When I awoke, I was crushed against Quill's bare chest, his solid arms holding me in place. He was deeply asleep-I think from his breathing-and I could feel sweat begin to form from how warm Quill is.
The urge to go to the restroom grew, and I tried to wiggle free, but his grip tightened, and he sighed, burying his face in my hair.
Please, just let me go to the restroom, I thought to myself, and after a beat, he turned to the other side of the bed, sighing as his snores went back to normal.
I bolted, rushing to the restroom as I relieved myself, then washed my hands, and teeth. I stared at my reflection, noticing bed marks on my face, and the tangles in my hair. I sighed, knowing that this was going to take some time to fix.
Suddenly, I remembered that today was the day of the ball that was being thrown from the duke of the west. In part celebration of my wedding, but mostly he enjoyed throwing them.
I wondered if Quill wanted to go, then recalled that he had been at the original ball with his pack.
A quiet knock at the door brought me back to reality, and I opened the door. Quill, still looking sleepy, smiled sheepishly at me.
"Sorry, I was wondering if you were in the restroom." he replied, and I blushed, stepping out.
"I might take a bath, and get ready for the duke of the west's ball. You're coming right?" I asked, looking at the ground.
He nodded, then lumbered around my, closing the door behind him.
At that moment, my maids burst through the door, chattering as the glanced around my room. I didn't think you could tell that a man had slept in here, but maybe it was just written in my face. They quieted, curtseying.
"Are you ready for your bath my lady?" One of them asked, and I nodded.
They hurried off to bring the large empty basin, and water, pushing a cart inside. I remembered then that there was a man in my restroom who, if he didn't hurry, was going to see me nude.
My face flushed crimson, and the door swung opened, revealing my bare-chested, smoothed haired betrothed. The maids stopped what they were doing, looking from Quill to me in shock.
"F-forgive us, my lord." The other maid said, as she quickly gazed at the floor.
"It's quite alright. I'm going to head out so you can get ready darling, as I didn't bring another set of clothes." he said, as he leaned down and kissed my cheek.
I blushed again, but nodded as he grabbed his shirt, and placed it back on, tying up his boots, and heading out the door.
Once he closed the door behind him, the maids met my gaze, looking like they were bursting with questions.
I ignored their stares, and they slumped forward, getting their tasks done. I bathed, letting the steaming water relax my muscles, closing my eyes for a bit as my maids excused themselves.
Quill had said yes. We were going to the ball again where I had died.
Sitting up, I grab the metal pitcher that held lukewarm water and rinsed myself off.
I had so much to do tonight.
My maids had just finished braiding in the last rose clip into my hair when Quill came back. His hair was still a bit damp but he had combed it back, revealing his green eyes. He wore his special attire, a white button up, and a blue overcoat with a golden trim. It was tucked under black pants, his shoes polished.
He looked more handsome than ever, and I could feel color rush to my face as he looked at me. I had my hair made into it's famous braid, the end of it resting on my shoulder. It was quite heavy, since the last time I had cut my hair, I was only nine. The dress was a deep blue that matched Quill's jacket, a perfect accident.
"Hi." I said, suddenly feeling shy.
"Hello. You look beautiful as ever." he said, as he took my hand in his, and kissed the top of it. My maids giggles, fanning their faces, and I motioned for them to leave.
Their faces fell, but they curtsied, walking out the door ,and closing it a little too hard.
Those gossiping teases, I thought darkly, and Quill gave my hand another kiss, before letting me go.
"You don't find it strange that we're going to a ball that's being thrown in honor of your original proposal?" he asked, sitting on my bed. I shook my head though, adjusting the front of my dress.
"The duke of the west would have thrown it anyway; he loves balls. He has one at least once every two weeks. Besides, who cares? My father accepted us more than he ever would Mason." I replied, and I saw Quill's lips twitch, as if he was fighting a smile. "I didn't think you would care about this as much."
"Well, I do have a reputation to uphold as an alpha. Though my pack was just as surprised as I was when I told them I was getting married...and with who." he said.
"Did you tell them why though?" I asked, keeping my face perfectly composed.
"Because we fell in love."
I felt relief, and smiled up at him. He hadn't told them that our whole marriage situation was based off of a betrayal.
"So, my dear, if you are ready, the carriage is here to take us. The duke's castle is a distance away." Quill said, as he offered up his arm. I took it, already having my flats on as my dress covered the sight of my shoes.
We continued to talk, still catching the eyes of the passerbys. Some of them were kind, but most looked like they were excited to spill the beans to anyone who had ears.
I ignored all of them, focused on the man before me who was deserving of my love.
Quill helped me in the carriage, closing the door behind him, and motioning the footman to go forth. Because of Quill's tall stature, the carriage was quite big, having enough room for six people.
I felt the nerves catch up to me then, and I fidgeted as I realized I was in close proximity of another man. This felt different because he was awake, and he was sitting just across from me, talking about the land he owned, and the pack he managed.
The memory of us sharing my bed dragged forward, and I remembered his warm touch, my face burning at how his hand had brushed up against my breast.
"Are you okay?" Quill asked, looking a bit concerned.
"It's just a bit hot, is all." I replied, and Quill opened the small window, letting a cool breeze enter.
I smiled at him, and then tried to relax.
I was with my betrothed after all.
When we arrived at the castle gates, and the carriage stopped at the entryway, Quill got out first, helping me out of the carriage.
I accepted his hand, smiling at him, and then looked around. A crowd had gathered in front of the castle, sparing us glances, and hushed whispers.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I'd known that I was going to be the topic of gossip, But for it to reach this far, surprised even me. I spotted Lavvock Stonesly III, one of Mason's best friends looking at me coldly before shooting a cold glare at Quill.
Quill met his gaze evenly, and his arm wrapped around me protectively. Lavvock backed off, heading inside the castle.
I felt a bit better knowing I wasn't going in there alone.
As we reached the double doors, a sudden cheer made the both of us look back. I wondered if the Queen of Thelmes finally decided to accept the invitation.
To my surprise, and horror, Mason stepped out, smiling hugely as he waved at the crowd. Quill stiffened next to me, and I squeezed his hand in assurance. As he stepped out, he helped someone out of the carriage, and my stomach dropped as I saw who it was.
My friend Isadora waved back, using her left hand, and a shining glimmer on her ring finger caught my attention.
She was betrothed to Mason after all.
As they both stepped out, Isadora froze at the sight of me, and then cowered behind Mason. Mason comforted her, and then looked to where Isadora was looking at.
At the sight of me, Mason called for the guards, and they rushed over to me at once, pulling at my hands as they slapped manacles on my wrists.
"You are under arrest for striking the betrothed of Lord Mason Ruffiano, and for charges of striking a woman pregnant with child." the guard said, and he pulled the manacles, forcing me to walk forward.
I screamed for Quill, and he tried to grab me, to stop me, but I was already out of reach.