Time was against me. Two years seemed like two seconds till my next meeting with Killian Altair.
It seemed time repeats itself as I found our wedding day to be the carbon copy of our first encounter.
Silence. Blank stares. And every member of our clans waiting, expecting a confession of undying love for one another. What disappointment.
I stood at the altar, dressed in a simple yet elegant dress. Before me stood my soon to be husband. The priest began saying something about love and commitment, but all I could hear was the sound of my own heart beat; all I felt was it's beating in the back of my throat. This feeling of drowning but never quite going under.
I heard the priest ask Killian something, "I do."
Suddenly I was snapped into reality when I noticed everyone was staring at me. A question was asked, my response was what they waited for. "Well, do you take Killian as your husband, Aine?"
I could feel everyone's eyes on me. Killian squeezed my hands, urging me to respond. I wanted to say no. I wanted my life back, but I saw the expectation in my fathers eyes. I felt the pressure pressing down on me from every soul around me. I knew there was no escape.
Taking a deep breath, I chose my fate, "I do."
I could hear the exhale of relief from everyone but Killian. His eyes remained emotionless. "You may now kiss the bride."
Heat rose through me. I felt it race to my face, the heat turning my face red. Killian lowered his mouth, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt his lips on mine, just for a second, but it was exhilarating. Even if I did not love or even like Killian, I would be lying if I didn't recognize his beauty.
His hair was flowing and rested just below his broad shoulders. Although his eyes were always looking at me with contempt; they were a soft brown with flecks of gold, his smile although rare, gave me a sensation I did not have a name for. His skin was kissed by the sun just enough to give him a light color, soft to the touch. He was built for war, muscular and tall.
As I contemplated his beauty, I felt my hands being released as Killian gazed at me, silently urging me to smile, "put on a show" I thought. Smiling at our people, our clan, we walked together. Not touching, but close enough to seem intimate.
That night was filled with dancing, a large feast, and drinking. Killian didn't say a word to me. He never even looked my way except when necessary, when eyes were on us, he looked at me as though he truly did feel love for me. I would be a fool to believe that the light that glistened in those glances was for me.
As the night wore on, I felt an overbearing sense of panic. On the eve of our wedding we were to bound our clans together as one. I knew what my obligations were, but I felt fear. Would Killian be gentle and loving, or aggressive and possessive; taking from me what was rightfully his?
As I left the banquet hall, followed closely by my maids, I could feel my heart beating as if trying to escape its imprisonment, my palms sweaty, my sight became blurred. My maids eyed me whispering something to one another as we entered my chambers.
Washing my body thoroughly, the girls prepped me for my wedding night. A thin cotton dress draped over me, my red curls loosely caressing my cheeks, I still couldn't gain control of my body. Shaking and breaking out in a cold sweat I made my way to Killian's chambers.
Knocking...one...two...three. I was met with silence. "Lord Killian, it is me, Aine. I have come to consummate our marriage."
It all sounded so dutiful and proper. I hadn't meant to sound as though we were having a meeting over a discussion of strategical military plans, however, it was exactly how it sounded.
Still, I was met with silence. Then I heard loud footsteps approaching the door. Slowly, the chamber doors opened. Killian was standing wearing nothing but his kilt. Eyes on me, in my white sleeping gown. He lifted his arm gesturing for me to enter. My maids bowed and left the room.
Killian sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving mine. Then he spoke for the first time since we said "I do".
"I am only doing this as proof that this marriage is legitimate. I have no intentions of repeating this evening. Do not come here again after tonight. I will be gentle, I am a man, but I am a man of honor. I would never mistreat a woman in this area, so you may be at ease. I can see you shaking from here, " he then approached me. I took an instinctual step back.
Sensing my fear, "Relax. I promise, I will try my best to make this pleasurable for you. Maybe my seed will be planted in you. The first and only time we are intimate."
With those words, he ran his fingers through my hair. His hands and lips sent shivers down my spine. A sensation I had never felt before. That evening Killian stuck to his word, he was gentle. He made love to me. I also knew he would never do so again.