HIDDEN GEM

Chapter 17

Emerald/Victoria

The haunting noise of here comes the bride played on the grand piano.

I waited with the black lace veil covering my face as the huge oak doors slowly opened.

I smirked under my veil as I hear the collective gasps of I'm sure what would be hundreds of neighbouring royal families and other higher ups.

I look up and sure enough, I see hundreds of unfamiliar faces staring back at me some with shock and some with failed to be hidden disgust.

Traditions were the least of my worries as I assure myself that there's no way I'm marrying the man that stood at the end of the cathedral.

I began to slowly make my way up the aisle, very much aware that everyone's eyes were on me. I discreetly searched around trying to find Liz or the twins.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief as I saw that they were safe at a pretty secluded area of the church, with guards that I'm sure to the public eye looked like they were there to protect them but truthfully were there to make sure they didn't cause any problems for that monsters plan.

Looking around the massive church I saw Shannon sitting at the very front with her jaw dropped to the ground as she probably didn't expect me to outshine her, I almost scoffed as she wore a white lace gown that looked more like a wedding dress than my own.

I tried to prolong my walk up the aisle but I eventually ended up face to face with the monster himself.

He lend his hands towards me for him to help me up the steps, and I complied even with his nails digging straight down enough for me to break some skin.

He lowered his head down and positioned it right by my ear.

"You really just to make things harder for yourself don't you?" I felt a sense of satisfaction as I heard the deep set anger and frustration in his voice as I'm sure everyone is judging my attire.

All the kingdoms surrounding us, including this one, value tradition more than anything, so for them to see me wearing a pitch black wedding dress only reflects on how little control Ernest has over me, which to these misogynistic men is a sign of weakness.

We proceeded to face the priest who looked at me as if I was Lucifer himself. I felt a little bad for the old man as he looked like he was about to have a heart attack.

Sadly he was all fine and proceeded to with the ceremony.

"Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Ernest Lancashire Duke of Kinlaw and Victoria Edwards Princess of Nightingale in matrimony commended to be honorable among all; and therefore is not to be entered into lightly but reverently, passionately, lovingly and solemnly. Into this - these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace."

I waited and I waited, for someone to burst through those doors and shout in disagreement of this wedding but no one showed.

"Very well we shall proce...."

A loud crash against the door startled everyone including myself as Mateo stood by the door in his crutches.

"I object!!!!" He shouted from the top of his lungs.

I couldn't help but let out a huge smile as I saw the man who I should be marrying.

I felt bad since I haven't been able to visit him these past few days but I knew that if Ernest found out about it that he'd bring more harm Mateos way.