"I, Alpha Lance will protect what belongs to me," he started, moving closer to me and pushing her chin up, "Cherish it because I don't ever share.."
My heart thumped wildly in my chest as he looked me over. Focusing on my eyes,
"And in front of everyone here, I acknowledge that I'm married to Aurora Mathews, soon to be coronated Luna of Crestwood." He said, taking his hand away, no other expression on his face.
I gulped as I gingerly placing my hand on the book, "I…Aurora..um.."I took a deep breath, feeling like I saying goodbye to my freedom and happiness forever.
"Milady?" I turned to the council man who gave me a look saying I should continue. I cleared my throat and looked back at Alpha Lance who's expression turned to one of annoyance.
"I, Aurora..will cherish and protect.." I took another breath, realizing that unlike him, I couldn't paraphrase the vows my way and I didn't understand why he did. "And in front of everyone, I acknowledge my marriage to Alpha Lance Hale of Cresthowl."
There were instant clapping as everyone proceeded to stand up. The councilman closed the book and turned to the Beta, who brought a cushion with a little emerald crown and presented it to, Alpha Lance.
I watched as he took it, examined it and placed it rather carefully on my head.
"All hail, the Alpha and all hail the Luna, may the goddess bless their matrimony!"
The whole castle seemed to chorus the same words over and over again, as I stood watching and trembling inwardly.
After the vows were exchanged, I couldn't help but feel a pang of despair. I was resigned to my fate, but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing a piece of myself in the process. I was no longer Aurora, but merely the unwanted bride of the Alpha King.
The ceremony finally came to an end, and the Alpha turned, taking my hand in his. I flinched at his touch, feeling a surge of apprehension as he led me away from the throne room. Ignoring the bows and greetings he got.
We walked up marble falls, all the way to his chambers, the Alpha chambers guarded by two large men.
The doors were opened and when we stepped inside, my mouth opened in surprise.
The chambers were grand and imposing, with high vaulted ceilings, luxurious carpets, and towering windows that flooded the room with a light from the moon. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and ancient artifacts, a display of wealth and power that was meant to intimidate and impress. The bed was large and ornate, with silk sheets and plush pillows that invited you to sink into it. It was a room fit for a king, or in this case, an Alpha.
I was amazed. I couldn't have only dreamed to be in a luxurious room like this, as I looked around my gaze travelled back to him and I saw his cold expression on his face.
"Let me make this clear, Aurora," he said, his voice as devoid of emotion as his expression. "This marriage is purely for political reasons. There will be no emotion involved, no love. You will fulfill your duties as my wife, and nothing more."
His words were like a blow to the chest, knocking the wind out of me. I had known that our marriage was strategic, but to hear it stated so coldly and without a trace of empathy was jarring. I nodded, not trusting my voice as I tried to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over.
"Very well, Alpha Lance." I managed to say as I bowed, my voice barely above a whisper.
Without another word, Lance turned and started to leave the room, "Take a bath and wait for me." He said as he walked out of the door.
I stood there, all alone, clutching to the sides of my large dress.
I felt the weight of his dismissal like a heavy cloak, settling over my shoulders and threatening to suffocate me. I took a deep breath, steeling myself as I explored the lavish chamber.
As I roamed the room, my eyes fell on a door on the right and inside was a luxurious bathtub. The marble tub was large enough to fit two people comfortably, and it was adorned with intricate carvings and adorned with golden fixtures. The sight of it made me long for a moment of peace and solitude, a brief reprieve from the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.
I undressed slowly, my mind heavy with thoughts of my uncertain future. I took off my dress and arranged it on the chair in the room with the jewelry.
I made my way to the tub and as I stepped into the warm, fragrant water, a sense of calm washed over me. The water soothed my body and mind, easing the tension that had built up over the course of the day. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to simply exist in that moment, finding ease in the quiet solitude of the bath.
As I bathed, I couldn't help but wonder what my future held. Would this marriage be nothing but a cold, emotionless transaction? Would I be condemned to a life devoid of love and warmth? The thought was unbearable, and yet, it seemed to be the fate that awaited me.
Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed the door opening and Lance entering the room. His eyes landed on me in the bath, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face before he schooled his features into indifference once more.
"I trust the bath is to your liking," he said, his voice lacking the harshness from before.
I nodded, unable to find my voice as I continued to soak in the warm water. I felt the embarrassment creeping up my cheeks as I pushed my self deeper into the water and refusing to look up at him.
"Good," he said simply, turning to leave the room once more. But before he did, he dropped what looked like a night outfit on the chair for me.
I felt a surge of frustration and sadness welling up within me, threatening to spill over like the bathwater. I wanted to scream, to fight against the fate that had been thrust upon me. But instead, I remained silent, knowing that resistance would only lead to more pain and suffering.
I stepped out of the bath and dried myself off, going to pick up what he left.
It was a silk night dress with a transparent lace overall jacket, the color of peach. I put it on and left the bathroom, stepping back in the bedroom to see Lance already waiting for me.
He wasn't wearing a shirt and was holding a glass of some drink I'm his hand, when he turned to see me, the expression on his face turned to something I didn't recognized, it went by so quickly I'm not even sure I ever saw it.
"Come here." He said and I walked gingerly towards him, trying to keep my gaze away from his hard chest. He came close taking my hands and leading me to stand next to the bed, my heart beating wildly in my chest.
"Will this be your first time?"
My cheeks burned as I slowly nodded, feeling embarrassed and a little terrified all of a sudden.
He watched me for a while and came closer. His hands went for my hair, running his fingers through it as he came closer.
"Another reason I married you is for an heir." His gaze was on my hair and I felt the sadness overwhelm me slowly. "You know that, right?"
I nodded slowly. I did.
I had been told by my stepfather before he brought me here that the Alpha had been trying for a heir for quite a while, so I got the idea of what was to happen.
"I meant all I said in the vows,"I looked up at him, his eyes gleaming "I protect what I own and from this night on, I own you Aurora."
Before I could let that sink in, I felt his lips crashing down on mine, his hands going to hold my cheek in place as we both felt my resistance slip away.
He pulled back and push me gently on the soft bed, covering me with his body, "I'll try…to be gentle." He said and then slowly, ever so slowly he bent forward to continue the kiss, licking and sucking my lips. His hands found it's way up to my breasts and pulling down the side of the night dress, he squeezed it lightly to hear her moan. I didn't want to and I personally was surprised by it.
But that seemed to please Lance because, he kept doing it, and soon replacing his hands with his lips.
"La–Lance.." I stammered, suddenly feeling heady and embarrassed at the same time. He didn't seem to care or stop and kept going and I honestly couldn't stop myself from making a sound, every touch of his on my breasts made my toes tinkle. My face was already red as I tried to look away, not a wanting to acknowledge the fact that I loved the wetness of his tongue on my n****e and began sighing in pleasure as he did the same thing to the other breast.
Soon his hands went down to her panties as he yanked it off and his fingers already gliding across the flesh in between. Subconsciously, I sprung up but he held me down, repeating the words from earlier,
"I will be gentle." He said, staring into my eyes before his gaze traveled to my lips and his descended on them once more.