After we had recovered a bit, we got up again. I straightened my dress and hair and as we headed back to the castle, a female giantess blocked our way.
"Caius, long time no see," she said.
When Caius saw her, he grinned from ear to ear like a honey cake horse. He rushed towards her and hugged her: "Medina? How are you? You are beautiful as always."
I crossed my arms a little indignantly. Somehow I felt uneasy.
"Oh, and who is that?" Medina asked when she saw me, "She's so small, I almost missed her!"
I growled angrily at that.
"Oh, let me introduce you," Caius said, and was back at my side in a moment, "This is Rebecca. She came here in response to my incantation. She will be my bride."
I looked at Caius angrily. Couldn't he let it go? I would never be his bride.
"I'm Medina, Caius' ex-fiancé," she said.
I looked at her in astonishment. So this was the woman Caius wanted to marry before the oracle interfered. Suddenly I felt even worse as I felt like I was squeezing in between a couple here, even if it wasn't my intention. There was a sudden awkward silence, which Caius broke by saying that they were old childhood friends and that he had invited her to the founding ceremony. Medina walked towards me and as she passed me she whispered to me, "If it weren't for this prophecy, I would be at his side and queen over this land." She walked on and entered the castle through the gate.
I watched her go, speechless, until Caius put his hand on my shoulder: "Rebecca, are you alright?"
"...What?... Yes... Sorry.", I said and went in with Caius as well.
A little later the tailor returned to us and brought the revised dress. The sheer fabric had been replaced with red velvet and embellished with gold threads. It was also slightly wider so I didn't look like a sausage in it.
"You look fantastic." Caius said admiringly. Then a white veil was put on my head, at least something that made me look like a bride, although I really didn't want to be. In the evening were the celebrations. The ballroom was twice the size of a football field and many giants swarmed around here, which made it really cramped at times. Caius noticed how venous I was as we entered the room. When Caius introduced me, the giants flocked to me and I felt like a rare animal in a zoo. At some point it was too much for me and I used my strength to stop time for a few seconds and rushed out of the room before time started again. The giants who had gathered around me looked around in confusion as I had vanished into thin air. Caius excused himself and walked across the room looking for me.
I had taken refuge on a terrace where Caius found me after a while.
"Is 'mysterious disappearance' one of your special skills?" Caius asked me.
"Not really," I said, "I just felt very oppressed in there."
Caius put his hand on my back: "I understand that. Maybe I should have waited until you made up your mind."
I shrugged, "You're too hasty. A little more patience would do you good. Ever heard of meditation? Probably not."
"But don't worry. The wedding won't be for a month." Caius whispered to me.
I blushed instantly and took a step back.
"Tell me... how did Medina actually take this prophecy?" I asked.
Caius scratches the back of his head: "She was very disappointed. Of course she was in love and moved out to the country after our wedding was cancelled."
I sighed, "I thought so."
"Like mine?"
"She made it clear to me that she still holds grudges against you."
Caius raised an eyebrow, "It seems to me I need to have a conversation with her."
I waved him off, "No... I don't want to start a fight between you guys. After all, I'm the one who pushed into your relationship."
Caius walked up to me again and put his hands on my shoulders: "It's not your fault at all. It was my decision to bring you here. If so, it's my fault. Medina has no reason to be angry with you. "
I wasn't really convinced, Caius seemed to notice that and led me back to the ballroom, through which Medina was walking. She was accompanied by whispers... I overheard someone saying, "Isn't she ashamed to come here as the prince's ex-fiancée?!"
Caius noticed that too and asked me to sit on a bench against the wall. He then rushed to Medina and announced that she was there at his express invitation and that there was no need to be hostile to her. I didn't catch the rest because a murmur went through the giants. One of the servants offered me a milky drink that looked almost like milk. but it smelled more like a fruit. I thought nothing of it and didn't mean to be rude... I grabbed a glass and sipped. It tasted delicious and I felt more refreshed. Little did I know at the time what this drink would trigger...
