My hand slips into his, and I step into the sunlight. My diamond-encrusted slippers meet the regal red carpet that stretches down the aisle between seated guests and enough flowers to fill the royal greenhouse.
Ronan waits upon the dais, a trellis of climbing roses arching high above him. Music from the stringed quartet near the well drifts through the air.
Not even the beauty of the day can hide the ugliness of this lie.
My father lifts my veil, silver tears lining his lashes as he leans forward to press his lips to my cheek. He passes my hand to Ronan, and the two share a smile.
Doesn’t he see the hardness in the prince’s eyes? The way my future husband’s jaw works? Even if he did, what could he possibly do to save me from this fate?
Not a damn thing.
“Good of you to come,” Ronan murmurs under his breath when my father leaves us to take his chair next to my brother and his new wife.
“I didn’t have a choice.”
His teeth flash with his wolfish smile. “No. You didn’t.”
The priest begins with a long, drawn-out monologue about duty and honor and faithfulness—three things Ronan Reve knows nothing about. The crowd stares on, smiles painted on their faces and their expressions enraptured. The kingdom’s lone heir marrying a woman as common as muck. A fairytale in the making.
I can’t do this.
I just can’t.
Maybe if I make a run for it, I could reach The Divide before anyone catches me.
I’d rather live among the wolves than marry this manipulative wretch.
The music falls silent, and then I hear it.
A high-pitched squeaking. Faint at first, growing louder with each passing second.
The priest must hear it as well, because he glances over his shoulder to where unicorns and riders emerge from between armed guards.
The crowd begins to shift and murmur, glancing at one another before shooting looks of hatred toward the newcomers.
“What the hell are they doing here?” the queen hisses to her husband. The priest’s wan smile twists into a grimace.
Ronan’s own smile never falters. “Don’t fret, Mother. I think it’s bloody brilliant that our neighbors from across The Divide have decided to join us on this most wondrous occasion.”
Poor Ever is sure to be heartbroken when he hears.
If only he hadn’t sent me away…
Ronan’s brow furrows as he searches among the Unseelie. “Where is he?”
My heart swells knowing this victory won’t be nearly as sweet for him without Ever present. “Are you looking for someone in particular?”
“You know damn well who I’m looking for.”
The queen grips the arms of her throne with pale fingers. “Ronan, why are you hesitating? Marry the girl and be done with it.”
“Not yet,” he snaps.
“Don’t speak to your mother like that,” the king snaps under his breath.
The murmuring crowd grows louder, and a few folks at the back vacate their seats. For the most part, though, they remain tethered to their chairs, witnessing the events unfolding like the scene of a play.
The queen’s expression tightens as she turns to the priest and urges him to continue.
