The Tale of O'Khasis

1 - The Wedding

Nicole groaned as she yanked the hairbrush through her tangled hair. The elaborate braid was supposed to be done an hour ago, but she'd shooed away the maids and put it off until the last minute. She tied it up in a hasty ponytail before turning to the gown awaiting her on the canopy bed.

The pale gray fabric evoked a second, louder groan. Nicole resisted the temptation to flop on the floor and tear it to pieces. She pulled it on without bothering with one of the stupid skirts or waist-pinching nightmares.

The pots of makeup went untouched as she reached for the simple silver circlet perched on the vanity table. It felt heavy on her head.

Nicole stuck her tongue out at the mirror one last time before stomping out of her chambers. It would be the last time she'd see them, but she didn't feel bad about it. The place was horrible. She never wanted to see Scaleswind Palace again.

A maid stood outside the door, evidently about to enter. "My lady—your hair—" she stammered.

"Whatever, I don't care."

The girl coughed. She couldn't be more than sixteen. "Of course, my lady. The ceremony starts in five minutes, I'm to take you to the hall."

"Great, a fashionably late entrance."

Holding in a sigh, the maid eyed Nicole's crinkled dress and messy hair but said nothing.

They walked in silence down the many flights of stairs Nicole's home held. The hallways twisted and turned, receiving much hate from the serving staff. Nicole remained convinced she was the only one that could fully navigate it.

When they reached the church, the maid checked the towering grandfather clock and gasped. "Thirty seconds—"

"Aw, we're early."

The maid bit her lip. "All due respect, my lady, but shouldn't you go in . . . ?"

"Nah, this can wait. Probably. Well, I hope I won't get in trouble with Lord Garte. Ahem. I don't recognize you, what's your name?"

"My name is Elisie, my lady. I came with the Ro'Meaves."

"Do you say 'my lady' in every sentence, because that's starting to get annoying."

"I don't wish to offend my la—" she clamped her jaw shut.

"Oh cool, so you can control it. I guess I'd better head in." Nicole gulped. "Welp, see ya, kid."

Nicole was about to throw open the door when Elisie said, "Good luck."

She halted. "Yeah, well, luck didn't help me last time," she muttered bitterly.

♡

Nicole slammed the door open—not the most graceful entrance, but that's what she was going for. One last chance to convince Garte that it wouldnt be worth it to marry his son to her.

Lord Ro'Meave scowled from the first pew but did nothing.

The wedding was being held in the church of Irene, the goddess of Ru'aun. It was said she was the founder of Scaleswind, but of course, there was no evidence.

"I've arrived," she announced her presence, flicking a strand of hair off her forehead before it fell back in front of her eye.

Her breath caught.

Garroth Ro'Meave was standing at the front, staring at his feet. He had shockingly light blond hair. When he glanced up, Nicole found that his eyes were impossibly bright—with tears. His cyan eyes were wet with tears.

Nicole desperately did not want to marry him. She would do anything to escape, anything to be away from this place.

Seeing Garroth made it real.

She was engaged.

She was about to be married.

Suddenly she was fighting off tears of her own.

The walk up the aisle was too fast. The world blurred as she stepped onto the dais.

Nicole caught Garroth's eye and offered a sad smile. "Nicole Von Ronsenburg. I'd say pleased to meet you, but, well."

The corner of his mouth barely lifted in response. "Believe me, the not-pleasure is all mine. I'm Garroth."

Nicole didn't actually hear the rest of the wedding. She was drowning in her mind, spiraling into repetition of I dont want this I dont want this I dont want this. She didn't know she had said anything either until the audience began to clap politely.

She blinked. Garroth was looking at her nervously. They had to kiss.

A nervous laugh bubbled up and she fled. She didn't go far, just so she was outside the church. Nicole gasped for breath, her chest suddenly burning as she slumped against the outside wall. There wasn't enough oxygen, she was running out of air.

"Nicole." Someone laid a heavy hand on her shoulder.

She jerked away. "Go away! Go away! You have no right to be here! You hear me? No. Right." And then she punched his jaw. "I never want to see you again, Father," she spat.

"Nicole, wait—"

Clenching her fist, she spun around to face him. "You sold me off to marry some random guy for an alliance? There are other ways! What were you thinking?" She swiped at a tear. "Just leave me alone. I don't want to see you."

Lord Luke's face fell. "I'm your father, you will listen to me."

"I want nothing to do with you!" Nicole screamed. "How dare you, how dare you marry me off! How dare you ignore what I want! How dare you continue to talk to me!"

He huffed. "Fine. You want me to be mean? I am your Lord and I command you to listen." After a pause, he continued, "I'm sorry it came to this. But it was the only thing Lord Garte would agree to and you know how O'Khasis could overpower our guards. I had to. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

"Your apologies mean nothing," Nicole whispered, venom dripping from every word. She whisked away without waiting for another word.

Eventually, she curled up in an alleyway. She noticed a ring on her finger and cried until there were no more tears.