Evangelina POV

"This is not fair father! How could you just marry me off like a commoner and to a family of known monsters?"

No matter how loud I raised my voice father, the King of Sylvanio Kingdom, he never truly heard me.

My mother stood beside him with tear filled eyes, obviously upset with my father as well. Alas, women don't have a voice, no matter their status. I knew no matter how much my mother objected to this development, it was hopeless.

I ran to my private chambers and shut the door hard. I threw myself onto my large bed and cried. I did not want to marry a stranger and most definitely not a descendent of a demon. That family was known for their cruel treatment of enemies and anyone who crossed them. I imagined what my betrothed must look like. Blood-red eyes lusting for blood, claw like hands to tear flesh off of his enemies. Black eyes that conveyed no soul and a sardonic smile to taunt his victims. I've heard many stories of the Inferno Kingdom and it's generational occupants. How they have the ability to read thoughts, inflict pain on anyone they wish with their mind and the worse part contort themselves into devilish beasts. That family, leagues away will soon be my family, the thought of that sent chills down my spine. I cried myself to sleep praying that I would be saved and this arrangement would all be a horrible nightmare.

*****

Caruso POV

"Caruso, your father summons you to his study." I sighed at the thought of having to stay in my bloody-sweaty armor any longer.

"I will depart momentarily, thank you Bruce." My father's personal soldier departed from my doorway. I finished untying my leathers and decided to stay in my tunic and trousers. I was not concerned with formalities at the moment, it had been a long day. Our army had just overtaken a radical religious group in our kingdom. I walked to the basin of water by my bed and quickly washed my hands and face. I made my way down the long hallway leading to my father's study. I knocked twice on the large door and heard his scratchy voice.

"Enter."

I walked in and found him standing over his strategy table with the map of all the lands. There were many scrolls littering the table but I noticed he had one in his trembling hand.

"Caruso finally, I've been waiting for you. Is the city finally rid of that radical fool murdering my people for his blasphemous cause?"

I nodded slightly. "Yes father. I captured him myself and as we speak he is being flayed before all in the square."

"Good, that way no other commoners decide to repeat his actions or beliefs. That's how we've always done things here son and you know that. Tradition is priority and when your subjects fear you they will strive not to disturb the peace."

I stood there listening to his words attempting not to fall asleep but his scratchy monotone voice was lulling me. So I did what he hates and interrupted him. I needed him to get to the point.

"Father it's been a tiresome day, is this what you summoned me here for?"

His brown eyes scolded mine and then he gestured for me to approach him at the table. "I received this message from the King of Sylvanio. He is in desperate need of allies and resources. His kingdom is not vast but he has the best stallions I've ever seen. Our Calvary could use those large beasts in battle. Therefore, I have agreed to this new alliance. Since you are my only son who isn't married, you will marry his youngest daughter Evangelina next month. I will send him some of our soldiers along with cattle and grain in the next few days. Have you anything to say Caruso?"

I do not understand why he was asking me as if I had a choice because I knew I did not. I shook my head. "No father, I am here to serve my king and our kingdom. I will marry whoever you deem worthy." He was satisfied with my response and waved his hand dismissing me. "Go rest and remember now that you are betrothed to a princess you can no longer have a mistress until an heir has been produced. I expect for you to behave yourself accordingly."

I nodded, bowed and exited his study. I hated being told what to do I could careless if I was to be married. She will probably be a prude ugly girl. My needs will be met no matter what and if my future wife did not accept it that's unfortunate for her. We Dracu men had an insatiable appetite for war and women.

*****

Evangelina POV

It was the day of my wedding, I was beyond nervous, the month had passed too quickly. I stared at myself blankly in the mirror not focusing on my reflection. My sister Adriana was brushing my straight brown hair to begin the braids. "You look very beautiful Evy, the prince is going to fall in love with you instantly." I flashed a nervous grin and nodded with hope. My stomach churned and I hadn't kept food down because I was petrified. I was desperate for him to approve of me. The stories I heard growing up about his family were gruesome. I pushed them from my mind since soon I'd be residing in their castle.

Once I was finished being prepared my sister along with my handmaidens escorted me towards the banquet hall. Where our ceremony was to be held. I kept gazing down at my silk dress hoping he would like it. My hair was worn half down with a crown of braids holding up my diamond tiara. I prayed my Prince was handsome and not the creature I had conjured up in my mind. The large brass doors opened and I entered. I scanned the hall and my eyes locked with my groom. I was pleasantly surprised by what I perceived. He was very tall and looked strong. His curly raven hair was tied behind his head. He had a serious countenance but my intuition told me he liked what he saw. I watched him scan my body in my fitted silk gown. I thought I glimpsed a slight smirk before he composed himself because we had an audience. When I approached him, he gave me his hand and I felt my stomach turn in knots at our first contact. I stared into his dark grey eyes. They were menacingly beautiful and I felt a flush of red sweep over my neck and cheeks. His full lips noticed my reaction and slightly smirked again. While we held hands and the priest spoke. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by his piney scent, it made me feel strange. I ignored the sensation and tried my best to take heed. Once all the pomp and circumstance was over we were pronounced married but we did not kiss which I found odd.

The banquet was so noisy with various conversations that I did not hear my husband address me.

"My lady, would you like some wine?" His deep raspy voice sent a shiver over my body as he projected it over the crowd. I smiled at him and answered sweetly, "yes I'd love some My Lord." He gestured with his hand to the server and she poured my wine into my goblet. While I sipped he leaned in close so I could hear him. I locked eyes with him and the knots in my stomach stirred.

"Please do not address me as 'my lord' dear wife, Caruso is fine." I nodded but did not say a word. He lingered where he was, "shall I address you as Evangelina?"

"You may Caruso but I also like to be called Evy. My mother and siblings address me that way. It's a bit informal but you—you may address me as you choose." "Evy, hmmm I like it." Is all I heard him say. I watched a smile envelope his handsome face while he drank deeply into his wine. I drank deeply as well because I know what was to follow once this dinner was over.

*****

Caruso POV

Evangelina is very beautiful, gorgeous actually. She is more beautiful than my brother's wives put together. I'd have to thank father for this arrangement because I was not expecting her to be this attractive. Evy was not very tall, she didn't reach my shoulders but I liked that she was petite. She had a beautiful thin figure not scrawny and twiggy like my brothers' wives. I felt hypnotized by her when she was walking towards me in the hall. Her silk gown fit her like a glove and I tried my best to keep my composure. I drank deep into my wine several times to try and stop thinking about her. I could not help the flashbacks of when she was walking down the isle towards me. Such a beautiful prize and she was all mine. I could feel the blood rising within me, I wanted to make her mine as soon as possible. I glanced over at her beside me and she was doing the same, drinking deeply from her goblet. 'Evy...' I thought to myself, what a unique nickname. I was done with our wedding celebration I wanted some time alone with my wife. I stood up and gave her my hand, she gave me a nervous stare and grasped it. Her hand was trembling and I used my thumb to caress it. I don't want her to be afraid of me, others yes, my wife no.

The hall fell silent, "My princess and I are tired we shall retire to our chambers. Many thanks to my father, King Toran Dracu of the Inferno Kingdom, for selecting such a perfect match for me. To my new family here in Sylvanio Kingdom, thank you for your hospitality and in trusting me with your daughter. The Inferno Kingdom is now allied and we will protect this land until the day my wife and I pass on."

The hall erupted with cheers and applause. The music started up again as I led my wife to our chamber for the night.

I knew Evangelina was petrified she did not utter a word as we climbed the steps to our quarters. I opened the door and she entered. I decided even though I wanted to consummate the marriage I would not this night. She was too nervous and I want her to feel comfortable with me. After all we did just meet hours ago. I did not want to push her away from me as I had done before in the past. I approached her slowly while she removed her crown of braids. She studied me as I approached. I laid a gentle hand on her shoulder and caressed with my thumb. She shivered at my touch and was shaking.

"Evangelina I am exhausted, good night." I kissed the side of her head and made my way to our bed. I hoped with this act that she would not think of me as a monster, only as her husband. I had faith that soon I would gain her confidence.

*****