Chapter 71
His words struck me like a physical blow. I clutched the edge of the dresser to steady myself, my breath coming in shallow gasps.
Lucian chuckled, clearly mistaking my reaction for shyness. "Don't worry, Arin," he said, stepping closer. "I'll be gentle."
I forced myself to meet his gaze, but I couldn't muster a response. Every instinct in me screamed to run, to escape, but there was nowhere to go.
"I'll see you tonight," he said, brushing a strand of hair from my face before leaving the room.
The moment the door closed, my knees gave way, and I sank onto the edge of the bed. My hands trembled as I pressed them to my face, trying to calm the storm inside me.
The servants continued their work, oblivious to my distress. They moved with quiet efficiency, packing my gowns, books, and other belongings into trunks.
I tried to focus on their movements, anything to distract myself from the dread that grew with each passing moment. But Lucian's words echoed in my mind.
You should get ready for tonight.
My throat tightened. I wasn't ready. I'd never be ready. The thought of Lucian touching me, of being bound to him in the most intimate way, filled me with a terror I couldn't suppress.
But what choice did I have? I was his wife now.
When the last trunk was carried out, I was left alone in the empty room. It felt colder without my belongings, the walls closing in like a prison cell.
I stood and walked to the mirror, studying my reflection. My face was pale, my eyes wide with fear. The girl staring back at me looked like a stranger.
"I can't do this," I whispered to myself.
But even as the words left my lips, I knew they meant nothing. My fate had been sealed.
There was a knock at the door, and a servant peeked in. "Lady Arin—"
I flinched at the title. "What is it?" I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.
"Lord Lucian asked me to inform you that everything is ready in his chambers. You can move in now," she said timidly.
I nodded, dismissing her with a wave.
The door clicked shut, and I turned back to the mirror. I needed to gather my strength, to face whatever came next.
But as the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the room, all I felt was fear.
..........
The palace was buzzing with whispers and speculation. Lucian had made sure of it, announcing our secret wedding like it was some grand victory. Every corner I turned, servants and nobles alike stared at me, their curiosity and shock evident. Some of them looked happy, murmuring their congratulations to me. But it wasn't their reactions that weighed on me—it was Rowan's.
I hadn't seen him since the announcement, and the thought of how he must feel gnawed at my conscience. I didn't have a choice. He had to understand that.
The suffocating air of the palace drove me outside, seeking solace under the twilight sky. The garden was quiet, the soft chirping of crickets the only sound accompanying me. I wrapped my arms around myself, walking aimlessly, hoping the cool air might calm my racing thoughts.
"Arin."
I froze. The voice was low and familiar, sending a shiver down my spine. Turning slowly, I saw Rowan emerge from the shadows, his expression unreadable.
"What are you doing out here?" I asked, trying to sound composed, though my heart pounded in my chest.
"I should ask you the same," he replied, stepping closer. His piercing gaze bore into me, searching for answers I wasn't sure I could give. "Why didn't you call out to me? Why didn't you stop him? Why did you let him marry you?"
I looked away, guilt flooding me. "I didn't know, Rowan. I didn't know he was taking me to the temple. He said it was a surprise. And I foolishly followed him and he had the priestess conduct the marriage ceremony..."
Rowan's jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists at his sides. "He's sneaky. I told him to wait. I told him it wasn't time yet he still went on with it. How dare him?"
I swallowed hard. "What choice do I have? He's already talking about our wedding night. I'm frightened just thinking about it. I don't know how to stop him... I don't want this, any of this."
For a moment, he didn't speak, his eyes narrowing as if deep in thought. Then, to my surprise, his expression softened. "There is a way," he said quietly.
I frowned. "A way to stop him?"
He nodded, stepping closer until only a breath separated us. "It will keep him away from you for a few days. But you have to trust me."
"I do," I said without hesitation, though his sudden intensity unnerved me.
"Good," he murmured, his voice low and commanding. "Lift up your skirts."
"What?" I blinked, taking a step back. "Here? Rowan, what are you—"
"Just do it, Arin," he interrupted, his tone firm but not unkind. "I promise, it'll help."
Hesitant, I glanced around, ensuring we were alone. Then, with trembling hands, I gathered the fabric of my skirts and lifted them just enough to expose my thigh.
Rowan's eyes flicked to my leg, and before I could second-guess my decision, he extended one hand. His nails shifted, elongating into claws, sharp and deadly.
"What are you—" I started, but he placed a reassuring hand on my arm.
"This won't hurt much," he said softly.
I flinched as his claw grazed my skin, leaving a shallow, stinging cut along my thigh. Blood welled up, but it was minimal, more a scratch than a wound.
"Rowan!" I gasped, staring at the thin line of red.
"Calm down," he said, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket and pressing it to the cut. "Now, when Lucian comes to you tonight, tell him you've started your monthly flow. He will smell the blood on you. He won't touch you."
I stared at him, the absurdity of his plan hitting me all at once. "You're serious?"
He arched an eyebrow. "Do you think he'll question it? Most men would rather avoid that altogether."
A laugh bubbled up despite my anxiety. It was ridiculous, but it just might work. "You're unbelievable," I said, shaking my head.
He smiled faintly. "I'm trying to help you."
I pressed the handkerchief to my leg, the sting already fading. "Thank you, Rowan," I said quietly.
His expression softened further, his gaze lingering on mine. "Be careful, Arin," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "If you need me, you know where to find me."
Before I could respond, he stepped back, disappearing into the shadows as quickly as he had appeared.
I stood there for a moment, my heart heavy yet oddly comforted. Rowan always seemed to have a way of making me feel less alone, even in the darkest moments.
With a deep breath, I turned back toward the palace, clutching the handkerchief tightly. Rowan's plan might have been unconventional, but it was better than nothing. Tonight, I would be safe—at least for a little while.
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