Xiran’s POV

The day of our union arrived and I hadn’t slept a wink since last night. It had been two days since I had seen her last. They wouldn’t even let me near her door. On occasions, I wanted to use my vampiric speed and sneak into her room at night, but I snubbed the urges to respect the traditions of my people.

The empty spot beside me made it impossible to nod off, she had fast turned into an addictive drug which I needed to sleep. From the moment she stepped into my life sleeping with her in my arms brought a blissful sleep. And this was going to be the last time I slept without her.

Sighing I left my bedding and made my way to the wash area with thoughts of this day rolling away in my mind. I had never dreamt of settling down or getting married when my father was alive and it still seemed like wishful thinking.

At times I still assumed someday I would wake and she would be gone, the negativity and fears that had been etched in my heart still lingered and I knew there would not be an easy way to escape them. It was frightening to even think that I might suffocate her with them.

After exiting the wash area I had a light breakfast my attendants had left me, although I had no appetite. But I devoured two glasses of blood, I wanted that part of my hunger to keep sated. Finishing up with food, I walked over to the cloth stand.

Last night, Sulran had left me the grand apparel I was supposed to don for today’s ceremony.

I stared at it and its grandeur, Sulran and Grandma had gone all out on this one. Nothing even similar had been worn by me on Altair. And I wasn’t even sure I knew how to adorn all the parts correctly. It was our family’s traditional attire, worn especially on these occasions.

It was sophisticated, decent and had those regal vibes that a prince gives off like Casmian used to do. The colour scheme of white, silver and blue had been blended with utmost precision so that no shade overshadowed the other.

I traced my hand on its lapels and the fabric was soft under my touch, the embroidery decent and the jewels perfectly set in with small leafy designs.

The swift knock on the door shifted my attention from it.

"Come in," I instructed and opening the door my uncle entered. A beaming smile radiated off his face. He was properly dressed in a slightly similar garb to mine but it was a bit less decorated.

"There is my dear nephew. I thought I would assist you on your important day. Have you bathed already?" he asked, striding towards me holding a small rectangular box in his hand.

"Thanks, I was just about to," I responded, nervousness creeping over me.

Two attendants followed him inside and he began giving them instructions to prepare my bath.

"Use the aromatic oils once you heat the water," they respectfully nodded and made their way towards the wash area.

He then focused his attention on me:

"I will arrange your hair today and will help with your garments," he placed the box on the flat table where all the accessories I was supposed to adorn were laid out.

"Yes, I would need help with all that," I pointed towards the table and he understood my apprehensions.

"You need not worry. I got you, just focus on looking handsome for your girl," and his words sent my mind swirling towards Leia and what she must be doing right now. Hopefully getting ready just like me. She hated accessories, glam and decor. I was sure they would be going all out on her as well and she would be going along just for my sake.

None of these were her traditions and yet she hadn’t complained and was going along. Once we would return to Altair I wanted to have a ceremony just with elven traditions and with everyone she held dear.

"Prince Xiran! Your bath is ready," one of the male attendants informed me and I excused myself before heading towards the bathtub.

Removing my gown I slipped into the warm milky water with rich woody scents. It seemed like drenching myself in milk.

The warmth and wafting aromas relaxed my stiff muscles and some of the tension I had been experiencing, evaporated. I closed my eyes and let it overwhelm my senses. Slowly I slid down and taking a deep breath I fully submerged myself in the warm water.

Once the water began to feel cold, I got out of the bathtub. The water trickled on the ivory floor below as I barefooted walked on it and grabbed the towel gown. Wrapping it around myself I fastened the belt and exited.

Uncle Sulran was waiting for me along with the male attendants. They helped slowly dry my hair and neatly combed them. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

The attendants brought my attires. It was so intricately designed and every detail was perfected as I couldn’t help but gush over it again. Uncle Sulran helped me get it all on and fastened all the buttons and adjusted the top coat and all the accessories it held.

"The silver leaf is the sigil of our family. That’s why you will find it everywhere, even on your costume," Uncle explained and I understood why I was seeing silver leaves everywhere.

I felt like a king getting ready for his coronation instead of going for his bonding ritual. Once he was done, he straightened and stretched my outer coat, it perfectly hugged my body but the sleeves were immensely wide.

"You are the epitome of perfection. I can’t believe I am getting my nephew ready with my own hands," his voice sounded a bit emotional and I knew he was missing my mother.

My heart clenched at the thought. None of my parents were here on this joyous occasion and my heart panged. If only my father wasn’t a monster, my life would have turned out differently. My whole family would have been rejoicing with me, instead of me standing here like this.

The gaping hole would never close but I wouldn’t let that have this overwhelming control over me. I had another family now and I was about to start my new one.

"Xiran!!!" Uncle Sulran’s concerned voice pulled me out of my deep reprieve.

"Sorry, I phased out for a second there," I apologised but he pulled me into a warm hug.

"I know you are missing Surilla too. We can’t take her place but we will always be with you, every step of the way. You will forever have a family," his comforting words somewhat soothed the throbbing pain in my chest. The immense bravery he possessed made me respect him even more. He had also lost his sister and yet he was comforting me.

"Thank you," I mumbled and he let me go but held my broad shoulders. His turbulent gaze held onto mine. The immense pain was bare for me to see in his glistening orbs.

"Never hesitate to reach out."

"I won’t," I promised and he finally let me go.

"Good, now turn around and let me arrange your hair, I will keep them open because Aselia would be placing a braid in them as part of your bonding ceremony," he kept explaining while combing my hair and making a small bun with a few top locks, while others he left open.

"All set, just one important detail left which mother will complete. Let’s head over to her room after you check yourself in the mirror," he guided me to the mirror so I could see how different I appeared, like a prince who had been plucked out of a fairytale, ready to whisk away his princess.

Uncle Sulran stood behind me in his majestic attire and reassuringly smiled at me, letting me know I had nothing to worry about. He held my shoulders in a firm grip like a father would do on such an occasion.

"I like what I see. Thank you for this splendid attire," I extended my gratitude and he just brushed it away as if it was nothing.

"Least we could do. Let’s go now, we need to reach there before the ladies," he said while opening the small box he had brought with him earlier.

"This is the ribbon you will put in Aselia’s hair as part of the ritual," it contained a delicate silver ribbon with beads attached at its end, and the material lightly shimmered.

"This looks perfect," I traced my finger on the delicate ribbon and loved the feel of it.

"You know how to braid?" he quietly inquired, not trying to embarrass me, in case I didn’t.

"I do, mother taught me," I reassured him with a smile and he flashed me a radiant smile.

We then left my room and made for Grandma Asfarla’s chambers for one final trinket to complete my look.

(Xiran’s royal attire is in the comment section. I hope you people will like it.)