The rosy glow of the sun spread across the creek and field, and my eyes took a moment to adjust to wakefulness. It was early morning, and it would be hours before the brides began their walk. Today was the day. The brides would walk The Path out of town beginning at noon along the main road that ended at the docks. The first bride would reach the front of the manor around two o’clock or so. It was currently only five minutes past seven, and the servants were already at their morning work.
I had no reason to be awake this early. I pulled my knees up to my chest and looked out at the grounds below the window, enjoying the view for a final time. The large water fountain at the beginning of the drive glistened with sunlight. If I closed my eyes and listened hard enough, I could imagine the sound of the water making its way down the basins.
Quietly, I slipped my legs out and walked on tiptoe to my wardrobe. The dress I’d selected for today was less intricate than what I normally wore, but not plain enough to appear out of place. I checked the pocket for the small knife I’d found, and breathed a sigh of relief that it was still there.
It’s not like anyone would’ve taken it. I chided myself.
I also had a pair of trousers hidden at the back of the wardrobe to wear under the skirt. Hemmed short enough that no one would notice the cotton legs as I walked.
I tiptoed back to the bed, and slipped under the covers again. I couldn’t get up now, it would be uncharacteristic for me to be awake this early in the morning. I couldn’t risk any behavior that would seem out of place. I nearly buzzed with nervous energy as I waited for the minute hand to move. In less than one hour, I could safely get up, and then the day would begin.
The whole town was alive as merchants lined the streets with their wares. Children ran up and down the street with colorful candies in their hands and mouths as everyone celebrated the end of spring, and the beginning of Trasenmar. The original festival had begun with the beheading of the Astalian royal family. The very first brides who walked the path were young women that were given as tribute, and incentive to not burn down the city. They may as well have been considered prisoners of war. It was then that the Bridal Path was established.
Veronica helped me dress and put my hair up in a simple style, away from my face and piled on the back of my head. She excused herself as soon as she finished, and I wasted no time slipping on the trousers under the skirt. I forced myself to linger at the mirror, to decide what shade of rouge looked festive enough for the event. I went back and forth between necklaces, and then earrings. Lady Daelyn LeMont had no agenda today, outside of eating and drinking, and no one could suspect otherwise.
With another five hours to go until the first of the brides would even reach the manor, I did what any normal person might do.
“Fresh flowers for the brides!” A young girl proclaimed, her basket full of lilies. Fertility and purity. The flowers were a good omen to the brides that received them, promises of a happy life across the sea.
Like we have any proof that they’re cared for. I would not be partaking, buying a large honey-sweetened roll instead. I bit into the warm bread, savoring the sticky-sweet taste on my tongue as I kept my head down.
The nobility did attend some events with commoners, but if my presence was known, it would likely create a commotion with the current rumors circulating. Without my eyes, there were very few things that set me apart from the rest of the attendees, and I’d prefer to remain inconspicuous.
At the center of town, a platform had been erected for official events and announcements. Booths full of food and games were spread around the rest of the plaza, creating a cacophony of laughter and jubilee. As noon drew nearer, more and more of the crowd congregated towards the platform, including myself. The mayor and a few other city officials, like the magistrate, climbed the steps to speak with one another.
The mayor was an older gentleman with skeletal qualities that always made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. He was tall with hollow cheeks. The skin on his face always looked like it just barely stretched enough to create eyelids for his unsettling green eyes. He reminded me of one of the strigoi.
Checking the time, the mayor finally moved towards the front edge of the platform and raised his arms, commanding silence. “Welcome one and all to Trasenmar!” His voice booming in echo around the plaza.
I had to squint to see that he was speaking through a small loop of metal. No doubt crafted by a charmbinder to amplify sound. The crowd roared in cheers and applause.
It took another moment for him to quiet them to continue. “This year we not only celebrate another fortuitous union between Etheroz and Astalia but another journey down the Bridal Path!” Another wave of cheers erupted around me, and I struggled to keep my face neutral as he continued. “The brides selected for the path are all lovely representations of our beautiful city, and way of life. May each and every one of them prosper across the waves, and continue to bind our two nations together.”
I gritted my teeth. The truth was, no one really knew what happened to the brides. Contact was forbidden. They could be beaten senseless by abusive husbands, and we’d never know. In fact, we’d be just as happy to send them thirty more in another five years.
Forcing out the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding, I tried to calm my anger as the mayor continued to talk. I stopped trying to listen.
I was assuming the worst, and listening just made me angrier. I had no real reason to believe that they were abused. I had no evidence to suggest that the brides weren’t happy in their new lives, but why else would the empire need to arrange the marriages if there wasn’t something wrong with the grooms?
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Another wave of applause swept through the square as I focused back on the platform. The mayor was beginning to bring the brides up and introduce them to the city. I swallowed uncomfortably. The first girl was young, possibly the youngest age to make the walk. She waved to the crowd with a wide smile and blew kisses left and right.
I looked at the time on the bell tower. It was only half-past eleven. Once all thirty of the brides were introduced, they’d begin the walk. I didn’t actually know much about the beginnings of the path, or how they maneuvered through the city, only that they made their way outside it and passed by Hillcrest.
I needed to leave. I had to be at Hillcrest waiting for Alexia to pass by before even the first bride reached our gates. I turned my back on the spectacle as I shouldered my way through the sea of happy and expectant faces.
I waited nervously at the gates in front of the estate. Every time I even thought about clenching my fists, I scolded myself. The servants who didn’t have the day off were slowly joining me, all of them wishing Alexia safe travels and a happy future. They chatted pleasantly with one another, and left me to my solitude.
It felt like they were taking too long.
Quick slice, don't go too deep. Your magic will respond once her blood is on your fingers. Command her to leave the path. I shifted my weight, swaying until the knife bumped against my thigh in reassurance.
It will obey me when it matters.
“I wasn't sure you'd want to watch.” Caspian's voice was a purr as he lounged above, nearly hidden on a thick branch.
I schooled my expression before tilting my face up at him. “I've always watched the brides, even when I didn't know any of them.”
Caspian chuckled pleasantly. “Oh yes, you climbed up that pine to watch, as I recall.”
That was a surprise.
“The only person who could've told you is the cook. My father never knew.” I eyed him suspiciously, but his feline expression betrayed no secrets. “Well, I'll bet you didn't know that when I was younger, I wanted to be one of the brides.”
Again, he chuckled. “Then what happened?”
“Then the dreams came.”
“Dreams?” His eyes narrowed with a flick of the tail.
I blinked. I hadn’t realized that I’d said it outloud. “It’s nothing.”
“...We are not so desperate as to trade our bloodline for their scraps!” My father had screamed at me, but it was a dream, wasn’t it?
I choked on the memory, regardless of its origin. The suffocation and paralysis that felt as fresh now as it did the first time I’d experienced it. I regretted bringing up the dream.
“I suppose it doesn’t matter at this point. I shall remain unwed, and die alone if I stay here. A fitting end for an heir with no magic, just as I’m sure my father has planned.”
Caspian’s wings fluttered in agitation.
“What?” I asked.
The servants began to clap, and I turned from Caspian, immediately distracted by the sight of two brides. The first was close enough to see the details of her dress, while the second had barely rounded the bend. My heart jumped. It was almost time. I glanced up at the Eidolon. He opened his mouth, but then closed it. Opened it…and closed it again.
Caspian sighed in defeat. “I wouldn’t be so sure of your father’s plans.”
I raised my brow at him. “And what would you know of my father’s plans for me?”
Caspian huffed, shaking out his wings before tucking them in tightly. “Do with it what you will.” He said simply. “Alexia’s coming up. I’ll let you two say goodbye.”
What?!
Conversation forgotten, I turned towards the road where the third bride was barely in sight. I couldn’t tell her age or her hair color. At this distance, I couldn’t tell if it was Alexia or not, but Caspian had no reason to lie. Not when he’d been so sympathetic last night. As he sauntered away, I could feel the truth of it deep in my gut.
She can’t be third…She’s not supposed to be third! If Caspian said that the third bride was Alexia, then it was. Curse Thomas. Useless.
The second bride passed directly in front of the drive. Her demeanor was reserved as she continued her walk, her eyes seemingly glued to the back of the first bride who had smiled as she passed. The second bride didn’t acknowledge us or the congratulations she received from the servants. I glanced around and realized I hadn’t planned for the rest of the company I now had.
I couldn’t walk with Alexia until there was an opportune time to try and free her. I’d been willing to risk walking amongst the brides—regardless of it being forbidden, if it was merely in front of the other brides. Twenty or so odd-staff would be a problem. I’d like to believe that when I disappeared this afternoon that there would be a little mystery as to what happened to me. It would be too blatantly obvious if half the staff saw me go with her.
But, there would be no reason for me to continue watching the procession once Alexia passed. I would just have to sneak off of the grounds, and hope that any of the lingering servants didn’t notice or care. My pulse raced as I adjusted to the new limitations of my plan.
“You’re gorgeous, dearie!” The cook called out, her eyes filled with happy tears.
And she was absolutely beautiful. The hem of Alexia’s dress covered her ankles, yet carried no dust from the road. The collar hugged her neck delicately with a string of pearls that continued to her waist before flaring out to the ground. The sleeves were long, and came to a point with a ribbon tied around her middle finger, the cuffs were hidden underneath the tight fabric.
Alexia smiled tightly at our party, and offered a nod in response. I could see how her throat bobbed, how puffy the skin under her eyes were. She’d been crying.
My heart ached for my friend. “This isn’t goodbye.” My voice nearly cracked at the emotion.
I won’t let it be a goodbye.
To her credit, Alexia gave no sign that she was aware of any plans between us. She met my eyes briefly before she looked away, continuing down the road.
As the fourth bride approached, I excused myself and walked as casually as I dared towards the stables. Carefully, I rounded the structure and snuck into the tree line as I'd done many times growing up. The road would weave its way south, and I would need to intercept Alexia where there would be enough foliage to hide our escape to the crossroads.
I picked up the skirts of my dress and began to sprint down the deer path. There was one ideal location where I might be able to conceal myself in the bushes. Perspiration beaded along my forehead and above my lips as I ran through the trees and brush. There was no time to worry about how loud I was being as I crashed through the branches. I hadn't thought Alexia would be one of the first.
The knife in my pocket bounced with each step as I weaved through the trees and jumped over the fallen trunks. I held a hand over the fabric to push it against my leg. I couldn’t risk it bouncing out.
Finally, I could see the road ahead and nearly collapsed with relief. I’d beaten the first bride. I could catch my breath and breathe. Everything burned and hurt.
But how will you make it to the crossroads?
I shook the thought from my head. I didn’t have the luxury of reconsidering my options. We’d make it however we had to.
Running in a dress was not easy, and wearing pants underneath the skirts had made me hot. It was a horrible combination, and I forgot to be quiet as I panted. I gulped down the air greedily, gasping as I tried to wipe the sweat out of my eyes.
There was a rustle in the bushes behind me. I froze. Wolves tended to stay away from town, but I was in their territory now. I reached my hand into the pocket, slowly closing my fingers around the hilt of the knife.
Branches snapped louder, closer, and fear coated my tongue as I held the tiny blade before me. A blur of dark fur crashed through the bushes and barreled into me, knocking the knife from my hand.