In the Doghouse - Chapter 39
IV.
Before dawn, the northern annex of the imperial palace was brightly lit. Courtney, who had been tossing and turning before finally falling asleep in the early morning, was jolted awake by the sounds of servants bustling in the hallways.
It was finally the day of the wedding. Courtney, today’s bride, had entered the palace the night before to prepare for the first ceremony, which was set to begin in the palace’s prayer room at dawn.
As she rubbed her eyes and let out a long yawn, a gentle voice came from outside the door.
“Lady Devon, are you awake?”
“Y-Yes!”
Immediately, a group of maids poured into the room. It was time to start. Courtney gulped nervously.
A maid, who had returned with her from the Devon residence, brought in warm water for her to wash up. Though her title hadn’t officially changed yet, the maids treated her as the Crown Princess the moment she entered the palace. Their speech, actions, and overall demeanor were noticeably careful and respectful.
Courtney Devon, who had been disregarded even by the servants of dukes and marquises not long ago, was now receiving such treatment. Truly, no one could predict how life would unfold. Dipping her hands into the warm water, Courtney suddenly asked the head maid,
“And what about Ri… His Highness?”
“His Highness is likely already awake. At this time of day, he’s usually at the training grounds.”
Courtney glanced out the window at the dark pre-dawn sky. She had assumed he only ever had lewd thoughts, but it seemed he was more diligent than she thought.
Since their last meeting three days ago, Courtney hadn’t had the chance to see Richard. Apparently, it was tradition for the bride and groom not to meet before the purification ceremony. Though she didn’t understand the significance, Courtney had followed the rules obediently.
After she finished washing up, the maids quickly began assisting her. The preparation was simple—no makeup, her hair neatly braided, and even her undergarments were removed. She was dressed in a stiff, white robe without any waist ties, and thin, paper-like shoes were slipped onto her feet. She felt as if she were wearing a sack rather than clothes. Only then was she ready for the ceremony.
“We need to hurry.”
At the head maid’s urging, Courtney left the room. The place she had stayed the night before was a guest room in the annex. By sunset, she would no longer be a guest but a full-fledged member of the imperial family. The thought filled her with a peculiar sense of emotion.
Despite the early hour, the palace was already bustling with activity. The maids surrounded Courtney, ensuring that none of the palace guards could see her as they moved toward the prayer room. Feeling awkward with nothing under her robe, she took small, shuffling steps.
Once they reached the small, windowless prayer room, the head maid placed a thick cloth over Courtney’s head, blocking her vision. Now, all she could see was the floor near her feet.
The head maid’s assistance ended there. She gave her final instructions.
“You remember, don’t you, Milady? Please follow the floor markings.”
“Yes.”
Courtney nodded, the white cloth shifting as she moved. She wondered if she looked like a ghost. Despite the seriousness of the occasion, the situation struck her as oddly funny.
The door opened, and Courtney stepped into the prayer room, carefully looking for the floor markings as instructed. She slowly followed the faint ‘X’ markings on the ground, taking each step cautiously to avoid stumbling or bumping into anything.
Finally, she saw a small circle, marking where she was supposed to stand. Courtney quickly positioned herself there. Just then, she heard a soft chuckle.
“Courtney, here.”
Ah, Richard. Courtney was happy to hear him but had no idea where he was standing. Soon, she felt him take her arm and gently spin her around.
“This way.”
That’s when she remembered the head maid’s earlier advice—she was supposed to turn in a certain direction when stepping onto the circle. She must have looked ridiculous facing the wrong way. Her face flushed with heat, and the cloth over her head suddenly felt warmer.
“Now, we shall begin.”
A deep voice from above—likely the priest—announced the start of the ceremony. Courtney adjusted her posture.
Standing there, blind to everything around her, the purification ceremony dragged on. The priest chanted prayers in an ancient language she couldn’t understand, sprinkled water into the air, then burned papers while continuing to recite prayers. Sweat began to bead on Courtney’s forehead under the thick cloth.
Ugh, I’m so sleepy.
Half-asleep, Courtney was startled awake by the priest’s voice.
“You may now see the bride’s face.”
As someone reached for her veil, Courtney hurriedly cried out.
“Wait! Wait a moment!”
“Huh? Courtney, it’s me.”
Richard sounded confused as Courtney frantically grabbed the veil with both hands. The final step of the ceremony was for the bride and groom to see each other’s faces. Was Courtney having second thoughts? Ignoring his confusion, she held onto the veil tightly and spoke in a small, hesitant voice.
“Do I really have to take this off right now?”
“Yes, the purification ceremony is complete.”
The priest spoke firmly, sealing the matter. After a long pause, Courtney mumbled her reply.
“Well, I… I’ve sweated too much.”
Courtney was deeply embarrassed. She hadn’t realized the ceremony would take so long. Having only washed her face, and now sweating profusely, she could only imagine how awful she looked. She must have looked dreadful, enough to cool any romance.
But Richard laughed lightly, brushing her worries aside.
“It’s fine, Courtney. Only I will see.”
