the timid bride

**Chapter 37 – The Public Decree**

Zara stood in front of the mirror, watching as the maid laced her gown tight around her waist. The fabric was royal blue today — darker than what she normally wore. A color of command. Of power. Of unity with the house of Virelith.

Kael's color.

She hadn't asked for it. It had simply been laid out for her this morning.

As if the palace had already decided she belonged to him.

"You look… fierce, my lady," the maid said quietly, stepping back with a bow.

Fierce. She didn't feel fierce. Her stomach was a knot of nerves.

Today was the day.

Kael would make the announcement before the full court.

No whispers. No guessing. No more pretending.

Today, the whole kingdom would know she was to become his wife — not some trial bride or political pawn, but the future queen.

She took a slow breath and turned from the mirror. "Let's go."

—

The court was packed.

More nobles than she'd ever seen had gathered — not just the regular council, but lords and ladies from the outer regions, their banners fluttering on the walls. Word had spread fast. Too fast.

Kael stood at the top of the dais, dressed in black and silver, the hawk crest gleaming at his chest. He was already speaking to a group of generals and advisors when Zara arrived at the back entrance of the hall.

As soon as the doors opened, all eyes turned.

Zara walked in, flanked by guards. Her spine was straight. Her face composed. But her heart thundered like a war drum in her chest.

She walked the long red carpet alone.

Kael didn't meet her halfway.

He let her walk the entire length by herself — not out of cruelty, but ceremony.

She could feel it. This was intentional. A test. A display.

And as she reached the steps, he finally turned toward her, eyes steady, unreadable.

He offered his hand.

She took it.

And the court bowed.

—

Kael raised one hand.

Silence.

The herald stepped forward and unrolled a thick scroll. His voice echoed through the throne room.

"By decree of His Highness Prince Kael of House Virelith, rightful heir to the throne of Elriyen, it is hereby declared that Lady Zara — of common birth but noble spirit — shall be wed to him under the stars on the first full moon of the next month."

Gasps. Then murmurs. Then silence again.

Zara kept her chin high.

"She shall take the title of Crown Princess immediately," the herald continued, "and be granted full rights, privileges, and protections under royal law, as befits her station."

Zara's vision blurred slightly, not with tears — but with shock.

Crown Princess.

Effective immediately.

That hadn't been part of the plan.

She turned her head slightly toward Kael.

He was already watching her, his expression cold, calm — and utterly in control.

Then he turned back to the court.

"Let no one question her place at my side again," he said. "Those who speak against her, speak against me."

A pause.

"And I do not forgive easily."

A ripple of fear moved through the crowd.

Zara felt it like a wind behind her — pushing her forward whether she wanted it or not.

Kael had just made her untouchable.

But also... undeniable.

—

After the decree, a celebration was held in the outer courtyard.

Servants poured wine. Minstrels played soft music. Nobles gathered in clusters, some offering congratulations, others simply watching her with barely hidden suspicion.

Zara stood beneath a silk-draped pavilion, sipping water and watching the fountain nearby. Everything felt surreal. Like she'd been pulled into a story that wasn't hers.

Then, a shadow fell across her.

Lady Mirelle.

Of course.

"You've done well," Mirelle said smoothly. "From nameless girl to Crown Princess in under a month. I imagine that's some kind of record."

Zara smiled politely. "I imagine it is."

"Though you should be careful. Fast rises often lead to faster falls."

Zara met her eyes. "And standing still often leads to being forgotten."

Mirelle's lips thinned.

Before she could retort, Kael appeared at Zara's side.

"Mirelle," he said. "Do you need help finding the exit?"

She paled. Curtsied. "Of course not, Your Highness."

She turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Kael looked down at Zara. "You handled that well."

"I thought I wasn't supposed to speak without your cue."

"Today, you're allowed."

"Generous."

He smirked. "Strategic."

Zara lowered her voice. "Why announce the title so soon?"

"To silence the snakes."

"And if I'm not ready?"

"You don't have a choice now."

His voice was hard — but not cruel. Just… true.

She nodded once. "Then I'll learn faster."

Kael looked at her for a moment — longer than necessary.

Then, so quietly no one else could hear:

"If they try again… I won't be merciful next time."

Zara didn't ask what he meant.

She already knew.

---

Later that night, she returned to her chambers — or what used to be hers. A maid stood waiting with instructions from Kael.

"The Crown Princess will sleep in the eastern royal suite from now on."

Kael's wing.

Zara didn't argue.

The room was larger, warmer. Books lined the walls. A private balcony overlooked the garden. A second set of doors opened into what she assumed was Kael's own bedroom.

She didn't dare enter.

Instead, she stood by the window, staring at the stars.

How did this happen so quickly?

How had she gone from fearing his voice… to being protected by it?

She touched the necklace around her throat — a gift from Kael's chamberlain earlier that evening. A sapphire pendant carved into the shape of a hawk.

It wasn't love.

Not yet.

But it was power.

And that… was something she could use.

---

The next morning would bring meetings. Dress fittings. Official portrait sittings. A dozen lessons in etiquette, law, and lineage.

But for now, Zara let herself rest.

She was no longer *the timid bride*.

She was the *declared future queen*.

And whether she had asked for it or not…

The palace now belonged to her, too.