Royal Escape

Chapter 8

Lub-dub lub-dub lub-dub.

My heart beat in my chest to the same rthym of my knuckles against the chapel door in the castle.

Quintin requested my presence to decide on a few things for the wedding. Though I was told that everything was being arranged for me, seeing as I was unable to commit to the task at hand, he wanted my opinion.

"Ah, my future bride to be!" The doors opened on command and Quintin stood there with a cringe worthy smile. "Come in! I have many things to discuss with you." He took my hand and pulled me along with him.

The room was decorated already, not that I didn't expect anything different. Everything was either gold or pure white. The marble floors sparkled, petals were scattered all around. Tables were set up for a feast when the time was ready tomorrow morning. It was beautiful.

To anyone else, it would seem like a dream come true. But for me, with every piece of the wedding coming together, gradually, my world fell apart.

"You seem to have impeccable taste in decorations, Quintin. You've done wonderful on your own. Are you quite sure you need me?" I asked as I looked around. My insides turning and twisting the more I realized how awful I felt deep down.

"But of course. You will be my bride tomorrow, Gwendeline​. I wish to make you happy seeing as it will be your special day." I could tell by the possession in his voice he was irritated with my remark.

I stayed silent most of the time as he spent showing me and explaining everything he had planned and set up. Even the preparations for my vows.

This man was such a tyrant, he made vows up for me!

I bit my tongue the entire time I followed him around. I realized quickly the less I talked the more satisfied he was.

By the end of this humiliating tour, I was infuriated.

"Quintin, I need to speak with you." I finally stopped in my tracks when I had enough. We stood outside by the entrance to the castle. He was in the process of showing me the gold embroidered runner and flowers leading down the stairs and the walk path for when people enter.

"What about, Gwendeline?" Quintin was too busy inspecting samples of cakes that the kitchen staff had provided for us to decide for our wedding cake.

"I-" I stumbled on my words.

How could I tell him that I know about the arrangement? That this wedding is all a lie?

"Speak Gwendeline before I lose my temper." Quintin didn't look at me as he sighed out in frustration.

There was no way around it but to be blunt, to just be honest. No matter what his reaction may be, I have to be honest.

"I know the truth." I bit my bottom lip as the words rushed out. "I know about the wedding arrangements. I know that if I don't marry you, you and your father will burn Verena to the ground."

Quintin didn't seem fazed by what I had said. I wouldn't of known he actually was listening if it wasn't for the fact his eyes narrowed slightly when I finished speaking.

"Your father told you?" He questioned as he sat the platter of cake samples down and wiped his hands with a handkerchief.

He seemed calm, which sent an uneasy tingle down my spine. He shouldn't be this calm, I expected him to be shocked or maybe angry. Anything but calm.

"No, I overheard you talking with your father and my father." I managed an agonizing slow pace down the steps to further the distance between us. "I heard everything. But I still don't understand why."

Quintin laughed humorlessly and before I knew what was happening, he snatched my wrist roughly and pulled me towards him. I somehow was able to catch myself from falling even though he practically dragged me up a few steps.

"I don't have to have a reason why." His eyes seared into me with revulsion as he spoke.

"You don't have to marry me to get what you want. We can become allies without this sort of commitment." My voice quivered slightly but I held myself together so I wouldn't look so frightened. I needed to hold my ground long enough to get my point across. "We can work something out. You don't want to be tied down by me forever." I tried to reason with him but his eyes were still dark with loathing.

"You don't know what I want, Gwendeline." Quintin pulled me closer by my wrist until his nose grazed my cheek. "Listen carefully, Gwendeline, because I hate repeating myself. You are going to marry me tomorrow morning and there is nothing you can do to change that. And if you refuse, you and all of Verena will crumble. Do you understand that?"

Quintin's voice was only a whisper but it sent shards of glass right through me. Cutting me and my hopes to pieces.

"Y-Yes." My voice was barely audible but I managed to get it out.

"Good. Verena and your father would be pleased with your decision." His released my wrist and shoved my backwards. I stumbled but was able to catch myself before falling yet again.

I held my wrist to my chest and stared at him without muttering a word.

"I advise you to get back inside." His voice was stern and controlled my body to do it's bidding.

I hurried inside, holding up the layers of my dress as I ran. I didn't let up until I had made it up the stairs and into my room.

My heart pounded in my chest but I didn't know​ what to do with myself.

What could I do to fix this?

There was no way out, no matter how I looked at my situation.

I was going to be married off to Quintin and there wasn't a thing I could do it change his mind.

I wanted to scream but my voice just wouldn't come out.

I was absolutely, positively, horrifically stuck.

~~~~~Author's note~~~~~

Forgive me for the short chapter. I was recently in a awful car accident but I am slowly getting better. As for my new car, it tragically met it's end. On the other hand, it did it's job and kept me from getting thrown through the windshield when the lady pulled out in front of me (My seat belt burns and the large gash in my neck are enough to prove it). I will be very busy with the lawsuit I am pursuing on top of going to college full time and soon to be returning to work full time. I wish you all a very blessed day and thank you for stopping by.

Morgan