Chapter 19

Elise’s younger brother had a habit of making promises to her, assuring her that he would find her the most suitable partner on the continent. “I’ll find you a man with a kind and loving personality, who will only have eyes for you,” he would say. However, Elise would often doubt this, questioning whether any man would want to marry someone as flighty as herself. To this, her brother would respond with compliments and flattery, praising her beauty and making her feel both embarrassed and unsure of herself. He would go on to promise her a grand and luxurious wedding, even more magnificent than the emperor’s. “Just promise me that you’ll get a little healthier,” he would plead.

Lost in thought, Elise suddenly snapped back to reality as she heard the officiant’s question. “Will you cherish and love Rezette Kyrstan as your husband for the rest of your life?” 

Without hesitation, she replied, “Yes, I swear.”

The wedding was quickly coming to a close, just minutes after it had begun. However, the wedding organizers seemed to find this to be a relief, as they hadn’t spent months preparing for the ceremony like some had. 

The archbishop posed the same question to Rezette Kyrstan, “Will you cherish and love Elizabeth Aseica as your wife for the rest of your life?” There was a tense moment of silence before Rezette finally answered with a simple, “Yes,” prompting a relieved response from the archbishop.

Elise’s maid, Yvesa, had told her that Rezette was surprisingly devout. It was clear that taking false vows before God would have been a difficult thing for him to do.

The archbishop continued in a business-like tone, “As a representative of God, I approve the marital vow of these two people. Please verify that there is no falsehood in the vow you have made, and share a kiss of oath before God.”

Confusion appeared on Elise’s face, as she had not realized that it was a natural process. She turned to the duke, who was facing her, albeit a beat too late. In a hushed tone that only he could hear, she whispered, “You can just pretend, Your Grace.”

Given the numerous onlookers, it was impossible to skip the kiss entirely. However, Elise could angle her head in such a way that it would appear they were kissing, even though their lips did not touch. However, she soon realized that a fake kiss might cause Rezette to hesitate. After all, why would anyone want to kiss a woman like her?

Instead, she decided it would be best if she approached him. Since the rumors about their marriage had already spread beyond the palace, it would not be unusual for her to take a proactive stance. Elise estimated the difference in height between herself and Rezette and lifted her heels.

Rezette gazed at Elise as she approached, his eyes fixed on her lips. Talk of their marriage had spread quickly beyond the palace walls, and Rezette was aware of how Elizabeth Aseica was being judged by the public. She was viewed as a beauty who had seduced a warlord, a woman who hid the wicked nature of a ruthless ruler beneath an angelic facade. Was he truly under her spell?

The princess inclined her head ever so slightly, and tentatively leaned forward and brushed her lips against the corners of his mouth, the faintest whisper of a kiss.

Rezette’s judgment was clouded, his mind twisted by an unknown feeling that plagued him. “If you’re going to do it, do it properly,” he commanded, his voice low and insistent. He reached out, his fingers closing around the soft nape of her neck, preventing her from retreating. In one swift motion, he claimed her lower lip. It was an impulse, an instinctive action.

What he stood to gain from this union was a pardon for taking the princess of Argan as he pleased, and so he had no reason to hesitate if she was willing. Elise, her lip caught between her teeth, gasped softly as Rezette devoured her mouth, taking everything that she had to offer.

The princess’s mouth was hot and soft, yielding to his kiss. Elise’s raised heel slowly returned to the ground as she seemed to surrender to the moment. Though surprised by the intensity of his embrace, she did not pull away or turn her head.

As they kissed, the sweet fragrance of her blooming courtesy mixed with the warm, heady scent of their shared breath, enveloping them in a cocoon of desire.

Rezette finally parted their lips, and the princess quickly lowered her head. Her ears turned bright red, her previous boldness replaced with a sudden shyness that made her seem vulnerable. Her chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath, the dull white dress she wore tightly hugging her curves.

Unconsciously, Rezette’s eyes roamed over her body, taking in the curves of her bosom accentuated by the flower bud-like dress she wore. He couldn’t help but wonder who had chosen such an inappropriate attire for such a solemn occasion. If their intention was to arouse desire in men to peel off her dress like opening a flower, he could certainly understand why.

Realizing that it was best to keep the Princess hidden from the world’s prying eyes, except for his own, Rezette quickly made up his mind. At last, his hardened face softened slightly.

The archbishop declared the marriage bond formally and administratively. “The two have pledged to become a couple before God and many witnesses, so I declare that the marriage is consummated,” he proclaimed, his voice echoing through the chapel.

Elise’s heart pounded in her chest as she pressed a hand to her chest, unsure of how the duke truly felt about her. Despite the overwhelming desire to run her fingers over his lips, which she had longed for so desperately, she fought to resist the temptation.

It was the first time Elise had ever kissed a man, and the experience was far from the romantic and exhilarating encounter she had always imagined. Instead, it was a hot and suffocating affair, leaving her lips tingling with the memory of the fleeting sensation.

“That concludes the ceremony,” the archbishop declared, effectively putting an end to Elise’s first-ever wedding experience. While everything about the event was new to her, it had come and gone with a merciless swiftness that left her feeling almost shell-shocked.

***

The duke’s knights were scheduled to leave for their territories immediately. Noyer urged Rezette and Elise to enjoy even a feast before leaving, but Rezette refused outright.

“We have left the territory empty for a long time. Even if we leave now, it will take ten days by carriage, so we want to leave as soon as possible.”

“Fine.”

Noyer had regained his appetite, but he did not hold them back any longer. He knew well that the princess would not be happy to stay here for too long. 

Noyer greeted Elise with a slightly affectionate tone.

“Well, take care. Don’t make me regret saving you.”

The emperor’s greedy eyes fell on Elise’s flat belly. If he found out that nothing was growing in her womb, he would be so furious that he might even torture her himself.

I’ll die on the spot if the Emperor finds out, she thought. Elise’s heart chilled. She prayed earnestly that the Emperor would not visit Rotiara unexpectedly.

As they left the chapel, Rezette snatched a robe from a waiting maid and draped it over Elise’s shoulders.

Yanok Sihat was still staying in Van Yela. Rezette strongly refused to let him attend the wedding ceremony. However, the barbarians who refused to give up were camping in front of the chapel.

Rezette fastened the strings of Elise’s hood securely over her head.

“We must leave at once. Are you ready?” he asked.

“I’m ready,” Elise replied.

Her face was mostly obscured by the hood, with only her lips and chin visible, but Rezette couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. Her lips, pink and moist, hesitated before she spoke, but before Elise could voice her doubts, an unpleasant voice cut in.

“You noticed something was amiss, didn’t you? Did you know she’s a spy?”

Yanok Sihat strode towards them, poking at Rezette. Elise’s shoulders tensed as she recognized his voice.

Yanok still bore scars and swelling on his face from the night he had secretly visited the princess’s cell. In the darkness, an unknown assailant had broken his jaw, making his already ferocious appearance even more menacing.

“I heard that she’s carrying your child, Your Highness,” he sneered. “She’ll do anything to survive. Emperor Argan would be pleased. Don’t you think so?”

Elise retreated behind Rezette, but he pushed her towards Ruben. She instinctively clutched at his cloak, seeking safety. However, Rezette seized her wrist and pulled her away, causing Elise to whimper in pain.

“Ruben, escort her,” Rezette ordered.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ruben stepped forward and blocked Elizabeth and Yanok. Rezette motioned for the knights behind him to follow as Ruben ushered Elise towards the waiting carriage.

“Let’s go. We mustn’t delay any longer.”

Elizabeth halted in her tracks and hesitated. She knew she shouldn’t rely on anyone like a child, but her eyes followed Rezette, who seemed to be the safest person among those who were not on her side. However, the man who had pushed her away harshly didn’t glance back at her. Rezette stood firm until Elizabeth and the knights had vanished entirely. He hardly paid attention to Yanok’s meaningless chatter.

“Hmph, are you ignoring me?” Yanok’s eyes widened as he jabbed Rezette’s chest with his index finger. “Your Highness, did you marry that girl for a reason?”

“I know some things.”

“What do you know about Elizabeth Aseica? Did the princess tell you about why the Emperor of Argan favored his sister over himself?” Yanok probed tirelessly.