Page 36 of Bound by Wishes (Enchanted Deceptions #1)

M y day started at the break of dawn, when the sun had barely kissed the horizon. Servants by the hundreds flooded into my room. They bustled around me, their chatter and movement creating a whirlwind of craziness as they prepared me for the day. My anxiety spiked at the sight of so many people attending to me. I longed for the comfort of having just Arwa by my side, but on a day like today, it seemed unlikely that I’d get my wish.

They started off trying to force-feed me a tray of food, but my stomach protested, already overflowing with butterflies. I finally choked down a piece of fresh baked bread and some cheese to appease them.

Then I was escorted to the bathing chamber. They scrubbed me so hard, I was pretty sure they were trying to remove a layer of skin. The room was saturated with the thick scent of fragrant oils and perfumes. Once they’d finished their scrubbing assault, they applied layers of lotions and creams. By the time they finished, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d slip right out of Ranen’s grasp the next time he tried to hold me.

The thought brought a smile to my lips, a brief distraction from the nerves that threatened to smother me.

Once I was polished from head to toe, they escorted me back to my bedroom, where they attacked me with makeup. My eyes were defined with kohl and dark shadows, while a touch of silver and white accentuated their natural color. They applied a bold red lipstick that added a touch of drama to the smoky look.

Next, they worked on my hair, gathering it into an elegant updo. They twisted and pinned it, weaving in decorative hairpieces with jewels.

They stripped off my robe in the middle of the room, despite my loud protests, and carefully dressed me in the elaborate wedding gown. The dress was a stunning creation of silver and black fabric that screamed elegance and mystery. It was an odd color to get married in but stunning nonetheless.

I stood still as they arranged the cumbersome layers, ensuring the heavy skirt fell in soft, graceful folds. The long, sheer sleeves, delicately beaded, flowed down my arms, making me feel like an angel of darkness. The sweetheart neckline sparkled with gemstones that caught the light, while silver jewelry completed the look.

Once they finished, I was utterly exhausted and ready to collapse back into bed. The transformation had taken nearly the entire day, and the sun was now sinking in the west. I was cranky and uncomfortable, but the ceremony was about to begin. Four servants had to hold up the lavish skirts and flowing train of my gown as we made our way out the door.

Malik emerged from the shadows, looking dapper in his tunic and silk pants. He was a sight for sore eyes, bringing a sense of comfort to this overwhelming day. He would never know how much it meant to me that he had agreed to stay so I didn’t have to face all of this alone.

“Cal? Are you in there?” Malik asked playfully, as he made a wide berth around the extravagant gown, careful not to step on the delicate fabric. His smile was infectious, and I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics.

“You could say something nice,” I scolded him, trying to sound insulted, though a smile tugged at my lips.

Malik’s playful demeanor softened as he looked at me seriously. “You are very beautiful,” he said sincerely. “And I would like permission to give you away.”

My heart swelled at his offer, but at the same time, a pang of sadness tugged at me, reminding me of how my father wasn’t here to share this day with me. The thought made my throat tighten, but I forced myself to smile back at Malik, appreciating the gesture more than I could express.

Malik took my arm and awkwardly tried to maneuver us down the hall without stepping on my dress. The layers of fabric swished and dragged along the floor, making it nearly impossible for both of us to fit down the hallway.

“It’s never too late to back out,” he offered quietly.

The thought of escaping flickered through my mind, but Ranen’s sweet words last night rooted me in place.

“I’ve come too far to turn back now.” I sighed. “And after all the torture I went through this morning to look like this, someone is marrying me.”

Malik chuckled softly, the sound easing some of the tension building inside of me. “Fair enough,” he said, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. “Let’s just hope your king is worth all this trouble.”

I nodded to the guards, who stood like wooden soldiers by the door. Without a word, they moved in unison, quickly opening the massive doors. The soft creak of the hinges echoed through the air as the doors swung wide, revealing the transformed throne room. Malik and I stepped inside, the splendor of the space overwhelming me.

The throne room had been transformed into a breathtaking scene, like something from a fairy tale. Tall pillars lined the room, their surfaces decorated with delicate flowers and ivy. Cascading garlands of jasmine and white roses hung from the ceiling, their scent filling the air with a sweet, intoxicating fragrance.

My heart pounded in my chest like a sparrow desperate to escape as Malik guided me forward. We walked on a plush carpet of midnight black that led up to the throne where Ranen awaited. As our eyes met, a new wave of nerves washed over me, causing my heart to flutter even more rapidly.

He was something out of a dream in black silk with intricate silver embroidery that shimmered under the soft candlelight. A silver sash was draped across his broad chest, secured with a brooch of black diamonds. His dark, polished boots made him look more like a mercenary than a bridegroom, but it suited him well. He wore a crown that was carved from deep, gleaming onyx. Set within the black stone were brilliant diamonds that sparkled with every tilt of his head. Dressed like this, his presence was dark and foreboding, yet his eyes softened as he gazed at me.

Malik and I walked beneath an archway of flowing flowers and delicate silk ribbons as we neared the throne. Malik’s grip on my arm tightened, a reassuring squeeze before he relinquished his hold. Ranen took my hand in his, his touch firm and warm, as he led me in front of the priest.

Everything was a blur as the priest began the ceremony that would bind Ranen and me together for the rest of our lives. My heart pounded so loudly that I could scarcely make out the words he spoke, but something in Ranen's gaze captured my attention. His dark eyes were full of mystery, their depths revealing emotions that ranged from fierce protectiveness to the slight tenderness that he often tried to hide.

Ranen’s fingers brushed against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body as the priest began the binding ritual. He wound a silver cord around my wrist and attached it to the black cord encircling Ranen’s. As he wove the cords together, he interlaced a pure white strand, creating a braid that shimmered in the candlelight.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken,” the priest recited, his words ringing through the room, and bouncing off the rafters. The braided cord that represented our unity and the strength of our bond was removed and held up for the witnesses to see .

The room was silent, interrupted only by the occasional clearing of a throat or the soft swish of a woman's skirt as the priest finished the ceremony. A crown with elegant arcs of silver was placed upon my head. It was inlaid with shimmering black diamonds that stood out against the shiny metal. It was a complete opposite to the one Ranen wore, but they somehow complemented each other well, the perfect blend of light and darkness. With a few solemn words from the priest, I was instructed to turn and face the assembly. As I did, the guests bowed deeply before me, marking the transition from bride to queen. Fear coursed through my veins while doubt gnawed at the edges of my mind.

Ranen took my hand in his, leading me from the elevated throne back through the archway and toward the grand dining hall. It buzzed with activity as waiters and servants moved swiftly, filling the long tables with delicious-looking food and fine wines. The rich aroma of roasted meats, spices, and freshly baked bread mingled in the air.

Ranen guided me to my seat, carefully maneuvering my gown to ensure it didn’t catch. As I settled beside him at the high table, he gave a subtle gesture, and the musicians began to play a lively upbeat tune. The melodies filled the room, weaving through the chatter and laughter as guests streamed in.

Malik was seated next to me, much to my surprise and the council’s evident displeasure. He flashed me a warm smile as he sipped from his glass of rich wine.

“Don’t you dare get drunk at my wedding,” I said with a playful nudge to his side .

Malik chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I make no promises. It’s not every day a man gives his best friend away.”

I hid my smile behind my wineglass, savoring its smooth taste with just a hint of bite at the end. A platter of food was placed before me, but my nerves were still on edge. Ranen was watching me, so I shuffled the food around the plate to make it appear like I had eaten something. The easy part was behind me, but the true challenge of the evening still loomed ahead.

“May I?” Ranen asked, extending his hand as the music flared to life. I stood, knowing it would be impolite to refuse his invitation so soon after our marriage. He guided me to the center of the dance floor, where the soft glow of the chandeliers illuminated us.

Everyone quickly moved aside, leaving us alone on the dance floor. My nerves spiked with the sudden focus on us. “I’m not a very good dancer,” I whispered to Ranen as he cupped my waist, pulling me close. I gasped at the proximity, feeling his warmth through the layers of our clothing. “Remember what happened last time I was asked to dance in court?”

Ranen smirked, his voice low. “If you faint again, I will catch you, wife,” he whispered into my ear, his stubble grazing my skin and sending shivers down my arms.

The word wife echoed through me, stirring a storm of emotions as he expertly glided me across the dance floor. The day seemed to slip away faster than I could grasp, each moment blurring into the next. It was hard to believe I had gone through with everything. The weight of it settled over me as I realized he was now mine, and I was his, bound together in a way that could never be undone.

Dancing with him felt like floating on air, or at least I hoped it looked that way. I never stumbled, thanks to his expert guidance. Each step was perfectly timed, his hands steady and sure as he led me gracefully across the floor. The world seemed to narrow down to just the two of us, and for a moment, the worries and anxieties of the day faded into the background. His dark gaze locked on mine, holding me captive until the song ended.

He reached for my hand, lifting it to his lips and placing a soft kiss on my knuckles. “Take my wife to my chamber,” he instructed the servants. “She looks tired.” He vanished into the sea of guests, leaving me behind.

The same servants who dressed me this morning quickly ushered me through the crowd of onlookers and back down the winding hallways that led to the bathing chamber. Once there, they undressed me and submerged me in the warm waters again, which was ridiculous because I couldn’t have possibly gotten dirty in the last few hours. I sat there, enduring their relentless scrubbing for the second time today. They washed my hair with luxurious, fragrant oils that left a lingering, subtly sweet scent. Afterward, they carefully towel-dried my hair, letting the dark silken strands flow freely down my back in glossy waves.

They then dressed me in a nightdress of sheer white lace, the delicate fabric clinging to my curves and revealing glimpses of my pale skin beneath. My cheeks flushed with heat as my heart ran rampant in my chest. Over the nightdress, they draped an equally transparent robe, its gossamer fabric fluttering softly like butterfly wings.

When they finished, they spritzed me with a perfume that was captivating in its sweetness. As the fragrance settled, they led me down the hallway. I clutched my arms tightly around my chest, very aware of how exposed I was in the revealing nightdress.

They guided me through a corridor I did not recognize, and I could only assume it led to Ranen’s new quarters. As they opened the door, an unsettling creak echoed through the space, sealing my fate as they gently ushered me inside. The room before me was a breathtaking blend of midnight black and lustrous silver, mirroring the colors of our wedding attire and crowns. I started to suspect these were the colors of Jalam. There was so much I still needed to learn about a country I was expected to rule.

The servants carefully turned down the sheets of a massive onyx bed, its surface swirling with veins of silver. The sight of the bed heightened my anxiety, the claws of a panic attack scratching just beneath my surface. After lighting several candles that cast a soft, intimate glow throughout the room, they bowed deeply and left, leaving me alone like a sacrificial lamb awaiting its slaughter.

I reached for the handles of the doors leading out to the balcony. As I opened them, a cool breeze caressed my skin, carrying with it the soothing scent of jasmine and the fragrant bloom of citrus trees below. The fresh air offered a moment of peace, easing some of the tension that was building inside of me. I took a deep breath in through my nose, holding it for a moment before slowly exhaling, trying to push the rising panic away.

“It’s okay,” I whispered softly, trying to calm myself. “ Ranen isn’t a monster. He’s already promised not to force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

I heard the door creak open and shut my eyes at the sound. I focused on steadying my breathing, willing myself not to be sick and to keep my composure. With a determined effort, I lifted my head and walked back into the room, striving to maintain my dignity and hide the fact that I was quaking in fear.

Ranen stood in the doorway, a striking image in silky black pants and a matching robe that was left open to reveal his sculpted physique beneath. He looked like a seductive nightmare, a blend of danger and elegance. His sharp features were framed by shadows that seemed to cling to him as he advanced. It felt as if the room itself shrank, unable to contain the sheer magnitude of his presence. His eyes locked onto my face, their gaze lingering as he closed the distance between us.

“You promised me,” I said, struggling to keep my voice steady as it trembled, “that you would make my heart behave.” I gulped, my throat tightening. “Right now, you’re not doing a very good job, because it feels like my heart is about to explode in my chest.”

Ranen brushed his fingertips over my flushed cheek. “I have a confession,” he said, an edge of warning in his tone, “that might upset your little heart even more.”

Shadows seeped into the room, swirling and writhing through the space, extinguishing each candle one by one and plunging us into darkness. Moonlight streamed so brightly through the open doors that it felt as if Ranen had commanded the moon to draw closer. Fear coiled in my stomach as Ranen pulled me gently against his chest .

“I’m afraid, ya amar,” he whispered against my temple, his voice humming with darkness as he delicately tucked my hair behind my ear. “That you just married the new Nightshade.”

THE END…FOR NOW…