Chapter Five
Raphael
Walking beside Sophia, her hand brushes against mine for the briefest moment, and I feel the heat flicker under my skin.
The night air is thick with tension, and I can hear the faint hum of voices and from outside the mansion.
I knock on the door to her father’s study, open it and usher her inside.
Sophia glances at me as I close the door.
Her voice is loud as she says, “Father! You cannot—this is insane! I won’t—”
I freeze, listening to her protests, the anger, the fear, and something else—determination. She’s sharp, unbroken, and I admire that in her.
Tonight is going to happen whether she wants it to or not. I begin to think about how I can make this easier for her.
Closing my eyes for a heartbeat, I then let them drift across the party outside.
And they land on Maria, in her Ursula costume.
She’s laughing at something Gabriel says.
And Gabriel—my brother—leaning in, completely smitten.
They’re both flirting so openly it’s almost vulgar, and yet I can’t help the corner of my mouth lifting.
I stalk across the lawn, my presence drawing their attention. Maria turns first. Her smile falters when she sees me, curiosity flickering in her eyes.
“Maria,” I say, voice low, commanding. “Come with me.”
Her brows rise, but she doesn’t hesitate. I glance at Gabriel. “You too,” I add.
His jaw tightens, but he follows.
We find a quiet spot tucked between the trimmed hedges and fountains, where the night feels a little more private.
“Something’s happening,” I say, my voice low but steady. “Tonight, Sophia’s life changes—whether she wants it to or not. Both families have come to an agreement. We … we are to be married.” I shake my head, letting the weight of it sink in. “We’re going to be husband and wife.”
Maria blinks at me, confusion written all over her face. “Wait … what do you mean? What’s happening?”
Gabriel stiffens, shock written across every line of him. “Yeah … Raphael, explain. She’s going to be what?”
“My wife.”
Maria and Gabriel exchange a glance.
He frowns. “You can’t be serious?”
“Deadly serious.” I fix him with a look that brooks no argument. “Gabriel, I want you as my best man. I trust no one else to stand with me for her.”
He swallows hard but nods, jaw tight. Loyalty runs deep in him … but so does his shock.
Then my eyes return to Maria. She’s still staring at me, disbelief and … something else that makes my chest tighten.
“She’s going to need you tonight,” I say. “Go up to her room. Clean off that Ursula makeup. Stand next to her. Be her anchor. She can get through this evening with you by her side.”
“How?” Maria asks and I know she’s talking about the wedding.
I run a hand through my hair, sighing.
Before I can answer, Gabriel lets out a humorless laugh. “It’s why we’re here, isn’t it? The two families coming together as one.” He rests a hand on my shoulder. “You can say no.”
“But I can’t. It will end the war and unite both families. It’s for the best.”
Maria’s gaze softens. I’m hoping she understands. “I’ll go find Sophia.”
“I left her in her father’s study. She can’t run, Maria—there’ll be consequences. Try to get her through this.”
“She’s my best friend. I’ll do what’s best for her. Always.”
She leaves us at a run. I watch her go, hoping she’ll do the right thing—be by Sophia’s side so she doesn’t have to face this alone.