Cristiano stood at the doorway. His countenance was mysterious as he looked toward the bed where Portia lay. He didn't address her as the Crown Princess nor did he pretend to show concern. He wouldn't have come at all if it weren't for the implicit rules of the palace. His father was already critical of him for the way he was treating his newly wedded wife and this forced marriage, and he couldn't afford to give him another reason to complain about negligence.
"How is Portia?" he asked curtly.
Lily stepped forward and bowed. "Your Highness, the Crown Princess is awake." Then, cautiously, she asked, "Would you like to see her?"
Cristiano shook his head. "I wouldn't want to disturb her rest. Let her recover." His voice was detached and void of warmth. "If anything is needed, you can ask Gerald Black."
Gerald Black, Cristiano's knight or rather, his glorified assistant handled everything on his behalf. If Portia required anything, it wouldn't be Cristiano fulfilling those needs but his staff.
Lily bowed respectfully. "Yes, Your Highness."
Without another word, Cristiano turned on his heel and left.
Portia wasn't surprised when she was told that he had left before she could even process the news of his arrival. Why would he come to see her? He had no reason to. She showed little emotion at the news as she already knew the answer. His visit had been nothing more than an obligation.
Later in the evening, her family arrived and they filled the room with concern and worry. Her mother fussed over her and began blaming her father for allowing their delicate flower-like daughter to marry into a family of wolves that had now caused her harm. Duchess Hawthrone had told her husband many times how her daughter was her bottom line and she would not accept anyone mistreating her daughter. Not even the royals!
Portia tried her best to comfort them, especially her mother who looked heartbroken and furious all at once. She assured them that she was fine before Duchess Hawthrone could declare a verbal war against the royal family, and the duke took her back.
By the time she finally retired to bed, her body felt tired but her mind was still restless. She was sure that something significant had happened to her. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't remember. Her memories were blurred and disjointed like fragments of a shattered mirror.
The night passed.
Morning arrived and brought with it a new set of challenges.
Now that her health had improved, the queen wasted no time in summoning her for training. Training that stripped her down to the basics of royal etiquette. How to walk, how to stand, how to talk, how to eat. It was as if she had been doing everything wrong her entire life.
Portia did not complain. The queen had been offended by her multiple times before and perhaps this was her way of venting that frustration.
It was exhausting, but Portia endured it in silence. She could not go around making enemy out of everyone.
Finally, night arrived and she was allowed to retire to her chamber.
But the moment she stepped inside, she froze.
The room was unrecognisable.
Soft candlelight flickered and cast a golden glow everywhere. Rose petals were scattered across the bed. Their delicate fragrance was close to a seductive scent that filled the air. Every corner of the room exuded an air of intimacy as if she had stepped into a carefully curated paradise meant for lovers.
Lily stepped forward hesitantly. "Your Highness, these are the arrangements made by the queen… for your and His Highness's nuptial night."
Portia's fingers curled slightly but she kept her expression neutral.
Lily held out a delicate lacy red dress and informed. "The queen also sent this for you."
Portia stared at the dress. The deep crimson colour matched the heat creeping up to the tips of her ears.
Troublesome.
She exhaled softly while rubbing her temple. "Oh, I see."
Before she could say anything more, the door to the chamber slammed open with a force that shook the walls.
A storm had arrived.
"Everyone. Out."