Chapter 3: Alone in the Castle

The uncertainty gnawed at Kaitlyn as she wandered the castle, overseeing the wedding preparations. She couldn't help but wonder if Theodore had truly meant what he said. Did he really hate her? The thought lingered, making her feel like a prisoner in her own home. As she walked, Kaitlyn's gaze drifted over the familiar stone walls and ornate tapestries. She had lived in this castle all her life, but today it felt different. Today, it felt like a gilded cage. The servants and ladies-in-waiting scurried about, busily preparing for the wedding ceremony. Kaitlyn's family had spared no expense in making sure that every detail was perfect. The sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway, and Kaitlyn turned to see one of the servants approaching her. "Your Highness, the caterer has arrived with the wedding feast. Shall I show him to the grand hall?" Kaitlyn nodded, and the servant scurried off to comply. As she continued her rounds, Kaitlyn caught glimpses of Theodore from afar. He stood tall, his dark gray eyes scanning the crowds as he spoke with the wedding party. His sharp eyebrows furrowed in concentration, and the mole under one eye seemed to darken in intensity. Kaitlyn felt a flutter in her chest, but she quickly suppressed it. She wouldn't let herself be drawn in by his imposing presence. The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity, with Kaitlyn ensuring that every detail was perfect. But as the hours ticked by, she began to feel a growing sense of unease. What would her life be like with Theodore? Would he truly treat her as his wife, or would she remain a distant, unloved stranger? As the servants and ladies-in-waiting worked on her hair and makeup, Kaitlyn's thoughts turned to the upcoming ceremony. She would have to face Theodore, and the world, as his bride. A wave of anxiety washed over her, and she felt her hands trembling. Just then, one of the servants, a mischievous young woman named Sarah, approached her. "Your Highness, I have a little something to help you relax," Sarah said, holding out a small, delicate fan. Kaitlyn took the fan, feeling the cool breeze as she fanned herself. Sarah smiled. "It's almost time, Your Highness. And when it is, you'll need to be ready." Kaitlyn nodded, taking a deep breath as she steeled herself for what was to come. The air was thick with tension as the guests began to arrive. Kaitlyn's family, the king and queen, stood at the entrance, beaming with pride. Kaitlyn's heart sank as she saw Theodore standing beside them, his eyes locked on hers with an unnerving intensity. The master of ceremonies cleared his throat, and the crowd fell silent. "The time has come for the kiss," he announced, his voice booming through the hallway. Theodore's eyes never left Kaitlyn's as he strode towards her. His face was set in a stern expression, but as he reached her side, he turned to the crowd. The servants and guests tittered and whispered, all of them convinced that Kaitlyn and Theodore were marrying for love. With a swift motion, Theodore grasped Kaitlyn's face and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was passionate, almost fierce, and Kaitlyn felt her heart racing in response. She tried to push him away, but he deepened the kiss, his tongue tangling with hers. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, and Kaitlyn felt her face burning with embarrassment. She had never been kissed like that before, and she didn't know how to react. As Theodore pulled away, Kaitlyn took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. She smiled weakly at the crowd, trying to play along with the charade. But as she turned to Theodore, she saw a flicker of something in his eyes. It was a fleeting moment, but it looked almost like...anger. Theodore's expression smoothed out quickly, and he turned to face the crowd. But Kaitlyn couldn't shake the feeling that she had seen something more in his eyes. Something that made her wonder if there was more to him than met the eye. The ceremony began, and Kaitlyn stood frozen, her heart pounding in her chest. Theodore's vows seemed to echo through her mind, and she felt a wave of panic wash over her. She turned and ran, slipping away from the crowd as they gasped in shock. Theodore chased after her, his long strides eating up the distance. He caught her in a quiet hallway, pinning her against the wall as he demanded to know why she was running away. Kaitlyn tried to speak, but her voice caught in her throat. Theodore's eyes blazed with anger, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. And then, just as the guests approached, Theodore kissed her again. This time, it was a quick, possessive kiss, but it still left Kaitlyn breathless. As the guests passed by, smiling and congratulating them, Kaitlyn shoved Theodore away with all her strength. "Leave me alone," she spat, her heart still racing with anger. Theodore's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. He simply stood there, watching her with an intensity that made Kaitlyn's skin crawl.