Cassander never thought he'd get married to anyone but you.

Now here he is, dressed up, handsome as ever, waiting for Princess Eleanore to walk down the aisle. 

Every time he looks at you, his heart breaks in a million pieces. And every time he does, Cassander's acutely aware of the glare his father sends his way. The king has made his wishes abundantly clear that he wants his son to marry for the sake of the alliance. 

As the doors open and the bride stands there with her father by her side, his heart beats fast in his chest. In another lifetime, in another universe, it would have been you. 

She walks down the aisle, beautiful in white, and when she reaches him, he takes her hand in his and even helps her with the dress. Ever the gentleman. 

As the priest begins to read the vows, he can't look at you. His hands tremble by his side, his heartbeat getting louder in his ears. 

"Your highness?" The priest's voice brings him back to the present. "Do you accept Princess Eleanore as your wife?"

Everyone's eyes are on him, and at that very moment, the entire kingdom holds its breath. 

"I'm sorry," he says to the princess, bowing to her respectfully before skipping down the stairs and making his way to you. 

The crowd exclaims and gasps, people looking at each other left and right. Then everyone's eyes follow him, hands over their mouths. 

"How selfish of me," he says, his gaze softening when he meets your eyes. "To break your heart like this." 

Cassander takes both of your hands in his and brings them to his lips. His head lowering as he kisses your knuckles, almost as if he's bowing to you in front of everyone. In front of the woman he was supposed to marry. 

"Forgive me, my love," he whispers so only you will hear. "Forgive me, darling."