“Then I will go to the balcony—alone—for some fresh air.”
She nodded with an uncomfortable smile, busying herself by tidying up areas of my room. I stepped out onto the balcony
and wondered if this would still be my bedroom when the day ended. I might be forced to sleep within the wing Dorian resided
in. Talia would be free to claim this place as her own.
She hadn’t visited me since the day of the dress fitting. I knew she was just avoiding my wrath. I missed my sister. It was
only a week or so ago she was proclaiming how much she needed me. Seven whole days since her big speech about how I was
her sister and we had to stick together. Only now, when I needed her most—needed her support—she disappeared.
It just reminded me of how much of a child she still was. She didn’t need the notions of marriage and the weight it bore.
She was just interested in pretty gowns, gossiping with the ladies of the court, and lusting over boys she may never have.
I tried to enjoy the feel of the spring breeze as it brushed against my exposed skin. The dress cut low across my shoulders
revealing more skin than I wanted. I hated it. I wished to have every inch of myself covered. That way Dorian would have
nothing to look at. However, Maria insisted it would make the cut of the dress too uptight. A princess of my age needed
something more ‘freeing’.
This was a marriage by name only.
My gut told me that there was something else at play here.
“You look like something that belongs on a cake.”
The moment his voice entered my mind, I shook my head to rid myself of it. A single tear escaped from my eye. I quickly
wiped it away, turning my face away from him. He didn’t deserve to see my tears, let alone my acknowledgement.
“I’m sorry, my princess, I was needed elsewhere. This was the only time I was able to escape.”
I could feel his body next to mine as I directed my attention over the gardens. I kept my eyes trained on the tree line,
towards my hidden escape. I remembered leaving Kathlyn in my room. Panic surged through me at the thought of her
discovering the man who stood next to me. I quickly turned by, looking into my room to find her making my bed.
“She can’t see me. Only you can for now,” he assured me before adding in a mocking tone, “But honestly, tell me this isn’t
what you were planning to wear for your wedding?”
He looked at me with disgust and a little laughter hidden in his eyes. Despite recognising that his eyes gave away his
teasing nature, I involuntarily slapped him across the face. Heat coloured my chest, drawing his stare down. I watched as
shadows darkened his eyes as I stepped towards him.
“Do you think for one second I want this wedding?” I demanded coldly, lifting my finger and poking him in the chest. “I
asked you to come to me. I asked you to take me away.You”—another poke—“didn’t show up.”—I poke him again—“You
didn’t stick to your word.”