Chapter 6: In name only.

I woke up feeling the ache between my legs. I wasn't surprised to see an empty space next to me. Lifting the blanket, I was surprised to see the amount of blood that was splattered all over it. I recalled the events of last night—it was heaven on earth. I still can't believe how "kind" he was. Perhaps it was the alcohol I took fooling me. It doesn't matter. The deed was done, and hopefully, there's a child growing inside my belly.

Hera entered the room along with my other ladies looking rather excited. "You look glowing," she squeals, taking a seat beside me. "And seeing that you're naked and still in bed, he did quite the job on you!"

"Oh god," I groaned, hiding under the sheets.

She pulled the blanket, surprised to see the huge stain on the bed. "Holy..." she gasped, "That's a lot of blood, Angelique. Are you alright?" she asked worriedly.

"He was huge," I explained, "Is that not normal?"

She shook her head, still in shock. "Honestly, I don't know, and I do not wish to know."

I grinned, putting on my nightgown. "Do you know where he went?"

She shrugged. "Earlier, I saw him fixing your belongings. I was told we're leaving to live in the Cross Estate," she explained, "He specifically ordered the staff to arrange everything without bothering you. He said you needed all the rest you could get before we set forth our trip."

I'm going to live in his kingdom now, huh? I'm leaving my old life behind and become his wife in his country. I've never even set foot in his kingdom before. I wonder if it's as bad as everyone described it to be.

"Angelique," Hera pulled me out of my thoughts. "So, was he good?"

I giggled, nodding. "He was," I say, "Surprisingly, he was gentle and kind. He was patient with me."

"I suppose he isn't the monster that you paint him out to be, after all," she says, grinning, "Your moans were heard everywhere. Also, your headboard kept on shaking, giving us no sleep at all."

I blushed extremely. "Really?" I asked, hugging my body.

She nodded, continuing, "I was scared to death, you know? But the married ladies told me that those sounds just meant that you're having the time of your life. In fact, they said I should be worried if you weren't making those sounds at all!"

I tried to stand only to fall back to bed again. "Ouch," I said, caressing my thighs, "He was right when he said I wouldn't be able to walk today."

"Of course he is," she says, "He's a stud. He's had countless women. He's an expert at this."

She was right, of course. Damien Cross wasn't named the sexiest man today for nothing. Actually, I think I know where he is. He's probably doing the deed with some poor girl. I got up, ignoring the pain I had in my legs.

"Help me get ready," I commanded. I got into a quick bath and got dressed as though nothing had happened. I will not give him the satisfaction he craves by staying in bed all day.

I went to the gardens where the majority of the people were. To my surprise, my husband was there as well. "Mother," I greeted, trying to curtsy. Before I could embarrass myself by falling, Damien caught me just in time. He helped me to my feet, keeping me next to him to support me.

"Angelique," she greets, smiling happily, "You got up late. I suppose you had quite the night!"

I nodded feeling slightly embarrassed. "I wish you would've taught me something before I was forced into this marriage," I said, looking at my husband. "I was completely clueless, mother."

She laughed sheepishly.

"Queen Coraline, perhaps my wife needs to rest," he said, "Please excuse us." He led me to a pavilion where tea and snacks were ready to be served. He sat me down and ten took the seat across from me. "What are you doing out of bed, Angelique?" he asked much to his disinterest.

"What are YOU doing out of bed, Damien," I asked back, folding my arms over my chest. I could feel his annoyance circling me.

He sighed, taking a sip from his tea. "I'm not the one with shaking legs," he says slyly.

I felt a tint of embarrassment cloud over me, making me blush. Last night was a sweet mixture of pleasure and pain. How could he talk about this so casually without feeling embarrassed?

"What's with all the nice act?" I asked, biting off a biscuit.

He shrugged, pointing innocently at the crowd. "I suppose it's because everyone expects us to be in marital bliss," he explained, "It's called the honeymoon stage. And if you don't know that term, it's the stage where everything seems like a dream come true. Nothing but pleasure and joy out of it."

"Pleasure, huh?" I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

"Why?" he asked, "Didn't I pleasure you last night?" And there it was—his sinister smile—making its first appearance of the day. He looked down at my chest and skirt, teasing me.

I blushed, shoving the entire biscuit in my mouth. He gave me pleasure alright and a pair of of aching legs to go with it.

"How do you talk so casually about it?" I asked, "Do you feel no shame at all? What if people hear you?"

"People wouldn't care," he replied, "You shouldn't feel ashamed about it either. The act is as natural as the sun shining down on us, or even the rain that pours when the clouds are full." He passed me another biscuit, adding, "I'm your husband. It's what married people do."

I accepted the biscuit, taking a small bite. "Men know so much more about these things," I rolled my eyes, "I miss going into battle. Unfortunately, now that I'm married to you, I wouldn't be able to participate in any of the fun."

He rolled his ocean-blue eyes, seeming quite petty. Since when has it been sexy to be petty? Why do I find it attractive when he does that?

He snickered, "You enjoy going to battles?"

"Defeating you in Whitefields wasn't my first victory, you know?" I say proudly, "I've won at least six victories. You were my greatest. I secured my place in history by taking you as hostage."

He glared, sipping on his tea. "Don't mind me," he says, "I'm only playing my part as your husband. I won't bother you for long."

"Are we leaving for Cross Estate today?" I asked.

He nodded, saying, "We're leaving in an hour. The sooner we leave, the less we need to act like we actually care about each other. I would advise you to say your goodbyes, but given the state that you're in, you're better off staying here." Noticing the crushed biscuit in my hand, he grinned, saying, "What's that? Are you angry?"

"I don't answer to you," I reminded him, "I shall go and meet with the people I want to bid farewell to."

"Prince Jonah of Polaris left this morning," he said, silencing me. "Don't worry, Angelique. I gave him a proper farewell for you."

I wonder if Jonah heard us last night. The last thing I want is to further break his heart. I can't even imagine what Damien did or said to him this morning.

"Tell me you didn't do anything crazy," I said, tilting my head. "He is my friend."

"Boyfriend you mean," he says rather coldly, "I didn't say anything that wasn't true. I just made sure he's aware that you're mine now."

"In name only," I corrected.

He replied, "Still, you're forbidden from ever seeing him again. I'm sure I'm not the only one who knows about the two of you. The last thing we need is for people to question your purity. It's a scandal I don't want to take part in."

Of course. All he cares about is himself and the line of succession. If people question my purity, they'll be questioning the legitimacy of the children we'll bear. What a cruel world this is. He's allowed to do as he pleases while women are forced to submit to their authority. I always hated this injustice. Every single man in my family has a mistress. I have no doubts that Damien would have plenty, and I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't even try to hide it.

"Let's talk about our obligations as man and wife," he says, "You're next in line to your throne and I in mine. We need at least four children."

I choked on my tea. I was told childbirth is more excruciating than doing the act for the very first time. I remember the screams of the women in the palace when they were in labor. It's so easy for him to demand four children because he's not the one who's going to bear the child for nine months.

He chuckled, amused at my reaction. "I need two for my line and you'll need two for yours," he explained, "The firstborn child will inherit my throne, and we'll need a spare should anything unfortunate happen to him. Preferably, I will have the first male to succeed me. You understand what I'm getting at, yes?"

I nodded. The second child is meant to be my successor. Whatever's left will become tools during our reign as King and Queen.

"I know how this works," I said, "What happens when the fourth child is born?"

"Then we wouldn't be obligated to do it anymore," he says casually, "Unless you want to." He grinned, resting his chin over his hands, "Do you, Princess? Because, after last night, I'd be more than glad to teach you some more."

At this moment, I knew, that he would annoy me for the rest of my life. Perhaps I was quick to turn Jonah down. This man continues to vex me even just by staring at me.

"You need only to do the act once in order to create a child," I say, making him laugh almost hysterically. Was I wrong? I thought once was enough to create life.

"You can't be certain you're pregnant until at least after a month," he explained, laughing at my face. "God, you really are clueless, aren't you?"

"You mean to say we have to do this every single day?" I asked in shock. I don't think I could do that. I could barely even walk today. How does one do that every day without feeling the ache in their legs?

"Again," he says, "We can do it whenever we wish to feel "Heaven on earth" as you so poetically put it. We don't have to do it every single day; just enough times to know for sure that you are with child."

"How do we do that without feeling awkward?" I asked.

I could feel him slowly losing patience just by the way he looked at me. My questions are annoying, I know. But I still needed answers. And who better to ask the expert himself?

"Usually, it doesn't feel awkward as you're doing it with your husband," he explained, "But you and I have a different situation. Not only were we forced into this, but we also happened to loathe each other. My guesses are that you and I will find this awkward until the very last time. I, however, have the freedom to enjoy myself with whomever I please."

"And I don't," I groaned, "You don't have to gloat. I know I'm trapped in this box with only you as my partner. It's one of the pains of being a woman."

"Consider yourself lucky," he says arrogantly, "Many women would love to have me as their husband. After last night, I thought you'd change your mind."

"Then you must be delusional," I shot back, smiling innocently, "And why would I want something almost all the women have had?"

" Ah," he says, "You want exclusivity."

"Equality," I corrected.

He grinned, saying, "You won't miss out on anything, love. I'm the best one you'll ever have." Something about him was just alluring and naturally drew you in. It's like he doesn't even try and you find yourself at his mercy. I want that. I want his power.

"Love?" I asked, raising my brow. "You're calling me love now?"

"It's easier to say than Angelique," he says exasperatedly, "I don't like your name, and you're no angel."

"Fine, Angel," I said, "Since you were so gracious last night, I'll call you Angel. It's settled."

He cringed at the word. He helped me up, escorting me gently, "It's time to go now." He led me to our parents who were in the same area, talking about politics. "We're going now," he said.

"Good luck with my daughter," said my father, "She isn't easy."

"I am well aware, King Dorian," he replied.

His mother, Queen Grea, said, "My son is a handful as well, so do be patient. I can't wait to meet my grandchildren."

"Okay," Damien says, "Best be going now." Before I could even muster a reply to his mother, he was already dragging me out from the garden. "We have to go now."

"I hate you," I said as he helped me step into the carriage.

He replied, "I hate you, too."

It's going to be a long ride until we get to the estate.