Chapter 2: Marrying a Beast
Ren gazed into the mirror, the figure staring back at her was a stranger cloaked in black silk and jewels. Was this a witch draped in the guise of a bride, or a princess caught in the strings of a cruel tale? She couldn't recognize herself anymore.
This was a life of royalty, a fate so many dreamed of, but it felt more like a gilded curse to her. No one should wish for this wretched life, she thought bitterly, her teary eyes shifting to her maid.
The maid stepped closer, a soft smile brightening her face. As she adjusted the golden hairpin in Ren's intricately arranged curls, she said gently, "You're beautiful, milady. He'll see that too. I'm sure he will fall head over heels for you."
Ren couldn't bring herself to smile, nor could she shed a tear. These beautiful words had no power to bring excitement into her heart. A week ago, she had vowed never to beg for forgiveness again. That day in the throne hall, she had clung to her uncle's leg, weeping from the depths of her spirit as she pleaded for him to end her life. But he had refused her cries and delivered his verdict instead.
He had locked her away in the left tower himself. It was a forbidden, desolate place with a vast, ancient chamber cloaked in dust and shadow with no sunlight. Guards patrolled the area day and night, ensuring there was no chance for her to flee or receive aid.
"Help your people in this war and earn their respect, or die like a witch. You're lucky to have a choice," he had cautioned her, his voice raspy with exhaustion and resolve. He talked a lot that day, about humankind being in danger of extinction and convinced her to marry the Prince. And she had to play her role as a noblewoman.
Later, she felt fortunate that they had at least allowed Lora, her maid, to attend to her and ensure she didn't starve herself to death.
But after all, she didn't want this marriage. Suddenly, she held Lora's hand, "Bring me poison." Her eyes grew wide, madness had taken over her sanity. She didn't want to marry a devil from Thegara, a land of barbarians. Those people were killers, predators, and savages that she couldn't put up with. They loved to slaughter humans.
Her action startled Lora, but before her maid could say a word, the door to the room creaked open, and Aunt Eve sauntered in. She rushed to hug her niece, but Ren stepped back, putting a hand between them, barely stifling the menacing tears threatening to fall.