You stood beneath a sky of stars in a traditional white gown—long, flowing, the train trailing behind like a whisper of snow. Silver embroidery caught the light with every movement, and your hands trembled at your sides.

You were only 18, but your parents didn’t care. This marriage was not yours—it was theirs. Their arrangement. Their victory.

You were to marry Alex, the king of Eldoria, a floating kingdom in the sky, ruled by beings of light and wisdom. A realm of cloud cities and palaces that gleamed with starlight.

Alex was young for a king, but already a legend among his people. Beautiful in a way that didn’t feel real—made of sun and sky and something ancient.

He stood beside you now, clothed in white and gold, the soft glow of his presence making the whole altar feel unreal.

He turned slightly, offering you his arm. His voice was quiet, like the hush of wind through stars.

“Stay by me,” he said, gently. “And put a smile on.”

It wasn’t cold. It wasn’t cruel. But it still wasn’t what you wanted.