until

chapter one

"Katie! Katie! Katie, wake up!" I woke to the sound of my mums voice calling through my bedroom door, "Katie! get up Now! Your going to be late!" late? late for what? I rolled over barely able to open my eyes to look at the clock, 8am, then it all came flooding back to me, I'm getting married today! I shot up in my bed as a fresh wave of panic washed over me! I still can't believe I'm being forced to marry at 16! And to a guy I hadn't even met yet! But I knew it's what I had to do, it was my responsibility as princess to keep our kingdom strong and thriving and this was the only way to do it. I dragged myself out of bed to my door and unlocked it before going to my bathroom and showering.

I emerged from the shower 15 minutes later to find my handmaids had set out my dress and where waiting to work their magic on my hair and make me beautiful. My dress was beautiful! It was a ball gown with a sweet heart neckline that had small flower details along it, the skirt had the most beautiful lace applique all over it with just a hint of glitter to make it shine, it was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen, but it's beauty was overshadowed by the circumstances it had to be worn. My handmaids curled my waist long auburn hair and finnished my make-up and I was finally ready for my wedding.

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'Take a deep breath, Katie. You can do this! Just remember it's for the good of the people' I say to myself trying to calm my nerves as I stand behind the big grand doors waiting for them to open. The music starts playing and the doors slowly open, when they are fully open I take a deep breath and start walking the isle looking everywhere but at the man I was about to marry.

"Adam, do you take Katie, to be your lawfully wedded wife? In sickness and in health? Until death do you part?" the celebrant asked.

"I do" he replied, he has such a deep husky voice, for the first time I look at him, he has deep blue eyes and light brown shaggy hair, he has such a strong jawline with just a little bit of stubble, my heart skips a beat as I take in this magnificent man's face.

"Katie, do you take Adam to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness and in health? until death do you part?" the celebrants voice pulled me out of my trance.

"Uh, I do" I replied shakily.

"i now pronounce you husband and wife, you may kiss the bride" the room erupted into cheer as Adam slowly lifted my veil from my face and bent down to give me a small peck on the lips, I felt my cheeks flush hot as they turned bright red, I tried to hide my face from him as he let out a small chuckle but did not succeed. We made our way back up the isle and exited the ceremony hall and made our way to the reception area just outside in the courtyard.

The reception was set up beautifully with strings of fair lights everywhere lighting up the entire area, there where rows of tables to one side with the bridal table sitting slightly elevated from the rest decorated with beautiful white silk and soft pink flowers, a huge dance floor was set off to the other side and a giant 4 tier cake sat beside the bridal table with silky smooth white icing, draped fondant and bride and groom cake topper, the entire area took my breath away. I sat at the bridal table for the whole ceremony speaking to those who came up to congratulate me and only getting up for the first dance while Adam spent his time mingling with guests around the courtyard. Soon the reception was over and it was time for us to leave, then it suddenly hit me, I have to leave with this man that I dont know and go to a home I don't know, all alone, a fresh wave of panic hit me as we both got into the limo.