I’m married.
For a year, I have feared this moment. It is identical to my dreams, even to the last detail. I’ve never been in Aloysius’s room before, but I recognize it as if it were my own.
My wedding dress drapes across the chair that sits before a tall, ornate-looking mirror. It wouldn’t surprise me if Aloysius spends a lot of time primping in front of it as his servants dress him each morning.
I turn to look at myself in its reflective surface. My hair is still beautifully woven into a long braid, the strands glittering with jewels that can hardly compare to those nestled in the crown that perches atop my head. It was handcrafted for me, made of the finest metals mined from this land.
My lips are pale rose, glossed and full. The black shadow spread across my eyelids makes my violet eyes seem to glow. My skin is flushed, whether from heat or turmoil I can’t tell. The dress that was chosen as my wedding nightgown is hardly more than a slip of sheer fabric. It falls across the top of my bared thigh and laces down the front. Tiny straps are the only thing giving me a hint of modesty.
Thank God I didn’t have to walk around the castle in this!
I lift my gaze to stare about the room, curling my lip with disgust at its lavish decor. The walls are carpeted in fine silks, draping from ceiling to floor. A plush plum carpet cushions my bare feet as I step back from the mirror.
The windows stretch up to the vaulted ceilings, their glass set in crisscrossing sections, each piece a different color. In the dimming light, they create a path before me of blues, reds, yellows, and oranges.
The air is cool against my skin. Goose bumps rise along my arms as I pace. It won’t be long until he comes. I can still remember my internal screams as I heard myself speak the vows that bound me to him. Just beyond him I could see the effort that it took Bastien not to leap forward and strike Aloysius down right then and there, but somehow I managed to shake my head.
I remember his eyes widening in surprise and I knew I’d somehow broke through Aloysius’s control. It was only for a moment, but it was something. Something I’ve only dreamed was possible. Maybe I really can learn to shut Aloysius from my mind.
A door opens and closes behind me and I take a breath, preparing myself for what I know will come after. The instant Aloysius steps into sight, I feel the haze fall over my mind and a smile curves my lips.
“My king.” I dip low in greeting as he approaches. I notice he has already removed his shoes as I lower my gaze.
He places a hand upon my arm and lifts me up. His smile is broad as he pulls me to him. “You’re my wife now, dearest. There will be no more bowing.”
I smile hesitantly as he slides his arm around me and pulls me so close I can feel the buttons of his suit jacket digging into my stomach. “Our guests?”
“Are leaving.” He grins, leaning in to press his lips against my temple. He draws back and does the same with the other. His free hand settles upon my waist, his fingers kneading my side. I can feel his growing urgency. “There’ll be no one bothering us tonight.”
That’s what you think.
My smile falters. I can see it in the mirror. Confusion pinches the corners of my eyes as I stiffen in his arms. “Illyria?” I blink and realize he’s looking down at me. “Is everything all right?”
I start to answer, but I feel a feather-light touch in my mind and gasp. Aloysius’s gaze narrows and the touch increases. I can feel him.
“Yes,” I manage a rather convincing smile and press my hand against his chest. “I’m just… I’m nervous, I suppose.”
His gaze grows tender with understanding as he shifts his hand to hold my chin. He places a soft kiss upon the tip of my nose, like a father would for a child with a cut on her knee. “I promise I’ll be gentle.”
A deep flush rises along my cheeks as the odd touch in my mind fades away. Apprehension ripples through me as he lowers his hand to grasp mine, pulling me toward the bed.
It stands nearly as high as my waist and is circular in shape. A mountain of pillows leans against the curved headboard, each one white but with different patterns. Some with fury patches, some soft as leather, and others shiny. The blanket looks soft and fluid, like water rippling on a moonlit pond. It is made of a black material that I’m unfamiliar with.
Aloysius pauses by the table that stands beside the bed and removes the crown from his head. It glints of yellow gold and clanks softly as he sets it down. He motions for me to come closer and raises his hands to remove mine as well.
The weight of it is freeing as he unwinds it from my hair. Jewels shimmer as they fall from my hair and onto the ground. I gasp and sink down to retrieve them, but Aloysius laughs and tugs me back up. “Leave them. You’re far more precious than those rocks.”