Chapter 12 #3
I wanted the freedom to choose who I spent my life with. I wanted the freedom to explore, to find a love like all my siblings had. I wanted—
“Lukyan.”
Shit. I cleared my throat and stood taller.
Hushed whispers rang throughout the room.
In the corner of my eye, I saw my father begin to stand, concern on his face.
Usually, he was hard to read. I could never tell what he was thinking, but at that moment, I could see it, clear as day.
I knew that if I gave the slightest signal, he would stop the wedding, consequences be damned.
I shook my head. A frown marred his brows. Father hovered on his feet for a moment before he sat back down. No. I couldn’t back out. Not only did Illayana’s survival depend on this wedding going through, but it was also the only way I could kill Sergei. I had to do it.
“The rings,” a light, feminine voice whispered from in front of me. From my…wife-to-be.
“Right.” I reached inside my jacket and pulled out a square box. A matching set of rings sat snugly inside. I plucked them out and handed them to the priest, who did a quick blessing.
Burying the discontent I felt over the entire situation was easy.
I’d been burying my emotions all my life.
I would make the best out of it. With an almost robotic nature, I placed the ring on her finger.
She did the same for me, a heavy weight settling over me at what it meant. What it represented.
After a few more prayers, scripture readings, and Russian wedding traditions, the priest said the words I’d come to dread.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Blowing out a breath, I stepped closer, grasping the edges of her veil to lift it over her head so I could finally see her face, but her hands quickly came up to rest on mine, stopping me.
I frowned slightly, but didn’t think much of it, shrugging a shoulder.
Instead, I leaned closer, placing a finger underneath her chin to tilt her head up, and laid a soft kiss on her lips.
Barely a few seconds. Hardly long enough to gauge anything at all, really.
To feel anything. It was over just as quickly as it started.
An awkward, static applause rang through the air.
I grabbed her hand and turned to face the crowd.
Everyone was on their feet, giving us a mixture of looks that ranged from happiness to anger.
My gaze connected with my father’s. He was clapping softly, like all the others, but the look in his eyes revealed his true thoughts, his true emotions.
He wasn’t happy that this was my fate, and I knew without him saying the words that he would take it all back if he could.
He nodded in a show of support. I returned it, standing tall. I’d done it. I’d preserved what little alliance there was between Sergei and us, ensuring Illayana’s safety.
Me.
Not Aleksandr. Not Nikolai. I had finally made a significant contribution to our family. Even if I failed in my task to kill Sergei, at least I had that to contribute to our legacy.
Keeping my footsteps sure, confident, I led us down the aisle and out the doors. A man in a nice black suit directed me to the left, into another room with a wave of his arm. Once the door shut behind us, I blew out a breath, dropping her hand. Thank fuck that’s over. I turned to face my wife.
My. Wife.
Jesus.
We stared at each other. She said nothing, and for once, neither did I.
I didn’t know what to say. I was curious if this was something she didn’t necessarily want either.
If it was something being forced upon her, like me.
It obviously wouldn’t change our circumstances, but at least it could be something we could bond over.
“Lukyan,” I introduced, holding out a hand.
Seemed a little redundant, but we hadn’t actually been formally introduced.
Usually, that would happen at an engagement party or something, but Sergei had decided there wasn’t going to be one.
I think he didn’t want to give me the chance to back out if I didn’t like what I saw.
She smiled.
She had a beautiful smile.
There were two champagne glasses sitting on a tall table near her. Picking one up, she offered it to me with a friendly smile still on her lips.
I took it without hesitation. “Thanks.” To be honest, I wished it was something a little stronger. I would take what I could get, though. I swallowed the whole thing in one go. The bubbly liquid slid down my throat easily. “Oh, that’s good,” I blew out. “And I’m not usually a champagne kinda guy.”
She still said nothing. Still hadn’t removed her veil.
I thought that perhaps she was just shy.
Nervous. I certainly couldn’t blame her.
I was uneasy too. Or maybe she was scared.
Fearful of me and our marriage. It wouldn’t be a surprise considering what her father was like.
The one person in the world who was meant to protect her had sold her to further his own agenda. That had to fuck with a person.
Clearing my throat, I placed the empty glass down on the table. “I’m sorry about all this, you know. It wasn’t my choice—” A wave of dizziness washed over me. I touched my temple, swaying lightly on my feet.
Featherlight fingers gripped my elbow, helping to steady me.
“Are you okay?” she asked, concerned.
“Yeah, just…Shit, probably shouldn’t have skipped breakfast.” I laughed. Lightheadedness filled my brain, making me feel all light and fuzzy. “What the fuck—” My legs went numb, and I dropped.
My wife caught me, barely able to support my weight, and guided me to the floor. Something wasn’t right. A simple glass of champagne shouldn’t have put me on my ass. There was something in it. A drug—I’d been drugged.
“Get…my…father,” I slurred. My head suddenly felt heavy. I didn’t have the strength to keep it up any longer, and it rolled along my shoulders.
“Shhh, shh, it’s okay.”
What? What part of this seems remotely okay?
Her hands gripped the sides of my face, and she turned my head to look at her. She slowly removed her veil. My heart stopped. Hovering over me was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen in my life.
Angelic, soft, rounded features. Flawless skin. High, arched eyebrows. Smile as radiant as the sun. Mesmerizing honey-colored eyes full of light and spark.
Perfect. She was perfect.
Her gaze ran over me leisurely. She looked at me with utter love and adoration. A finger caressed down the side of my face, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. She smiled, and it was full of triumph. “Hi, my love.”
Oh, fuck.
I blacked out.