[TRIGGER WARNING: MENTIONS OF PEDOPHILLIA, CHILD-MARRIAGE AND NON-CONSENSUAL ACTS]
I gripped my bouquet tightly, like a rope that I use to keep me from falling into insanity as I stand in front of the chapel's intimidatingly large doors, as I waited for them to open.
Early in the morning, before the roosters even crowed, I was immediately bathed and dressed in this miniature wedding gown that is very heavy but light enough to drag on the ground, I was then covered in light make-up and was given very little to eat and drink so I wouldn't have to go to the bathroom during the wedding.
Wedding bells chimed and the doors opened as the band played a song encouraging me to march the aisle.
With the white veil covering my pale face, I slowly dragged myself and the heavy gown towards the aisle.
My heart thumped loudly in my chest when I felt the intense stare from everyone. I bit my lower lip and marched faster, I wouldn't let them see me shaking in fear from just this level of intimidation.
When I finally arrived at the altar, the music and murmuring from the guests eventually stopped.
I faced the old man in front of me and he lifted the veil from my face, he then held out his wrinkly hand to me and I held it. The gnarly hand was cold refusing to give me any sense of security that should have been given to me.
The priest started to chant his words and when it was time to present the rings, a girl, not far from my age, in a light yellow dress marched the altar with a pillow in hand that contained the rings.
Everyone stared at the clear difference in sizes, but they didn't say anything and just watched on as the wedding continued.
The old man held my hand, his palm was full of wrinkles and it had a weird, dry smooth texture that just proved his age. He then put the ring on my finger, he held out his hand and I put the large ring on his finger.
The priest then announced, "I now pronounce you, husband and wife."
During the reception, I sat rigidly on my designated seat with Count Agnock as I watched the nobles mingle with each other or stealing judging glances at me.
I flinched when I suddenly heared a low and deep voice filled with age murmur to me.
"Look ahead, don't bend your back." Count Agnok said to me.
I unconsciously did so, glancing at him.
"Hold your head high, you are now the unofficial heir to the Agnok name, don't let them find any flaw in you."
"Yes, sir." I whispered, taking a breath and looking down on the nobles who were either having fun without a care in the world, or were stealing calculating glances at me.
I realised two things today, the first was that no matter the status, humans only knew how to be selfish and greedy and that their greed depends on what situation they are in.
Like the two types of nobles in this wedding, the nobles who are casually enjoying the party, their greed only amounts to material things and carnal desires. While the nobles who are making calculations in their heads currently, are those who want more, not just money, but also stability and a rise of position and reputation.
Second, I was a bit relieved that that Count Agnok did not see me as a "woman", he merely sees me as a chess piece of his game to remind everyone of his power, money and influence. He was more of a strict teacher that which puts me at ease. And plus, I knew he couldn't touch me even if he wanted to, there was a law stating that older husbands cannot sleep with their younger wives until they were of age, and count Agnok died two years before 'I' could turn eighteen. Maybe that's also why I have no interest in running away.
After the wedding, I was sent to Count Agnok's with a maid my parents gave me. They said she will help me bathe and get changed so that noone will find out I was a male.
Though they said that, I was pretty sure they were gonna use her to spy on me. I have to get rid of her somehow or make her truly side on me or else I would have some trouble in the future.
After arriving in the manor, I was led to my room. Entering the room, I was surprised. Everything in the room, including the bedsheets, curtains, even the smallest decorations, they all in a soft golden-brown color. Just my taste. 'Who designed this?'
I wondered, exploring the room as the maids unpacked my luggage.
After they finished unpacking, the maid my parents sent me helped me bathe and change into night clothes.
I sat on the bed as the maid carried a basin filled with warm water and knelt down to wash and massage my feet.
I sighed in relief as I slowly relaxed, maybe it was because my nevers were taut all day due to the wedding.
I observed my maid as she continued working, she had brown hair and green eyes, her face also had freckles, making her look innocent and kind. She was also about sixteen to seventeen years old. She could stir the maternal instincts due to her face and age.
"You, what is your name?" I asked after she finished her work and cleaned up.
"My name's Eli, my lady." She said as she bowed her head towards me.
"Hmm... okay, you can go now."
"Yes, goodnight my lady." With that, she exited the room and closed the door softly.
"...." I sighed exaggerately and flopped on to the soft bed.
'She's smart, it's gonna be hard getting rid of her.'
She called me "my lady" fully knowing that there might be someone who might be spying on us.
How do I get rid of her? Will I be able to? How can I convince her to switch and side with me?
I sighed again and gave up.
'I should get as much rest as I can, I have a feeling that tommorow's gonna be hectic.'
I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
I was right, tommorow sure was gonna be hectic.
[The next day]
"....."
"....."
"....."
I tried to ignore the awkward silence between us by calmly sipping on tea.
"...."
"...."
Sitting across me, were two people that are identical twins, Count Agnok's sons, my stepsons.