reaching the altar, my father gave me a glare before whispering, "Good luck."
With a deep breath, I nodded in acknowledgment as my father stepped back, leaving me standing alone before Alexander. Alexander, still with his back turned, stood tall and imposing.
Alexander turned to face me. The gathered assembly awaited the moment of revelation. However, the warmth and joy that typically accompanied such occasions were conspicuously absent from Alexander’s countenance. When he pulled back the veil, disdain marred his features, his eyes revealing a stark disapproval.
The church fell into a tense silence as Alexander's gaze lingered on my face. The joyous atmosphere that had filled the grand hall moments ago seemed to evaporate, leaving an uncomfortable stillness in its wake. To the shock of the onlookers, Alexander's voice resonated through the hallowed space, denying the union with a public declaration.
"I am unable to continue with this union," he proclaimed, his words slicing through the atmosphere with the sharpness of a sword.
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the congregation, and I felt a profound sense of humiliation wash over me. The rejection was not just personal but played out in front of the entire kingdom.
Alexander, unmoved by the collective gasps, stepped back from the altar, severing the anticipated union. I stood there, veil pulled back, tears forming in my eyes.
The reality of the public denial began to sink in. My mother, who had been a silent witness to the unfolding drama, approached me with a pained expression. She placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of the unexpected turn of events. The once joyous occasion had transformed into a public spectacle of heartbreak and shattered alliances.
Meanwhile, I stood at the altar in disbelief.
“Darling it is not your fault.”
“I have heard that Alexander did not wish to be married.”
The tension mounted as the king's voice echoed through the hall, leaving everyone on edge.
Alexander’s Perspective
My father’s voice boomed through the grand hall, his eyes fixed on me.
"Alexander, what do you think you're doing?" he exclaimed, unable to hide his astonishment.
"I am simply exercising my right to choose how I live my life, Your Majesty."
My father’s face turned red with anger.
"You seem to forget that I am the king, and it is I who dictate how you will live your life.”
Undeterred, I stood my ground.
"I couldn't care less about your precious treaty”
“I refuse to marry Princess Adeline.”
"What is wrong with Princess Adeline?”
“She comes from a noble bloodline."
My response was resolute.
"I don't know her, Father, and that matters to me.”
“I won't enter into a marriage without knowing the person I'll spend my life with.”
“You had every opportunity to get to know her, you refused.”
Father's tone softened slightly as he tried to reason with me.
"You have a lifetime to get to know her, Alexander.”
“She will be a good wife to you.”
I met my father's gaze with determination.
“I appreciate your concern, Father, but I cannot base my decision solely on her beauty or her lineage.”
"I will go along with this marriage for the sake of the kingdom." I conceded.
A hint of pride flickered in my father's eyes.
"Good lad.”
Adeline’s Perspective
Alexander walked back up to the altar, my mother curtsying gracefully as she took her seat.
"Apologies for the interruption, but I am now ready to proceed," he announced.
The ceremony continued. The preacher turned to me.
"Do you, Adeline, take Alexander to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“To have and to hold in sickness and in health?”
“To cherish for the rest of your life?"
Without hesitation, I looked into Alexander's eyes and replied, "I do," my voice filled with strained obligation.
"Wait just a minute, Princess.”
"Tell me, why would you still choose to marry me, even after I publicly rejected you?"
A soft smile graced my lips as I looked into his eyes.
"I have no other choice.”
His eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Please, elaborate.”
I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before speaking.
"If I were to refuse, I would be disgraced and disowned.”
"You see, I have been raised to be your wife.
“I know no other way of life."
The preacher's voice filled the air, calling for the exchange of rings. .
"Adeline, please hold out your left hand," he said, his words echoing in my ears.
I obediently extended my hand, my heart pounding in my chest.
"With this ring, I take this woman to be my wife," Alexander declared.
In a moment that felt like eternity, he slid the ring onto my finger. A rush of emotions overwhelmed me as his hand lingered on mine. The ring, a symbol of our love and commitment, sparkled brilliantly, capturing the essence of our union.
With trembling hands, I carefully slid the ring onto his finger, a symbol of our eternal bond. Before I could fully savor the moment, he swiftly withdrew his hand, leaving me momentarily stunned. The officiant declared us spouses, granting us permission to seal our love with a kiss.
In that instant, he pulled me closer, his arm encircling my waist, igniting a rush of warmth that spread through my entire being. My cheeks flushed and I closed my eyes, surrendering to the magic of the moment. Our lips met fleetingly, a tantalizing taste of what was to come before he hastily pulled away.
The hall erupted into a chorus of jubilant cheers, celebrating our union. Alexander quickly made his exit. I felt exposed and alone in the midst of the crowd. The king himself approached, his regal presence commanding attention.
“Congratulations my daughter.”
“Thank you, your majesty.” I said with a curtsey.
“You must return to your chambers and get some rest, I will see you at the celebration tonight.”
The king departed, and I began my solitary journey toward my sanctuary, my mind swirling with a whirlwind of emotions.