There once was a gene that ruled the balance of power. It flowed through the female body more steadily and strongly than any male. It was the control of magic. Many could harness the ability but women were the most powerful users. They were the King’s guard, the protectors of royalty.
***
Who is that? Who is that person in the mirror? I didn’t, no, I couldn’t recognize her. Feelings of uncertainty and fear welled in my chest. I was getting married. Why can’t I be happy and giddy like all the other brides? My hands pulled and twisted at each other, needing something to do while I mulled over my thoughts. Emma, my maid servant, stared sternly at those hands. I quickly stopped and sat down in dismay in my chair. She sat on a smaller chair beside me and gazed straight into my eyes.
“So, are you excited?” She asked with anticipation.
“Oh, please. Of course I am.” I lied unable to answer her directly. I was supposed to be happy. My maidservant smiled and squeezed my hands lightly.
“Nymara, please don’t lie.” She could always see through me. “Everyone always is a little nervous. It would be strange if you weren’t feeling anything. I mean after all, you’re getting married!”
Taking in a deep breath and nodded for my maidservant to continue. She began to tighten my corset and move on to the rest of my wedding gown. She moved with precision not missing a beat. She tightened the white silk gown to the corset and tied the sleeves and chest fabric the same way.
“Wait, Emma. That’s too tight. I can’t move my arms at all.” She apologized and retied them making them looser. My arms relaxed and I thanked her. Emma was always good to me and didn’t care what kind of order I gave. She was the best servant I ever had.
“Alright Miss Nymara, you’re ready to begin a new life.” I turned to her. She was older than me by five years but never looked it. Her hair was shoulder length with dark brown locks that framed her face. Her face was small and cute like a little mouse. She did not look twenty-five. I took in a deeper breath and let out a loud swoosh. Giving Emma a tight hug, I left the room knowing I would probably never see it again.
The long hallway that I walked in was tall and had elaborate designs on the wood and pillars. The wood was a soft mahogany brown that made it more welcoming. Pictures were hung on the walls of all the ancestors in my family and the occasional landscape painting. I had walked this hallway everyday but today it somehow seemed shorter. I wanted it to take forever to get to the Great Hall in the West Wing but when does anything go as people want? Never, this is why I didn’t expect anything from my wedding. We would get married and then go on our honeymoon. Nothing elaborate or scientific, it was just a million year old ceremony that I would remember all my life.
A train led behind me being lifted from the carpet by Emma. My maidservant would be with me until I leave with my husband and then I would get a new one living in his estate. It won’t be as large as my manor but I never cared for castles so I know I’ll be happy…I hope. Ever since he asked me I’ve had this uneasiness about the whole thing, especially last night. I’m sure its only butterflies…right?
I was standing in front of the Great Hall doors. Emma knew I was thinking and let me. I would miss her terribly. Taking deep breathes always helped calm my nerves for about two milliseconds but that’s ok. Breathing deeply and exhaling I nodded to the two guards and they pushed open the large mahogany doors and I stepped into candlelight. The room was bright with white and milky purples to keep the feeling of rebirth and innocence for the ceremony. Flowers were at the end of each chair to create a pathway for the bride and father.
Right there waiting for me was my dad. He stared at me with happy, sad eyes. His curly brown hair was obviously combed back in a failed attempt. Parts were sticking up and others weren’t. He looked absolutely adorable; my mom was somewhere in the crowd probably bawling her eyes out in happiness. My father took my head in his hands and pressed our foreheads together; the proper sign of acknowledgment and blessing of the marriage. As he did this the people in the room stood and waited for us to continue to the altar. I once again took another deep breath, my stupid habit, and looked forward. My fiancé wouldn’t enter the room until I was kneeling on the velvet pillow in front of the High Priest. My father gently grabbed my arm and interlaced our fingers, kissing my hand with pride.
We walked down the length of the room, our footsteps echoing against the marble set stones until we were in front of the altar. White vines crawled up the base of the marble stone with our nations emblem imprinted around the top of the altar. The emblem was a circle of leaves with a ribbon running through it. On the ribbon were the words “Dav shel un trintlanta”, elfin for “In The Name of the People”. Normally this phrase would give me great comfort, knowing that all things were for me and my fellow citizens but not today. Reading it only made me more nervous. It didn’t make sense. I love him, why do I feel like something is wrong. What did my dream mean?
“Nymara, are you ok? You look unhappy.” Looking around I realized that I was already kneeling on the pillow. I looked up and saw my soon to be husband. His face looking so worried calmed my heart a little. His baby blue eyes searched my brown ones, searching for something. I smiled and shook my head. He smiled back and took my hand, its warm yet rough feeling against my smooth skin was like electricity.
“You look beautiful.” My heart raced faster hearing his crystal voice so close to me.
“Thanks, Daglar. How goes the training?” Being captain of the King’s army I barely saw him throughout most of our months of engagement. He was posted in our home three years ago; his job was to watch over the newest recruits. They all went through our home first because my father is the King’s personal guard and Elf liaison, so father always watched over their training with Daglar to make sure they were suitable in the army or the great castles guard. To think in those three years Daglar and I fell in love.
“There are many good warriors for the King and his army. Your father, Nohan and I are very pleased.” A throat was cleared; both Daglar and I looked up and saw the High Priest, Chakos, watching us.
“Are you two done talking? We can always re-schedule this event. However, if you wish, we can continue whenever you feel like shutting up.” He pulled out a diamond and placed it on top the altar. Both Daglar and I apologized and began praying. The whole congregation also began to pray in honor to the Goddess of love and marriage. It is said that by praying to Her, the couple will be blessed with happiness.
“The Goddess will show her sign to you in her own way,” said High Priest Chakos. “Let’s finish so it will come soon. Daglar, do you commit your life to Nymara now and forever that you will protect her and love her no matter what the cost?”
“I commit my life to Nymara now and forever, protect her and love her no matter the cost.” Daglar didn’t even wait for Chakos’s voice to carry to those in the back. My breathing became short knowing it was my turn.
“Nymara…” Interrupting Chakos was a sudden gust of wind washed into the great hall. The candles went out leaving small pillars of smoke in their stead. The air grew cold; I could see my breath and felt a wrenching gut feeling of fear. Daglar and I stood up and turned around to try and look at what was going on. There stood in the doorway, a dark figure.
