The Bride He Never Chose

Chapter 5

Draven's POV

The golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over the ballroom, illuminating the elegant scene. The sound of music floated through the corridors, mingling with the chatter of nobles dressed in luxurious silk, adorned with jewels.

Every powerful house in Arkwell and Slyvara was present.

They wanted to see the woman who had managed to marry Draven Blackthorn.

The musicians suddenly slowed their melody and the red carpet flowed across the staircase.

The entire ballroom fell silent as she stepped forward carefully.

She wore a stunning royal blue velvet gown that beautifully hugged her figure, gracefully cascading down to the floor. Her dark hair flowed over one shoulder, adorned with loosely pinned sapphire ornaments that sparkled with each of her movements.

She was a sight to behold. Her beauty settled in my mind before I could stop it.

She descended slowly, one hand resting lightly against the railing. Looking nervous.

Several men stared too long at her. My mood darkened instantly.

By the time she reached the final step, I was already waiting for her.

I offered my arm. “Smile,” I murmured low enough for only her to hear. “They are watching.”

Her fingers curled around my arm. Then she smiled.

Beautiful enough to make the room erupt into applause.

I guided her through the ballroom. Nobles bowed as we passed.

“Lord Harrington.”

“Lady Beatrice.”

“The Duke of Evermere.”

I introduced her to dozens of names while servants carried trays of wine and crystal glasses through the crowd.

She remembered almost none of them, but she learned quickly.

She copied the way noblewomen laughed behind their fans. Copied the graceful nods. Copied the polished smiles.

And every time she almost made a mistake, she glanced toward me.

My father walked toward us holding a crystal glass filled with champagne.

Lord Magnus Blackthorn rarely attended celebrations unless he considered them important.

His sharp eyes settled on Adele. For a brief moment, his brows pulled together.

“Well,” he said slowly. “It has been years since I last saw Lady Liora, but I remember a girl far less... sun-kissed.”

Adele stiffened beside me.

“And your hair,” my father continued. “Was it not lighter when you were younger?”

A flicker of panic crossed her face before she buried it beneath a soft smile.

“I spent most of this year outdoors,” she answered smoothly. “Arkwell’s weather became unusually warm. I suppose I changed more than expected while growing up.”

My father gave a thoughtful hum.

“Yes, I suppose people do change with age.” His attention shifted toward me. “Especially after surviving marriage into this family.”

A few nearby nobles laughed carefully. Adele forced a small laugh along with them.

Either she learned quickly or she lied often.

My father stepped closer and lowered his voice slightly.

“You frightened half the kingdom by refusing to attend your own wedding,” he said dryly. “The least you could do now is treat your wife properly.”

“I have no intention of mistreating her.”

His eyes narrowed at me and then he continued, “A wife is not another political arrangement to leave sitting untouched in a study.”

I took a slow sip from my glass. “You suddenly sound interested in marriage advice.”

“I am interested in preserving peace inside my household,” he replied calmly. “A miserable wife creates noise. Noise creates gossip and gossip creates enemies.”

A faint smile tugged at Adele’s lips before she quickly hid it.

My father noticed. “See?” he said. “The poor girl already looks terrified of you.”

“If my son becomes unbearable, Lady Liora, you have my permission to remind him he still answers to me.”

A few nobles laughed softly again. Adele smiled more naturally this time.

“I will remember that, my Lord.”

My father raised his glass.

“To Draven Blackthorn and his bride,” he announced loudly. “May this union strengthen both Sylvara and Arkwell.”

The crowd erupted into cheers. Glasses lifted across the ballroom.

“To Lord and Lady Blackthorn!”

Adele nearly jumped at the title before recovering fast enough to hide it.

Music slowly returned to the ballroom.

Suddenly, a woman rushed toward Adele with excitement shining across her face.

“Liora!”

Before Adele could react, the woman wrapped both arms around her tightly.

Adele froze.

“You disappeared after the engagement announcement,” the woman complained dramatically as she pulled back. “I almost thought marriage stole you away forever.”

Adele stared at her for half a second too long.

Then she smiled. “How could I forget you?”

“See?” the woman continued. “I told everyone you would survive Sylvara just fine.”

Adele nodded slowly. “Yes... of course.”

"We simply must have tea soon; I have months of gossip to catch you up on, provided the distance doesn't keep us apart forever!”

Adele paused.

“I wish we could go back to our old ways,” Adele said, as if they had shared years of memories.

The woman turned toward me with a grin.

“My Lord Draven, do take care of our precious Liora. She cried for three days after falling off a horse when we were thirteen.”

Adele’s smile nearly cracked. “I remember,” she said quickly.

The woman squeezed Adele’s hands once more “Until we chat again.”

She kissed both of Liora's cheeks before disappearing back into the crowd.

Silence settled briefly between us.

Adele released a slow breath she probably thought I did not notice. But I did.

Silence settled briefly between us. Before either of us could speak again, a young nobleman stepped forward and bowed.

“Lady Liora,” he raised a hand with an easy smile. “May I have this dance?”

Adele’s posture stiffened.

“No…I mean….”

“My wife already promised me the first dance.”

I stepped forward and took her hand before she could explain further.

The nobleman quickly stepped aside. “Of course, my Lord.”

Murmurs spread across the ballroom as I led Adele toward the center of the floor.

​As the melody shifted, the dance began. Adele looked up, her nerves written clearly across her face and then she stepped hard on my foot.

I went still; she turned to stone, her eyes wide with a quiet kind of horror.

“I…I'm so sorry,” she whispered quickly. “These shoes are slippery.”

I guided her forward again. Two seconds later, she stepped on me again.

Her cheeks turned red.

"I'm a bit clumsy these days.”

I stared down at her. She looked ready to disappear into the floor.

Determined little liar.

Her hand tightened slightly around mine as she struggled through another turn.

Then she missed a step entirely and stumbled forward.

I caught her against my chest before she could fall.

The ballroom fell silent.

Then applause broke through the room as most of the guests assumed it was part of the performance.

Adele let out a shaky breath.

“Maybe we should stop dancing now,” she said, already retreating before I could answer.

The corner of my mouth almost moved.

Because the woman from earlier was never Liora’s friend.

I paid her an hour ago.