(Chapter 29)
With each passing day, Clarisse Faeloria's mind was consumed by the looming dread of her bleak future with Lorcan Frostborne, the obsessive Duke of the North. The thought of Lorcan as her husband filled her with terror—not because of his power or influence, but because of the absolute control he held over her life. Of course, Sasa, her ever-loyal companion, never tired of reminding Clarisse to stay strong in the face of this harrowing ordeal.
Clarisse desperately searched for a way out. Deep in her heart, she knew there was one person who might be able to help her—Kaelion Arvasyn, the crown prince known for his wisdom and compassion. Yet seeking Kaelion's help was a challenge in itself. Sending a letter was out of the question, as every piece of correspondence required Lorcan's approval, and he would undoubtedly read it first. Clarisse felt like a bird trapped in a gilded cage, ensnared in a web that tightened around her with every passing moment.
"Am I truly meant to accept this fate?" Clarisse whispered to herself in the silence of her room.
Each time Lorcan attempted to draw close to her, she would subtly push him away, maintaining as much distance as possible. The approaching wedding only deepened her unease. Before her family, Clarisse pretended that everything was fine. Her father, Jonathan Faeloria, beamed with pride at the upcoming marriage, while her mother, Eleanor Faeloria, remained indifferent, showing no concern for her daughter's doubts. No one realized that behind Lorcan's seemingly affectionate gestures lay far darker intentions.
But when they were alone, Clarisse became cold and detached, her gaze vacant whenever she looked at him.
"Will you always treat me this way?" Lorcan asked one evening, his voice low and unnerving.
"Yes," Clarisse answered curtly, refusing to give him any foothold to control her further.
In the end, the wedding took place. Clarisse had no means of escaping Lorcan's meticulously laid plans. On the day of the ceremony, she stood beside him, surrounded by guests who cheered and congratulated them. Jonathan smiled proudly, pleased that his daughter had married a man he considered a valuable ally. Among the guests was Kaelion Arvasyn, offering his congratulations with a thin smile. But his eyes betrayed his true feelings—Clarisse could see the unspoken discontent and disappointment lurking within them.
Kaelion, soon to be crowned emperor after his marriage to Caelira Duskthorn, did not seem any happier with his own fate. Clarisse recognized that feeling all too well—she felt it now herself. Once, she had perhaps tried to comfort Kaelion, but now, trapped in an unwanted marriage of her own, she understood just how similar their suffering truly was.
At least Caelira is a kind woman, Clarisse thought as she glanced at Kaelion. Unlike me, who must marry a man who seeks nothing but control over my life.
Her gaze shifted to Lorcan, who was watching her with an unreadable expression. They stood before the altar, the priest ready to officiate their vows. Lorcan recited his with certainty, and Clarisse repeated the words without feeling. A flicker of satisfaction gleamed in Lorcan's eyes, making Clarisse sick, but she kept her expression impassive, enduring the moment.
"With these vows, you are now husband and wife," the priest declared, sealing the ceremony with a forced kiss before the assembled guests.
Lorcan smiled triumphantly as he kissed Clarisse, while she returned his touch with nothing but emptiness. When they turned to face the well-wishers, a practiced, sweet smile graced her lips, concealing the sorrow buried deep in her heart.
No one knew the truth behind this marriage. To the world, it was the perfect union between two noble houses. But Sasa, ever by Clarisse's side, saw the reality. She knew that her lady was now bound to a man devoid of mercy, and the thought of it shattered her heart.