The world around her was bursting with life. People passed by her, running up and down in the grand room. Coming back to her senses slowly, she felt the brush of hands against her long dress and on her head.

"I think you are ready, lady Evelyne". The tailor said, stepping back with her helpers to admire their work. The words caused her to open her eyes slowly as she fully came back to reality.

Unrushed, she turned towards the mirror to look at herself. Blue-violet eyes met with her reflection, gazing blankly at the girl in front of her. Despite her blank expression, she looked very pretty. Her long brown hair stopped before her waist in an elegant braid, styled with tiny red flowers. Soon, they would bring her veil too.

The dress was fantastic as well. The greatest tailor of Elympios had taken care of it, making sure to make it as stunning and unforgettable as possible. Small gems, each one sown carefully on the white fabric, decorated the top part. The arms were made by lace, imported from Rieze Maxia. Apart from that, her skirt expanded from her waist and stretched around her, ending in the same delicate lace as well. The cathedral of it wasn't too long, since the veil would make up for it.

Receiving help from the tailors, Evelyne walked down the step of the stool she had been kept in for so long. Her feet were already killing her and felt painful in the white high heels. Thankfully, she sat down quickly and got a moment's rest. The tailors soon left, leaving her alone for a bit to prepare the veil.

She could hear noise outside but it did not bother her. Everyone was rushing to add the last finishing touches and make sure that everything was alright. Today was such an important day after all, they had been preparing an entire year for it.

She, Lady Evelyne Lynd, would be wed today to the ruler of Rieze Maxia ; King Gaius.

Evelyne seemed almost unbiased, as she kept a blank face most of the time today. Inside, however, she was shaking with fear. She knew she had agreed to this and that it was the best thing she could do in these conditions she had been brought in but nevertheless, despite knowing the results of her actions she wasn't pleased in the least.

She was too young to marry and to a king, nevertheless.

But it had to be done. She had to help them.

She felt tears pooling in her eyes as she gazed at the bouquet of white orchids, awaiting in a vase nearby.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Alarmed, she quickly brushed the teardrops that had fallen on her flushed cheeks.

"Come in".

His Majesty, King Gaius, appeared to her surprise. He was dressed in a black armour with red details. Something traditional, no doubt. After all, one of the purposes of this wedding was to show the union of two different people, from two different parts of the world which were supposed to be enemies.

"I thought it was bad luck to see the bride before the wedding". She joked, smoothing the fabric of her skirt awkwardly. Gaius didn't laugh with her silly joke, he merely smiled momentarily. The expression faded from his face soon though.

"Rowen wanted to know how you were holding up" he said with that harsh tone of his. Truth to be told though ; he also wanted to know how she was doing. It was after all a very big event today, the entire world would be watching them. Even he was a tad intimated by this fact.

"I am doing quite alright" Evelyne stated and looked around her timidly.

Gaius nodded, although she didn't look at him. She looked a little shaken now, something he wasn't used to as she was frequently quite a stoic person.

"Are you having second thoughts? It's too late to go back now, you know" he told her. She should know this after all, he and Rowen had warned her several times now. It would simply be too foolish, idiotic even to back down now, just before the marriage took place.

"I know" she said softly, looking at him this time. Her blue violet eyes burned into his for a moment. "I'm well aware of our... Arrangement. I won't ruin anything, you needn't worry".

"Very well then" he nodded. "I must be going now. They'll be seeking me". He turned his back to her, already heading towards the doors again. For a moment he stopped.

"Evelyne?"

"Yes, your Majesty?"

"Thank you".

-White Orchids-

Evelyne realised, although she kind of expected it, that her parents hadn't come to see her. In fact, all day she had been all alone, preparing with all the maids and tailors. It had been really tough and she would have needed her mother at least to help with the situation. Alas, she hadn't come to her aid. It was alright in a way for she knew that her mum wouldn't be here to save her anymore, as she frequently did when she was a small girl. Now, she would have to face her troubles by herself, grow up at last.

Her gaze fell again to the pure white orchids in her hands. Such beautiful flowers, her one wish had been full filed at least. When she was young and dreamt of her wedding, as many girls did, she always imagined having orchids for her bouquet. Not necessarily white but these still would do just fine.

The final touch of her ensemble, the veil had finally been placed on her head. The tailor looked back and stared at her finished work with pride.

"I think it's time, milady. Are you ready?" she questioned, still awe-ing at the finished product. She had been working for hours, months on it and it was everything she had ever dreamed of designing and more. By tomorrow, everyone would be commenting on the Lady's appearance and her name would be plastered everywhere.

Evelyne helped the woman for her help and exited the room as the maids took care of her long, elegant veil.

Soon, she was lead out of the townhouse she had been residing in for the last two months and bid it goodbye. Kanbalar's harsh cold didn't bother her in the slightest, thanks to the fur coat that had been thrown on her shoulders. When she was to disembark from her carriage however, she would have to be rid of it.

The carriage started as soon as she was in, the driver hitting the horses with his riding Corp. Silently, Evelyne looked out the window and watched as the house grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared completely from her view. This was it, she realised, the end of her freedom.

The carriage arrived to the city in the blink of an eye. The people outside started cheering at its sight, chanting her name over and over. Evelyne pretended to not hear their voices and tried to calm her beating heart. This was not the time to get nervous. Not now. Despite her wishes, the crowd followed behind them, gathering outside of the palace's gates.

The door opened quickly and she was helped out from the carriage.

The crowd went crazy. Their voices tangled, becoming a ball of noise. She couldn't tell the compliments and insults apart from each other and for that she was glad. She did not want to break down in front of thousands of people and be humiliated after all.

Several pictures of her going up the stairs Palace while two ladies held her veil were taken at the speed of lightning and followed her until she was inside. The hall leading to the throne room was empty now, aside from the few guards placed there to assist if needed.

She was surprised to see her father at the double doors, awaiting for her. Upon seeing her, his eyes filled with tears.

"My beautiful baby girl..." he whispered, awed by her sight. She was truly beautiful today although she didn't feel like it at all. She didn't comment on what he had said. Wordlessly, she laced her arm in his as he wiped his tears.

"Shall we, dear?"

As the door opened, Evelyne's new life was about to begin.

This was just a silly idea I got while playing ToX2 today. I hope you liked it! More Gaius in the next chapter :)