AURORA'S POV
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 . When he turned to see me, the expression on his face turned to something I didn't recognize, 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?”