UNDER A DARKSUN
SEGMENT 060
“The Union”
Despite the calming enchanted aromas and perfumes she inhaled; Keela could not calm down. This was to be the moment. Ever since learning of her marriage and entrance to the templerate she has thought about this. She was to complete the rites of marriage on the last day of the Starlight Festival. That was tomorrow.
The rituals began at sun down on the day before. She was bathed in scented water for three hours. Following this, wearing only the ceremonial robe, she then meditated until the two moons were dropping. She slept for 8 hours and awoke late in the morning.
She slept little. She was to caught up in the moment of gaining power and authority within the temperate. After this night, she would be a leader within her section. Possibly third in command of State Affairs (The Chamber of Order) under only Djene and the current Hi-Templar Veela. Knowing Djene, Veela will only have a few more years at most to live. This would make her second in command. She will need to watch and learn from Djene to further her own power.
She continued to fast as instructed and expected. She was to be pure for her Union with Nibenay. Around the decent of the sun each of the senior templars came to give her well wishes and advice. It began and ended with a gift giving and a family kisses on each cheek then Keela to their hands. She was bothered by the bitter constrained smile Djene wore. Siemhouk (the favorite) gave a sad smile. The others were unreadable.
Now dark, Keela went into the royal house section. She had never been here before. After tonight, she would have free access to this section. After tonight, she would have access to any section of Nibenay. She washed again in scented water with rose pedals of a purple color floating in the water. The pollen from these flowers made her head light and gave her the giggles. She sipped sweet wine while combing her hair and applying facial creams and high lighters. As a final act, she cast a brief spell onto herself to her a greater appearance and wore a circlet that belonged to her grandmother. Its sparkle also enhanced her beauty.
“If Mania yet lived, he could never turn me down now. He would beg to be my slave. Plead to wash my toes. Grovel to do things to me…. And I would say no to him.” Her mood dimmed briefly until she saw her face in the mirror. She pushed back from the table and let the robe fall to the floor. The magics, youth and her heritage made her perfect. She saw no flaws on her body. She was perfect…perfect to become a queen.
A bell jingled signaling his arrival. She blew out each candle and went onto the bed. She fidgeted back and forth whether to be in or out of her robe, above or below the top sheets. She wanted this to be perfect. She knew it would be perfect. She was perfect.
Deciding to lay above the covers with the robe only draped over her body she lay there for 5 minutes. The perfumes and drink making her head spin. She scarcely knew he was within the room until his massive form blocked the window.
The darkness made it hard to see him. She knew he was bald with limited facial hair. He was not overly muscular but was fit. She had read this and seen all of his pictures and sculptures.
He sat on the bed. He sniffed several times taking in deep lungfuls of air. She heard something in a language she had never heard before. Then he leaned into the light close enough to her face for her to see well.
She was still screaming 15 minutes after he was done. He was there but 5 minutes. Then when done had left.
She had married a monster.