I was still trying to assimilate everything that had just happened when he turned to me, his voice steady...as if he hadn't just embarrassed me in front of an entire kingdom.
"The wedding feast will be held in my kingdom," he announced, without hesitation.
"We should be on the road."
Going. Just like that.
Like I was some parcel...sealed, stamped and shipped.
My eyes flicked across the hall, desperate for one last anchor.
And there they were.
Ioana's family. My family, in the only way that mattered.
Cedric's face was carved from stone, but his eyes… oh, those eyes betrayed him. They looked like they wanted to reach out, to tether me back.
Alistair wasn't fooling me either. That grin of his wobbled, like he didn't want me to leave.
And the queen...my almost-mother....was dabbing her eyes so furiously it nearly broke me.
I wanted to run to them. To throw off these cursed gowns, trample all over etiquette, and crush them all in one desperate, bone-tight hug.
Because with them, I felt somewhat safe.
But instead, I swallowed hard, straightened my back, and tore my gaze away.
And if anyone saw smoke rising from my head, it wasn't their imagination...it was just me, silently burning holes into my already-husband's skull as he led me toward the chariots.
A line of maids followed behind us, quiet and somber, like I was being escorted to my own funeral.
Who knows what prison of a castle I'm heading to. I thought.
If the prison suits you, I might as well have the guards to make it official. His voice slithered through my thoughts.
I gasped, turning sharply towards him. "What the...did you just talk in my head?"
"Marriage binds the mind. Strong thoughts bleed through."
Why would I want to hear the thoughts of an inconsiderate, arrogant prince of a husband?
His head snapped towards me, eyes cold and calculating.
Oops!
I looked away and walked faster.
The chariot was blinding...white and gold, studded with gemstones that glittered under the sun.
I stared at it, then at him, then at the maids watching us in open confusion.
"Okay. I didn't sign up for this marriage, but seriously...you could've at least gotten me something better."
"A limo. Or a Lamborghini. Heck, even a Porsche." I continued. "Something with AC and leather seats. Not… this oversized pumpkin on wheels."
He froze mid-step. "A… Lam-bor… what sorcery is that?"
" Well if I did sorcery, you think you'll still be here looking like a constipated dog?" I deadpanned.
Someone behind us muffled a laugh.
His eyes narrowed, but he didn't bother replying.
I climbed into the chariot without waiting.
As he bent to follow, I pressed my palm to his chest, blocking him with a dramatic sigh.
"Sorry, buddy. First-class seating."
"Driver," I called sweetly, "We're good to go."
"My lady...but..."
"Move!"
The wheels creaked forward. I leaned out the window, giving him my best evil smirk.
Is this the best you've got, wife?
I scowled. Do me a favor and stop probing my brain. I already have enough noise in here.
I flopped back into the cushioned seat, determined to ignore him. The rocking of the carriage lulled me, and despite my irritation, I drifted into sleep.
The chariot halted sharply, and I woke to torchlight and stone.
The castle loomed ahead...majestic, glittering… and far too quiet for a kingdom welcoming its new bride.
Wedding feast? I knew better than to expect one.
I stepped down...and froze.
He was already there.
My breath caught. "How did he..."
"...beat me here?"
He approached, eyes unreadable.
"The royal court awaits."
I rolled my eyes.
Fantastic. Nothing says "welcome home" like a room full of people waiting to judge you.