Together they walked into the chapel. It was eight pews total, with four on each side. Each wooden pew was able to seat seven people. Every single pew was filled. Bouvier held her hand as she walked down the aisle towards the altar. Her veil covered her face and she was happy about that.
She couldn't face these people or her groom for that matter. Sylvie kept looking forward. A few moments later, she arrived at the altar. She noticed then her groom was not there. She was relieved honestly.
Bouvier left her there alone. The priest recited the rights and made her recite her vows. "Do you promise to love, honor and obey all your life?"
Those words had a stinging finality. She waited a full 10 seconds before answering. "I do." When she said that an older gentleman whose face was half-covered with a mask applauded her.
Just as quickly as the ceremony had started, it was over. Everyone was quickly exiting the chapel without so much as congratulations to Sylvie. The older gentleman whose face was half-covered with a white porcelain mask alongside Bouvier walked up to her. He smiled at her and spoke, "Hello, Sylvie. I am King Adolf. I am your father-in-law. Welcome, to your new family. I want to apologize on behalf of my son. I know it is strange for a groom to miss his wedding, but he had some very urgent business that could not be postponed come up. He should return within the next few weeks. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to let me or Ms. Bouvier know." He kissed the back of her hand and left.
She was escorted out of the chapel and back to the bedroom, by Whitly. When he was about to leave she spoke. "You don't have to lock me in. I'm not going to run away."
"You mistake this, Milady. I lock the door as a precautionary measure. It is for your safety, and at the request of master Randolph when he is away. When he arrives back from his trip. I will be sure to ask him about it." He closed the door and locked it.
Yes, this was her new prison...
| Randolf |
Randolf had made everyone lie to Sylvie. He had watched his wedding from the small bell tower above. His heart had felt as if it would pound out of his chest when he saw Sylvie (She looked a stark contrast) to what he had grown accustomed to seeing as the wolf by her side. Gone were her denim breaches and many layers of shirts underneath the worn, brown leather jacket. His Sylvie looked the part of his blushing bride.
He was hidden away and could still see how beautiful she was. Looking on, he had to admit to himself that he preferred seeing her in her day-to-day attire. Randolf continued to watch from afar as Madame Bouvier spoke to Sylvie, then assisted her by placing the bridal veil over her face before making their way into the chapel. Randolf had tried convincing himself the reason he didn't attend his own wedding was that he had to be on alert for Lycans, but deep down, he was nervous to see her in his human form. Women didn't find the same qualities he had as a wolf endearing when he was human.
Her initial reaction to him as a man weighed heavy on his mind. He had to visit her bedchambers tonight. The following morning he was heading back to Canis Island to rid it of the pests known as the Lycans. He had visited Nikan earlier. His friend and second-in-command was in a coma. The Physician said he had lost a great deal of blood.
There were no wedding festivities.
Randolf waited until the manor settled before coming to Sylvie. He had fought mighty battles with formidable foes but never did her feel this self-conscious and nervous as he was seeing the woman who saved his life...
Sylvie hadn't been expecting anyone to visit her. Let alone her new husband. She was startled when she heard her door unlocking. She had been looking at a book filled with different watercolor paintings of colorful bouquets of flowers. She had been enjoying it.
She quickly put the book down and stood up. She saw a man enter her room. He had dark, slightly curled hair and tan skin dusted with dark body hair. He was dressed like a royal. He wore an all-black military uniform.
She saw he had many medals pinned to his jacket. He seemed to take up a lot of space in the room. She stood inches beside the foot of her bed. He took a step towards her. She took one back.
She had to look up at him. In his human form, he was 6'3, 275 pounds of lean muscle. He undid the clasp of his cape. With a flourish, he removed it. Sylvie didn't know what to say or do. Her husband was a stranger.
"You have no need to fear me. I will not harm you." He informed her.
She said nothing and still did not move from her spot. He could tell she was not scared and shocked to see him. Madame Bouvier had told her she would not see him until a week from now.
"Do you know who I am?" He asked, searching her delicate features.
This was the first time he had been this close to her since his untimely departure from the island. She was much cleaner than he had ever recalled. Her woodsy scent was now replaced by a rose-scented soap. Tonight, she wore a thin lace white gown with a satin wrapper over it. Her hair was down.
She looked like the perfect virginal bride.
"Y-yes. I know who you are." She stammered. "You are my husband."
"I am." He confirmed. "Welcome to your new home. I apologize for not making it to our nuptials. I had more pressing matters. I am sure with time I will be able to redeem myself." He offered.
She was surprised at his kindness. Men like him were not known for that trait. Sylvie didn't know what to say. So she said nothing.
His voice filled the loud silence. "Have you enjoyed your stay so far?" He asked.
She looked down at her lap. She debated whether or not she should lie to her stranger/husband. She decided against it, feeling like it would be bad luck to start a marriage with a lie.
She told the truth. "No. Not really. I have only seen the inside of this room and the chapel we were married in. I do not recall how I came to be here, Your Grace."
Randolf felt a pang of guilt. He had told Whitley to keep a close eye on her and to make sure nothing bad happened to her, not confine her and lock her in his quarters. No matter how nice his bedchamber and living quarters were, they were still foreign and a prison to her. She was no doubt scared and felt alone. He reminded himself to speak with Whitley in the morning concerning his strict behavior towards Sylvie. She was not a prisoner.
This was her new home. She was family. He had considered her such when she saved his life. He was more concerned with how she would fit in Loux Garoux's strict rules. They admired the strength and despised weakness.
Another reason they detested humans so much. For Loux Garoux males, the greatest honor was to die fighting in battle. The Loux Garoux were taught to fight with their words, eyes, swords, hands, and teeth. A female Loux Garoux's responsibility was to raise brave males and strong, enduring females. A right of passage for a young Loux Garoux was to give them a sword and shield, send them out into the wilderness, and return only when you have brought home food.
If they did not, they were killed. Could Sylvie handle all of that? He had just wanted her here with him. He couldn't leave her to suffer a fate worse than death.
"My lord, may I ask a q-question?" Even to her own ears, she sounded timid and weak.
"You may." He said.
"Since we are now wed, did you do as you promised and spare the villagers' lives?"
He was caught off guard by her question. He looked at her. He detected no hidden agenda in her question. He hadn't expected her to ask.
He answered her honestly, "I have no interest in harming the town's people since we are wed now. I will keep my promise. Unfortunately, others wish to upend the peace/co-existence on Canis Island."
That tidbit of news got her attention.
He continued, "I am doing my best to resolve it."
Sylvie felt the weight she had been carrying on her shoulders moves to her gut. She knew the culprits he spoke of. She couldn't tell him. Ever. God only knew what he would do to her if he found out.
Her mother and Amaruq were becoming more than a nuisance. They were dangerous. They sat in uncomfortable silence.
He spoke once more. "I will be sleeping here tonight."