When Maltherion led her towards the door of her chambers, his steps were steady, deliberate. The heavy doors swung open without a sound revealing the room behind the closed doors- vast, opulent and undeniably beautiful.
He stepped aside, allowing her the first glimpse. His gaze, sharp but unreadable, lingered on her as she took in the towering windows, the embroidered silks, the golden candlelight flickering against the stone walls.
Every inch of the room spoke of wealth and power, of a life meant for a queen. A life meant for her.
"This is yours now" Maltherion said, his voice calm, measured. It was not a question. Not an offering. It was a statement. An unshakable truth.
His eyes searched her face, as if expecting a reaction. Gratitude, awe, maybe even surrender. But all she did was stand there, her fingers curling at her sides and her jaw tightening ever so slightly.
He took a step closer, his presence like a shadow stretching towards her. "You will have everything you need". He paused. There was a flicker in his gaze as he stared at her. "You are not a prisoner here."
It felt like a lie wrapped in velvet. She knew better than to believe that.
The room was grand, magnificent even, but it was not hers. It was his. Just like everything else.
"Get yourself accustomed with the palace and your room. We are having dinner by eight pm together."
"That won't be necessary." Xandria refused.
"It was not a suggestion Xandria, it is a command."
That was the first time since today he had called her Xandria instead of Alexandria and it made her stomach flutter unexpectedly.
"Why do I have to do what you say?"
"Because I'm your king and your husband."
"You are not my husband." She immediately refused.
"Stop trying to play with destiny Xandria, you will only get hurt." he patted her head and left the room, leaving her all alone in the massive room.
Xandria sat on the bed. This was the first time Since today she has been left all by herself.
As she stared at the designs of the room wall, she was drawn to the windows. She stood up from her bed and walked towards the window. As she got nearer towards the window, the smell of fresh jasmine flowers spread through the air, reminding her of home. She could see the courtyard downstairs and outside the walls of the palace.
'I'm going to escape. One way or another' she whispered to herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the knocking on her door.
"Come in." She sounded less concerned.
"Good day my lady." The maid who had stepped into the room greeted.
Xandria glanced at her and nodded her head curtly, not in the mood to talk.
"The king has assigned me to be your personal maid from today onwards."
The maid informed her.
"What do I need a maid for. I can bathe myself and I can clothe myself." Xandria responded, sounding irritated.
" I'm here to ensure you have everything you need." The maid assured her.
" That's a lie and you know it. You are here to keep an eye on me." Xandria scoffed, not bothering to hide her disdain.
"It does not have to be that way you know." The maid told her.
"What do you mean?" Xandria asked confused.
"My name is Anaya. I can be your friend. And maybe somehow you will able to find here more likeable and not see it as a cage anymore."
"I'm Xandria." Xandria introduced herself, she seemed convinced. A little.
" I know who you are."
Anaya looked like she was in her late 40s. She seems sweet and someone who is nice and approachable. She seemed like a mother figure to Xandria. And thinking about this, made Xandria miss her mama that was in the village. She also missed her little sister Elara. She wish she can see them again.
As Xandria pulled open the grand wooden doors of the wardrobe, she was met with a sight that stole her breathe. She had expected emptiness, after all, she hadn't brought any of her own clothes. But instead, luxurious gowns, delicate robes and finely woven tunics lined the space in neat color coordinated rows.
The fabrics shimmered under fhe soft glow of the lanterns in the room. Silk, velvet and chiffon cascaded from their hangers, their embroidery glinting with golden threads. Some dresses were light and airy, perfect for warm afternoons in the palace garden, while others were heavier, rich with layers of brocade, clearly meant for formal gatherings. A section of the wardrobe was filled with intricate corsets and jeweled sashes alongside soft,fur-lined cloaks meant for colder nights.
She stepped closer, running her fingers over the delicate lacework of a gown in the softest shades of blue. Its bodice adorned with tiny pearls. It was overwhelming. These were not simple dresses she was used to. Every piece seemed crafted for royalty.
She turned to Anaya who stood quietly beside her with an amused smile.
"I didn't bring any clothes..." She murmured, still in disbelief.
" The wardrobe was prepared for you, Xandria." Anaya said gently. " His majesty made sure of that"
Her heart stumbled over itself at those words. So, he had thought of this - of her.
The realization sent an unfamiliar warmth curling through her chest.
She immediately shook off the feeling. She can't have feelings for him. He is the cause of her being here against her will.
"I'll be back in the evening to get you ready for dinner with the king." Anaya informed, stepping out of the room and closing the door softly.
Xandria decided to take a bathe. Maybe it will make her feel calm. Right now all she could think about was her mother and her sister. She wanted to hate her father, because he had not even tried to persuade the king against his decision. He willingly gave her away knowing fully well this is not the life she had ever wanted.
Xandria took off her clothes and wore the bathrobe that was hanged neatly in wardrobe.
She stepped into the bathroom, and the world softened.
It was quiet, peaceful in a way nothing else in the palace had been. The king's chambers were grand, yes, but this... This was hers. It felt like it was created for her.
The floor was a pale cream marble, smooth and warm underfoot, with delicate vines of rose-gold etched through the stone. Along the far wall, a crescent- shaped bath waited, enough for her to float. It's waters steaming, perfumed with white lilac and honeyed vanilla. Floating in the surface was soft pink petals, it seemed freshly placed.
The walls were painted with soft frescoes. It wasn't of battle gods like what she had expected of a room in the King's chambers, but instead it was pictures of nature: birds in flight, flowering meadows, a sky just before dawn. A high arched window let in sunlight during the day and stars at night, It's curtain sheer and embroidered with silver thread in the shape of constellation.
A dressing area stood at one side, seperated by a delicate folding screen. Her favorite soaps, oils, and balms- How did they know- were arranged neatly on a quartz shelf, each bottle crafted with care and marked with their initials in fine gold.
Plush towels and more robes in her favourite colours, and slippers designed to fit her feet were set out, waiting.
It was a haven. A quiet promise.
Not just a place for bathing, it's a place where she could breathe. Even in the shadows of the king's presence, he had given her this, a place that belongs to no one else.
And in that moment she wondered- was this a gift? Or a golden cage?