As we exchanged rings, both gold, though mine had a cute little diamond upon it, Oliver pronounced us husband and wife; Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Tucker. The bells began to ring again in celebration, and everyone in the chapel cheered loudly, with black rose petals being thrown into the air before falling gently back down to the ground.
My now husband instantly grabbed me; one hand in the middle of my back, the other moving to the side of my face as he twirled me around to kiss me, lowering my body as he slightly leaned over me as he did so.
Pretend.
I cupped his face with both of my hands, kissing him back, my blue eyes closed with fake satisfaction.
While it hurt me to do, and I knew it hurt Oliver to see, I felt it best to snap the string that held our bond together instead of letting it break over time. Time and time again we've been reminded it'd never work out for us, so there's no point in holding onto any residual feelings; especially on my wedding day.
I have lived a lifetime already, and it was time to carry on if I was to be safe from being banished.
"Ready to get back home?" I whispered as I pulled myself from his lips, the sounds of everyone else becoming mere background noise as I focused all of my attention to my husband.
"We do have to start making babies now," he smirked as he raised me to my feet before immediately picking me up like a princess. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and as I did so, I looked back at Oliver briefly.
He wasn't looking away as Gregory carried me off; he looked me directly in the eyes, a soft smile upon his face, though sadness the only emotion shining through. I smiled back at him, before turning my head away, tucking myself into Gregory's body and closing my eyes, listening for when the doors closed behind him.
And when they did, I opened my eyes back up just as we left the inner part of the chapel before quickly exiting it altogether and into fresh air of the delightful day.
Nobody left with us of course, it was just Gregory and I. "I have a surprise for you," he muttered, letting me back down to my feet.
He had rented an enclosed horse-drawn carriage to take us the short distance back home. I was too shocked that this type of life was my new reality. So instead of saying anything, I ran to it, the tail of my dress beginning to fly in the wind as I flicked my heels off to get faster; Poor Gregory had to collect them for me.
Before my husband entered the carriage, he informed the driver that we were ready to go then hopped into it and sitting opposite of me.
"This is quite amazing," I gleamed, never having been able to ride in one; though it had always been a dream of mine
"I thought you'd like it," He smirked at me before he shot to his knees upon the floor of the jerky carriage. "I need to get the garter from you still," he joked, grabbing both of my knees with either of his hands and spreading my legs. My face instantly turned red.
"I wasn't wearing one," I shyly admitted as he began to feel around my upper thighs for it.
"None!?" He pretended to be devastated as he joined me on my seat; a simple wooden platform with a red cushion on it. Then he got quiet, grabbing my left hand with his right one and giving mine a squeeze. "I really do promise to cherish you." His voice was low, "and I really do love you, Adeline."
I turned slightly, placing my free hand upon his, and looking him in the eyes. "I trust you, Gregory," I reassured him softly, "and despite our odd start, I believe we can grow and flourish."
He leaned in, cupping my face with his remaining hand, and kissing me once more, gently rubbing my cheek with his thumb.
The carriage soon came to a hard stop, jerking us forward and abruptly ending our kiss. "Right, shall we move this upstairs?"
Gregory opened the carriage door, stepping out before turning to immediately grab my hand and help me down. He then scooped me off my feet once more, simultaneously carrying my shoes in one hand by their straps. The carriage driver congratulated us before taking off, on to pick up their next guest.
When we finally made it inside, my husband placed me onto my back on the couch before instantly dropping his trousers and climbing on top of me.
"So much for the bedroom?" I teased.
As we started to kiss once more, I realized my life had finally started. I pulled him in closer to me by wrapping my legs around his waist, and my arms around his neck; our lips failing to separate except for small breaths.
With one foot still propping himself up off the floor, he used one of arms to support himself upon the back of the couch as he simply moved my panties out of the way before inserting himself inside of me.
I let out a soft moan, which only made him harder.
He instantly pulled himself out of me, before grabbing my waist, almost fiercely, with both hands and forcing me to flip onto my stomach with my butt up. He then got up behind me, mounting me like a dog before continuing his thrusts; fast and hard. Far from the romantic night I thought it'd go after our marriage was final; but I suppose this was the life of a noble wife. I was far from prepared.
Then my head got yanked back as he grabbed my hair, ripping it from its updo and wrapping the strands around his hand like a rope before pulling tight. He didn't care if he had hurt me and it was obvious. Was he only pretending himself?