A Sacred Bond

The Weight Of Vows

Prayer and devotion were the only necessities in the convent's quiet, serene walls, where Elena had always felt her life was meant to be. She went through the gardens every day, her mind encircled by promises of virginity and devotion to God, hoping that nothing would ever disturb the peace of her precious commitment. That was before the outside world burst into her haven, though.

"Elena," her father said in a piercing, authoritative voice that cut through her thoughts. "Come on down. Something needs to be told to you.

Her heart missed a beat with uncertainty sitting like a stone in her chest. She felt a profound connection to how he said it—decisive and definitive. She turned towards the house after wiping the dirt off her hands and getting up from the low wooden seat in the garden. The musty air blended with the familiar incense aroma as she stepped through the convent's doors. In the drawing-room, she discovered her father talking to someone she couldn't recognize as he was facing away from her. He was a tall, intimidating guy with the royal demeanor of someone used to authority. His angular features were framed by his dark hair, and as she walked in, his icy, calculating eyes turned to her.

"Elena," her father uttered, his tone indicating the seriousness of the situation. "This is Lord Cedric from the Morvannis family."

Elena felt the name strike her like a kick to the stomach: Lord Cedric, the heir to one of Valerium's most influential noble houses. His mere name shook the political currents of the kingdom. His appearance in their modest homemade Elena is afraid of being associated with authority and control.

Her father said, "Lord Cedric," his tone suddenly softer to lessen the blow.

"You're going to get married."

Elena could hear her own heartbeat thumping inside her ears, pounding so violently that it almost seemed to burst out through her skin. The tense atmosphere er as the world around her shrunk. Between them, her father's words lingered, teasing and choking her.

“Married?”

Elena repeated it in an almost audible voicemail. My life has been dedicated to the convent”. As if fleeing an unseen assault, she stepped back, and her chest constricted.

"That isn't possible."

Stepping forward, Lord Cedric's eyes were steady yet uninterested.

"It's accurate. It is the necessary action. The benefit of Valerium”.

“For Valerium’s sake?”

Incredulous, Elena repeated.

"How can it serve the kingdom if I am married against all my convictions?"

Her father's gaze softened for a moment, but without pause, he informed her, "There is no other way to safeguard the survival of this kingdom. Your union with Cedric will unite the noble houses in the divided Crown Council. This determines Valerium's future.”

Breathing became difficult for her.

Valerium’s future. She talked so casually; these words sounded like the ultimate betrayal, like a death sentence. She had neither choice nor voice. It was not about her in this marriage. Not about her promise, her religion, or her peace-seeking aspirations.

She gazed at Cedric, whose face was inexplicable, and felt a vague shadow of anxiety pulsing through her. There was no sympathy or warmth in his eyes. He was a man who had been cultivated for authority and had come here for work rather than love. Their union was not intended to be one of love or bonding. A political pact and alliance were forged to reinforce her family's grasp of the kingdom.

Elena whispered hoarsely in defiance, "I can't do it.” God, Father, I took an oath. That oath cannot be broken by me.”

Her father's face stiffened, a thin line pressing against his lips. “You'll”. “There's nothing you can do. When it comes to the kingdom, your promises are meaningless.”

“We’re at war,” Elena said.

“Valerium's populace requires solid coalitions. Our best ally is House Morvannis, and this merger will keep us all safe”.

His words were a lead blanket on her, suffocating her soul. She shook her head to denote a stark refusal, but the weight of his words filled her chest with a heavy pall. The kingdom was in peril, but this? She had always known that. It was a betrayal of all that she had valued.

Elena could feel the convent's walls, the place she had created for herself, collapse around her. She had envisioned a tranquil, serene life, but this was not it. From the time her father had made this choice, she had lost her destiny. With a tone that left no room for debate, her father insisted she marry him.

"A date has already been decided upon. There are already political arrangements in place.”

Her mind whirled. Vows and love were no longer the only options. This had to do with power. It dealt with a kingdom and the sacrifices necessary to preserve it. Her sacrifice.

"I... I can't." Elena's words trailed off, suffocating with doubt. "What about my vows ? But what about my vow to God?”.

Although his comments were challenging and purposeful, Lord Cedric's eyes softened somewhat.

"Perhaps duty will inspire a new perspective in you."

Elena couldn't decide which stung more, the coldness in his eyes or the weight of his words. Her life was governed by politics rather than love, and the man before her was a stranger. And now she was supposed to bind herself to him, not out of love or desire, but for Valerium's benefit. A feeling of terror swept through Elena as her father turned to complete the marriage arrangements.

She had nowhere to go. There was no turning back now, and her future was sealed. She had lost the peaceful life she had known forever.

She started to object, but a voice broke the stillness. Elena muttered More to herself than anybody else, "There must be another way." "Is there no other way to consummate a marriage than s*x?"

The room fell silent, and Elena noticed something flicker in Lord Cedric's eyes for the first time. It might have been astonishment or something more profound.

But before one could say anything, the drawing-room door violently crashed open.

"Elena," a voice cried from the doorway, "you must know something."