Game of Vows

Time to Go

BLUEBELL

The scent of roses filled the grand cathedral. The sound of the organ should have been beautiful, should have symbolized love and devotion but to me, it was the sound of a door slamming shut. The door to my freedom and happiness.

I walked down the aisle as if I was walking to my own execution. My father was seated in the front row, his hands clenched into fists on his lap. Beside him, two men dressed in black stood with guns holstered at their sides, as though to remind us what was at stake. Father refused to meet my gaze. He was helpless.

Makari had transported us all back, with his private jet and we arrived just few hours to our wedding.

I wished I could run out but there was no where to go. My father and sister’s lives were hanging on the balance. The guests whispered in hushed tones as I passed. Everyone knew this wasn’t a wedding of love but a transaction.

And then, there he was.

Standing at the altar, waiting for me. the man who had emerged from the shadows of my worst nightmare. His tailored black suit fitted his powerful frame like a second skin. His dark hair was slicked back, revealing a face so identical to his brother’s yet so terrifyingly different, the only thing that set him apart – besides the suffocating aura of danger and his eyes.

When I reached the altar, he extended a hand towards me. I hesitated for a fraction of a second but the subtle shift in the guards’ stances behind my father reminded me of the consequences.

The priest cleared his throat, beginning the ceremony in a monotone voice as if this was just another business transaction. I barely heard him. My heart pounded and my breathing shallowed. The vows came next.

“I, Makari Ricci, take you, Bluebell Stuart, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold. In sickness and in health....... till death do us part,”

There was something about the way he said ‘death’ that made me shiver. The priest turned to me. “Bluebell, repeat after me.”

My lips parted but no sound came out. My fingers trembled around the bouquet. I could feel every pair of eyes on me, expecting. I turned my head slightly, just enough to see my father. One wrong move and he would die. One wrong move and my sister would be next.

“I, Bluebell Stuart take you, Makari Ricci.... to be.. to be my lawfully wedded.. husband..” The words snuck out, barely above a whisper. Makari’s smirk widened as the rings were exchanged and we were pronounced man and wife.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

My breath hitched and he turned towards me. I tried to step back but his grip was unyielding. He leaned in and his lips brushed against my ear.

“You look terrified.” He whispered and my entire body went rigid. Instead of pressing his lips fully against mine, he barely grazed the corner of my mouth; a cruel taunt. A ghost of a kiss. The guests erupted into applause.

The reception was held in an extravagant ballroom, chandeliers casting golden light across the room. Everything about the setting was grand, from the velvet draped tables to the expensive floral arrangements.

I sat stiffly beside Makari at the head table, barely touching the extravagant meal before me. I had no appetite. Not for food. Not for conversation. Guests approached, offering empty congratulations and forced smiles. I could barely hear them. My mind was elsewhere. My father was at a separate table, still guarded.

My sister....

My chest tightened. Where was she? As if reading my thoughts, he leaned closer.

“You are wondering about your sister.” He murmured. He picked up his wine glass, swirling the deep red liquid before taking a slow sip.

“She’s safe.” He said lazily. “For now.”

I clenched my fist beneath the table.

“You’re a monster.” I whispered. He chuckled, his green eyes twinkling with amusement.

“And now, you’re this monster’s wife.”

My gaze landed on a man. He was dressed in a white suit with an expression that gave nothing. He was staring. Again. I had caught him staring at me before the ceremony, during the vows and now.... even as I stood beside Makari. His gaze was too steady, too focused, too intentional.

I tore my gaze away, forcing myself to dismiss it again. There were bigger things to worry about. Yet, as I faced forward once more, a small, nagging voice whispered in the back of my mind.

What if you should be worried?

The light suddenly flickered and the door opened. A young man rushed in and leaned in to Makari before whispering some words. Makari’s eyes darkened immediately.

“It seems someone wants you more than I do, dolcezza. And they are coming for you.” He muttered. Before I could process what was happening, gunshots rolled out and panic spread like wildfire. My body tensed, instincts screaming at me to move but before I could react, a strong hand gripped my wrist.

Makari.

His expression was unreadable.

“Time to go, cara mia.” He murmured. Just before I could say anything, I felt something over my nostrils, a sharp scent and my eyes widened in panic. A cloth drenched in something strong was pressed firmly against my nose and mouth.

I thrashed instinctively, my hands flying up to rip it away but my strength vanished almost instantly. My mind spun. My vision blurred. The sounds around me muffled into a dull hum. My limbs grew weak, heavy, foreign.

I tried to fight it. I had to fight it... but the darkness swallowed me whole before I could even take my next breath.