Chapter Four - Dining Hall

Liora

Till the wedding was over, I didn't see Kieran again, even when they were having a party, dancing, and having fun. I was tired, and the wedding gown made me very exhausted.

A maid took me to his chamber that night, hoping I'll find Kieran there, but getting there, the room was large and empty.

The room was so neat. The heavy furs on the massive bed were untouched, the fireplace burned low, and the air carried no scent. ''Should I help you change your clothes, Your Majesty?'' the maid said. My gesture was somehow weird in hearing, Your Majesty.

'' No…  no thank you I'll do it myself '' I said, ''Ok, Your Majesty.'' She left and slammed the door.

It was as if a prince never stepped a foot here. With hope that he'll come back, I freshen up and change my wedding gown to a light dress, then sit on the edge of the bed.

I sat there for over an hour feeling sleepy, tired and cold. It was about to rain I grab a blanket and sat on the coach then cover myself waiting for him, I was alone on my wedding night trying my best not to doze off staring at the door but instantly I slept off.

The next morning, I woke up see myself on top of the bed, I quickly sit up hoping he’s in the room but I saw a maid standing by the left side of the bed facing down

'' Good morning Your majesty''

'' Hi… uh who… who are you'' I faltered

'' I'm your personal servant your majesty, I'm here to get you ready for the dinning room ''  she said

'' uhm what's your name and what dinning room ''

'' My name is Iris, Your majesty. Please I need to get you ready for the dinning room. The king wants everyone one there for breakfast ''

'' Ok then'' I stood up from the bed and went to the bathroom, the bathing water was ready already

Immediately I entered the water I felt a sharp pain at the left side of me shoulder '' Ahh… '' I shouted '' Your majesty, are you ok?''  she asked deeply concerned, checking me then paused like she saw something

'' Your majesty You have an injury on your back '' she said about to touch the Helix mark then I cover it with me hand '' Ahh don't touch it '' I said then I remove my hand

'' It looks like a fresh injury, did the knight really treat you that bad '' she asked then I look up glancing at her, she put her head down and said '' I'm sorry for being intrusive ''

'' No you're just being concern. No one has acted towards me like that. Thank you Iris '' I said trying not to make her feel bad '' I'm just doing my job, your majesty'' she said then I sighed and face front

''Doesn't it look really fresh '' I asked ''yes it look like you just had it, showing out your inner skin. I'll just assist you while bathing. '' she said, '' Ok then '' I said, as many thing run through my head, how can this mark hurt me now after so many years of having it.

After bathing, I told Iris to bandage it before I wore a deep, muted blue gown, a shade that spoke of quiet nobility. The fabric was soft, flowing, but deceptively heavy. The sleeves were long, deliberately covering the bruises left by the chains, which still round my waist.

My dark hair had been braided, woven with delicate silver threads, a crown of submission rather than power. Iris, who prepared me, took care to make me look presentable, beautiful, even though there was no mistake I was actually beautiful.

Even as I walked to  the dinning hall, shoulders squared, spine straight, and felt the weight of their gazes. The grand dining hall of House Draven was as cold as the castle itself, a place of polished stone, high vaulted ceiling and a long table meant for warriors and noble alike

The royal family banner hung on the wall but not suprising Kieran wasn't there, The black and silver Lykos casting shadows in the morning light.

The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and spiced tea filled the air

All the Dravens were present, but I haven't seen Kieran

I did not falter, did not also bow my head as I approached the table. I had been dressed to be examined, to be judge and they did exactly that with their eyes. I sat close to Cassius which was the next empty chair

'' Welcome… we didn't get to know your name'' a girl who sat near the head of the table, she was blonde, wore deep indigo gown, nearly black in the dim candlelight, its flowing fabric whispered against stone floor, silver cuffs wrapped her wrist, delicate rings gracing her fingers, and a thin chain of black pearls circling her throat like a collar

'' Liora '' I said looking down at the whole table full with food. Few minutes later Kieran step in, his clothes where totally black, wearing a black hood covering his face, even among his family he covers his face.

I only saw his serious line but full lips while the rest part of his face was cover with the dark shade of the hood

Kieran sat across the table from me, his broad frame relaxed yet imposing, clad in dark leather instead of heavy armor '' Let's dine '' the heavy voice from head of the table, the king

I watched Kieran as he eat, his jaw was tense as he cut into his meal, as though he ignored me presence entirely. He had not spoken a word since he abandoned our wedding night

I hated that I noticed.

The king murmurs just loud enough I could hear, '' A wedding night left unfulfilled… How interesting’’

''Perhaps, Kieran does not want his bride,'' said Darius, the third prince, who sat close to Alistair. His dark brown hair, nearly black, was left unbound, falling just past his shoulder. His eyes, dark as iron, were set beneath his heavy brow. He smirked after saying that.

''Or perhaps the girl is unworthy.'' Alistair said, and the three of them chuckled silently, and the girl, I think Kieran's sister, she just scoffed.

I clenched my jaw, gripping my silver fork in my hand as they spoke as if I wasn't there.

Cassius reclining in his seat, his silver eyes gleaming in amusement as he glance at me, his lips curved, smiling as he swirled the wine in his goblet '' How lovely '' he murmured, but heard '' They've dressed you well, dear sister''  he said smiling

I pulse feeling like pouring the wine on his face because I was already pissed, but he's the only one who has been nice to me since yesterday.

''Thanks,'' I said, sipping my wine with my gaze on Kieran, who looks unconcerned about what's going on around him. ''You should thank Kaira for sending her beloved maid, Iris, to you,'' he said.

''Oh lovely, but it wasn't good enough to distract the real beasts in the room.'' Cassius blinked, surprised with my reply, then Kieran's knife scraped against his plate, and then I flinched. Finally, he would say something.