Ultima, Octavia Of The Black Moon

Chapter Three- Dangerous Beasts

“Where's Riley?!” I demand

“Don't worry ma'am he is going to be here as soon as the girls are done getting him ready” Gabriella says as if unphased.

No one would let him sleep in my room last night. Maybe that's why the dream came back cause I felt unsafe without him. They all worried he would get fur everywhere or make me stink. The excuses went on but at least he gets to be apart of the ceremony. I know they will have him cleaned up nice and spiffy. I am anxious to see how he is doing. He is getting old now and though he has a pampered life, I know he wont live long enough to see my own children as I have got to see his.

“As soon as Riley is done I want him up here with me understood.” making certain I state it so she knows I mean it.

Gabriella nods “Yes Ma'am” and begins cleaning up.

Nanny places the veil and shoes on my bed “We will put these on ya bafore we are called down, do yer want any ting to eat while ya wait?”

Just as she asked me the question, my door burst open and slammed against the wall. A tall muscular man in a well made suit stood in my door way breathing heavily as he stared straight at me.

“What in heavens name are ya doing” Nanny rushed him smacking him on the chest “get out ta here dis is our Ladies room”

“MINE”

His deep voice booming through the room. He just stared at me, his eyes were wide and all black. They pulled me in, calling to me to not break away from him or his gaze. He pushed nanny a side causing her to trip and fall down on her bottom. I rushed up towards him but he was quicker meeting me sooner than I thought possible.

“How dare you lay a hand on my Maid just who are you!” I raise my voice to him but it has no effect.

“I am Lord Eso” He purred to me, his voice was satisfaction to my ears and his smell intoxicated my lungs. I desired to never breathe air with out his scent all over it ever again.

“Well Lord Eso. I am Octavia, daughter of Lord and Lady Harth who rule this land. You Sir have forcefully entered the Bride's chambers. Leave.” I demanded threateningly.

A grin slowly appears across his face that I did not like. His eyes are solid black making it look as though a demon has possessed this man. I am not fearful of this creature no matter his origins or intent.

“I said leave!” I yelled and would of continued yelling until he growled at me in frustration. Growled, this grown man growled at me like a beast would. Then rushed out of the room quicker than he had came. I looked around to find Tessa petrified against the wardrobe.

“Tess! Are you alright?” I call as I run up and hold her.

Her words trembled past her lips, “I don't know what happened.... I … couldn't.. move” Her breathing was hitched as she tried to steady it.

I tried to console her, “Something was off about that guy, like he was possessed by a demon don't you think Tess?”

“I don't like him that's for sure. Oh Octavia! Stand up straight or you'll wrinkle your dress, you shouldn't sit on it either those beads are too exquisite to be getting scrapes in them.” She never fails to bounce back, I love that about her, she is resilient.

“Maybe we should leave the dress off just until they call for you”

“Why? So I can sit around in my silks for another man to burst through my door? No thank you. I am going to remain pure for my husband to be” I state with sass as i wiggle my eye brow.

Tessa rolled her eyes then went to the vanity to fix her make up, though it looked the same to me. Nanny and the girls left to go be useful elsewhere while Tessa and I played a game of chess to pass the time.

When our stomachs protests were as loud as Lord Eso's growling, Tessa decided to see what was taking so long, and possibly snag me something to munch on. I couldn't imagine walking down the isle making these noises for all to hear.

I knew not to go out to the balcony for fear of Lord Garret and I seeing each other before the wedding itself. Honestly I didn't want anyone to see me this way they could all share in his amazement of me.

I eased on to the balcony craving the fresh air, when I scanned the area below observing Lord Garret and Lord Eso talking. It doesn't look like a very friendly talk as Lord Eso is taking an intimidating stance, flexing his muscles looking down to the shorter Lord Garrett. However Lord Garrett does not seem to be phased but simply annoyed.

Lord Garret walks away back into the castle as an attendant runs up to Lord Eso, they speak before the attendant rushes off and Lord Eso turns around facing the castle. Instead of walking inside he looks straight up at me catching my gaze.

He isn't moving at all and is barely breathing, only stares at me intensely. A sensation moves through me in a pulsating rhythm but I don't like it. He looks at me in a way that he is not permitted.

I am to marry Lord Garrett and this man mocks my most important day by gazing at me with those possessive eyes and it's turning my stomach. My bedroom door swings open with Tessa, Riley and a tray of snacks she has stolen. I quickly return to my distraction but he is gone.

“So mom is all worked up and there's a commotion so I don't know what is going on but no one fought me when I made a plate of food for us. Oh and I found Riley along the way so figured I'd get him to you before you bite someone's head off for it.”

“A plate of food?” I raise an eyebrow to her

“What?” she asks unashamed at the whole serving tray playing the role of dinning plate.

“I don't know what's the hold up but it looks like it won't be long now, you know mother wont settle for anything less than perfect for you today. She's dishing out orders to the servants but said she would be up momentarily”

“What could be going on? Oh no, you don't think Lord Garrett has changed his mind do you?”

“NO, I don't think that, I saw him too and he asked if you were surviving the primping process” she chuckled

The door opened once more and Mother walked in, always with ease and grace. I doubt I will ever master her level of talent for being a lady but I will always give it my best.

She closes the door before coming to talk to us, “Girls I don't want you to worry but another Lord approached your father with a proposal for your hand Octavia”

My eyes widened with shock. As I suspected who it was, my mothers words confirmed it, “Lord Eso is an extremely wealthy man whom your father is most often inclined to please. He made many offers to your father causing your father to sway but I spoke on your behalf darling. I know you have true feelings for your Lord Garrett and to try to take another mans Bride on their wedding day is just insulting. I told the Lord NO. Your marriage was already set and Lord Garret already produced his end of the arrangement. So you know what this Lord Eso does?”

She asks with out need for us to respond. She is entertained, her unworried story telling allows me to be more curious than afraid as I watch her animated hand gestures. “He goes to Lord Garret to offer double the amount gifted to our family by Lord Garrett. Taking over any contracts made concerning the marriage. On top of it he offers Lord Garrett a fleet of ships with foreign contacts for trading. Along with reimbursement of your dowlery. All in exchange for Lord Garrett to relinquish his betrothal to you so it may be passed on to him self.”

I must have had a shocked expression on my face by the way Mother was looking at me. When I closed my mouth and looked at my sister she had just as shocked of an expression as I had.

“Well Lord Garret didn't accept the offer dear don't you worry. He professed that his love for you was too strong to place monetary value on and that Lord Eso was unworthy to be your husband. So now that all that nonsense has been tied up we can finally proceed to the ceremony. Oh my little girl,” she rubbed my cheek and brought me in for a hug, “You are ready and the man you have chosen really is worthy to have you. He has more than proven he loves you.”

Her smile and tears are so pure and filled with the most love a child could ever receive. All I can do is hold her one last time as a child of twenty-three years of age. I leave who I am here forever, only to return as a woman and Lady of my own estate one day, grown.

“I love you Mother” I get out before she raises my face to kiss my forehead.

“OK my girls lets get moving!”

Tessa fixed hers and my makeup one more time as Mother fixed up her own and then adjusted her dress before placing the final pieces of detail upon me. I take one last look in the mirror looking at the completed Bride, I really do look beautiful for my husband to be, I can't help but smile to myself.

Riley walks with me as he always does. His job is easy, to walk me down the isle on the opposite side from my Father who will escort me. All the other Ladies in waiting, that is, those that are unmarried, including Tessa, walk before me gently dropping petals and flowers of their choosing. Tessa choose to drop oriental Lilly petals as she knows this is my favorite fragrance. The fall colors and smells are beautiful natural accents for this outdoor ceremony.

I near the isle with my Father, Lord Harth waiting for me with open arms. It's not the fathers arms I wish could be here though I am eternally grateful that he has been there for me. The three of us stand and wait for the isle to clear so I can see the man i have chosen to marry.

When I do see Lord Garrett I see the effect I have on him. His eyes light up and mouth drops open a bit causing me to blush. At that moment I hear a noticeable growl coming from the seated crowd. I dare not turn my sight in that direction, I only care to stare into the loving eyes in front of me.

When Riley growls back however, concern washes over my face I look down to see him standing still facing the guests. I pet him and nudge him to continue on. When he turns to look forward he rushes away from me towards the alter to meet a very large brown Wolf drooling at the mouth.