Chapter 2 The wedding

Cold water drenched him on the spot he lay. He gasped, jerking up from sleep with a shiver.

"Sleeping around like an old hag, do you not have duties to perform? Today is the Prince's wedding. You should be clearing the dirt around the palace!" The harshness of the man's tone made Dante shiver.

"I am sorry I overslept, sir. I did pick all the dirt around yesterday. I only need to sweep the floors", Dante managed to reply, between scampering off the floor, and squeezing the water off his wet clothes.

"Move, boy! We do not have time", the head cleaner, Guirello said impatiently, shoving him out of the room.

Dante quickened his steps to avoid being manhandled. The years had gone by with increasing hardship. Imagine struggling to feed in a palace filled with food. Hell, even the dogs fed better than him. He worked as a slave, possibly lower if there was something like that. He received no wages as it was believed keeping him alive was enough payment for his services.

Dante didn't complain even once. He was appreciative of having a roof over his head. Picking a broom, he resumed his duties for the day. He couldn't stop glancing at the wedding venue. A smile crossed his face, watching the maids run around with flowers, the soldiers fixing up the decorations, and others wiping the seats.

Xander was getting married!

It felt like was only yesterday he was running around, covered in mud and panicking about losing his sight. Dante smiled fondly. Xander was so little then and innocent then. Today, he was getting married to his childhood friend, Kimorra.

"Hurry up with that before the guests start arriving. You are not playing scarecrow today", Guirello's voice startled him.

"Huh?" Dante blurted, confused and alarmed.

"Why do you look so surprised? The king's specifically instructed that you must not be seen anywhere around the palace until the marriage rites are completed". He reliably informed.

Dante simply nodded. He wasn't expecting an invitation anyway. He would stay in the barn and enjoy the music. As much as he would have loved to witness his brother's marriage, he was afraid of ruining it.

"Okay sir", he mumbled.

"Be good and you may share the leftovers with the dogs", Guirello said, walking away.

Dante's face lit up on hearing that. Sharing with the dogs meant good food. His stomach grumbled loudly in approval. He couldn't hide his excitement as he hurriedly swept the floors. Most of the meals he was offered were so stale that he couldn't eat them. It ended with him going hungry for days.

A few times, stealing from the kitchen and the dogs saved him, other times, it ended with a severe beating.

Sweeping the dust hurriedly away as a gentle breeze blew across the palace. Dante wanted nothing to ruin his work. He couldn't afford to let anything ruin his chances of a good meal. The opportunity rarely came.

He concluded his work and reported to Guirello. The man shooed him away in annoyance, snapping that he wasn't needed anymore. Dante returned to his home. The old barn.

It was an empty place with nothing but a sack of old clothes. A few of which he spread on the floor to curb the harshness of the tarred floor. He had to stuff others in broken patches of the roof. During heavy rainfall, he had to sleep while standing because the worn-out clothes were not enough to stop the leakages. He ended with a flooded room most nights than none. Last night was one of them.

Sighing, he grabbed an old bucket from the corner and a cloth. His knees barely responded as he dropped to the coarse floor. The pain had become a part of him so it barely faxed him anymore. Those knees had seen worse.

He pushed his oversized sleeve backward to reveal his hairy hand. He whistled absentmindedly, dapping the floor with the cloth.

The guests were seated, smiled plastered on their faces as the couple took their vows. To the right, the royal family was sitting beside their inlaws, watching their children with pride.

Prince Xander was clad in a blue tailored suit, designed by the best tailors in the city. His hair was perfectly styled to the back to bring out his prominent features. His turquoise eyes shone with adoration for the woman before him.

Kimora was living her dream. Getting married to the boy she adored as a child was the most fulfilling thing she'd ever done. Happiness bubbled in her chest as she stared into his lovely eyes. It still felt like a dream that this man, who had all the girls in the city fawning over him, was hers. Nobody thought it impossible especially since she was the daughter of the king's adviser.

"Is there anyone with a valid reason to hinder the union of this couple? Speak now or forever remain silent", the Priest asked.

"I do", a cold silky voice filtered through the silence. Gasps filled the air, heads turning to pick out the owner of the voice. They didn't need to look for long because she came walking through the petal gates. Her dark aura subdued the place, exerting power and dominance. She walked with an elegance that left everyone thrilled.

The white gown was laced with diamonds. Each piece of it clinging to her body like a second skin. Her lustrous dark hair rested freely on her butt, bouncing gently as she moved. Her eyes seafoam eyes had depths of mystery in them, effortlessly dazing everyone who stole a glance at them. The dress was split up to her mid-thighs, exposing the straight milky skin that promised deliciousness. Her beauty left hearts pounding as she moved.

She stopped in front of the groom. Xander could only gape at her, eyes wide and lustful. Her plump rosy lip pressed in a thin line as she gazed at him.

"The nerve of you to get married while you have my heart". Her tone was cold, yet there was a sexiness to it that had him melting. Her finger met his lip with teasing innocence, skidding down his chest.

"I don't care if you're getting married or not. I only want my property", Almira stated.

"Who are you? What do you want? Xander, say something. Who is she? Get your hands off him!" Kimora bawled, slapping her hands off. "What do you want?".

"Are you retarded? I clearly said he has my heart. He's not permitted to live anyone with it", Almira retorted.