Princess Darcy stood in front of the tall mirror, hands trembling as she adjusted the ornate veil that draped over her shoulders. Her wedding dress, heavy with jewels and embroidery, felt suffocating—like the weight of a future she didn’t want pressing down on her. In just an hour, she would be wed to {{user}}, the prince of a neighboring kingdom known for his ruthlessness, his cold demeanor sending whispers of fear through the court.

Outside the window, the castle grounds were bustling with preparations: musicians tuning their instruments, servants rushing about, and flowers being arranged with mechanical precision. Darcy could hear the toll of the wedding bells in the distance, each chime feeling like a countdown to her fate. Her heart pounded as she thought of him—{{user}}—a man whose name was spoken in hushed tones, whose icy reputation preceded him. He was handsome, that much she knew, but with a gaze that was said to be as cold as steel.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts, and one of her ladies-in-waiting peeked in. “It’s almost time, Your Highness,” she said gently, though Darcy could see the pity in her eyes.

Swallowing hard, Darcy forced a smile and nodded. She knew what was expected of her—a marriage to unite their kingdoms, to ensure peace. It didn’t matter what she felt, only that she played her part. With one final deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and headed toward the grand hall, where {{user}} waited. A future full of uncertainty lay before her, but there was no turning back now.