Compromised by the Duke (Completed)

Chapter 8. 1812 

Dusk was settling over the countryside as Jacqueline stood before her large gold mirror, making sure that every last-minute detail of her ensemble and hair was perfect. She had 45 minutes until her wedding and bonding ceremony took place. After one year of a beautiful courtship, she was ready to become the Duchess of Rutland.
Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, Jacqueline was pleased with how she appeared. Her voluptuous curves were outlined in a silver white silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Blue and lavender moonstones decorated the bodice. Her hair was fixed into a side bun with curls along her left shoulder, the same colored moonstones woven throughout the crown of her head. Cream silk gloves and white slippers with silver ribbons around her ankles completed her ensemble.
The knock on the door had Jacqueline turning her head. Her heart fluttered as she saw Nathaniel standing in the doorway, looking dashing in a three-piece black silk suit with a silver white button up shirt cravat and black boots. She smiled. "You look quite dashing this evening my dear."
Nathaniel smiled back, stepping further into the room and closing the door behind him. He walked over to Jacqueline and took her hands. "You look absolutely ravishing my love."
Jacqueline shivered as she felt his lips glide across her neck, nipping at her mark. She returned the gesture, gently pulling his cravat aside in the process. "Can you believe the day has arrived?"
Nathaniel purred against her throat. "I cannot, but I am very thrilled. We are finally together."
Jacqueline caressed his cheek. "Yes we are."
Nathaniel pulled away, taking her hands. "Shall we?"
Jacqueline smiled brightly. "We shall."
Fingers intertwined, they stepped out of the bedroom and made their way downstairs to the great hall, which was used for bonding ceremonies. The large hall was decorated with several glowing candles and dozens of crystal vases filled with roses. The majestic chandelier glowed brilliantly with crystals.
Jacqueline smiled as she saw her family and Nathaniel's family waiting for them. Her eyes swept across everyone in attendance, recognizing a few of them from previous family encounters. Then her eyes fell on the ethereal woman standing in the center of the room, and her heart fluttered.
Selena smiled, motioning for the two of them to step forward. She took their hands into hers, her diamond blue eyes sparkling with delight. "It is time."
Nathaniel and Jacqueline smiled at each other before going on their knees in front of the moon goddess. Their hands were intertwined, soon becoming bound with a silver ribbon. Their foreheads pressed together as they heard Selena speak and give her blessing for a prosperous union. Their eyes remained locked in a gaze of love and adoration.
Selena placed her hands on top of their bound ones, her eyes locking on both of them."Do you swear to cherish your mate for all eternity? Do you swear to never break the bond the two of you have?"
Nathaniel's voice rang out with conviction. "I do."
Jacqueline's voice shimmered with fervency. "I do."
Selena carefully removed the ribbon from around their wrists. Snapping her fingers, she produced a dagger with an emerald covered handle and a chalice decorated with blue and lavender gemstones along the rim. "With this dagger, you will slice each other's palms and be joined in blood."
Nathaniel took the blade, placing the tip of it against Jacqueline's palm. Keeping his eyes fixed with hers, he made a small cut, gently picking up her hand and placing it over the chalice. He watched as a few droplets fell into the silver cup.
Once Jacqueline's hand was healed, which didn't take long, she took the blade and made the same cut to Nathaniel's palm. Once his blood was mixed with hers inside the chalice, she gave the cup back to Selena. Her eyes never left those of the Duke she loved.
Selena raised the chalice over their heads, her voice cascading through the hall. "Nathaniel and Jacqueline, my son and my daughter, I give you my blessing. Love and respect each other as you do me. Cherish each other with every ounce of your heart. You are now the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Mayor bond flourish. Rise my son and my daughter. You are forever blessed."
Rising to their feet, Nathaniel and Jacqueline exchanged a deep and passionate kiss, knowing that their bond was forever sealed. At Long last, they were together for all eternity.
Nathaniel. "I love you."
Jacqueline smiled. "I love you. We are together forever."
Nathaniel. "Forever my love."
Exchanging another sweet kiss, they turned and escorted their guests to the ballroom next-door. The entire room was decorated with glowing candles that were placed against every surface, including the large and luxurious chandelier. The tall glass windows overlooking the countryside glistened with brilliant beams of gold.
As they became swept up into the first waltz of the evening as husband and wife, Nathaniel and Jacqueline felt a thrill of excitement flow through them. They were together, for all eternity, and no one would come between them again. Their love, and their bond, was filled with power and promise.