A wife.
A life, without me.
Everything around me becomes a soundless blur as I go through the rest of the motions. My hair is put half-up, the top weaved to form a crown for my actual crown to sit on and attach the veil to. The rest made into intricate weaves, ringlets, and plates.
I hear nothing as Ellie talks at me, slipping on my glass-like heels, then follows with the heavy gown of thick ivory satin that trails feet behind me and inlets of silk Leavers lace at the front. I barely feel the pull of the bodice as she laces the corseted back of the gown, pulling it tight and giving me that hourglass look. It raises my lacy-covered bosom about two inches higher than it normally is.
The pearls and diamonds are slipped in my ears, around my neck, and on both my wrists. The crass and chunky diamond on my left hand is removed and given to someone I don’t see, and I’m escorted from my bedroom suite with guards in tow.
I’m stopped, though, shortly after I’ve exited the room. I turn to find Ellie scampering up to me, her mouth moving fast. I can’t make out what she’s saying, I’m too far gone into the fog of despair, drowning all over again. She takes my right wrist in her delicate little hands and fiddles with the bracelet adorning it.
She smiles up at me, releases my hand, and walks off. I look down at the hand and see she’s attached a little blue bird to the silver bracelet. A little of the fog clears as a whisper of words float in my head about something blue and good luck. I stare after her for a few minutes wishing I could have her by my side at the wedding. Just maybe I’d get through it with her. But I’m pulled away from those wistful thoughts and onward.
We exit the palace, and are met at the bottom of the steps by a six horse-drawn carriage of white and gold filigree, covered on top and down the back in lush greenery, white, and soft baby pink roses. As I step closer the scent of jasmine hits me as I’m maneuvered delicately into the carriage. I notice the vines are intertwined with climbing jasmine and babies breath.
I wave to the faceless people as the carriage makes its way to the church, and I plaster on a smile, or what I at least thought was a convincing smile until my mother sitting on the other side tells me otherwise. I try better but give up when my mother sags in her seat.
I’m surprised how many people turned out for my wedding, all huddled around the gate of the church, but they’re moved to the side to make room for the carriage to pass as we approach. I try harder this time to smile and wave.
After we’re helped out of the carriage, I’m led into an alcove, just off the main door to the church where my mother fusses and frets about the veil.
“Mother, it’s fine. Will you stop please?”
“It’s what mothers do,” a familiar voice says from behind me.
I spin on my heels and see Ellie in a stunning rose gold satin dress.
“I thought you could do with a friend,” my mother says. I turn to find her eyes glistening as she dabs at the corners of them.
“I didn’t know you were so…” I don’t actually know what to say. “Thank you.”
“It’s not every day your only daughter gets married. I have been where you are. I do know how it feels. This is all that was in my powers to grant.”
She kisses my cheek once and pulls back, covering my face with the veil and adjusting all the bits so it sits all just so. Ellie squeezes my hand before we step out of the little room and head for the entrance to the chapel. My pulse is racing, and my breaths are coming fast. I’m starting to panic. I watch, though my view is rather blurred and obscured with the veil covering my face, as Ellie walks down the ridiculously long aisle first.
I can’t see clearly more than a meter in front of me, but I can see the pews on either side. Each has elaborate flower arrangements at the end of them, made up of, again, white roses, jasmine, ivy leaves and rose gold ribbons. The aisle itself is covered in white silk-like material and scattered with pink flower petals. I can smell it all from here; it’s soft and delicate but strong all at once.
“You outdid yourself, Mother. It’s stunning.”
“Thank you,” she says, handing me my bouquet.
I take it with trembling hands and make my way down the aisle, but I’m starting to shake all over and feel clammy. Bless this veil for hiding the look on my face. I try to take slow, deep, hopefully cleansing breaths, as the wedding march plays softly in the distance.
The sounds start to fade out again, and I realize the breathing isn’t working and I’m possibly going into full panic attack mode. Damn it. Get it together, woman.
I focus my attention on my bouquet, noticing for the first time all the soft pink flowers it’s made up of. Roses, tulips, begonias, more babies breath, meadowsweet, and lush greenery that trails halfway down my dress.
It’s really pretty, and I get a little misty-eyed as I take it all in. My mother didn't spare any detail, but it's totally wasted on me and this wedding. Maybe one day I can look back on it and smile, but today is not that day.
I stumble as my shoe hits the edge of the step at the altar, and a big, warm hand wraps around my upper arm to steady me almost instantly, minimizing the potential incident.
“Sorry,” I mumble an apology, still looking at my bouquet. “I blame the veil. I can hardly see a thing.”
There's a tap on my left shoulder, and I turn to find Ellie taking my flowers, grinning from ear to ear with unshed tears in her eyes. I frown, and she chuckles and points behind me.
Right.
I turn back toward the groom, my groom, and take a shuddering breath in, looking up.
I stop dead in my tracks, or thoughts rather as I'm not actually moving, though, I do feel as if I am spinning a little. The air that was in my lungs is now gone, having whooshed out of me in one quick gush. My dying heart stops beating altogether, and spots start to form around the edges of my vision as the veil covering my face and obscuring my eyesight is lifted up and over, revealing the man standing before me.
Oh, God.
“Gavin?”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Gavin
“What the hell is going on?” Raina whisper-shouts at me so only the priest and Ellie hear her.
The look on her gorgeous face is murderous as her chest rises and falls rapidly with her heavy breathing. I'm ashamed to say it takes me a moment to focus and respond to her, so overwhelmed by how beautiful she looks, and the simple fact I am standing here in this very spot with the love of my life.
“It’s a long story. One I’d very much like to tell you later, if that's okay?” I say softly, not really wanting anyone around to hear.
“I don't understand. What are you doing here? What, or where, is my groom?”
“Well, he’s standing right here in front of you, if you’ll have him?”
Her eyes widen then narrow, and she stares at me for a few moments, my heart and mind racing with thoughts of her refusing me.
“Is this a joke?”
I shake my head, unable to speak because she still hasn't said if she'll marry me. She turns to look at her parents, her mother whispering feverishly to the King, no doubt herself asking what is going on. He puts a hand on her knee and squeezes, subtly silencing her, and she turns to face us.
“What are you waiting for?” the King says to Raina, a soft smile playing along his usually stoic lips.
She spins around, staring wide-eyed at me again and whispers, “This is real? I can marry you?”
“Yes, if you want to?” I can't help it, I hold my breath in anticipation of her answer. She could say no…
She scrunches up her lips thoughtfully, and I want to throttle her when she finally smiles the biggest smile I have ever seen in my life. The sun doesn't shine half as brightly as her grin at this moment. Then she throws her arms around my neck.
“Yes, yes, yes!” she exclaims in my ear in multiple languages, pulling out of the embrace just far enough so she can crash her pink frosted lips to mine. She tastes like sugar and bliss.
“Tut, tut,�
� the priest says gruffly, and we break apart quickly. “I do believe the kiss comes after the vows,” he says with a raise of one eyebrow.
“Sorry,” we both mumble in unison.
“You’ll be needing this,” the Queen interrupts, making us both turn to her.
She hands something to Raina, and I hear her sharp intake of breath. “Grandmother’s ring? But?”
“She would want you to have it, especially with the current circumstances.” She whispers the latter with a wink, before sitting next to the King. Her eyes glisten, and her smile is almost as radiant as her daughter’s.
“I don't believe it. This is real. I died, didn't I? And this is heaven?”
This makes me chuckle. “This sure is heaven, but you're not dead.”
“Shall we begin?”
We both nod, still staring like a couple of idiots at each other as the priest begins, thus continuing my wedding ceremony. Holy hell. I'm getting married.
The priest reads about marriage and God, and how it's not to be entered lightly, but I admit, I zone out a little, just staring at my soon-to-be wonderful, crazy, wife.
I tune in, in time for us to repeat after him our to-haves-and-to-holds, and death-us-do-parts. Then I am slipping her grandmother’s elegant diamond and sapphire-encrusted silver band on to her left hand.
“…by the power vested in me, by God and Man, I now pronounce they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. You may kiss the bride. Again.”
The crowd cheers and laughs in equal measure, but I hardly notice as I wrap my arms around Raina's small waist and kiss her like we are the only two people in the world.
Some catcalls and whistles follow, and someone clears their throat, so I reluctantly pull back. I chuckle at Raina’s flustered face, the pinks of her cheeks turning a little darker. I take her hand in mine, squeezing her palm as I grin from ear to ear, feeling the ring press against my fingers.
“Shall we, wife?”
“Oh, yes, husband. We have a lot of catching up to do.”
***
Hours later, after all the photos, all the congratulations, and at the tail end of the reception, Raina finally gets a moment to pull me aside. She takes my hand in hers and leads me to an exit in the far corner of the ballroom. Once she's pulled me inside the small storage room, she locks the door behind us and pounces on me. Wrapping her hands around my neck and kissing me fiercely.
“I didn't think we would ever get a moment alone,” she says breathlessly after breaking the kiss.
“Neither did I, well that is, not until later tonight.”
Her eyes glaze over and her cheeks redden, no doubt thinking exactly what I'm thinking.
“Make love to me,” she demands.
“I plan on it, all night long.” I capture her tightly around the waist and pepper her cheek and neck with kisses. “I can't wait to make love to my wife.”
She giggles and reaches for my belt buckle. “I don't think I will ever get use to you calling me your wife. Or you being my husband. It's too surreal. Too perfect.”
“A fairy tale ending?” I say, a little distracted as her fingers graze the seam of my pants.
“Who'd have guessed. How did it come about?” she asks, frowning, and thankfully stops trying to undo my belt.
“Your father is responsible for our current state of happiness. One of his men showed up at my new abode with a suit. I presumed it was to attend the wedding as a guest, some sort of obligation that came with my fancy title. Some punishment for disobeying orders as well. But it wasn't. He had other plans. Will I still be an Earl?” I say the last part aloud.
“You’ll probably be upgraded to a Duke,” she says offhanded, like it's all just the norm. And it is for her. She sees the frown wedging itself between my eyebrows and hurries on. “Is that a problem? You're not regretting marrying me, are you?”
“Of course not. I'm made of tougher stuff than that. It's all just strange. I went from being staff to … this. What will I do with my days now? I won't be your guard, and the property your father just gave me, do I give it back?”
“Well, I imagine you’ll have training at first.”
“Training?” I interrupt.
“Yes. In palace life. In royal palace life, but as one, not to guard one.”
“Oh.”
“We’ll sort it all out. Together. Really, it won't be much different than before. You'll still be stuck with me, having to participate in this charity event or that; just this time you won't be allowed to throw yourself in harm’s way to protect me.”
“Try to stop me,” I growl playfully.
“I will. I'm not losing you again, Gavin. You're mine for life. Got it?”
“Yes, Your Highness,” I tease.
She smacks me in the arm as hard as she can, but I crush her small frame to my chest, stopping her from trying to inflict any more damage, and capture her mouth in an intense, all-consuming kiss.
“Make love to me,” She whispers against my lips.
“Here? Now?”
She nods, biting her bottom lip as she pulls down my fly and slides her delectable fingers inside my pants. God. I'm hard in an instant.
“I want you to take me, hard and fast. I need you, now. I need to feel you inside me.”
She doesn't need to ask me twice. All thought, all sense, goes out the keyhole, and I capture her mouth again, sliding my tongue in deep. Possessing her mouth as I’m about to possess her body.
Raina is frantic and feverish. Releasing me from my suit pants, she strokes me hard and rhythmic, not even bothering to undo them fully. I gather up the fabric of her dress and slide her panties to the side and slip a single finger deep inside her wet heat. God, she's so ready for me.
I shudder as she clenches around my finger, and I nip her bottom lip. She rocks into my hand, silently begging for more. With my other hand, I release my belt, and my slacks fall to the floor, pooling at my feet.
I hoist her up with one hand, my finger never missing a beat as I slowly stroke her from the inside, my thumb gently rubbing her clit. She obliges and wraps her legs and arms around me, holding on. I turn us and press her back against the wall next to the door, thankfully clear headed enough not to fuck her against it for all to hear.
Taking my throbbing cock in hand, I retract my finger making Raina moan her objection, only to silence her as I thrust all the way to the hilt in one fell swoop, burying myself deep. Her head thumps against the, wall and her mouth drops open in a silent gasp.
I thrust hard and fast, banging her into the wall with every movement of my hips. Over and over again. She drops her head to my neck, burying her face against my shoulder as I pound into her fervently.
Raina begins to clench around me, so I take her lips roughly with mine and swallow her outburst as she comes violently around me. My thrusts don’t ease up until I've rung every last drop of ecstasy from her body.
“Oh, God, Gavin. I can't feel my legs.” She giggles breathlessly, her body still trembling in the shocks as I slowly stroke in and out of her.
I kiss her softly, before pulling out completely, thinking of anything else to make my raging hard-on go down so I can tuck myself away. Exploding pimples … steaming dog shit…
“Hey. You didn't finish.”
“Shhh. It's fine.” I peck her on the lips and ease her to her feet before turning around to deal with myself. But she spins me around, her eyes dropping to my swollen cock, and she licks her lips. “Damn it, Raina,” I growl out. “That's not helping.”
She looks bemused, but also perplexed. “Why didn't you finish?”
“Raina, we should get going before someone notices we’re gone.”
She giggles and covers her mouth with her hand. “Not like that we can't. Your bulge will be a dead give away.”
“Fine. You leave, and I'll be right behind you in a few.” She shakes her head and drops to her feet. “Jesus, woman. What are you—oh, fuck.”
Without any preamble, Raina shoves my cock in her mouth and sucks me hard. My knees buckle, and I have to brace myself on the wall.
“Holy hell.”
She moans, pleased, making her lips vibrate with the movement, and I full-body tremble on the precipice. I watch through hooded lids as her lips twist up and down my length, glistening with her own arousal. It pushes me right over the edge, and before I know it I'm pumping my seed into her mouth.
“Oh, Jesus, I'm coming. Oh, Raina.”
She swallows every last drop, and I'm almost undone again. God this woman. I pull her up onto her feet and capture her mouth in a passionate kiss, our releases mixing on our tongues.
We exit the storage room a little while after, having put ourselves as back together as we could, We look worse than before we went in, but with matching grins from ear to ear on our faces.
I'm pleased to find the festivities have died down some, but as fate would have it the first person we should bump into is Raina's father, the King, and I guess now, my father-in-law. God, what do I call him now?
I bow and address him the only way I always have. “Your Majesty.”
“At ease, Gavin. You no longer need to bow. We are family, after all.” He grins up at me.
“I believe I owe you my thanks, for all of this,” Raina says softly. “Though thank you will simply never be enough.”
“I see Gavin has had a chance to fill you in on our morning,” he says, bemused.
“Yes, all but two things. Why, and what happened to the prince I was to marry?”
The king tilts his head to the opposite side of the room, to the far corner, and Raina and I look, finding said prince with his tongue down someone's throat.
“Oh,” Raina says simply.
“Yes, oh. I had already decided on having Gavin replace him at the altar. It weighed heavy on my mind with all the possible repercussions we’d face when news had gotten back to me of his inappropriate behavior with some of the maids while he's been staying here. This solidified my decision in a heartbeat.
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