A Bride For A Truce

 SERAFINA'S POV

    Sunlight seeped into the room, casting a luminous glow across the furniture as though it was trying to chase the shadows that lurked within. 

   My stomach churned with nausea and I do my best to ignore it.

    The makeup artist wraps up quickly as she smoothes a brush over my lips.

    I stared at myself in the full-length mirror and can not recognize the woman looking back at me.

   I look beautiful. Too beautiful.

    The dress is a delicate off-the-shoulder white lace, long-sleeved mermaid dress, with thousands of beadings running across the bodice.

   The neckline plunges a bit, hinting at my voluptuous breasts. My fiery mane of auburn hair is tamed and wrapped intricately with a simple diamond tiara.

    "You look so stunning, Fina" Diana gushed, her voice tinged with emotions as she moved to stand behind me, adjusting my tiara.

    She meets my eyes in the mirror and gives me a reassuring smile. I manage a small smile back, feeling grateful for the gift of Diana's friendship and support. 

   We grew up together, attending the same schools, we were inseparable. She's like a sister I never had.

    "I feel sick," I admit softly, letting out a shaky breath.

    "You know I am always here if you need anything right. We can even hatch out an escape plan" She leaned in to whisper to me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. 

    I chuckled softly appreciating her attempt at humor even though we both knew any move at escape was a wasted effort.

    An ache of helplessness settled in my chest.

   I wished my brother Lorenzo was here. Asides from Diana and Tessa, he was the only other ally I had. 

    But then Lorenzo hasn't been around for anything since......

    A sharp knock at the door interrupted my train of thought and I glanced over at it..

   Diana opens it to reveal my father. He paused briefly at the doorway and regarded me with an expression akin to pride. 

    "Serafina. Sei bellissima figlia" (you look, beautiful daughter). 

    Stiffening at the statement, I looked away from him. I haven't been able to look him in the eye since the night he delivered the news that broke me.

    "Are you ready?" His tone left no doubt that the moment of weakness was gone.

    "I'm ready" I lie, though my voice cracked.

    He steps further into the room, regarding me with caution. He extended his right arm to me and I took it, entwining mine with his.

    ***********

    The wedding is being held at the Grand Oheka Castle. Perfect for a fairytale wedding but it felt like my funeral.

    I stood at the arched entrance to the garden path, that opened towards rows of perfectly trimmed hedges stretching endlessly.

   The strategically placed ponds shimmered in the sunlight with the occasional ripple of koi fish breaking to the surface.

    The soft strains of the wedding match drew me to the present and in unison, the guests turn their heads to stare at me in awe.

    I clutch the calla lilies to my bosom and look away from their scrutinizing stares. 

   Taking an unsteady step forward, my gaze drifted to Adriko, standing beneath a grand floral arch waiting for me.

    He was wearing a well-tailored custom tuxedo that hugged his broad shoulders and taut biceps. 

   Traces of intricately drawn tattoos peeped out from the cuffs of his sleeves. The visible part of his neck is adorned with an array of striking ink that commands attention. 

   A black and gray rose blooms on the side of his neck, its petals sharp. The stem curves gracefully down towards his collarbone, entwined with a Cyrillic lettering that I can't translate.

   I lift my gaze upwards and his piercing blue eyes lock on mine. 

    I come to a halt in front of him, a ripple of awareness coursing through me.

    Focus Sera i mutter to myself. 

   The priest gives us a curt nod and begins speaking.

    "Dearly Beloved, we are here today 

    I tune out the voice of the priest, focusing my attention on Adriko, his blue eyes pulled me in. I noticed the clenching of his jaw and wondered briefly what he might be thinking. 

    The voice of the priest filters back into my ears "Marriage is not merely a union of two people" he commented in a steady and reverent voice." It is a binding declaration of love, trust, and shared purpose".

    Trust and love. My throat tightened at the irony of those words. Adriko's expression was closed off. I wondered what was going through his head.

    Looking away from his intense gaze,my eyes drift over the sea of faces who were staring at me, some in curiosity, others in judgment.

   I caught the gazes of a few women who stared at Adriko with barely concealed lust.

    The voice of the priest brings my attention back.

    "Do you Serafina Vitale, take this man Adriko Ivanov to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?" 

    My heart rate picked up as I struggled to speak.

    "I..." The word caught in my throat, barely audible

    Adriko's hand brushed against mine, a slight touch that jolted me to my core but succeeded in pulling me back to the moment.

   His eyes burned into mine an unspoken command present in their depths.

    "I do," I said, my voice trembling slightly but clear enough to carry.

    "Can we have the rings? " The priest asked. 

    A man whom I hadn't noticed initially, stepped out from beside Adriko and handed him a box. 

   I took the ring from the priest and proceeded to slip the silver band onto Adriko's ring finger.

    Adriko repeated the same vows and as he looked down to slip the wedding band Onto my ring finger, he noticed the absence of the engagement ring.

   His hold tightened on my fingers and he looked up at me with a glare,a flicker of annoyance flashing in his eyes. 

    "Where is your engagement ring?" he questioned sharply. His voice is deep and striking, his Russian accent impossible to hide.

    "I misplaced it," I replied in a clipped tone.

   His brows furrowed as his jaws clenched in unmistakable signs of anger but he masked it quickly and his face returned to its initial aloof expression. 

    "I now pronounce you Mr and Mrs Ivanov. You may now kiss the bride" The priest declared.

    My eyes darted quickly to Adriko's in panic, wondering if he was going to kiss me. 

   He leaned forward, maneuvering me expertly in a classic dip that to onlookers, appeared like we were in a lip lock. 

   He stared deeply into my eyes and smirked.

    "Mrs Ivanova, he murmured, his voice mocking, were you expecting a kiss?" 

    My eyes widened a fraction as the reality of being called Mrs Ivanova registers within me and I push lightly on his chest, which make him straighten with a final cutting remark whispered into my ear.

    "Smile", he teased "The people are watching." 

    We turned and faced the guests. Cheers and applause broke out across the fields.

   I fixed a tight smile on my face as guests began to troop forward offering their congratulations.

    Diana and Tessa rushed towards me, taking turns to hug me and plant kisses on my cheeks.

    As we moved towards the entrance to the indoor reception, the sound of a clear feminine voice rang out from behind us.

    "Adrik!" the voice called out.

    I turned towards the source, my eyes landing on a strikingly beautiful woman making her way towards us. 

   She was quite tall and moved gracefully, her brunette mane falling down her back in loose waves and a sharp jawline that bore a striking resemblance to Adriko's frames her face. 

   Her lips curved into a sly smile as she approached us, her emerald green dress, shimmering with every step she took.

    "Irina" Adriko greeted in surprise "Didn't think you were going to make it"

    "I was able to get a last-minute flight," she explained while throwing her arms around him, pressing a kiss to each cheek before stepping back "It's been too long brother."

    Adriko's expression softened slightly, the first glimpse of warmth I have seen all day.

   He looked towards me, his hand tightening slightly on my waist "Serafina, this is my sister Irina Ivanova" 

    Irina's gaze swept over me, assessing me with interest. She extends a well-manicured hand, her practiced smile polite "It's a pleasure to meet you, Serafina. My brother has spoken-very little about you"

    "Likewise" I replied, my tone guarded. I took her hand, taking note of her firm grip.

    " Excellent" Her smile widened though it didn't quite reach her eyes "We would have to fix that as soon as possible. There's so much I would love to learn about my sister-in-law".

    Before I could respond, Adriko stiffened beside me staring straight ahead at a man, dressed in black standing near the entrance to the main doors.

    "What is he doing here?" he questioned in an icy tone of voice that sent shivers down my spine.