Thanks to the help of a sympathetic nursemaid, she acquired a test, and got her answer. She was pregnant, and it was not with her future husband’s baby.
She knew what she had to do. Because King Lucian had said that he hated liars. And if she walked down that aisle carrying Andrei’s baby then…
Maybe he’ll set you free.
No. He wouldn’t. He would kill her. And the baby. At least, if his reputation was to be believed.
Her heart was hammering hard when she entered the throne room. “I need to speak to the king in private.”
“It is bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the wedding day,” Lucian said. “And you should believe that, because my brides have had very bad luck.”
“I will risk it.”
He waved his hand and the guards melted away.
“And where is your ominous shadow?”
“I assure you, I don’t know.”
“I see. And what is it you have to tell me?”
“I’m pregnant.”
“I have been told my virility is powerful, but I believe this is pushing the limits even for me,” he said.
“Obviously it isn’t yours.”
He shrugged. “That is of no matter to me. It speeds along the production of an heir, but don’t think that it will spare you the wedding night.”
“You don’t… You don’t care?”
“No. I’ve lost two wives without the benefit of an heir. This is a boon for me.”
“But most men—”
“Blood means nothing to me,” he said. “You mean nothing to me. I don’t care if you fuck your brother’s entire guard, or just the one. Am I clear?”
She clenched her teeth together. “You have no interest in calling the wedding off?”
“None. And in fact if you were to do so, the consequences would be disastrous. For you. I would find them enjoyable.”
“Then I will see you in a few hours.”
The reality of the situation was about to crush her. Her wedding gown was beautiful, but it was for a woman with an entirely different sense of style. Lucian had chosen it, because this was his play, and she was merely one of the players. She was a pawn. Just like her baby was.
Hers and Andrei’s baby.
But Andrei was gone, and she had no choice.
She was on the verge of panic. She couldn’t think clearly. She felt like she was halfway down death’s road, her whole body strung tightly with anxiety and fear. Going forward with the marriage felt impossible. Leaving felt fatal. So all she could do was go through the motions. Go along with the plan already in place.
Before she knew it, it was time for her to walk down the aisle. Onyx took her arm and looked at her, a strange sort of sadness on his face.
“What?”
“I don’t know. Something about it doesn’t feel right.”
“It’s too late. I’ve signed the agreement.”
