Heart Of Darkness

Chapter 70

No. He wasn't only shaken. There was panic and terror in his black eyes. She became scared for him for some unknown reason and felt like she had to do something but didn't know what.

Suddenly the crowd clapped and cheered, bringing them back to the real world. Lord Rayven was indeed startled as he had been wholly lost, and then his eyes swiftly went back to normal as if something inside him died before he looked away and turned to the pastor.

It was time for them to sign the marriage certificate. The whole reason why a pastor was called when they could skip that fundamental part was that a Lord, especially one in Lord Rayven's position, needed to register his marriage for it to be legally binding.

Angelica knew this was the deal as she signed her name on the certificate after Lord Rayven. When it was done, she was already exhausted. She wanted to go back home. She couldn't handle what followed.

"Now, you may celebrate your union." The pastor smiled and moved out of the way.

Lord Rayven took her hand hurriedly and, without looking at her, led her up the stairs to Lord Quintus's home. They came to a large hall, well decorated with the same white flowers and ribbons. The middle of the hall was empty for those who wanted to dance and was circled by round tables covered with cream-white tablecloths and decorated with flowers and candles. Near the walls were large tables with food and drinks and giant chandeliers hanging from the rooftop.

Everything seemed well coordinated. Angelica would have to thank Lord Quintus for all of this.

The musicians at the back started playing their instruments, and some of the guests had already begun to dance.

"Congratulations to both of you." Lord Quintus came up to them as soon as they stopped walking.

"Thank you, My Lord." Angelica smiled.

There was a brief exchange of looks between him and Lord Rayven before he focused on her.

"You will have a special dance with your husband. Don't I deserve the first dance, then?" He asked her, reaching his hand out.

She would think he was too bold, but he had a playful look on his face which made it hard for her to take him too seriously. She looked over at Lord Rayven, and he gave her a stiff nod.

Angelica took Lord Quintus's hand, and he led her to the dance floor before they began to move to the music.

"Thank you for arranging everything so well, My Lord." She said.

He smiled. His silver eyes gleamed with mysterious mischief. "It was my pleasure. 

She couldn't help but glance over at Lord Rayven. He seemed tense where he stood while Lord Valos and another Lord whose name she didn't speak to him as if sharing secrets. Lord Rayven was quiet and only nodded. It was as if he was being given instructions, and his hands trembled slightly before he hid them in his pockets.

"Is Lord Rayven alright?"

Lord Quintus followed her gaze. "He will be. He doesn't like large crowds. It is my fault for only thinking of making the wedding lavish." He smiled politely.

"Oh no. I like it." She assured. He had put in so much effort she didn't want him to feel bad.

"I am glad.".

"You seem close to Lord Rayven." She was curious to know more.

From the way they all stood beside him now to give him support, they must be closer than she thought.

"Yes. All seven of us are close."

Seven? He was including the King, she guessed. The similarity and the same feeling she got around them was undeniable. She wondered how they were indeed related.