The Dragon King's Hated Bride

>>Aelin

Two years passed like that. I had spent the time mostly with myself and the books in the attached library next to my room. My room wasn't furnished and had old rough stone walls and floor. The metal door led to the small library first and then to the small bedroom with a single window with a monotonous view of the forest and an abandoned tower somewhere in it.

In those two years all I knew about the war was how a demon village suddenly vanished, all the people in it went missing and a black gate in the form of an eye opened, from where monsters spilled out. Monsters that no one had ever seen before, creatures that used strange magic. 

The war was brutal, people all around the world were scared that no one could win.

But Draegon won.

The echoes of celebration reached my room. Cheers, the clatter of hooves, the sound of music drifting through the streets. It was like something had changed in the air—a spark of excitement, of triumph.

Draegon. He had to be back.

No one had come to tell me, of course. My presence in this corner of the abandoned castle was ignored at best, scorned at worst. But I didn't need anyone to confirm it; I could feel it in the atmosphere. The war was over, and Draegon had returned victorious.

My information was very limited, I got it from the servants who came to deliver the food. There were those who would tell me right away what had happened and those who wouldn't even look at me and would leave.

I stood before the small mirror in my room, smoothing my dress with trembling hands. It wasn't one of the fine gowns that ladies wore, but it was the best I had—dark blue fabric cinched at the waist, simple but clean. I braided my hair carefully, pinning it back to keep the strands from falling into my face.

A war hero. 

That's what he would be now. People were singing his praises, I could hear the cheering from the city streets and how happy the atmosphere was. 

I smiled, trying to calm myself but something was tugging at me. An anxiety that something was going to go wrong. But I tried to drown it away. I held the pendant he had left me and nodded to myself.

He's back, finally.

And people said he's stronger than before and that his standing as a royal was going to shoot up because in demon kingdoms, the strongest in the royal family ruled. 

A small, hesitant flicker of relief kindled in my chest. If his standing rose, surely mine would, too. He was my husband, after all.

Right?

I tried not to dwell on how little that title had shielded me in his absence. Two years of isolation, of quiet humiliation, of feeling like I was nothing more than an unwanted relic from a marriage of convenience. But I told myself it would be different now.

I wouldn't be alone anymore. He had made me a promise, afterall.

I spent the morning pacing the length of my small room, glancing at the door every few moments. 

He will come to meet me, I told myself. By this time he should have reached the castle gates. I can't hear the loud cheering in the streets anymore either, so he should be in the palace now. 

He had made me promises,to protect me, to keep me safe. Despite everything that had happened during his absence, I clung to those words like a lifeline. Now that he was back, things would change. 

They had to.

It's understandable that things weren't good because he wasn't here, but now that he's back, things will change.

I smoothed the fabric of my dress again, fussed with my hair once more, then sat down, only to stand again moments later. 

The cheers and music from the hallways drifted through the palace walls, telling me he was indeed inside now.

I took my seat again and waited.

…

But he didn't come. Minutes turned into hours and my heart sank as time passed.

Is he not going to come? He's not going to see me? I was starting to feel devastated when a thought crossed my mind.

Oh wait!

No one would have told him I'm here. I stood up again. I should go to him! I nodded and ran towards the door.

My steps echoed in the corridors as I made my way toward the throne room. The demons I passed looked at me with that same familiar mix of disdain and curiosity, but I kept my gaze forward. Let them stare. None of it mattered. Not when I was so close to seeing Draegon again.

Now that he was back, he was going to make things better. And I will forget about all my misery from the past.

Yes… I'll forget all about it…

When I reached the grand doors of the throne room, I hesitated, the doors were open in celebration and I could hear numerous voices from inside.

It's alright, I told myself. It's okay. I nodded, then stepped into the room.

The place was as imposing as ever. At the far end, the Queen, Darcelle, sat upon her throne, her cold, regal gaze fixed downward from atop a set of stairs as her claw-like metal colored crown glinted under the light filtering through the stained-glass windows.

Draegon stood in front of her, just below the steps leading to the throne, his tall frame unmistakable even amidst so many people. 

Relief swept over me at the sight of him, and for a moment, I almost smiled. 

He was here. He was safe.

I took a step towards him, but my relief froze in place when I saw who stood beside him.

???

A woman, her beauty almost otherworldly, stood close to Draegon. Her silver hair shimmered like threads of moonlight, her fox-like ears twitching ever so slightly as she moved. Her golden eyes gleamed with a sharp, confident allure, and her silk robes clung to her form.

The moment I saw her, my heart dropped. Even as a human I couldn't take my eyes off of her, she looked far too stunning. 

The Queen spoke from her throne as she talked with Draegon, "You should introduce the woman you brought with you." but I barely registered her words. Draegon turned to the woman, gesturing toward her with a familiarity that sent a sharp pang through my chest.

"This is Ruoxy," he said and Ruoxy smiled, a subtle, knowing smile that made my heart sink. She bowed her head ever so slightly to the Queen, before turning her attention to Draegon once more.

I stood frozen, the knot in my chest tightening with every passing moment. My mind raced with questions. Who was she? Why was she here? Why was Draegon introducing her with such intimacy, as though she belonged at his side?

He couldn't have-

No

I shook my head. He wouldn't do that to me… would he? I swallowed hard, forcing myself to take a step forward, even though what I saw wanted to crush me. I didn't want to believe what my eyes were telling me. 

This wasn't how it was supposed to be.

He was my husband. He gave me his word.

The cheers echoed around me like a distant, hollow sound. I stood there, unable to move, my heart shattering with each clap and cry of joy that filled the air. Draegon stood before the crowd, his hand wrapped around the woman's waist, her figure radiating a beauty so far beyond anything I could offer and it made me conscious of myself.

The demons cheered for them, their voices ringing out in approval, their eyes full of admiration for the pairing.

I didn't need to ask to know that all were happy for him, despite the fact he was married.

They were happy. Happy that Draegon had found someone—someone who belonged with him. Someone who was worthy of him. Someone who wasn't human.

And I was nothing but a shadow in the background. I clenched my fists, feeling small.

I wrapped my arms around myself, suddenly feeling cold despite the warmth of the room. I stood there, frozen, staring at Draegon and Ruoxy while I tried to deny it in my mind. 

It's not true. It can't be,

With a shaky breath, I took a step away from the crowd, pulling myself from the moment, the weight of everyone's eyes pressing against me. I didn't know what I was doing, but I found myself walking toward Draegon.

When I reached the middle of the room, the noise seemed to fade into a dull hum as all eyes came onto me.

My pulse raced in my ears, the beat frantic. I was shaking, not with the cold, but with the fear that had taken root deep inside me.

"Who is this woman?" I asked, my voice barely rose above a whisper,