Crimson Veil

Wedding Night

The grand halls of the Veritas estate were silent now, the last of the guests having departed after a long day of celebration. The air was thick with the remnants of perfume and candle smoke, but it did little to mask the oppressive atmosphere that hung over the newlyweds.

Seraphine stood at the edge of the massive bedchamber, the fire casting shadows against the high stone walls. Her wedding gown, now discarded, lay draped over a chair in the corner, replaced by a simple nightgown that felt like a veil of vulnerability rather than comfort. The grandeur of the room, with its tapestries and ornate furniture, did nothing to ease the unease settling over her.

She had been raised to accept this night, to know her place and her duty. But now, standing in the flickering light of the fire, she felt the weight of her new reality crashing down on her.

Lord Alaric Veritas, her husband, stood before a mirror, casually adjusting his clothing as though they were about to attend another function, not share their first night as husband and wife. His reflection sneered back at him, but he seemed pleased with what he saw. His presence filled the room, not with warmth, but with an air of arrogance that suffocated everything around him.

“Look at this place,” Alaric said, his voice thick with self-satisfaction. He swept his arms around, indicating the opulence surrounding them. “All of this is ours, Seraphine. My estate. My wealth. And now, my wife.”

Seraphine said nothing, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She felt small in his presence, as if she were another piece of his grand collection, another item to flaunt. But she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of seeing her unease.

“You should consider yourself lucky, you know,” Alaric continued, turning away from the mirror to face her. “Many women would kill for the chance to be Lady Veritas, to be married to a man of my standing.”

Seraphine's jaw tightened. She had been told many times how fortunate she was to be wed to such a powerful man, but as she stood there, watching the way Alaric’s eyes roamed over her like she was an object to be consumed, she felt anything but fortunate.

“You’ve been quiet all night,” Alaric remarked, his voice taking on a sharp edge. “Is this how it’s going to be? A wife who won’t even speak to her husband? You have obligations now, Seraphine. Don’t forget that.”

Seraphine forced herself to meet his gaze. “I haven’t forgotten. I’m here, aren’t I?”

Alaric chuckled, a low, hollow sound that made her skin crawl. He stepped closer, his eyes narrowing as he appraised her like one might appraise livestock. “Oh, you’re here, all right. But you need to understand something, Seraphine. This marriage—it’s for my benefit, not yours. You’re here to serve me, to make sure my lineage continues and to maintain appearances. Nothing more.”

His words struck her like a slap, but she remained still, refusing to let him see her flinch. She had known this marriage was never about love, but hearing it laid out so bluntly, so callously, stoked a quiet rage inside her.

“Your family was lucky to marry you off to someone like me,” Alaric continued, his voice dripping with condescension. “Your name may hold some prestige, but let’s be honest, Seraphine—you were a liability. A beautiful one, sure, but still a liability. Your duty is to make sure my legacy remains intact.”

He stepped even closer, his breath hot against her skin as he towered over her. “And I expect my wife to be obedient.”

Seraphine’s pulse quickened, her body tense beneath his gaze. She wanted to speak, to lash out, to remind him that she was not a mere accessory to his ambitions. But she knew better. Alaric was a man of power and influence, and any defiance, especially so early, could have dangerous consequences.

As if sensing her hesitation, Alaric smirked and reached out to brush a strand of hair away from her face. The touch was supposed to be intimate, but it only sent a wave of revulsion through her. His hand lingered on her cheek, and his eyes darkened.

“You’ll come to understand your place soon enough,” he murmured, his voice low and predatory. “I have no patience for disobedience, Seraphine. And if you ever forget your role, I’ll make sure you remember.”

His hand slid down her arm, possessive, like he was claiming her with every touch. Seraphine felt bile rise in her throat, but she remained still, her mind spinning with the reality of what her life had now become.

“And don’t think I don’t know what women like you are like,” Alaric continued, his tone shifting to something even more sinister. “You think you can play the part of the proper lady, but I see through it. You all want the same thing—power, wealth, a man who can give it to you. You’re no different. You’re lucky I even bother with you.”

His words dripped with disdain, and Seraphine’s stomach twisted with a mix of anger and fear. But she forced herself to remain calm, to keep her face neutral.

Alaric sighed dramatically, stepping back from her as if suddenly bored with the exchange. He walked toward the large bed, tossing his jacket aside carelessly before sitting at the edge, eyeing her with that same detached arrogance.

“Well, come on then,” he said, waving a hand toward her with a dismissive gesture. “We may as well get this over with.”

Seraphine’s breath hitched, but she remained rooted in place, her mind racing with the weight of what he was asking. No, what he was demanding.

Alaric raised an eyebrow, his expression darkening with impatience. “Don’t play coy, Seraphine. You knew this was coming. Now, be a good wife and do what’s expected of you.”

The command sent a chill through her, and for a moment, Seraphine felt as though the walls were closing in around her. This was her future—a lifetime of being used, of serving a man who saw her as little more than property. The thought suffocated her.

She had accepted her faith, she thought maybe tonight was the night she had saved herself for. The man in front of her is a beast and if she tries to deny him, she will have to bear the consequences of it.

With a heavy heart she started approaching the bed, Alaric eyeing her like a prey ready to feast all night long. On reaching the bed Alaric grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him, sniffing her neck. He said

"You know what my obedient wife, There are so many things I wanted to do to you when I first saw you. Your body is made for me to devour"

Though it was supposed to be a compliment, still Seraphine flinched, accepting her faith for the night.

Just when Alaric was about to kiss her, there was a knock at the door.

Alicia opened the door and found the chief commander behind it, though Seraphine was not able to hear what the conversation was about, but she thought it was an emergency since Alicia told everyone in the castle to not disturb him tonight. Alicia exited the room angrily.

Seraphine sat on her bed thanking all her stars for saving her tonight.