When evening came, Rain had been prepared like the previous night and led into the nuptial chambers like a sheep to the abattoir.
Dimly lit lamps, pristine bed covers, the light fragrance of incense and the stingy silk stitches of her dress; it was still the same.
But she wasn't alone this time. The doors opened and footsteps made into the room with a slow stride.
Rain clutched on her dress as Derek's silhouette pulled closer.
The glow of the lamps obscured his expression and she could vaguely make out tousled hair and a white tunic.
He approached where she stood. Her legs were resting on the frame of the four-poster like she feared she might lose her poise.
She followed his keen gaze that took in every side of her and heard him say casually,
"Take off your clothes."
Rain had imagined hundreds of scenarios on first meeting on the night of consummation. Surely, it would be awkward and she would be as timid. But nothing had prepared her for his words.
