Lady Of The Sky

Chapter 1

Arlina stood nervously outside to doors to the great hall, letting her maids out the finishing touches on her hair. It was the day of her wedding, and she was petrified. Not only was she marrying a stranger that she had never met, but she was expected to obey him in every matter. She smoothed her white silk gown with her sweaty hands. It was far too revealing, with a low neck that left far too much skin exposed and an even lower back. It hugged her curves tightly and flared out near the floor in waves of white silk. Her hair was delicately twisted up into a knot with half of her hair allowed to fall to her shoulders. They had cut it last night, and she hated it. 

"Miss, if you could hold still for a moment?" one of the maids asked timidly.

"Of course," Arlina said, saddened by their fright of her. The maid, who couldn't have been more than sixteen, placed a thin silver circlet on her head.

"All done," she said, stepping back. Arlina smiled at her, and the girl blushed. He father stepped up behind her and put a hand on her bare shoulder. 

"That will be all for today. You're dismissed," King Fragor said, with a curt nod to the maids. They scampered away. "You look wonderful," he continued once they were out of sight, "Those girls are good at making you look beautiful." Arlina nodded. Her father linked his arm through hers and led her into the great hall. The great hall was an enormous room, with a vaulted ceiling and huge stained glass windows. Benches had been placed to for rows of seats, with an isle running down the middle. The wood benches were draped with vibrant silks. She noticed the many eyes on her from all over the room, but when she looked toward the front, a chill ran up her spine. Malum was standing next to a harried looking man in a brown robe. Malum was wearing a maroon velvet shirt and black silk hose. He had dark black hair that was neatly combed and a straight, strong nose. His cheekbones were square and his eyes were so dark she couldn't tell what color they were. His gaze, which had been flickering around the room, came to rest on her, and his eyes lingered on the skin left exposed by her dress. A blush rose in her cheeks. She could feel him staring. Ignoring him, and the others in the room, she held her head high. After that, the wedding was simply a blur until after the ceremony itself. The guests had moved into the ballroom, for there was to be a dance to celebrate her marriage. She was supposed to enter the ballroom with Malum, then they were to have their first dance. She and Malum were the only ones left in the great hall. He stepped closer to her. She was suddenly very concious of just how revealing her dress was. His fingers grazed her bare arm and he rested his hand on her waist. She had turned halfway away from him, to leave for the ballroom, but now he spun her back to face him. He put his other hand on her other hip. She was terrified. What was he going to do? He pulled her close toward him. Arlina was trembling. He kissed her hard. His body was pressed against hers. She was acutely aware of every place they touched, and she flinched every time his fingers brushed against her bare back. She simply stood there, shaken and terrified, after he let her go. His dark eyes met hers, and he raised an eyebrow before grabbing her hand and nearly dragging her out of the room. The rest of the ball was no better. All she wanted to do was run to the other side of the ballroom and get as far away from him as she could, but she had to stay right by his side. She hated it. It was past midnight by the time the ball ended. Arlina was exhausted. She started back to her rooms, but Malum grabbed her wrist. 

"Where are you going?" He asked menacingly

"Back to my room," Arlina fought to keep her voice steady. Malum laughed.

"Oh no my wife. You're coming with me."

"Where?" Malum slapped her across the face and dragged her up a set of stairs to a dark room. He threw her down on the bed before lighting several candles. The room was small, with only the bed and a trunk. He locked the door. Arlina was shaking. Malum walked over to the bed. She curled into a ball. He forced her to lie straight. His hands were rough and careless. 

"Take the dress off," he ordered.