Coalesce: The Escape

“Princess Morgan of Galiseth do you take Prince Luciack of Shadow Mountain as your husband and King?” The Uvalyan priest says. I knew it was only moments, but the silence felt like an eternity as I tried to force the words out.

“I do,” My heart raced faster as I opened my mouth to say the two words. I was so nervous I almost said something else entirely. It was almost over now. Then I could think about leaving. The priest turns to Luciack then and I can only stand there waiting as the world spins around me.

“Prince Luciack of Shadow Mountain do you take Princess Morgan of Galeiseth as your wife and Queen?”

“I do,” His voice was clear and strong unlike mine. How was he so calm?

“Then by the power Uvalya, I declare you husband and wife.” Luciack smiles warmly at me and takes me in his arms and kisses me, this is met by several hushed exchanges. I just hope he doesn’t notice how stiff I am in his arms, let alone the dozens of eyes on us.

I look up at him slowly, eyes glazed. “It is done,” I murmur, my voice strangely not sounding like my own. His expression shows that he is confused, but he doesn’t mind and he takes my hand and leads me towards the tables. Many people wish us luck in our future and some of the women offer their blessings of many children to us. This made me blush and look away, it made Luciack smile. How different we were already.

When we finally make it to the table and sit down Phillip makes a toast to us and the feast begins. By the time the feast was over I was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go and lie in my bed. Alone.

I stifle a yawn and try to say that I am going to retire for the night, but it was drowned out by talking and singing. Luciack seemed to notice my attempt at getting away and made the announcement for me.

“The Princess is tired, she will be retiring to her chambers for the night. I will accompany her, feel free to stay as long as King Phillip will allow you,” He bows and takes my hand to lead me away to my room for the second time that day. My heart sinks a bit, I should have expected as much. No matter, I was determined and this was only a minor setback. Though, I should be grateful. Better him than anyone else, I suppose. We walk in silence as I think.

“Thank you,” I murmur, genuinely meaning it. I didn’t even mind now that he made no indication of leaving my side. When we approach the doors to my chambers I look over at him. He nodded a bit to the door and I slipped inside to change, at least he had the decency to wait outside the room while I changed. When I’ve changed I let him in and start undoing my hair.

“So, what did you mean when you said ‘It is done’ earlier?” Luciack asks as he leans against the wall beside the vanity where I sit.

“I honestly have no idea...” I say, I really had no idea where it had come from. I glance up at him and I see the mix of emotions in his dark eyes. He was handsome, but that would never be enough to keep me here. With my hair hanging loose, I get up and go over to the bed, laying down and staring at the ceiling.

“You really are something else. It should make my life more bearable,” He gives a small laugh and I just roll my eyes. As I lay there, he disappears for a few moments and returns in his own nightclothes and settles himself next to me. I force a smile as I look at him. We lay in silence for a while, both lost in thought, neither sure what to do.

“Good night,” I looked over at him one last time and closed my eyes. I hear him whisper goodnight back to me and we drift off to sleep. Somehow I fell asleep easily with him by my side.