Inside the grand wedding hall adorned with golden drapes and gleaming crystal chandeliers,the officiant's voice rang clear, inviting the bride and groom to take each other's hand...Yet to Fiona, all she could hear was the pounding of her own heart.
(So this is it. I'm really getting married...All the freedom I once dreamed of... I guess I have no choice but to accept it.)
She sighed inwardly, a silent resignation to her fate.Her thoughts drifted back to the day she was told about the marriage—just a few days after graduating from the academy.
And the man she was to marry?A boy she barely knew—just his name and his face.Kairos.A prodigy from her year.Someone she'd never even spoken to.
It came as a complete shock when her father returned home one day and told her he'd accepted a marriage proposal from the Arkellis family.Fiona had felt a storm of sadness, anger, and disappointment.Not only because of the decision itself—but because her father hadn't even consulted her.
"What did you just say, Father?! I have to marry him?!I've never even spoken to him!I won't accept this marriage—absolutely not!"
"Fiona, listen to me. This is a good opportunity.Kairos is an exceptional young man—both in ability and family status.And they specifically asked for you."
"So just because they asked, you're going to let me marry whoever they want?!"
"That's not it," her father replied firmly."This marriage has meaning.Our Elvareth house and the Arkellis family have long-standing ties.This union will strengthen that bond.I've met the boy myself. He's respectable, kind—and most importantly, worthy of you.I wouldn't force you to marry someone incapable."
"This marriage is the right path.It won't be canceled.And since you have no one else in mind... it won't be as bad as you think."
"Ugh... Father…"
Tears welled in Fiona's eyes.She turned and fled the room—unable to bear hearing any more.
...
Back in the present—on the marble platform at the center of the hall,the officiant raised his golden staff high.
"Let those whom fate has chosen place their hearts in each other's hands...and speak the sacred vows of binding."
Fiona turned to Kairos, who held out his hand steadily.She placed her hand upon his—her fingertips trembling.
Then… his voice resounded, steady and clear.
"I am Kairos of House Arkellis.Before the gods of sky and earth,I vow to protect, support, and walk beside the one bound to me—through glory and ruin, until my final breath."
The hall fell silent.
All eyes turned to Fiona.
She bit her lip, then spoke, her voice soft yet resolute.
"I am Fiona of House Etheria.Before the gods,I vow to uphold the honor of this bond.Even if my heart cannot yet see where it leads...I will walk this path beside you—as one who shares in fate."
As their vows ended,a ring of glowing magic lit up beneath their feet.The sacred chorus of the ceremonial choir echoed through the hall...
The bond was sealed.
...
After the ceremony,the newlyweds were led to the bridal chamber.
They sat with their backs to one another—Fiona trembling, her body rigid with unease.
She had never wanted this marriage.
Kairos noticed her trembling and broke the silence.
"Fiona…"
His voice was soft, deep—gentle.She turned, startled.
This was the first time she'd ever heard him speak.Though they had attended the same academy,they had never exchanged a single word.
And yet...he didn't seem frightening at all.He seemed… kind.
"I'm sorry," he said."This is all my fault.I never imagined my family would propose something like this.It must've scared you, didn't it?"
Fiona clenched her fists.Tears returned to her eyes.
"It is your fault!Because of you... my life turned out like this!"
Her voice shook with sorrow and rage.
Kairos didn't flinch.He looked at her with remorse.
"I truly am sorry...But what I feel for you—It's not a lie.I've admired you since the academy."
"Then why didn't you ever try to speak to me?!"Fiona snapped."Now you show up out of nowhere saying you love me—and expect me to believe it?!"
She shouted, her pain boiling to the surface.
"You're not wrong," he admitted."I made a mistake.But from now on… I'll prove myself.I won't pressure you.I'll respect you.And I'll show you what I truly feel—one step at a time."
His words weren't dramatic.They were honest.And that alone gave Fiona pause.
Kairos stood up and left the room quietly—leaving her alone.
Fiona walked to the balcony,taking in a deep breath of the cool night air.
"…Prove yourself, huh?Even if you try…there's no way I could ever love you."
She whispered those words into the night,then turned back into the room,closing the door softly behind her—
Along with the door to her heart.