A week had passed much quicker than what Arihris had expected it to but when her mother and a flurry of maids appeared at the Villa, Arihris was swept away. Her mother meticulously examined the various colors of blue silks, gems, pearls, followed by her hair, shoes, makeup, posture and everything else the woman could think of. While her mother, and her maids dressed her, Arihris' mind was on the sudden reason for her marriage and how it came about.
Her father explained that her that her grandparents were the ones who suggested it, and the bachelor's father became interested, more so than usual. Of course, her father and mother entertained the idea, she had been at Shimmer Coast by herself for many years, it's only natural they would want someone at her side. But there was one detail that eluded her and the conversations she had with her parents, the name of the man she would willingly give her hand to.
"Arihris,"
"Yes, father?" Arihris turned her attention to that white haired man who looked lovingly down at her. Her mother and the maids had already returned back to the Pillar of Spring before they had departed for the meeting.
"I appreciate your level-headedness in this situation," he began softly.
"Of course, Grandmother Hala and mother made sure I knew about this since I was a little girl but to actually have it happen now...is so surreal, " Arihris replied.
"It has been some time since they have mentioned that to you, I was sure that you would have forgotten but as usual you have proved me wrong," Seiveril smiled slightly.
"Of course, father," Arihris beamed.
"You've been at the Shimmer Coast alone for 30 years and I apologize for that and I hope that this marriage will eliminate the solitude that you carry, " Seiveril sighed.
"It's quite alright father. I've been too busy with maintaining Shimmer Coast to notice it," Arihris smiled in an attempt to reassure the man. Seiveril smiled and reached forward to take her slender hands into his larger ones.
"You've grown into a smart beautiful woman, strong and determined like your mother. I am proud of you,"
"T-thank you father… "
"You're my miracle child… My darling, beautiful daughter...you know I want nothing but the best for you…," Seiveril replied as he gently and carefully cupped her cheeks with his large hands.
"Yes… I understand," Arihris replied.
"I hope that you go to this meeting with an open mind,"
Of course but...who did you promise my hand to?" Arihris looked at the man with a quizzical stare.
"Oh...I suppose I did leave that bit out," Seiveril said nonchalantly.
"Oh purpose you mean," Arihris corrected.
"Perhaps, but you'll see soon enough,"
She didn't have to wait long, the man gently took her hand and the two vanished from the familiar heat and bright sunny skies of Shimmer Coast to the twilight skies and sweet and cool winds of the Pillar of Spring. The place where they appeared was almost foreign to her but after a moment of gathering her surroundings, she quickly recognized the place. It was the Blooming Cathedral, the home of the Amastacia family.
Within moments of their arrival at thy cathedral, the two were silently escorted to an ornately decorated sitting room with various vases of roses that were in bloom on tables in the room. It was beautiful and the rose scent was heavenly.
Moments later the large dark colored wood doors opened to reveal two men with similar features. Long, ebony-colored hair, striking pale blue eyes, fair skin, tall in their stature, the way the moved radiated authority, refinement, nothing less of a family closely related to the former King Lyrion.
Instantly Arihris and Seiveril stood and bowed to the two men.
"Lord Marden, Lord Aranai," Seiveril began.
"Please, sit," Marden motioned the ornate sofa. Seiveril thanked him and both took their seat as did Marden and Aranai.
Almost immediately the two men began to speak of formalities all while Arihris listened as she would any type of business conversation and occasionally took note of the silent man across from her, she could feel the man's eyes on her. She knew he was studying her with a critical eye, she was of the same plane but different world than he.
She looked away from the two men and momentarily and to the man, his ghostly pale blue eyes slowly met her pale green ones. There was something about the man's eyes that locked her gaze with his, even if she wanted to look away she couldn't.
"Aranai…" Marden began.
"Yes, father," Aranai answered as he turned to look at the man next to him, her trance-like gaze broken.
"Please take Lady Arihris to the courtyard while her father and I speak of the finer details," Marden turned to Aranai. Without a word Aranai stood gracefully and stepped towards Arihris, he leaned down slightly and held out his hand for her to take.
"Your hand…Lady Arihris," Aranai said softly. Arihris glanced at the man's hand before she placed her hands in his, her cheeks slightly tinged red from the simple gesture and the charming smile across his lips.
"T-Thank you," Arihris replied as he helped her to her feet.
"You are most welcome. Shall we?" He began.
"Yes, of course,"
