Desire

Chapter one

"My goodness Collette... I never imagined how beautiful you'd look today..." My mother spoke, holding back a few tears. "Oh mother... don't be so sad... it's my wedding day. You should be smiling" I say softly, embracing her slender frame. She held onto me tightly, my sholder grew wet. "Of course... I always knew the day would come... I just never knew my baby girl would be an Empress..." She let's go, gently fixing my hair. "My Baby... An Empress... only my daughter would live up to such expectations." Mother let out a heartfelt laugh. Today, as joyous as it should've been, was more bittersweet than anything. My mother didn't care if I married a duke or a crown prince. As long as I was happy and taken care of, she'd support me. Of course, my Father had this whole wedding arranged for his sake more so than mine. I couldn't blame him. As much as he cared for me, I knew he had to make this tough decision. I was their one and only kid they could have, I just happened to be born a woman. "Mother, could I have time alone before the ceremony? " I ask calmly, giving my mother a slight nod to let her know I'm okay. "Of course, my darling... if something comes up, don't hesitate to get me" We embrace one last time before she exits. I sigh, my smile dropping. I wasn't sad, I, of course, was not happy either. I turn to look at the full-length mirror in front of me. Shoulder length blacm hair was curled into delicate ringlets to compliment my face shape. It was slightly pinned up in the back with a long white lace veil attached. My pale, almost gray skin felt washed in my elegant white wedding dress. Despite that, the dress fits me nicely. I lean closer into the mirror, examining the minimal yet effective makeup that was diligently applied to my face. It made me look refined, yet innocent. It brought out my brightly colored eyes. I suppose I did look more appealing than I'm used to. I took a deep breath and turned away from the mirror. I left my past behind and walked confidently towards my future.

The thoughts that flooded my already crowded head were those of dread. My steps were painfully slow. Nonetheless, i stood tall. In the distance, i could see him, my fiancé. He was dressed nicely, his dirty blonde hair neatly combed to the back. I only met my now husband a few times. He was a busy man, far too busy to meet with his fiancé. I never minded, but I did want to learn more about him so I could be prepared. This was my first time seeing him since he left. He's gotten better looking. As I inch closer, I glance around at everyone attending. I see Mother next to Father.  Once we locked eyes, I saw a genuine smile on his face. turn away from Him and stand in front of my soon to be husband. "You look lovely, Collette" He whispers To me, he somehow picked up on my anxious demeanor. "As do you, Alaric" I responded, smiling at him. Once everyone's voices died down, the ceremony began. The priest spoke, talking about everlasting love... the hope of the kingdom... so on and so forth. As much as I'd love to give my full attention to him, my mind is elsewhere. All I can see is my empty room back at home... I was supposed to take my fathers place and become the Duchess of the Rosalind family... I was happy to take that place. Now I stand before the crown prince of a booming empire, and im about to become their Empres. While deep in my thoughts, I notice the priest is looking at me. "Well? Do you take this man to be your husband?" My eyes widened, i totally zoned out! "Oh- yes, I do" my eyes meet Alarics, he seemed to have a calm demeanor about him. "Do you take Collette to be your wife?" Alaric nods, holding my hands in his. "I do" He pulled me close, kissing me, it was weird. I never thought my first kiss would be like this. With a man i didnt even know well.

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That's the end of chapter one. This book is a but slow, but give it time if you're even a little interested!! Thank you for reading ♡
Edit! I updated this chapter to be a bit easier to read 😭