Marcel’s feet fell heavy against the marbled floor of the grand hall. The feeling of dread fell upon me as I knew the time was closing in. My heart pounded as his footsteps fell closer.

Calm Maria.

Yeah. I will try.

“So,” Marcel’s voice boomed in the grand hall. Sending a shiver down my spine. “Are we all ready to go?”

“We are still waiting on two of my guards. Hank and Thorin.” Théoden responded, “They should be here any minute. There was an accident they had to clean up.”

“Alrighty.” Marcel fell in step next to me, “How is my darling--” he paused and stopped mid-sentence, “Sorry how is Maria this morning?” He wrapped his arm around my waist and gave me a gentle squeeze.

I rolled my eyes, “I am great thank you.” That was a lie. I’d rather be home with Théoden but I can’t always get my way.

“Glad to hear that Maria.” His lips met my cheek which caused me to tense. I hated this show of affection in front of Théoden.

“Two minutes.” Théoden announced as he looked towards the door of the castle, in an attempt to avoid the obvious attention grab.

“What are you looking forward to at the festival Maria?” Marcel asked me.

Small talk. Great. “The food. Sweets have a soft stop in my heart.”

Like that kiss was any better. Théoden's voice was harsh. His jealousy was starting to show.

I’m sorry love.

I know. It is not your fault. Still doesn’t make it any easier.

“What about you Marcel?”

“Our dance.”

I choked on air. Yeah, air. “WHAT?” I explained, “What dance?” My heart pounded in my chest. The only one I had ever danced with was Théoden. And my heart sank when I saw Théoden's body tense and his emotions soar high.

Marcel on the other hand looked like he got what he wanted. He smirked as he glanced over at Théoden's reaction then looked down at me, “Our dance. Crimson had set up the stage for us to share a dance. I’m not one hundred percent sure on the type of dance but she and I both thought it would be a clever idea to show our bond is strong.”

He had a point there but damn. Dancing with another man…I hated the thought.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

Theo? I piped through the bond…my voice cracked as I called his name through the bond.

Silence fell as he ignored me. All I heard was the pounding of his heart. I don’t know what to do. I cried to him.

You have to do it. If not it will look bad on you. Théoden told me with harshness in his voice.

He was right. Damn it. I sighed, “I suppose if I have to do it I will.”

“Great! I can not wait to share the stage with you.” Marcel gave me another squeeze and another kiss on the cheek.

At that point Hank and Thorin had walked into the grand hall. “Are you sure you don’t want to go, captain?” Hank asked.

“Positive. I am needed here. I hope you four will fulfill the promise and protect the princess at all costs.” Théoden said as he glanced between the four guards.

“You have our word.” All four of them said.

“Good. Marcel, I suspect you will keep her safe?” Théoden questioned him with a glare but a professional tone.

“Of course, you have nothing to worry about. She is safe with me.” Marcel said with a smile on his face.

We shall see about that. I said through the bond.

Théoden glanced over at me before he left us all in the hands of Marcel. I will be watching. If there are any signs of trouble, message me and I will come.

I nodded. “We will be back by 7 in the evening.” I told him. That is my goal. Seven.

I’ll hold you to that. I love you Maria Roza Silvermist.

I tried to hide my smile. And I love you Théoden Ryuu Lodsmok.

Théoden collected himself, gave us all a nod and left to do his morning rounds.

“Now, shall we go to Summer Crest?” Marcel said as he clapped his hands together.

“Might as well get this over with.” I said with a groan. “How are we getting there?”

“Teleportation. All of you need to come near me. I will teleport us to the grand hall of my castle.”

Once we all gathered around Marcel, Marcel utilized the spell teleportation and in a cloud of mist we arrived in the middle of the grand hall. A grand hall that had white and gold marbled stone floor, with white marbled walls. Placed about every six feet was a white stone pillar that aligned each wall. Each wall contained roughly four pillars. And in the middle of the ceiling of the grand hall rested a marvelous crystal chandelier that created a rainbow effect as the sun danced across it.

The room was decorated in the theme of Summer. Appeared more alive than the last I had remembered. As there were a couple dozen or so people hanging around the grand hall, enjoying what appeared to be a glorious looking fest.

“This looks…” I was trying to think of the right word to say here. Alive? Happy? Too good to be true?

I felt Théoden peek into my vision scanning the room. It looks beautiful, like how it should be.

“This looks beautiful.”

“I’m glad you love it, Maria. Just wait until you see the rest of the festival.” Marcel said as he pulled me along and dragged me through the golden doors of the grand hall and down the brightly lit hallway that was decorated with plenty of flowers and portraits of a variety of scenery from the mountain ranges around the Isle to the vast ocean of South Haven. The walls were decorated better than I thought they would be.

It was all going well until a familiar female voice echoed through the halls.