13 Witches Cursed ADELAIDE

Chapter 7

Adelaide's blood was boiling.

She was fully recovered from her fall...except for the broken arm. Her magical side would help speed along her healing, but not as fast as someone who was fully magical.

She was angry at everything.

Her life, her circumstances. None of this was her fault. She must pay for the sins of her parents. Her life was not her own. She was mere moments away from meeting her husband for the first time but she was irrevocably in love with her husband's brother. And he, she could never have.

Zahn had grown quiet since their last conversation. He wasn't being mean, but he had withdrawn, as he said he would. She had to keep in her mind that he was playing a part; he loved her and had said he did. This was all for show. To keep propriety.

To keep the peace.

Adelaide was never fond of rules and boundaries. Anything that kept her boxed in, prevented her from making her own choices, she despised. It was her curse. More than just the actual curse. The real curse was the lack of choices in her own life.

She wondered again what would happen if she just ran. She was magical enough to take care of herself. But, in reality, she never wanted to be far away from Zahn. Until he married, he would be living in the same house as her. They would be able to at least see each other. She dare hoped for a few stolen kisses in dark private parts of the house. Anything was better than nothing at this point.

She resigned herself to her life. To the choices made for her. It wouldn't be forever. One day, she and Zahn could be together. And Aadin was much older than her...she could very well outlive him.

She heard the rattle of wheels crumbling over the rough and bumpy roads. Zahn looked to Adelaide, regret filling his eyes. She ran to him, brushing the hair away from his eyes tenderly. She lifted her face to his, brushing her lips gently over his. They did not embrace, barely touched. It was a goodbye of sorts; a last moment of love. She backed up, moving a proper distance away from Zahn. Their eyes never left each other. Not even when the carriage pulled up.

It wasn't until Aadin exited the carriage that they released their gaze. Aadin was an attractive man. Looks were apparently rampant in their family, although Zahn was much more attractive to Adelaide. He stood outside the carriage, stretching lightly. A smile lit his face when he saw his brother.

"Brother! Greetings!" Aadin said with a genuine smile.

Zahn strode to him, shaking his hand and embracing. "Greetings. You did not have to make this journey. I feel disheartened for your inconvenience."

"Nonsense! I was just anxious to meet my bride. It seemed you had been having some troubles. I am simply here to ensure you both arrived home safely."

Zahn nodded, stepping aside to reveal Adelaide.

"My dear, but you are more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Please, come closer. I will not hurt you."

Adelaide stepped quickly to her husband. She raised her hand to him, after a quick curtsey, allowing him to kiss her outstretched hand. He laughed at the formality, pulling her into his arms. He lowered his face to hers, to kiss her on the lips, to which she automatically turned her cheek to him.

"Oh, I am sorry my lord. I was just startled. No disrespect was intended." She said as she turned her face back to raise her lips for his kiss.

Already Zahn couldn't stand to see her in his arms and he turned away, pretending to busy himself packing up their makeshift camp.