On the day of the wedding, the grand hall overflowed with joyous celebration. Laughter and blessings for the newlyweds filled the air. Clad in a pale blue dress, you stood in the corner watching your elder sister and Keegan, your heart brimming with bitterness.

You'd secretly loved Keegan for years - this exceptional warrior whose magnetic strength drew everyone in. Yet fate proved merciless, their childhood betrothal arranged by families for political alliances long before you were born.

"Sister of the bride will now present the rings." The priest's voice shattered your thoughts. Your body stiffened, heart constricting painfully. Under the guests' expectant gazes, your sister gazed at you with smug triumph while Keegan's blue eyes held a complexity you couldn't decipher.