Rushed Vows
1040 Words
Sera Veylan
The wedding was beautiful enough to make strangers believe in love at first sight...
Well, that was the slogan Father and Alaric Kaed were selling.
White roses covered the cathedral right down to the front lawn, while silver chandeliers reflected across the hall like moonlight captured at its brightest.
This was the dream of many.
But to me, it was a nightmare.
I walked through the little crowd of nobles dressed in top designers' suits and glittering gowns while cameras flashed endlessly.
Everything was perfect.
To the women seated, I was the luckiest.
But unknown to them, I was walking down the aisle to seal the deal of my cage.
A gilded cage made of golden bars.
I had no say.
No opinion.
No voice.
Mate bond or not, I was to marry him.
“You shall marry Alaric Kaed, give him an heir, and be the woman he wants you to be.”
Those were the words of Father.
I didn’t object.
I didn’t ask why I was suddenly pulled away mid-mission and how the syringe, which had fallen from my hand, had gone missing within seconds.
That night happened too fast, all in a blur.
I remembered him addressing me as his mate, the syringe falling, and the next thing I knew, I was standing before Father, watching him and Alaric toast drinks and shake hands like longtime friends.
“This is an opportunity for all three factions to gain equality. Humans gain influence, the Lycan Council avoids political instability, and the Veylan Syndicate secures power, political backing, and resources.”
Soren had whispered those words at one point.
I walked closer to the altar.
He extended a hand, helping me up to his level.
My silk gown trailed behind me, a dress that cost more than most people earned in years, yet I was wearing it for a day.
A couple of hours only.
Beside him at the altar, we listened to the vows.
Vows about the preachings of a good home and the emphasis on forgiveness.
Alaric looked like something out of a novel cover.
The perfect example of a man with class, style, money, and looks.
He stood tall, towering a little over me, but the height difference was cute.
Something I only dared wish for.
But here I was.
And so was he.
“Do you, Alaric Kaed, accept this union beneath the moon law and blood oath of holy matrimony?”
Alaric’s jaw tightened slightly.
He glanced at me for a while as if weighing his odds.
“I do.”
His voice was calm but firm.
But the knot in my stomach didn’t loosen.
The priest turned to me.
“And do you, Sera Veylan?"
My gaze tilted slightly toward my father.
I didn’t hear the rest of the words.
But as I turned back, I accepted.
“I do.”
The vows ended.
Papers were signed, and wine was exchanged, like the transaction this truly was.
The hall erupted with applause.
Guests congratulated us.
Cameras flashed endlessly.
And Riven, that little devil, sat in the front row looking deeply entertained by the entire situation, while Soren dared not meet my eyes.
The celebration continued till late into the night, but I had long escaped to the quiet balcony of the Kaed estate.
A place I would from now on henceforth call home.
My things were already arranged in a room now known as mine.
Everything had moved horribly quickly.
Like I blinked, and boom, it all just happened.
I don’t know when Father left.
He didn’t search for me.
Neither did Mother nor Lyris.
The only person who spared me a little of his time was Riven.
We joked.
He laughed.
And I knew that would be the last time I would be allowed to be so close to him without consequences.
Somehow, I found my way to my new room after Riven left.
The music had not died down, but most of the guests had long gone, and there was still no sign of my supposed husband.
Not that I cared.
I was too exhausted to think of another.
I got to my room, quickly freshened up, and stepped out.
The moment I did, my breath caught, and my fingers tightened around my towel.
“Don’t tell me you forgot about the most interesting part of tonight."
Alaric slurred, every breath accompanied by the stench of alcohol.
“No... but..."
“No buts, sweetie. You will do as Father says.”
“I know, and I will perform my duties. You do not need."
Slap.
My face twisted to the side as I stumbled backward.
The metallic taste of blood spread through my mouth.
“I paid so much for you, and you will do as you are told. Give me an heir and be a loving wife and caring mother.”
And that was it.
The word that kept me bound.
My jaw clenched, and my eyes blinked as I fought back tears for the very first time in my life.
I was not a wife.
I was the property of another.
So, like every owned thing, I did as I was told.
I let the tower fall without complaint.
I climbed onto the bed as ordered and spread like a frog placed on water.
No objections.
No will.
Only regret.
And like a doll, my body was manipulated into every angle and position.
Pain spread through my legs.
I shivered and bit down on my lips, but not a sound escaped those perfect lips, as he called them.
Growing up, I heard rumors.
Mates loved their partners with everything.
Their bodies craved them, and their souls were intertwined.
I guess in my case, I fell under unfortunate.
I can’t deny the desire at first glance, the heat that came from within, or the sudden urge to be with him.
But every curiosity I had vanished that night.
Any admiration died.
It was my first.
And he was nothing but a beast.
I wished it would be my last.
But when has the moon ever been kind?
Moreover, I didn’t come to marry for pleasure.
I married to breed an heir. Father’s orders.
And that I must.
- Writer
