SWNOVELS Chapter 14
Chapter 14
HENRIETTA
The Ritual came too soon than I liked.
I don’t know much about it as I’ve only heard about the Ritual from others. The Ritual is similar to a ceremonial. feast where the soon–to–be–married couple indulge in a night of feast and celebration. Music, dances, songs, and entertainment are celebrated during the Ritual; of course, there would be a lot of booze.
As much as possible, I did not want to do such a celebration. But at that time, I was set to Prince of
marry the Veridia. Doing this kind of ceremony was inevitable. I was prepared to do things I didn’t want to do all because of Philip. But now that he’s set to marry Yvette, then maybe I have a choice of not pushing through the Ritual.
Andreas chuckled softly, his amusement evident, as I proposed my idea. He looked at me as though I suggested the absurdest thing ever. “We’re doing it. After all, the Alpha King wanted both his sons to have the Ritual together. Didn’t you know?”
I gave him a dreadful look and he answered me with that insufferable grin. My eyes went to the ring on my finger.
“This stone is unique,” I said, staring at the stone on the ring. It was something I had never seen before and that’s saying a lot considering that my father used to be a merchant for jewels. It possessed an otherworldly iridescence, showcasing a mesmerizing play of colors that shift gracefully as light dances across its surface with my every subtle movement. The predominant hues include ethereal blues, delicate greens, and hints of celestial purples, blending and casting an almost magical shine.
“As it should. You deserve it.”
“I don’t know. I don’t know this stone. Maybe this meant impending doom for the wearer.”
“Lumithrene Opalis,” he said leaning back on his seat as his hand gracefully swirled the contents of his chalice. “From where it came from, it symbolizes eternal and transcendent love. They believe that the shifting colors represent the ever–changing yet constant nature of deep and enduring affection.” His gaze went from the wine to me. “It means I treasure and I am making a promise to love you for eternity.”
I blinked. Suddenly, the air shifted and I felt like it was getting harder to breathe. This was just an act and I knew it but still, what he said took my breath away. Clearing my throat, I tried to calm myself down by switching the topic. “This is a real stone, then?”
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He nodded as he took the chalice to his mouth, taking a sip. His eyes never left mine as he stared at me over the
rim of his chalice.
“How did you even get this? Where is this exactly from?”
“I got that because I have connections. As for the place, I shall bring you there when the time comes.”
“Is it far?”
He placed his glass back to the table and a smile curved his mouth. It wasn’t his usual insufferable smile but it was the kind one would show while remembering something they’re fond of. He must really like this place.
“Not very. I will take you there if you want. But not now.”
It was where our conversation ended before we decided to part ways. I went back home and went straight to my room. The day of the Ritual came and I have never seen a glimpse of Yvette as we prepared for the coming celebration. It’s not making me excited. Rather, I feel this was just a burdensome event. But because I was engaged to Sir Andreas, I had to go through it. Of course, a lady’s word never had any value especially when it comes to things like this.
Niana smiled and bowed. “I’ve finished, Lady Henrietta.” I did not notice her hands had stopped doing something on my hair because I was too occupied with my own thoughts. I stared at myself in the mirror. The black dress showed too much skin. It was probably the boldest dress I have ever worn. My whole shoulder blade was exposed and it was tight enough to lift my chest. A silver jewelry hung on my neck, accentuating the exposed skin. Niana chose another silver pair of earrings for me to wear. I looked too sparkly– perfect for tonight’s celebration.
I stood and admired the intricate work on my hair. As always, Niana did a great job of making me look better. She bowed in my direction as I smiled at myself in the mirror.
“You did an excellent job, Niana. Thank you,” I said and she bowed again.
“As I will continue to say, Lady Henrietta, I did,
do much. You’re already beautiful, miss.”
I let out a small smile before I faced her. “Wish me luck tonight,” I said and she nodded with a smile on her face. As if on cue, an announcement from one of the maids came that a carriage had finally come to fetch me. Yvette and Myrna remained elusive as we prepared for the celebration but I don’t care. We’re going to see each other in the Palace, anyway. It’s dreadful but I don’t have much choice.
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As I went outside, Aiden was already waiting for me, standing by the carriage. He was wearing something grander than he’d usually wear.
“Greetings, Lady Henrietta,” he said and smiled. The way his eyes looked at me from head to toe did not escape. I faced him and straightened my back.
‘Greetings to you too, Aiden.”
He gave me another curt nod before he turned his back and opened the carriage door. I was expecting I’d be alone but much to my surprise, “Andreas occupied his customary seat, his commanding presence accentuated by the all–black tunic suit that clung to his well–defined frame. He was looking by the window, not even remotely interested in turning his head towards the door where I was standing.
Slowly, he finally turned his head and our gazes met. I was pinned on my spot the moment his blue gaze met mine. Then his eyes traveled from my face to the dress I was wearing. Suddenly, I felt like I was standing in front of him, naked and vulnerable. How could a man make me feel such a thing without even doing anything?
I couldn’t utter a single word and neither was he saying anything. We heard Aiden clear his throat and that seemed to pull us out of our trance.
“We’re leaving, anything you’re both ready,” Aiden said and I could have sworn I heard Andreas sigh before shaking his head. When I looked at Aiden, it was evident he was trying to hide his smile as he extended his hand for me to hold on as I got inside the carriage.
The moment I sat in front of him, the air was even more strange. For some reason, the carriage felt hot. I unfolded my fan and fanned myself, trying to calm myself down. I don’t know what was wrong with me. Perhaps my dress is too tight-
“You look exceptionally lovely,” Andreas said, making me almost choke.
I swallowed hard. The carriage started moving and that’s when I dared meet his blue gaze once again. “You look striking as well.” The words barely came out but I could not let him see that. I straightened my back and focused my gaze outside, trying not to get affected too much by his mere presence.
Emergency calls only GM..
Chapter 15