The Wedding Night

I perceived the parlor's radiance to be faint, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Nevertheless, Jacob disregarded the parlor completely and made his way straight to his sleeping quarters. The room was shrouded in obscurity, except for a duo of flickering candles, their soft radiance casting light upon the area. The bed linens had already been fastidiously prepared.

Jacob guided me to a plush chair, and a fleeting desire to retreat slowly crept into my thoughts. In a graceful motion, he discarded his jacket, nonchalantly draping it upon the adjacent chair. Before I could even contemplate my next move, he stood before me, his presence commanding my attention. In that moment, I found myself bereft of any conceivable escape.


"What troubles you, my dear?" he inquired, his voice dripping with concern.
"I am not prepared for this," I confessed, my voice trembling with uncertainty.
"For what, my lady?" he inquired, his tone laced with curiosity.
"What you have orchestrated for this evening," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I am not yet ready for such an intimate encounter.”

"It is our wedding night," he countered, his words tinged with confusion.
"What relevance does that hold?" I questioned, my voice tinged with apprehension.
"What is it that you fear, my darling?" he interjected, not allowing me a moment to respond, as his lips abruptly met mine.


Jacob gracefully lowered himself onto the plush chair, his towering frame nearly enveloping me in its luxurious embrace. I found myself trapped, with no means of escape from his overpowering presence. Though I longed to push him away, his strength was tenfold mine, rendering me powerless. He drew me closer. I wriggled free from his grasp and clambered out of the chair, determined to evade his advances.


"I see now why you were so insistent on that dance," he remarked.
"My dear, it was merely a way to showcase your exquisite moves," Jacob replied, his tone smooth and suave.
"It also revealed that you possess a spirit that cannot be tamed," he retorted.

"Do not fret, my love.”
“I can fix that," Jacob replied, his voice dripping with confidence.
"I cannot be broken of my spirit, nor will I be tamed like a wild beast," I declared, my resolve unshakable.

"You will be the perfect wife for me," Jacob countered, his eyes glinting with a hint of warning.”
"After all, your reputation is at stake, and one misstep could ruin everything - not just for you, but for your entire family."


Suddenly, Jacob materialized behind me, his presence exuding an air of elegance and refinement. His arms enveloped me. A sense of unease washed over me, causing my heart to flutter in trepidation. With a gentle yet commanding gesture, he turned me around, positioning me to face him.

Deliberately and hurriedly, Jacob initiated a kiss, his lips caressing mine with a tenderness that belied the storm brewing within him. However, his kiss escalated so swiftly that it left me breathless, struggling to find solace in the embrace that lacked the depth of emotion I yearned for. His grip tightened, ensuring my inability to escape his clutches as he guided us towards the bed.

Even amid this struggle, I resolved to resist his advances. Summoning every ounce of my inner strength, I fought against his hold, determined not to succumb to his whims. Miraculously, I managed to break free, my determination prevailing over his overpowering presence. In my escape, however, Jacob's grip tightened around my delicate wrist, resulting in the unfortunate tearing of my exquisite dress. A mischievous laughter escaped his lips, betraying a lack of empathy or remorse for his actions.


"Pray tell, do you comprehend the sheer absurdity of this situation?" he inquired, his voice dripping with cruelty.
"You are expending such tremendous effort in opposition to me, when you are well aware that I shall emerge victorious."
"All I implore of you is to grant me some more time," I continued, my tone laced with refinement.

"As I have previously stated, I am not equipped to handle this at present.”
“ I was not even prepared for the institution of marriage."

"Rest assured, my dearest, you shall be unscathed," he reassured, his words imbued with a sense of grandeur.

"I shall not inflict any harm upon you."
"Indeed, I shall not," I affirmed, my voice resonating with elegance.
"However, if I am not granted the time I require, I shall inevitably harbor resentment towards this moment."


Suddenly, I found myself reclining upon the bed, my body prone and vulnerable. His swiftness astounded me and I struggled to catch my breath as he straddled my waist with his full weight. My lady's maid gently rapped on the door, announcing her presence.


"May I inquire as to your wishes, my lady?" she inquired with a deferential bow.
"Her Majesty has requested my presence to prepare her for slumber."


Jacob stirred from his repose, but I remained frozen in fear, knowing that I should flee to the safety of Jake's embrace. As the door opened, I silently implored my maid for aid.


"As you can see, your services are not required tonight," Jacob declared with a commanding tone.
"Now, go."


My lady's maid, ever the astute servant, recognized the unspoken plea and curtsied before exiting the chamber. Jacob shut the door with a resounding thud, his attention now solely
focused on me.

In an instant, he was upon me, his touch both tender and forceful. Though he did not coerce me into carnal acts, he pushed the boundaries of my comfort. The night wore on. My body ached and trembled, knowing that the morning would bring bruises and pain.

Silent tears streamed down my face as I longed for the safety of Jake's arms or the comfort of my manor. Only my maid, Macy, knew of my forbidden love for Jake, and she sat vigilantly in his chamber, awaiting his return.


"How did Katherine appear upon your arrival?"
"She was in a state of distress, her elegant sleeves in tatters."
"He was sprawled over her, while Katherine lay on her back, exuding sheer terror."
"She must have valiantly resisted his advances."
"I am grateful for your disclosure."

"I was aware of Jacob's intentions for this evening, yet I had hoped she would find an escape route."
"If only I could have shielded her from harm."
"You have done everything within your power."
"No, I should have eloped with her when the opportunity presented itself."

"Please accept my gratitude for your notification."
"I shall inquire about her well-being come morning."
"Thank you, Jake."


Macy gracefully exited the premises, leaving Jake to retire to his opulent bed. However, sleep eluded him throughout the night.

The following morning, I awoke to the sight of Jacob's charming smile. I cannot recall when or how I drifted off to sleep, but it was a restless slumber, that much I knew. I attempted to shift my position but immediately regretted it as a sharp pain shot through my body. I groaned in agony, yet he seemed oblivious to my discomfort. He tenderly kissed me, but I did not reciprocate.


"Come now, my love, surely you cannot be cross with me," he implored.


I remained silent.


"Perhaps a sumptuous breakfast will lift your spirits."


He rang the bell by the bedside, and in an instant, Macy appeared with our meal. I ate sparingly.


"You must eat more, my dear," he urged.
"I am not particularly hungry, Jacob," I replied.

Once he had finished his meal, he commanded, "Maid, prepare the princess for the day.”
"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied dutifully.


I attempted to rise from the bed, but the pain was too much to bear, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Jacob scooped me up in his arms and carried me to the bathroom. He gently placed me on a chair and exited the room. As soon as the door closed, I wept.


"My lady, how may I assist you?" Macy inquired.
"I would appreciate a bath if it is not too much trouble," I replied.


Macy proceeded to fill the tub with warm water. Once it was ready, she helped me into the bath. The soothing water eased my discomfort, but I noticed some dried blood seeping into the water. Now, before you jump to conclusions, it was merely from scratches on my back. Macy washed my hair with care.


"Miss Katherine, may I assist you in getting out?" she asked.
"I would like to stay a while longer," I replied.
"As you wish, my lady," she acquiesced.


Approximately five minutes later, I summoned her presence once again, and she graciously assisted me in adorning myself. Macy skillfully began to arrange my hair, but I swiftly interjected, requesting that only a portion of it be elegantly pulled back, concealing the unsightly marks that marred my visage. With utmost care, she artfully secured the upper strands, adorning them with delicate blossoms. Skillfully, she applied my makeup, enhancing my natural beauty, before guiding me into the parlor. There, Jacob, regally seated in his ornate chair, awaited our arrival.


"You may take your leave," I heard Macy curtsey and gracefully exit the room.


Jacob, ever the epitome of chivalry, approached me and effortlessly lifted me into his arms.


"Come, my dear, for we are fashionably tardy for our morning repast."


Silently, I acquiesced as he carried me with the utmost tenderness down to the grand dining hall. The doors swung open, revealing the opulence within, he guided me directly to my designated seat, gently placing me upon it before settling into his own adjacent throne.

The king, in his benevolence, offered his blessings upon the feast laid before us, and we commenced our indulgence. Amidst the lavishness, my attention was captivated by the presence of Vivian, seated beside Jake, her delicate fingers tracing patterns upon his hand. However, my focus was swiftly redirected by the queen's inquisitive gaze.


"How fares the newlywed couple on this fine morning?" she inquired; her regal satisfaction evident in her tone.
"When shall you embark on your honeymoon, my dear son?" inquired his mother, her voice dripping with elegance.
"Right after breakfast concludes, Mother," he replied, his smile radiating charm. I turned towards him, captivated by his presence.

"Jake and Vivian shall accompany us," he added, his words laced with excitement.
"How delightful, my son," the queen exclaimed, her eyes gleaming with joy.
"I have heard whispers that they are to be wed the day after your return."


I struggled to maintain composure, attempting to suppress my surprise as I sipped my water. Did they suspect my pretense? Jacob seemed to sense my unease, leaning in to kiss me tenderly in front of the assembled crowd.


"I have an announcement to make," he declared, his voice commanding attention.
"Soon, this enchanting lady shall ascend to the throne."


The crowd erupted in cheers, and Jacob gracefully resumed his seat. Breakfast concluded shortly thereafter, and his mother inquired about our accommodations.


"Where shall you be residing, my son?"
"We shall retreat to the royal country estate," he responded.
"An excellent decision," his mother praised.

"Jake, would you kindly escort the princess to our quarters and ensure her belongings are prepared?"
"I have a few matters to attend to," he acknowledged, his tone respectful.
"Yes, Your Highness."


Jake extended his arm, and I eagerly accepted, allowing him to guide me out of the room.


"Are you well, my dear?" he inquired, concern etched upon his face.
"No, Jake, I am not," I confessed, my voice tinged with vulnerability.

"I am deeply sorry for last night."
"Your maid informed me, but alas, I was powerless to intervene," he lamented, his eyes filled with regret.
"I wish I could have shielded you from harm."


We arrived at my chamber, and he swiftly ushered me inside. To my delight, I discovered my bags already packed, a testament to Macy’s thoughtfulness. Jake escorted me to my seat, my knees nearly buckled beneath me. I lowered myself down slowly, letting out a soft cry of pain.


Concern etched across his face, he asked, "Did Jacob harm you last night?”
“Did he force you to do something against your will?"


While Jacob had indeed caused me harm, it was not in the way Jake had insinuated.


"Yes, Jacob hurt me," I admitted, "but not in that way."


Removing my gloves, Jake's eyes widened in outrage at the sight of the bruises on my wrist. I wiped away my makeup with a handkerchief. Jake's fury only intensified upon seeing the bruises around my jawline.


"There are more all over my body," I confessed.
"Jacob did this to me."


I longed to cry, but refused to do so in front of Jake. He pulled me close, his lips meeting mine in a gentle kiss before pulling away.


"When did you and Vivian become engaged?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Her father confronted me after I walked her to her room last night," he explained.
"He threatened to ruin me if I did not marry his daughter.”

“You know I cannot afford to lose my job, not with my sister's medical treatments to pay for."
"I know, my love," I murmured sympathetically.
"We are both trapped, with no way out."


I retreated to my room to reapply my makeup. I knew that Jacob's arrival was imminent. I did not want him to know that Jake was aware of our situation. I settled back into my chair. Jake leaned in for one last kiss before the door opened and Jacob entered.


"Thank you, Jake.”
“You should go help Vivian pack," he ordered, dismissing him with a wave of his hand.


Jake bowed and exited the room. I braced myself for what was to come.