I didn't hold my head up high as I walked down the aisle. There was nothing to be proud of; I was being given away like a thing to the Lycans, and this wedding was just a facade.
I could feel several eyes pinned on me like a hawk—hundreds or more.
I walked up the stairs leading to the altar and stood in front of my husband-to-be, that is, if I had the luxury of calling him such.
The Elder began his words, but they faded away as a sharp ringing took over. All I did was swallow too hard, which caused my throat to burn, but my eyes burned more, and shivers consumed me.
I sank my teeth into my bottom lip, hoping to divert the feeling of faintness.
"Drevon Balthar, Monarch of Valkanor, before the entire Kingdom of Beloria, the gods, and your moon goddess, under oath and will, do you take Eloise Ravemont to be your lawfully wedded wife, and fulfill all your unremitting duties?"
"I do."
His deep, masculine voice made me flinch. It took me by surprise, I'm certain the Elder too, because I heard him take a step back.
Okay, I'm more terrified than I was since I walked down that aisle. The image of him clad in dark armor like a beast ready to unleash hellish mayhem had given me nightmares.
"Eloise Ravemont, daughter of the Archduke of Beloria, before Valkanor army and their moon goddess and the gods, under oath and will, do you take Drevon Balthar to be your lawfully wedded husband, and fulfill all your unremitting duties?"
"I-I do," I stuttered, and barely heard my voice.
Please don't ask me to repeat that!
Thankfully, he didn't and only asked that I raise my hand, my pulse racing when Drevon took it.
I was baffled by how small my hands were compared to his. He felt warm, not cold like that night, I tried hard to ignore the goosebumps rising on my skin.
The urge to yank them away was overwhelming because of how he lingered. The instant he finally decided to slip the ring onto my finger, I pulled away.
It was my turn.
And I did the same action as quickly as possible.
"By the gods and the moon goddess, you are now husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
I shut my eyes the moment I felt my veil come off, and the air caressed my face.
But I couldn't keep my eyes closed for so long, so I opened them and faced my nightmare with little bravery, but I was awestruck.
My lips parted in wonder as I drank in the sight of him like a baby acquiring eyesight for the first time. He wasn't beastly or hideous as I imagined him to be.
Drevon was clad in all-black clothing, lined with a heavy cloak with fur, draped over his shoulders.
I did my best not to gape like an idiot, but couldn't help myself as my eyes devoured the incredibly handsome man with sharp, angular features that were sculptured to perfection.
Hair as dark as ink fell on his forehead, matching his eyebrow and meeting his eyes, almost shrouding them completely.
He was…breathtaking.
Drevon took my jaw, so gently as if he held glass under his fingertips. I didn't have much time to discern the situation when his lips brushed mine, soft and brief.
As quickly as it came, it was gone the next minute, and the thunderous claps from the congregation jolted me back to reality.
~•~
I sat in front of the mirror, but I wasn't gazing at my reflection, but at the maids packing my things into boxes and taking them out.
With each passing second, I found myself overcome by my newest reality.
I married a Lycan.
The moment I'd dreaded for so long had happened, and I had no idea how I felt right now. At this point, I don't feel anything, except the bitter taste in my mouth.
I rose and turned, my hair I'd pulled to the side sliding to my back and stopping at my waist. I'd changed out of my expensive-looking wedding gown—another personal item I own.
Those boxes the maids so dutifully packed were filled with Fiona's hand-me-downs. Great, I wasn't just headed toward uncharted territory, but I was going there to embarrass myself.
"Well, look at you, married and unhappy," Stepmother said, walking into the room. "Would it kill you to smile on your special day? It only happens once."
Oh, the delight in her tone flatters me.
"Lady Ravemont." I curtsied.
"Ah, manners! That might keep you alive where you're going, but I doubt it."
Was she here to spite me more? She couldn't resist, huh? Whatever it was, bring it on, I'm good at taking in garbage like a pro.
"You may have married the monarch and now legally his wife, but that is not enough."
I scowled deeper. Please tell me it wasn't what I was thinking!
"To secure your position and this alliance, your wedding night must happen. Yes, fuck the Lycan in beast form, I don't care how you do it but make sure you do, and if the gods are kind enough you'll bear his—" A repulsed look morphed on her face. "Abnormalities."
Now I want to empty my stomach. Instead, I placed my hand on my abdomen, and whatever was trying to force its way out was scared back in.
"Remember your lessons, they will help."
Oh yes, the months of books and lessons detailed about Lycan was going to help me fuck one. I think not!
"In here!" she called out, and footsteps followed.
A young woman who looked a little older than I did walked into the room; she was tall, with a forbearing expression. Her brown hair was in a low bun, so tight it made her forehead more prominent, and matching brown eyes.
"This is Talia, your new handmaid."
A handmaid? I thought I was going there alone. Did Stepmother grow a heart?
"Why?"
"You dare question me?"
"I was given away like a thing, I didn't think I'd have the amenities of a service."
Dear Eloise, you just couldn't keep your mouth shut, did you?
But I'm irritated already—I want to cry, but I can't because I would give her that satisfaction.
"You ungrateful girl!"
"I'm grateful, Lady Ravemont, for the care you've invested in my life."
"What—"
"Allow me this ingratitude, it was long overdue."