The Tenth Bride

Esme—POV

 My eyes fluttered open slowly, my body aching like I'd been dragged through stone and snow. My arm barely moved. Everything felt like it weighed double.

"Lady Esme," a voice cut through the silence. The maid. Her eyes wide, like she'd seen a ghost. "Are you in pain? Should I call the doctors?"

"No," I lied. I was in pain, but not the kind that scared me. I've known worse. Pain like that's almost familiar—Baredon Estate taught me how to swallow it whole and smile. I forced my body to roll out of bed with the maid's help.

"Who are you?" I asked her quietly.

"Oh! Sorry, my lady—where are my manners?" She dipped her head. "I'm Lily. Just filling in until the head maid returns from her vacation."

The way she said it, it was like someone coached her. The smile felt too forced, the eyes too jittery.

I gave her a nod. "Where's King Liam?"

"In the training arena with Duke Edward Valemont," she answered quickly, then added, "Your bath is ready, and you need to eat. The doctor left medicine."

"What happened to me?" My voice cracked.

She hesitated. "My lady… I'm not allowed to speak on it."

"Fine," I said, because what choice did I have? "Help me get ready. I need to see King Liam."

She tensed. Real fear in her face. But she helped anyway. After the bath, I dressed. The food was bland—some kind of medicinal porridge they said would help—but I barely touched it. I didn't trust the medicine. I didn't trust anything in this place.

Then I saw it. The ring. A golden wedding band with a red ruby—lion and crown engraved into the metal. The Queen's signet. It burned on my finger like a reminder of everything I didn't choose.

"You look beautiful in red, my lady," Lily said softly, handing me a cloak. Snow still blanketed everything outside. As we approached the arena, she stopped at the gate.

"It's okay, Lily," I told her. "I'll say I wandered. He won't know you brought me."

She nodded and slipped away.

Inside, the air was different—thick with heat and magic and tension. Liam was shirtless, blades sparking with magic as he fought Duke Edward. Snow clung to Edward's cloak, but Liam looked like fire, sweat trailing down his skin even in the cold.

Then the magic pulsed.

Hard.

It hit me like a punch to the chest. I staggered back, fingers digging into the railing. My knees buckled.

"Your Majesty—" I choked out.

Everything stopped.

In a blink, King Liam was at my side, catching me before I fell.

"I need to speak with you," I gasped.

He didn't say a word—just scooped me up, bridal-style. His skin was hot against mine. My body started to feel... normal again. Like the pain never existed. Like magic peeled it off of me.

When he set me down inside on the couch, I noticed I was still breathing heavy. And blushing. Hard. He was still shirtless. And too close.

"You alright?" he asked.

"Yes... Your Majesty." I couldn't meet his eyes. Not when his chest was right there, like sculpted stone and warmth and—

"Did you take your medicine?"

"No. Not until I know what's wrong with me. What happened?" My voice was barely above a whisper. I fought every nerve in my body not to stammer.

He was quiet for a beat.

"You collapsed. From stress, maybe. The medicine's to help you recover." His tone was neutral. Too neutral.

"I remember you saying something... 'Endure the test'..." My voice wavered. "Could it have been magic? I don't know much about it but—"

"Magic has nothing to do with it," he cut in sharply. "You're weak. You need to eat. Rest. Take the medicine."

It didn't feel like advice. It felt like a command.

"I'm your wife," I said.

His face didn't change. "By contract. A deal. To protect Western land. And Baredon Estate from monsters."

My heart sank. I didn't even know that. I looked down at the floor.

"I'm sorry," I whispered. "I just… need to know what you expect of me. So I don't do anything wrong."

"Stay out of my sight. Take care of yourself. I don't want to be blamed if something happens to you. We act like a couple in front of others; that's it."

I nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty." And then I left. I didn't even feel sad. Just... numb.

In the hallway, I nearly ran into Duke Edward. His green eyes met mine, soft and steady.

"Greetings, Your Majesty," he said with a slight bow. "Apologies. I was late in congratulating you on the wedding."

"Thank you," I said. My voice was faint.

"I hope you're settling in well."

I shrugged. "I'll get used to it."

"Good," he smiled. But his smile faded. "You must miss home."

"No," I lied again. "I don't."

"Nice meeting you, Your Majesty. Then I'll take my leave." He bowed again. I nod in response.

I watched him go, golden hair catching light even in this dead cold. He reminded me of Baredon. Not the people. Just the warmth. The sun.

Back in my room, I warmed myself by the fire. Days passed. Mostly alone. Reading books in the Imperial Library. Existing.

"Your Majesty, a few letters arrived," Lily said one morning.

One was sealed in green wax—an eagle. I recalled seeing this eagle emblem on Duke Edward's armor, so I knew. I opened it first.

"Lady Esme, I am Lendra Valemont. I invite you to a tea party next week. Please honor us with your presence."

I blinked. Tea party? I didn't know etiquette. I'd embarrass myself—and him.

The next letter had no seal. No name.

"Lady Esme. You are in danger. Run before King Liam kills you too. Like he did the other nine brides."

My blood froze. I read it again. No signature. No mark.

Lily walked in with tea and cake.

"You alright, my lady?"

I tossed the letter into the fire. "I'm fine," I lied again.

But I wasn't. The seamstress mentioned the bride's dress prior to me, who passed away.

"How long till the head maid returns?" I asked, trying to keep my voice casual. "It's been almost twenty days," I added when she didn't respond. She looked away.

"If I'm not serving well, I—"

"No, Lily. It's not that. I was just curious." Her reaction was... off.

"Could you call the seamstress? Natalie."

She paused. Stiffened. "I will."

"And... an etiquette teacher too," I added.

She nodded. No questions. Then hurried out.

Something is wrong in this place.

Way wrong.

And I think I was too busy enjoying warm food and soft sheets to see it.

But now... I can't ignore it. Not when I might be next.

Not when I might end up like the other nine.