The Unforeseen
Chapter Twenty-Six

Some months later...

Since Timena had uttered those words to Silas, he hadn't teased or mocked her, only showered her with affection. He had been surprisingly pleasant to everyone who had encountered him, no cold glares or blank stares.

"I must say, you've managed to tame him. I never thought I'd see the day." Aldus walked alongside her in the corridor. "How did you do it?"

Timena smiled slightly. "I didn't do anything."

He chuckled. "I don't believe that for a second."

They laughed momentarily.

"Follow me." He led her towards the balcony.

When they made their way outside, Timena felt her breath hitch in her throat.

The entire balcony was covered with lilacs and vervains, Silas stood in the middle.

"W-What is this?" She looked to Aldus in slight awe and confusion.

"Go forward and you'll see." He said with a smile.

As she walked forward, Timena was stunned to see Silas and her father's guards perfectly lined up on the court. At the sight of her approaching, the men bent down, bowing their heads row by row.

"Silas, what is this? Why are all the guards here?" She continued staring down at them in confusion.

He smiled sweetly. "The guards bow before a true lady; a soldier and I am here to ask you something very important."

She suddenly felt her chest tighten, turning around quickly, Timena's eyes widened at the sight of Silas kneeling before her with a small velvet box.

"I've loved you since we were children, and when I turned eighteen, I knew that I would marry you. Your father was never very fond of me and with good reason." Silas looked back to a smirking Vassar. "But I wanted to keep you, so I did what I thought was best. It was selfish and I regret it, every day. The feelings I have for you, I feel for no other and will never feel for another. I am cold, and cruel at times, but I don't ever wish to be that way with you— you make me want to be better king, leader and man, my love."

"I don't wish to change you in any way, I admire the woman and warrior you are. I admire your independence and your desire for it. You're the purest soul I will ever encounter in this life, and I know that I don't deserve you, but selfishly I still want you. You are a woman of profound skill, with a sword, an arrow and you certainly know how to escape even the most competent of men." She chuckled lightly at Silas' last words.

"I cannot take back the ways in which I've wronged you, but if you let me, I will show you my love and devotion to you with every breath I take. I want you by my side, leading with me or I'll stand by yours, or behind you in every decision you make; I will protect your life before my own my queen. So Timena Sybil Mororcin, will you give me every part of yourself as I promise to give you? Will you marry me?" He opened the small box to reveal a gold band with a large pink tourmaline stone, and on either side were two small diamonds.

Tears had brimmed over as Timena stared at him in shock. She looked around at the flowers, the guards. She couldn't believe what was happening.

"Timena?" Silas touched her hand gently.

She looked at him longingly. "Yes. I'll marry you."

Silas' lips turned up in a devastatingly beautiful smile as he got up to hug her tightly. He lifted her off the ground, spinning around momentarily as he kissed her deeply.

"I wasn't sure you'd say yes." He whispered in her ear.

"I wasn't sure I would either." She giggled softly.

Adelia clapped loudly, startling Timena. Everyone appeared from behind, taking turns hugging her and Silas.

"The wedding is back on, so much planning to do." She said excitedly, hugging her daughter before running back inside the castle.

Timena rolled her eyes before Silas leaned down once more to place a kiss to her lips.

The day had finally come— after much quarreling on the date, Timena had eventually agreed on the following month after Silas had initially proposed. Adelia and Vassar had invited guests from every possible kingdom to witness the marriage of their eldest daughter, it was a miracle there was even space to accommodate every person. The chapel's high ceilings were lined with chandeliers that shimmered under the sunlight passing through the stained glass, and massive bouquets of lilacs and vervains decorated the large room. The walls were a faded green with arches and pillars lined in gold, from the stairs of the altar to the entry of the chapel was a darker green carpet that was detailed in a gold pattern that almost matched the floor.

Timena stood before the glass, mesmerized by her appearance. Her dress was a light golden shade, the bodice accentuated her breast perfectly and the length of the arms went slightly past her wrists. From her chest, the material from there down to the end of the dress was intricately designed in gold. On either side of that design were larger gold patterns that continued down the gown. Her back was slightly exposed and as Timena turned around, a long black stripe in the middle of the dress had also been patterned in gold, running down the middle. She had originally wanted the entire gown to be black but had been met with much disdain from her mother, so she had compromised with a single black stripe down the middle. Silas had agreed to have one sewn in as well, saying it would be something that would be just for them. A lightly jeweled necklace sat around her neck, and gold earrings hung in her ears as a sheer veil was secured in her hair.

Her mother and sister smiled in awe, amazed at the sight of Timena in her wedding dress. The crown came last, which was what she favored the most. The gold arches pointed into blade like shapes and the emerald green stone were beautiful. Her curls had been brought away from her face, hanging lose in the back.

"How do you feel?" Delacroix stood behind her with a small smile.

"Nervous." Timena replied after a short moment.

"You look beautiful."

"She certainly does, Silas is going to be so impressed with our creation." Adelia bragged as she smiled towards Ida.

Timena rolled her eyes, stepping away from the mirror. "Is it time yet?" She asked hesitantly.

Her mother nodded. "Everyone is just waiting for you, dear."

"Alright, let's do it." Timena said after a few deep breaths.

The women helped fix Timena's veil and dress as she stood by the entryway. She fought to calm her nerves as she waited.

"Alright, you're ready princess." One of the young girls said. "You'll be fine." She whispered.

Timena smiled appreciatively, thanking her.

At her nod, two men moved to open the door slowly.