God's Will

Chapter 1: A Black Wedding

May 6, 2224

Kallinikos, Solomonic Heavenly Kingdom

The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the austere stone walls of the Sternberg household, illuminating the intricate carvings of biblical scenes etched into the facade. Inside, the atmosphere was far less serene. The usually quiet home buzzed with hurried footsteps and murmured instructions. Miriam Sternberg stood in front of a large, ornate mirror, staring at her reflection with a mixture of apprehension and resignation.

Her mother stood in front of her, fussing with the fabric of her dress. While a beautiful gown of white and gold colors, and the fabric was heavy and constricting against her tiny body. It made Miriam feel more like a prisoner than a lucky bride. She tried tugging at the dress's high collar, desperate for some air - to which her mother smacked her hand away - leaving a painful burning sensation tingling.

"Stop fidgeting, Miriam," her mother chided, her voice sharp but not unkind. "You must look perfect for Abraham."

Miriam's heart sank further at the mention of his name. Abraham Steiner, her best friend since childhood, and now, her soon-to-be husband. The announcement of their engagement at a joint-family dinner three years ago had turned her world upside down. She remembered that evening vividly—the laughter, the clinking of glasses, and then the shocking declaration that left her feeling betrayed and voiceless. She was only twelve then - now her life seemed to crumbling out of any control she had on her fifteenth birthday.

"I don't want to marry him Mama," Miriam whimpered as her mother tightened the dress further, "I'm not ready..."

Her mother's hands paused, resting on her daughter's shoulders. She met Miriam's eyes in the mirror, her expression softening for just a moment before the familiar mask of duty returned. "We all have our roles to play, Miriam. This is yours. This is God's command, it says so in the Bible,"

A knock on the door interrupted their conversation. It was her father, a tall, imposing man with a graying beard and kind eyes that now held a trace of sadness. "It's time," he said gently.

He was upset. This was his final child, leaving the home. At the tender age of fifty, he and his wife had sired a good fourteen children since they were fifteen. Miriam, also known as Mia, was the last to go.

Mia's stomach churned as she nodded, her feet feeling like lead as she followed her parents out of the room. The hallway seemed longer than ever, each step echoing her dread. They reached the grand staircase, decorated with flowers and garlands for the occasion. The scent of roses was overwhelming, almost sickening.

She saw Abraham at the centerpiece of the room - dressed in a sharp black suit, tie and his dark hair was strictly combed back. He gave her a nervous wave and the last thing he saw of her was a dirty scowl before her mother lowered a veil over her face.

"How could he just go along with this?" Mia thought to herself, "We were friends!"

The ceremony was set in the vast courtyard, under a canopy of white silk. Friends and family gathered, their faces alight with anticipation and joy. To Mia, it all felt like a cruel parody of happiness. She glanced at Abraham, searching for some sign of shared reluctance, but he was steadfast, his eyes filled with a responsible glee. He had been drilled for years that this was God's Will, God's mission for him. He believed every word he had been taught.

The priest made his appearance, draped in robes and holding a bible in his old hands. He appeared eager as always. After all, he did this almost every day. He clapped his hands together, silencing the room and drawing all members of the Sternberg and Steiner families to him.