The carriage ride to the castle was bumpy, but that was nothing new to me. I gazed outside, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar location and landscape. I never cared for traveling much – my life couldn't fit into a single suitcase. Glancing at my side, I realized the suitcase I had chosen was clearly too small to hold all my belongings. Unfortunately, I had no other option.

  Who needed belongings when one was about to marry the wealthiest man in my kingdom? My mother shot me a sideways glance as the carriage jolted over another rock, as if my already sour mood had somehow worsened the journey.

  "Stop sulking and smile," she chided, the fine wrinkles around her mouth creasing as she demonstrated the smile I was expected to wear. I attempted to mirror her expression, but all I received in return was a scoff. "Not like that, you'll smudge your makeup."

  I squeezed my eyes shut, attempting to think the way she did, but it only caused a throbbing headache. The carriage jolted to a stop, nearly sending my belongings flying in all directions. I rushed to my small suitcase, aware that even though it contained only a few items, they held great value to me. An odd knocking sound emitted from the suitcase, as if it too expressed its discontent with the tumultuous journey. The knocking persisted, creating a peculiar rhythm accompanied by a tribal-like noise. Sometimes, I swore that everyone could hear it, yet they couldn't.

  My mother seemed unfazed, her final scoff directed at me as if it would be the last I would ever receive.

  "We have arrived. Behave, child," she remarked, as the horses grumbled in response to the sudden halt. The coachman approached the door, opening it and allowing the sunlight to flood in as I beheld the sight of my future home.

  "This is insane," I gasped loudly. The castle that stood before me appeared as though it had been plucked from a distant fairytale, embodying everything one would expect. Towering walls, crafted from pristine white stone, reached towards the heavens with a commanding presence. Each stone was adorned with intricate carvings, though their meaning eluded me.

  "Close your mouth, dear, don't appear too impressed," my loving mother advised, but I was too engrossed in examining every detail of my new home to pay her much attention. The servants had assembled outside, forming a line and patiently awaiting our arrival. As I looked upon them, they all bowed deeply in reverence.

  "Welcome home, my lady," one of them said, a short man in his sixties with a warm smile. I had always possessed a keen intuition when it came to discerning people's intentions—whether they would hinder me or allow me to have my way. This man seemed to lean towards the latter. As the coachman retrieved my suitcase and lifted it outside, the mysterious object within began to hum again. Amidst the breathtaking view that unfolded before me, I had momentarily forgotten about it. Hastily, I reached out to grasp the suitcase, managing to do so just in time, a nervous smile tugging at my lips.

  "Oh, my daughter, always so thoughtful," my mother remarked, punctuating her words with a hurtful elbow to my stomach. The servant, witnessing this exchange, arched an eyebrow skeptically. However, he swiftly replaced the expression with another smile and bowed deeply.

  "If you would please follow me, the wedding is scheduled for tomorrow, as you both are aware. His Majesty had hoped to have the opportunity to get to know both of you before... but regrettably, his Majesty has been occupied with pressing matters. Nevertheless, he extends his warmest welcome."

  My mother gracefully bowed, her gray hair glistening in the sunlight that bathed us. "He will be missed, but I find solace in knowing that he takes such good care of us even in his absence."

  The servant nodded in acknowledgment. "If you will accompany me to your respective quarters, I will introduce you to your personal attendants."

  With my mother leading confidently, I followed closely behind, my grip on the suitcase handle tightening. A mix of excitement and unease coursed through me as we passed through the castle's grand entrance, leaving the outer walls behind and venturing deeper into its inner castle.

  As we stepped into the magnificent interior, a wave of awe washed over me. The grandeur within surpassed even the splendor of the castle's exterior. The atmosphere held a subtle hint of antiquity, a primal essence that seemed to resonate with the mysterious entity enclosed within my suitcase. Ah, yes, I needed to attend to that peculiar item within my possession. If left unattended, it had the potential to devour not only my belongings but possibly even me. I couldn't allow that to happen.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  I pressed my hand against my stomach, letting out a soft whimper in hopes of garnering some sympathy. The servant paused in his stride and turned towards me, concern etched on his face.

  "Is something the matter?" he inquired gently. Meanwhile, my mother rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by my actions.

  "I have a stomachache. I was wondering if I could be excused to my private chambers," I requested, attempting to infuse my voice with a lighter, sweeter tone.

  "Oh, don't be ridiculous, Lillian," my mother retorted, dismissing my discomfort. She then redirected her attention to the servant. "She's just being difficult. Please don't pay her any mind."

  "I must, Madam," the servant replied with another respectful bow. "As Miss Dawnsworn is soon to become my queen at dawn, her wishes shall be granted."

  Before my mother could voice her objections, the servant swiftly gestured, summoning additional staff members. In no time, I found myself bidding farewell to my mother and walking towards my future private chambers, distinct from the room I would eventually share with my husband. The thought brought a slight blush to my cheeks.

  As I entered my designated room within the castle, my eyes widened in awe at the sight of its breathtaking opulence. The space exuded a sense of grandeur and comfort, meticulously designed to indulge and please its occupant.

  At the heart of the room stood a magnificent four-poster bed, adorned with cascading silk curtains in the most delicate hue. The sheets and pillows showcased intricate embroidery, depicting patterns of flowers and swirling vines. The mattress itself appeared as though it could cradle one in the softest of clouds. However, I couldn't simply dive into its inviting embrace just yet—I had to maintain a semblance of dignity as my retinue of twenty maids bustled around me, ensuring my comfort.

  The youngest maid, Arabella, approached me with a timid smile. Her plump lips and curvaceous figure gave her an endearing appearance. "My lady, my name is Arabella, and I will be at your service from this day forward. Please inform me if there is anything I can do for you."

  "May I have a moment alone, please?" I requested, my head throbbing as the noise from the mysterious item in my suitcase grew increasingly loud. Arabella nodded, but her expression seemed tense. I wondered if my request had been too demanding for her.

  They promptly exited the room, leaving me alone with the enigmatic creature in my possession. I murmured apologies to the peculiar object as I began to unlock the steady and rusted hinges of my suitcases.

  Just as I was struggling to open them, a sudden commotion erupted outside the room. A loud crash followed by the shattering of a vase echoed through the air. I could hear Arabella's voice, offering hurried apologies and excuses to someone, clearly distressed by the incident.

  "Yes, Your Highness," Arabella's voice responded, "she insisted on being left alone."

  Another voice, deep and commanding, joined the conversation. It was unmistakably the king. I took a deep breath and released my grip on the suitcase, allowing the door to swing open.

  The king entered the room, and nobody dared to follow him. His strides were purposeful, his hair neatly trimmed, and his beard meticulously groomed. To my surprise, a sarcastic smile played upon his lips, catching me off guard.

  "Your Highness," I addressed him, bowing respectfully. The king stood motionless for a moment before gesturing for me to rise.

  "Lillian, the pleasure is truly mine!" he exclaimed, his voice possessing a deep, melodic quality. If one could be lulled to sleep by a voice alone, that would have been my fate. His charm and handsome appearance only added to his captivating demeanor. "I apologize for not greeting you earlier. I was preoccupied with political matters." He gazed at me intently, a smile gracing his lips. "My goodness, you are absolutely stunning."

  I furrowed my brow, attempting to conceal the delight his words brought me. Suddenly, he reached out and took hold of my hand, pressing a gentle kiss to its back. My cheeks flushed involuntarily, the color rising in response.

  Then, in an instant, the hinges of my suitcase erupted into a cacophony of rattling noise. Startled, I let out a piercing scream without thinking, drawing the king's attention to the source of the disturbance.

  "What is that you have in there?" the king inquired, his smile still lingering on his lips. Before I could offer a response, the suitcase mysteriously opened of its own accord, propelled by an unseen force. The resounding slam of the suitcase reverberated through the room, filling the air with an unsettling tension.

  A sense of urgency seized me as I attempted to warn the king, but my words fell too late. He crouched down, his brow furrowed, his gaze locked onto the unexpected object that now lay exposed within the open suitcase—a hand mirror. The king's surprise was palpable, his thoughts unspoken but unmistakable.

  To my horror, a sinister transformation took hold within the mirror. Teeth, sharp and gleaming, emerged from its once serene reflective surface. They gnashed and gnarled, seemingly hungry for something beyond their ethereal confines. The innocent hand mirror had morphed into a gateway to a dark and menacing realm.

  Before I could let out a warning, the same invisible force that had manipulated the suitcase now seemed to possess the mirror itself. With a swift and violent motion, the mirror lunged forward, snatching the unsuspecting king and pulling him into its depths. In an instant, he vanished, consumed by the insatiable hunger of the mirror.

  I stood there, frozen in disbelief, unable to comprehend the events that had unfolded before my eyes. The mirror returned to its passive state, as if nothing had happened, leaving no trace of the king's presence behind.

  [+10 Life force]

  [10/100 Life force left before next activation]

  My mirror had killed my future husband.

  I had murdered the king.