4 - A Perfect Alliance

4 HOURS BEFORE THE KIDNAPPING

Lysandra

“Emotions are like cracks in marble. They weaken what should be unbreakable.” My father’s words echoed in my mind as I stood there, in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror, watching my sisters adjust the final folds of silk and lace in my wedding gown.

After the trial, I was to change from the red Qipao, into my white wedding dress. Then, I’d be adorned with pearl and Gold jewellery. The dresses were always layered, so they weren’t my favourite since I was already used to them.

But the jewellery. Oh, how I loved them.

We’ve all spent our entire lives under the weight of the family’s tradition and teachings, and we couldn’t complain because that is what the generation before us embraced as well.

The Vaelan family has never had an improper lady for three generations straight. So, of course, my father wasn’t going to let his generation be an exception.

Sometimes, I was tired of it, but I brushed back the thought as soon as it came. I was born into it, and it was who I was.

My father, Lord Charles Vaelan grilled us with the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the belief that our worth was defined by the alliances we were able to form and the power we secured.

The higher the status of our husbands, the higher the status of our family. Having connections meant having influence, and my father wanted all of that. We didn’t have a connection with our brothers because our father prohibited us from playing with the boys.

It was the only way he figured he wouldn’t end up with a tomboy daughter. I found it funny because, who would want to get their dresses dirty in the pig sty, or the horse stables?

We were ladies, and we hated men's work.

My father’s philosophy is simple: emotions serve only to hinder clarity, and clarity is power.

For years, he moulded us like figures on a chessboard, carefully positioning each one of us to fulfil his goals. The benchmark for qualification as a husband for any one of his daughters was how rich and influential you were.

To him, we are all masterpieces of his creation, and now, it was my turn to play my part. My marriage will be his crowning achievement, securing our family’s influence for generations to come.

“Hold still,” Seraphina murmured as she fastened a delicate brooch to my veil. It was our family’s symbol.

“By the way,” I said, swirling the mint in my mouth with my tongue. “I’m pretty sure we are all as lucky as each other. I mean… we’ve all got very influential husbands, and we’ve made father very proud.”

Elara chuckled and shook her head as she fastened a pearl necklace around my neck.

“What’s so funny?” My voice sounded small and innocent, and I didn’t like it. I may be the youngest, but I wasn’t a little girl anymore.

“You’re the lucky one, Lysa,” Amelia replied, a hint of envy in her voice. “At least you know him—Caelan. He’s more than just a name to you.”

“Exactly,” Seraphina added as she straightened the trail of my veil behind me.

I guess they were right. In a way, I was luckier because my fiancée and I grew up together. Attended the same events, and went to the same schools well.

I remember afternoons, or evenings when his mum came over to chat or spend time with my mum, and she’d bring him along.

We’d run off into the gardens, where he would tease me, and annoy me to no end, but I wouldn’t break, because, at the time, even I was trying to hone my ladylike patience.

But even as a child, I understood that our friendship was part of a larger plan, a carefully planned scheme.

Father had introduced us at an early age, subtly guiding us toward each other, and I knew that, eventually, our marriage would become the foundation of an alliance that would secure both of our families’ power. It didn’t matter that I liked him. It only mattered that our union served the family’s interests.

But thankfully for me, he liked me too.

As I looked into the mirror, I studied my sister’s faces as they busied themselves with the final touches of my wedding outfit. There was a satisfied gleam in their expression.

I understood everything at that moment. I understood that they envied me, not because of my fiancée’s wealth or power, but because I had the luxury of marrying someone I already knew.

A man that I shared a mutual likeness with. My thoughts drifted to when Caelan officially proposed to me after asking my father for my hand in marriage.

He confessed his undying love for me, and I felt like I was on the moon. The flutter in my stomach confirmed that I probably still was.

I loved Caelan, regardless of what Father said about keeping emotions in check. And I was excited to help him build his empire and be his support, his wife… and his love.

My sisters never had the luxury of feeling how it is to love and be loved. My heart ached for them.

I never really thought about what my sisters felt when they were getting married because they put on a happy front. I understood now, that it was because they were expected to.

But at the very least, their husbands treated them nicely and with respect. As far as I was aware.

“I hope you’re ready,” Seraphina said, her voice softer now. “Once you get married to Caelan, all eyes are going to be on you. They’ll expect you to be perfect, without a single flaw.”

“And that is what we have been training her to be all these years, and I have no doubt she will not fail.” Mother’s voice boomed; her tone soft but authoritative at the same time.

My sisters and I bowed slightly when we registered her presence in the room.

She walked towards us and lifted my head in her arms. I looked at her, a shy smile on my lips.

The only sign of ageing on my mother’s face was the smile lines around her eyes. She was still so gorgeous as she aged beautifully.

“I’m so proud of you.” She whispered and kissed her forehead. I saw the tears well in her eyes, but she blinked them away.

“I’m honoured, Mother.”

“No… drop the formalities. I’m your mother, and this is your big day. Call me Maman.”

I felt my heart bloom with happiness when I heard her say that. “Maman,” I whispered, unsure. I hadn’t called her that since I turned sixteen.”

“Your father is so happy with your alliance. Caelan is willing to give you so much for your dowry. Half of his family’s mineral resources. That alone will bring unimaginable prestige, and add value to our name.”

My eyes widened in shock. And I wasn’t the only surprised person, because my sister also gasped, a sly smile playing on their lips.

“We told you, didn’t we? You are so lucky!”

“Half of his family’s entire mineral resources?” I couldn’t wrap my head around it.

“We are all so proud of you Lysandra, so make sure you be a good wife and uphold our name, honour, and glory, okay?”

“Yes, Maman.” My throat suddenly felt dry, and I could feel my heart pumping faster in my ribcage. “Um… Can I see him?”

“He is in the lounge, but don’t stay too long. You know it’s bad luck” Mother replied

I pursed my lips and smiled at her. “Okay. I’ll be back.”

I rushed out; my dress bunched in my fist. As I got to the corridor, I stopped as I noticed a figure standing against the wall, his stance, casual.

My breath caught in my throat as I recognized the man who stood before me, he seemed like he had been waiting for me.

His hood was lowered this time, giving me a full view of his handsomeness, and the full extent of the scar that carved vertically across his face.

The dragon. Why was he here?