Ileus: The Dark Prince

Anastasia stared at Tamara for a moment questioning her choice of dress in her mind, but she didn't say anything to her for once again, she thought that perhaps that's how she was supposed to be dressed. 

Ileus had once again gone to the study leaving Anastasia with Tamara. Darla who was with her for an hour after lunch only talked about how things were going between her and Aidan and other general stuff about Silver Vales. After that Anastasia had slept. She had woken up to an empty bed beside her. Her husband hadn't come from the meetings. She wondered that despite all the elegance and wealth and benefits of staying in a kingdom like Draoidh, whose queen was a legend in the Lore, there were people who were motivated by their greed. Her mind wandered to Circe who was given such a fantastic position, but all she wanted was to topple Adrianna with the help of her own daughter. Either she was too greedy and full of darkness, or there was something else. Anastasia knew that these ministers were not just the normal subjects of the kingdom. They were powerful, backed by faction leaders and if they feuded, then chances were that there would be a lot of bloodshed. 

Tamara ushered the maids to dress up Anastasia. "You have to look perfect, princess," she purred. Her eyes went to Anastasia's tattoos. "These demonic tattoos need to stay hidden." 

"How do you know the script?" asked Anastasia, as surprise flickered through her. 

"I had seen such inscriptions in the library of the temple," Tamara replied casually as she picked up a diamond necklace and examined it carefully. She placed it back on the dressing table and sighed. "Such luxuries are in vain in front of the political agendas." She lifted her veil over her silver circlet and for the first time Anastasia saw her face. Devoid of makeup, Tamara looked pretty with her black hair cascading down her back. If she hadn't been the priestess, she would have definitely been the wife of a noble—Anastasia thought. 

"Do you know what is written here?" 

Tamara held her forearm and tilted her head both sides, but in the end, she clucked her tongue, "No, I don't understand, but how did you get them? I wonder if the faes gave that to you." 

Anastasia chose not to reply to her question, which sent a strong signal to Tamara to not ask irrelevant questions. 

The maids gave Anastasia a long bath and made her wear the deep rose-pink satin gown that showed her curves amply. A slot on the back of the gown accommodated her wings, which she had tucked tightly behind her. They made her wear a white gold tiara that had a single ruby in the center and a ruby necklace with matching earrings. Once again, the sleeves of the gown were such that they covered her demonic tattoos. The maids slipped in matching satin slippers in her feet. Anastasia refused to put anything else in her hair for her scalp screamed against it, so the maids braided her hair. She lifted the braid and put it over her shoulders. 

Anastasia was amazed to see that Ileus, who had been absent for half the day was now fully dressed for the occasion. He was wearing black trousers with a white shirt that had gold embroidery on the hem and royal insignia on the pocket on chest. He wore a red cape that was attached on the shoulders with gold pins. Gods, this man looked handsome even after a long day's work. A smile wormed on her lips as she placed her hand in the crook of his arm. "I missed you," she said. 

"And I missed you," he replied as he kissed her temple. 

Together they walked through the corridors, surrounded by the royal guards and with Tamara following them. 

The dinner was being held in the gardens of the north wing. Guests had already started pouring in. Tamara had informed her that tonight the ministers were invited. Since the marriage between her and Ileus held a lot of political importance, it had to be announced appropriately. The invitation to other kings and queens would be sent after announcing it here. 

As Anastasia entered the venue, her wings flared out anxiety and her grasp on Ileus tightened. She wanted to cocoon herself and her husband in her wings just to feel comfortable, but she did everything to not do so. The garden was decorated beautifully. Yellow orbs of light gently floated on the top. Tiny white lights were spread over the trees and bushes and it looked as if the stars had visited the earth. Anastasia drew in a deep breath catching the scent of night blooming flowers. 

All eyes were on her and her massive wings as she walked on the cobbled path that led to a podium where they were supposed to sit and Adrianna was standing along with Dmitri with a smile on their faces. As the couple walked the murmurs died down and those around them bowed to them. Slowly, she put her wings down. From the corner of her eye, she saw Kaizan who was looking behind them towards Tamara with the same stiffness. Darla was standing beside her and she grinned at them. A little further away, she noticed Circe who bowed and gave them a beatific smile. Draven, Solon and Ozin were standing along with a few nobles. Anastasia marveled at the way Ileus looked composed in front of them. It was as if they were walking through a den of vipers. 

Anastasia saw other familiar faces of Haldir, Isidorus, Guarhal and Tadgh, each one of them looking alert, watching the crowd like a hawk. "Nothing is going to happen today." Ileus' low voice almost made her jump out of skin. "So please relax, love." She bit her lip and flushed. 

When they reached the podium, soft music started as the king and queen received them. After a brief introduction of the couple to the dignitaries, Adrianna came forward and announced the wedding date.