TER

s arm. The ancient building towered above, its gray stones showing signs of age and stories of many weddings and g

dral. The patterns on her dress hugged her waist before flowing dramatically to the floor, following a traditi

filling the space with its tune. Lord Henri, sensing her nervousness, nudged her forward jus

eremonial robes. The cold, stone walls echoed with whispers and the sound of robes brushing against each other.

orful patterns on the ancient stone floor. Moving through the sacred space, the old gray cathedral stood witness to this big moment, it

no more emotion than if he were standing vigil over a coffin. The frig

vestments. His smile seemed more predatory than warm. Tatiana suppre

de for her sister and approval of this esteemed match. Tatiana thought back to their youth

h the music's rhythm. She passed Dante, her groom's younger brother, barely rest

d her veil with all the tenderness one might show a cow at market before

at the ornate altar to avoid meeting anyone's gaze. She fl

. "Dearly beloved children of our Lord, we are gathered here on this blessed day

res of Orthavius. None of this ring exchange and hand fasting ritual held any real meaning

anguage. "Lord Roman and Lady Tatiana, you m

I take you as my wife. I promise to honor, protect, and provide for you all of o

hese vows, I take you as my husband. I promise to serve, obey, and... bear you child

ted in my by Almighty Orthavius, I now pronounce you man and

mbolic union. Roman swooped forward to lift Tatiana's veil and planted a kiss on her lips.

rozen in Roman's grasp. The searing kiss, devoid of any tenderness, had left her breathless and more appre

Tatiana to the family." Ariana, her face flushed with joy, leaned over and squeezed Tatian

s seat, eyeing her with a predatory gleam. His earlier mockery echoe

ding guests began to rise from their pews. The priest, his s

g hours blurred into a whirlwind of well-wishes, clinking glasses of wine, and forced smi

parents, who beamed at him with a pride that seemed to pierce Tatiana's heart. It was a

grating on her already frayed nerves. She found a secluded corner by a stained-glass w

with her finger, a cold presence ma

, my wife?" he inquired,

ality. "Yes," she lied, averting

. "Lovely? This elaborate char

nded in her chest.

icy. "Let's just say it wasn't exac

mutual respect; it was a calculated move on both their families' parts.

ice to remain steady. "Perhaps not," sh

ms, his gaze unwa

tant murmur of the festivities. Tatiana desperately wished she co

voice called out, "Th

hand. He sauntered towards them, his inebriated swa

inking at her with a sickening leer. "You'll be

rowed. "Dante," he growled, a dangerou