Saving My Duke

chapter eight

recovering was hard, covered in bruises, a broken skull, severe blood loss... mentally drained. but with my love by my side, i've tried to recover. the only problem now, is my mother.

i'm going to kill her.
i swear to god,
i have to kill her.

time passes quick as the snow that falls, melting away in the instant just before a storm booms.
thunder crackles outside of my window as i stare at the white dress before me. coated in silk, pearls, diamonds. delicately crafted beads sewn into the long sleeves, the beautiful crystals along the mermaid shaped hem. and a beautiful veil, draped over my head. it almost blends into my hair. i stare at my figure. it's been 2 months since the assassination, and we have taken no action. however, ryuuji has been very pressuring about my eating. and so, i have gained weight. only enough to fill out my stomach, and you can see less of my bone structure. my spine is no longer visible, i admire as i turn my back towards the mirror before me. i stare at the under garments i am wrapped in. white as a swan, much alike my dress. lace and detailed silk, also like my dress. i suppose it has to be appetising.

i hear the clamber of the door, and quickly turn my head to see velvet strutting in. skipping, actually.
she blushes at the sight of me as i rush to cover myself. suddenly, she begins to laugh. "oh, my lady!! how are you not dressed yet?" she smiles, walking closer towards me and gently picking up the dress. i flush brightly. oh, i should be ready by now!! i cant late on my wedding day. the door slams again. fae is stomping as she approaches. "madam, you have to be by the alter in an hour!! have you only put on your underwear?!" she curses, snatching the dress off of velvet. "hey!!" velvet shouts. she walks over to the chair, taking a seat. "i can't believe you, my lady. i mean, you are the best lady i have ever asked for— BUT STILL!! he's supposed to be the love of your life for gods sake!!!" i wince as she aggressively tightens my corset. i gasp as she begins to tie a bow; it's too tight-
"fae, please!" another voice joins in, removing fae's hands from the string and undoing my corset slightly. i see mothers reflection in the mirror, a beautiful emerald dress. similar to the dress she wore in her portrait. her skin is so fair.
"did you want to snap the poor girl in half?!" mother nags as fae steps away from me, red in the face. i hear velvet scoff under her breath, giggling.

after the last button is done up, i turn to face the crowd. looking downwards, i wait for their opinions. it's incredibly self deprecating, and my face burns a brighter red when i hear them gasp. with my hair not quite done yet, only brushed, do i look shabby? does the dress not suit my body type? are my gloves dirtied? i just don't know-
"oh my..." mother whispers. i look up, to see her hand placed over her mouth. she looks shocked, and so does fae; and velvet. i bury my face in my hands. "my lady!! please!!" fae gasps, hoping i don't ruin the make-up she spent so long on. i quickly move my hands, placing them to my side.
"wow, mistress!! you look so beautiful!" velvet gasps, as mother wipes a tear from her eye. i look away, flustered.
"yes, quite alluring." i gasp at the cold icy voice i hear, traversing the air like silk. my body freezes up as i struggle to see her. i finally turn to see lady ravenore, my mother, standing in the doorway. her dress is blood red, an intimidating ruby diamond on her corset piece.

she has a mourning hat on, black, draped over top her silver locks. "oh!" duchess seibert gasps. "i had no idea you would be joining us, countess." she bows her head slightly, but her surprise isn't completely transparent. i quickly look over to velvet, who is shivering. obviously she would be terrified, after what my mother did to her and her family. i briskly step towards her and reach out my hand for hers. she flinches, before realising it was me reaching for her. i suppose she saw my silver hair, and thought i was the countess. her small hand clings onto mine as i lift her up off of her seat. i turn towards my mother as velvet hides behind me, i can feel her anxious breathing. "yes, well it is my daughters wedding."

"hello, mother. i hope you are well." i bow my head, smiling discreetly through angry eyes. i wish i could stab her right now, watch her blood spill onto the floor.
"yes, i am well." she scoffs, and then clicks her fingers towards fae. "do i not deserve a beverage? i've been here for 5 minutes already." she gestures to her pocket watch, clicking her long, sharp,  red nails on the glass. 2.35pm. i hear fae clamber with the bar, pouring a cup of white wine. "isn't sephia looking just angelic today?" the duchess smiles, taking my hand and standing next to me. my mother and the duchess clearly have bad history, after the mum gave mother a good beating that day. i still wonder why it wasn't reported to the king, or maybe the assassination was revenge for that moment. i clench my jaw at the thought. "yes, i suppose." mother smirks.

the reception was cut short at the chime of a bell. a butler walks in, brown hair, a towel resting on his shoulder and a bell delicately places between his finger tips. he rings it once more, smiling. "the bride is due to walk down the isle in 10 minutes, please make your way over to the church." his smile is almost eery.
"yes, okay. let's set off now, sephia." duchess seibert smiles as she takes my hand in hers, and begins walking me out of the tension filled room.
she smiles as we take a walk down the stairs i know so well. i stare at the paintings on the wall. the duchess's portrait, the duke and duchess's wedding photo, a family portrait of them and young ryuuji; i then gaze at the white canvas on the wall, where a portrait of me will be displayed. i finally belong to a family, i have one of my own where i am truly and utterly a part of their lives. i'll never lose that. i'll make sure of it.

golden silk and white walls, stained glass and marble floors. never did i underestimate the beauty of white rose chapel, but to this extent, im shocked. hidden behind a curtain, shaking with anticipation. im about to take the most important steps of my life, towards the man so far away from me, and into his arms. i stare out at the crowds of people, nobles sat on chairs, facing the arch. while, the village people are gathered at the back of the room, cramped together. i feel father take a hold of my arm. his ice cold stare scares me. i let the feeling slip away, his cold, thin arm teases my skin. he clears his throat. "make a good impression." he growls, looking towards the wall, not daring to look into my eyes. i return an ice cold stare. "i always do." i scoff, straightening out my dress, and placing my hand onto his arm.

the veil over my face is irritating, and the light is blinding. i close my eyes, squinting. 'please, goddess sylvia, grant me luck. goddess angelica, grant me grace and coy. goddess scarlet, please grant me determination. goddess alura, grant me love. goddess mar—'
an announcement rings from the balcony. "THE WEDDING MUST COMMENCE!" shouts the master of ceremonies. i feel father cling tighter, looking downwards. he can't possibly be embarrassed to walk his own daughter down the isle?!? that's ridiculous. i sigh under my breath, as the curtain from around me melts away.

the reveal — a room full of chrysanthemum flowers, yellow light and golden walls. it's like time has stopped. as i look forward. my eyes lock with ryuujis, his face soft and his eyes wide. his black suit sculpted to his body, and his hair slicked back with a single hair astray, hanging over his perfect eyebrow. it's like i'm zoomed in, like i'm standing right next to him, as my legs carry me closer without much thought. this doesn't feel familiar, it feels unknown. although i know of getting married, this time, it feels different. my whole body is light, like a feather following the wind. i no longer feel the pestering touch of my father, i feel the warmth and happiness that comes with love. yes, what i'm feeling is untouchable, undying, devoted love. i'm enamoured by him.

i look around, staring at shocked faces as they gaze at me and my father. the walk feels slow, not like last time. it all went quickly then. i look over at mother, sat on the front bench. she looks gloomy. i turn to look at the rosemary family, all sat in a row. i smile at them, and watch as they all look away from me. i ignore them and look forward. my heart is beating so quickly, i could collapse. my palms are sweaty. i look back at ryuuji. he's standing forward, but i can still spot the blush on his ears.