A month away from the wedding and here she was standing in front of a mirror, fitting her wedding gown. It was beautiful of course. She won't expect any less from it, they had made sure to hire the best designers from all over the world for this single gown.

It was a golden basque gown, the colour chosen to match her hair. It had a mermaid type of straps with an asymmetric waist detail. The skirt had a rose style with the occasional silk nets here and there. It also had a decent length cathedral style train. The veil was fingertip length with a flower pattern at the side. And of course, her tiara.

It was a beautiful yet she didn't feel beautiful in it. Somehow she didn't exactly look like the 'blooming bride' image she always pictured she'd be in her wedding. Then again she had always pictured being married to someone she did love. She pictured prince charming proposing to her in the most romantic way possible and he'd spin her around then kiss her after she says yes. Then together they'd do preparation for the wedding, choose what cake they should have or maybe what kind of flowers would fit the wedding. Not this.

She hasn't even heard from Byakuya after that little surprise visit he made. After all it was pretty obvious he don't want anything to do with her. Things had been very hectic for her these past few weeks, with Byakuya claiming to be busy with business related things she was left to make the decisions for the wedding. The wedding was in a month and everyone wanted it to be perfect. It would be the most talked about wedding of the decade, they said. Honestly, she just wanted it over and done with.

Marrying Byukaya Togami, huh?

It seems like it was just yesterday that they were just strangers passing each other in the hallways and now she was marrying said stranger.

30 minutes before the wedding, here she is again, eyeing her reflection in the mirror. Her fingertips grazed slightly over the silky texture of her wedding gown. There's this strange and uneasy feeling rising in the pit of her stomach as she sees herself in a wedding gown, her wedding gown. She knows she should be happy. Every girl should be happy in her wedding day (as what she believes) but not her. Hesitations, doubts, and uncertainty are ranging inside her, clawing at her insides, trying to wrap its sharp pointed talons around that sensible part of her mind that's screaming she should go through this wedding.

The wedding's starting in a few minutes she could turn back now and run away. But where would she go? Where would she run away to? But most of all is she really going to turn her back on her country?

No

She will never turn her back on her country and her people. How could she even think of doing that?

With that resolution and her composure she adjusted the tiara on her head one final time before swiftly starting towards the door with determined steps and her ever so perfect grace.

People were seated and cheering here and there. It seemed like the whole kingdom of Novoselic was present inside the cathedral. She could spot some of her old classmates and friends sitting in one of the pews. She could see Kazuichi Souda weeping and bawling his eyes out, greatly devastated that it wasn't him who'd be joining her at the altar this day. But most of all her gaze landed on a raven (with the occasional pale grey streaks) haired boy, Gundham Tanaka. He wasn't whining or crying like Souda but that expression on his face. That expression on his face made her insides coil in an unexplainable way.

A wedding song is playing in the background as she walks down the aisle gracefully with slow refined steps, her father, the king accompanying her.

"I'm so proud of you. You look lovely in that wedding gown," Her father said in that fatherly tone she'd grown accustomed to all these years. It made her heart break when she thought that today she was leaving her dad, her family, her country. She doesn't want to. But hearing her father say that he's proud of her for actually going through this and actually sounding like he really meant it pushed her to do this wedding even more, even if she never really wanted to marry an arrogant prick.

The groom, Byakuya Togami is waiting at the altar. She got to admit he actually looked alluring in that suit. He was wearing a sharp-looking, well-fitted white suite that only served to enhance his features even more. She pushed that nagging feeling of hightailing out of the room aside.

.

.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…"

She was finally here, standing at the altar, waiting to be addressed by the priest. She risked a glance his way and it was the exact moment he decided to glance at her too. Their eyes locked and she felt her stomach twist in an unexplainable way. His cerulean gaze on her further reminded her of her situation. This was the man she was to live her life with. The face she'd wake up to every morning. If only he could show just a hint of emotion on that indifferent face of his, just to see of what he was feeling about the whole thing. Was he feeling as nervous as she is right now? Angry? Angry that he was forced into this marriage? Anything. Anything was better than that apathy.

"Do you Byakuya Togami, take this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honour, and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?"

Byakuya stared at her. The intensity of his gaze making her more nervous than she already is yet she never let it show.

"I do."

"Do you, Sonia Nevermind, take this Man to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honour, and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you both shall live?"

There was a pause and silence. Silence hung heavy in the air. It was contagious, clinging unto everyone inside the cathedral in that very moment. It lingered, thick and heavy. Everyone waited in anticipation in their seats as they wait for the princess to give her reply. Even all the suspense was somewhat getting to Byakuya as he too stared at her.

"I do."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Sonia could feel her nerves tingling and curling with dread at her stomach. She felt a lump form in her throat before Byakuya brushed his lips with hers, sealing their first kiss.

The whole cathedral, probably the whole kingdom burst into applause.

Sonia eyed the massive mansion in front of her. It wasn't a palace but it might as well be, it was massive. Said mansion stood tall and proud (reminds her of a certain blue eyed scion), towering over as if she was nothing. There was a fascinating fountain in front, spouting crystal clear water. The mansion was made of thick polished white stone. The landscape was beautiful too and every detail was brilliant.

"Princess Sonia, please follow me," A butler bowed curtly and gestured for the other guards to get her suitcase and things.

Sonia nodded, offering the servants her bright smile, being the polite girl she is. She glanced at the spot beside her. Byakuya wasn't here. She's not sure if that made her happy or not.

The minute they got into the limo Byakuya had received a call. Turns out there was an emergency at the company and they needed Byakuya back there. They were supposed to head to Jabberwock island for their 'honeymoon' (the thought made Sonia's face hot and flush). She always wanted to go to that island for her honeymoon but of course, fate had other plans. Byakuya had told her that she could go ahead to said island if she wanted to, without him of course. She politely declined and said she was too tired so he had instructed the driver to drive her home instead.

After a couple of turns, with her following behind the butler, said butler lead her to a luxurious room. The walls are white and gold and the floors were made of marble tiles arranged in patterns. There's a magnificent king size bed found in the middle of the huge bedroom. Everything in that room was luxurious and lavish.

When the butler had left, Sonia instantly collapsed on the bed, exhausted. The sheets felt comfortably soft against her.

"Welcome home, Sonia," She whispered solemnly to herself, to the empty room.

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