(Chapter 30)
The first night arrived sooner than Clarisse Faeloria had anticipated. Their bridal chamber was filled with the soft glow of scented candles, and silk curtains draped around the grand bed, adding to the suffocating romantic atmosphere that made Clarisse's chest tighten. Every detail seemed meticulously arranged, as if to emphasize that there was no escape tonight. But Clarisse had no intention of submitting to this plan.
Lorcan Frostborne entered the room with steady steps, carrying an aura of undeniable authority. Lorcan's dark eyes locked onto Clarisse, who sat at the edge of the bed, her face pale.
"It's time to rest," Lorcan said, his voice low yet laden with meaning. Lorcan removed his luxurious cloak and approached Clarisse with an intense gaze that was almost suffocating.
But Clarisse remained silent, her heart filled with resolve. Clarisse knew that surrendering tonight meant handing over her entire life to Lorcan, losing all control over her own future.
"I can't," Clarisse said firmly, her voice calm but cold.
Lorcan halted, his brow slightly raised. "What do you mean?"
"I will not give myself to you," Clarisse continued, rising from the bed and stepping away. Though Clarisse's hands trembled, she refused to retreat. "I can't do this."
Lorcan stared at Clarisse sharply, as if trying to comprehend the unexpected defiance from the woman who was now his wife. "You know this is part of our marriage," Lorcan said, his voice turning colder. "You have no choice, Clarisse. You belong to me."
Clarisse bit her lip, suppressing the anger burning inside her. "I belong to no one. I married you because I had no choice, but my body is mine alone." Clarisse's words carried a courage she never thought she possessed.
Lorcan stepped toward Clarisse swiftly, making Clarisse nearly recoil. But Clarisse held her ground, refusing to show fear.
"Don't think you can dictate what will and will not happen in this marriage, Clarisse," Lorcan warned, his eyes demanding obedience.
"I've made my decision," Clarisse said steadily. "I will not surrender tonight."
A tense silence fell between them. Clarisse could feel the weight of the moment, the suffocating tension in the air. For a fleeting second, Clarisse feared that Lorcan would force her.
But then, suddenly, Lorcan exhaled sharply and turned away, his rigid posture revealing the frustration Lorcan struggled to contain.
"Very well," Lorcan finally said, his voice unreadable. "You win tonight. But remember this, Clarisse—I always get what I want." Lorcan walked out of the room, leaving Clarisse standing alone, her breath caught in her throat.
At last, Clarisse could breathe again. Clarisse knew her refusal was only a small victory, and Lorcan would not stop until Lorcan got what Lorcan wanted. But tonight, for the first time in a long while, Clarisse felt a spark of strength within her. It was a small step, but a crucial one.
That night, Clarisse slept alone in the grand bed that felt more like a prison. The once-beautiful silk curtains now seemed oppressive. Yet, a newfound peace settled in Clarisse's heart. Clarisse knew the battle had only just begun, and Clarisse had to find a way to fight against Lorcan's control.
But for tonight, Clarisse had won one small battle—and that gave Clarisse hope.
Outside, Sasa, Clarisse's loyal attendant, stood watch near the bridal chamber and let out a relieved sigh. Nothing unwanted had happened that night, and Clarisse had managed to preserve Clarisse's dignity.