The Silence Before

Princess India stood at the crystal window of her tower chamber, watching rainbow beams dance across the marble floor. Today was her wedding day, and Crystal Cloud Castle sparkled more brilliantly than ever before.

"Your Highness, the guests are arriving!" called Maria, her lady-in-waiting, rushing in with a flutter of silk skirts.

India turned from the window, her purple gown shimmering in the light. "Is Prince Victor ready?"

"He should be in the Great Hall by now," Maria replied, adjusting India's floral hair pins. "The Archbishop is waiting."

India nodded, but something felt different about the castle today. The usual gentle breeze that flowed through the corridors had grown still, and even the crystal chimes hung silent.

"Let's go then," India said, though a strange uneasiness crept into her heart.

The Empty Altar

India hurried down the marble steps with Maria beside her. The Great Hall doors stood wide open, revealing hundreds of guests seated in golden chairs. But the altar was empty.

"Where is Prince Victor?" India whispered.

Archbishop Benedict stepped forward, his white robes flowing. "Your Highness, the Prince has not arrived. We sent servants to his chambers, but they found only this."

He held up a crumpled piece of parchment. India unfolded it with shaking hands. Written in Victor's handwriting were the words: "The tower holds the answer."

"What tower?" Maria asked, looking puzzled.

India's heart sank. Outside the tall windows, she could see a small stone tower she had never noticed before, floating on its own cloud far from the castle.