Two hours after the wedding
There were many things that I hated, but the one thing that made me feel sick was to give up the control of something, that belonged to me. I had hated it when I had to leave my room to Monica, my sister-in-law after she eloped with my brother Hamish, and after that, I hated it when Monica decided to break down a window and build a floor-to-ceiling French-style window; apparently, it brought in more sunlight and air. I did not need I needed more sunlight and air.
Just like how I didn't know that I needed a husband, and I didn't know that I needed to calm down, and I obviously didn't know that I had been overreacting. "He is such a nice guy," Monica was saying in my ear, "You need to accept him. Look how handsome he looks, even from this far."
David left me alone and went to talk to all my family members, while I sat with my sisters and sister-in-laws listening to his praises.
"Really, I have won the lottery, haven't I?" I said in a cold voice. Watching him from a distance brought a slight tremble in my heart, but it was disappeared the moment I recalled the vows.
"You should do something about your sarcasm. It's not ladylike at all," Monica replied tersely and sipped her champagne. She was wearing a mauve dress. It hugged her curves perfectly, on top of that her sultry eyes and lascivious smiles made her look like a siren. I always enjoyed her company. She was not like us, not uptight or too keen on following traditions. She did not overthink, did not regret, did not hesitate. Sometimes, I wanted to be like her.
"He dated Nina," I exclaimed in a low voice, something only she could hear. She was not surprised. "I knew she was dating a human, but turns out it was him." I frowned and added, "You knew about it?"
Monica took a deep breath and nodded. "It was not exactly dating. They were just talking. I always thought Nina was good for him, because you know, her personality compliments his, but they broke up suddenly."
My insides were turning into ice. I loved my sisters, all of them, but this made me feel miserable. My face must have changed because Monica gulped and spoke again.
"Listen, I am drunk, and don't know what I am saying. What they had is so small and insignificant, that you can't even call it history. Besides, you look perfect with him. I am sure it will turn out well."
"If Nina was so good for him, why is Nani making me marry him? Look at him, he is not even interested in me."
Monica put her hand around my shoulder and said, "Nina may have a good personality, but you are the heiress. If something good happens to this family, you deserve the first bite of it. This is how it works. I have seen it, he will bring you love and protection, courage and prosperity. Trust me on this, please."
Monica was a lesser witch, but her powers were awesome. Divination was a hard nut to crack, regardless of what the stories said. It needed constant practice, hard work, and inherent talent. Monica had all three of those, and with that an ambition of becoming better. I trusted her.
When she saw David walking towards us, she stood up. She grabbed another glass of champagne and winked at me. "We have a big plan for tonight, your brother and I. If we are successful, next year by this time you will have a live toy to play with." I cringed at that. I didn't want to know that. Monica didn't wait to see my facial expression. She walked away sexily, moving her hips in a smooth rhythm.
"Hi," I said to David. I wanted to stay quiet, but the man was too beautiful to ignore. "Enjoying yourself?"
I didn't intend for it, but my tone sounded sarcastic to my own ears. He didn't say anything at first. Glancing around himself, he lowered his head. Then, after taking a deep breath, he extended his hand towards me. Baffled, I looked up at him.
"We need to leave now. It is getting late, and I have a meeting tomorrow morning."
His voice sounded warm and smooth, almost like honey. He ignored my previous words. The realisation stung. I stayed seated without even attempting to move.
"Look, I know you hate it, but we need to leave before it is midnight."
I ignored his impatience and replied coldly, "You will not turn into a dormouse after midnight, so don't worry. That kind of shit doesn't happen in real life."
"Please, don't force me to do something unpleasant. We are married to each other now, the least we can do is to show some respect to each other." He sat beside me, faking a smile to a photographer. His hand wrapped around my shoulder, and his mouth came closer to my ear. "It is in your interest to come now."
"What if I refuse?" I whisper and reciprocate his fake smile. The idiot photographer shouted a few praises and clicked a number of images of the newlywed, 'perfect' couple.
"I am your husband. You have just vowed to listen to me and obey me."
"There was no mention of the word 'obey'. I know what I have taken a vow of." I stood up feigning shyness and looked at his face. Damn, those cheekbones...
"Listen, we needed to get married, and we have done that. Now, I think it will be fine if you go in your direction and I go to mine. Good night."
The next moment I felt a strong hand clutching mine. He twisted my arm softly and bowed. His arms held me steadily as he picked me up bridal style, and smirked. "I told you, don't force me. Now look like a blushing bride, and don't you dare to utter a single word."
His words did something to my insides. I felt heat gathering in my face. There were squeals everywhere, applause, and comments boosting his ego. A part of me got so furious that I almost cast a spell to make him stumble and fall. Another part of me felt so warm that certain parts of my body were melting.
"You shouldn't have done this. You don't know who I am."
He whispered under his breath, only for me. "I know you who you are, you tiny little witch, and I also know why you have those threads around your wrists. You better comply."