Qira's POV
"You're up!"
The head maid stated and clapped her hands in the air signaling the rest of the maids to rush to my side.
How could I forget? Today is my wedding yet the smile that usually clings to the eyes of a bride was far from mine.
I looked like a shadow of myself with swollen eyes from crying. The expressions on the faces of the maids told me they were devastated to see the state I'm in.
Would it be possible to turn this duckling into a swan?
That's the undeniable thought hanging on all their heads.
I didn't object and made myself as available as a mannequin and they took me through all the processes. Bathing me and adequately steaming my skin to create a plumper effect in my narrow dry skin.
I was now seated in a robe facing the mirror while my hair and makeup was being styled and done.
"You're ready. Now to wear the priceless dress. This gown was specially chosen my the master, I can already tell it would suit you perfectly"
Even if I had a little anticipation for the glamorously talked about dress, seeing as it's all they kept yapping about, but the mention of that demon immediately dispelled my curiosity.
The fact that he chose it makes me wanna tear it to shreds!…
But of course I couldn't, I was worn the dress and the maids did a good job in snatching the straps of the corset, maybe they were a little bit too good with their jobs because it'll be a miracle if I could stomach anything at the party!
"Wow! You look so beautiful… the master will be very pleased with your appearance"
The ignorant maid kept showering me much unneeded praises and every time she hinted on 'the master' my teeth clenched harder against my jaw, before I knew it, the metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.
How I arrived at a huge door was still a mystery to me, I've been zoning out so much lately, it's almost depressing.
I could hear sounds from the other side and I realized that once the door opens I'll be tasked with the duty of walking down the aisle.
I wasn't having cold feet, instead by heart was frozen over without a trace of joy on my face.
Nevertheless, the door opened wide to expose me to the waiting crowd and as far-fetched as it sounds, I had to walk down the aisle alone!
I could hear the venomous whispers of the onlookers, they wanted nothing more than to rip me from the dress and have their daughters take my spot. But what they didn't know is that, I wish that too!
I wish that more than anything in the world right now, as I forced a smile and followed the rhythm of the music, I wished just that.
The one officiating the ceremony said his piece and I kept my eyes down the entire time, even when he lifted my vail I didn't spare him a glance and said my vows accordingly. Even so, I felt his dagger-like eyes boring holes into me.
Next, the hall resounded in composed claps and cheers.
It's finally over, the first step of cresting me with his name is over and what's left is… the worst part of all.
The rest of the formal ceremony was history and I was bundled back to his mansion and another hectic preparation began, this time around, it was for the wedding night!
Truth be told, the outward arrangement made by the maids was far from what I needed. My mind and heart was bleeding in denial yet, I was embedded with the smoothest silk and the most seductive perfume.
I had never seen my skin shine like glistening butter as I did tonight and lastly, my hair was let down to loosely fall on my barely covered skin.
It was as if I was a freshly baked pie just waiting to be devoured on Marion's bed.
I sat there counting my racing heartbeat that was blasting against my chest and when the door peeled open, I thought my heart would leap from my skin… but it didn't.
I was still alive watching Marion take steady steps towards me, and when he got close enough, I was greeted with those domineering eyes that stared down at me like I was nothing but dirt!
My hands clenched the sheets on my side from rage but I managed to remain calm on the outside. Well, that was until he suddenly grabbed my chin and forced my head up.
"So, you didn't smile today. Is it your intention to make people think I forced you?" He asked in a low tone that carried immense weight and I couldn't speak, mostly because he pressed my chin so tightly it was impossible.
"Weren't you the one who begged for this? You pleaded so much I had no choice but to agree…" He added, and my eyes turned red from anger.
"… Now, I only hope you can fulfill your duties. Be as obedient as a dull and do as you're told, elsewise, my wrath won't be subsided easily"
To my greatest horror he lifted my frame off the bed with his grip on my chin and his hand moved to my neck to pull me closer.
"Pleasure me" He commanded.
I almost lost my marbles in that spot but I remembered Anslo and regained my composure. If this is what it would take to protect my only family, then I'm willing to go to hell and back!
I'm willing to dine with the devil and I'm ready to play his games!
With this, I inched closer, got on my tippy toes and kissed his lips.
All this is foreign to me and I couldn't be sure I was getting it right but I didn't need to worry for long because the minute I lost my stance he anchored his hand around my waist and sealed the kiss again.
This time more fierce and barbarous, as if my lips were the cause of all his problems, he plundered them with his other hand still wrapped around my neck like a dog-collar or worse… a warning!
It shouldn't take much for him to snap my neck like a chicken if I resisted his intrusion and I'm guessing that's just his way of gently reminding me to stay in check!
And as he so eloquently put it, 'be as obedient as a dull!'