Prologue: Until death do us apart

Ragnar's icy composure remained impervious. "Willingly or not, you are mine, alive. Accept your fate, Sophia."

"Look outside. The healer girls have been gathered in the midst of our dragon circle, ready to be roasted alive if you refuse," Ragnar calmly disclosed.

Sophia fell silent, her hands clenched into tight fists, her chest heavy with an overflow of hatred.

"So, yes or no? Your decision determines the fate of them all." Ragnar released Sophia's chin, and his fingers subtly transitioned into a caress against her cheek.

Sophia swallowed hard, her eyes involuntarily darting towards the healers with an immense, agonizing heartache.

"Answer now if you still care about your healer sisters."

"Yes," Sophia replied through gritted teeth, her voice a fragile echo of defiance in the face of impending doom.

*

A gentle breeze wafted through, lifting the veil Sophia wore as a bride. The fabric, smooth against her skin, danced with the wind.

A faint scent of delicate roses lingered, yet it failed to soothe Sophia's restless heart.

The glass-walled hall where the wedding took place gleamed with elegance. Sunlight streamed through the transparent walls, casting a warm glow on the ceremony.

Crystal chandeliers adorned the ceiling, refracting light and creating a dazzling display.

The air was thick with a sense of horror and fear, as the panoramic view of the surroundings added an eerie enchantment to the celebration.

Sophia's gaze fixated on her trailing white gown, then on the man standing before her.

The man was four times the size of a regular young man, towering like a giant. His entire body was clad in armor, and his face was shielded by a mask from nose to chin, crafted from iron.

Why?

Why are they doing this?

Is the rumor true, claiming they are half-beast creatures with wolf-like snouts and scaly skin like reptiles?

Also...

"Did they plan all of this from the beginning? Agreeing to alliances and approvals, only to betray and instead conquer the nations they were allied with?"

Questions echoed in her mind. "Were their initial agreements a mere facade, concealing a sinister plan to betray trust and seize control, turning alliances into instruments of conquest?"

"This gown is also suspicious. How did Gamaaloth acquire a wedding dress perfectly fitting his size? Didn't the Gamaaloth people abstain from marriage, resorting to consorts and courtesans solely for the sake of lineage?"

"And why, all of a sudden, do they demand a wedding ceremony, especially after recent beheadings and being stained with blood?"

The gown adorned with precious gemstones, particularly the vibrant green stones on her forehead tiara, captivated Sophia. Its beauty reflected across the entire wedding hall.

The same stones adorned the handchain on the right hand of the monster—the one known as Ragnar Clementine, the Warlord of Gamaaloth. He had swiftly decimated the Ostrill forces, flown to Everkeep, and beheaded many.

The conquest unfolded in less than half an hour, revealing the vulnerability of the wealthy yet militarily weak Cescill Kingdom. Seeking to annex it, Ostrill sought help from the mighty Gamaaloth Kingdom, unaware of the impending betrayal.

Sophia, feeling responsible for the catastrophic outcome, shed tears. Marrying this monster, Ragnar, felt like the consequence of a colossal mistake that she had played a role in initiating.

In a commanding tone that reverberated through the hall, Ragnar declared himself the newfound sovereign of the kingdom that had provided sanctuary to Sophia—Cescill. A deceiver pledging protection, yet consumed by the intoxication of authority.

The man standing before her, the one she was meant to call her husband, embodied the betrayal of trust and the ruthless pursuit of dominion.

Sophia could only clench her jaw, suppressing the myriad of emotions that surged within her, as the officiant continued reciting the hollow vows.

The grandeur of the ceremony contrasted sharply with the sinister reality of Ragnar's rise to power, leaving Sophia entangled in a union that symbolized not love, but the cruel grip of a conqueror.

To think that such a man was to be her husband! It was nothing short of outrageous!

Sophia's lips remained tightly sealed as the officiant began uttering the marriage vows.

Ragnar gazed into Sophia's eyes, his expression as calm as a gentle breeze. "I, King Ragnar Clementine of Gamaaloth Kingdom, the first blood of the dragon, vow to protect and cherish you, Lady Sophia Mary Pynsia of Cescill Kingdom, my beloved bride. I pledge to stand by your side through the trials of life, to be your shield against adversity, and to honor and respect you as my equal."

Sophia was taken aback. Such beautiful vows. Was this the same person who had just beheaded her former husband, Sir Arthur, to marry her?

She fell silent, her tongue feeling heavy for a moment. She could only stare at Ragnar for what seemed like an eternity, her emotions swirling.

Finally, her mouth reluctantly opened, "Thus, I am tasked with loving you until death do us part."

In the hushed whispers of the wedding hall, Sophia felt the eyes of the guests upon her. The air was heavy with the realization that the alliance sought for protection had turned into a treacherous subjugation, orchestrated by the very power they thought would save them.

As she exchanged vows with Ragnar, Sophia's tears mirrored the turmoil within. A marriage forced upon her, entwining her fate with the Warlord of Gamaaloth, a monster who had laid waste to the lands that sought refuge.

"Then, go ahead and seal your union with a kiss," the officiant proclaimed.

Ragnar, his eyes fixed on Sophia, inclined his head. He lifted a part of his face covering, bestowing a delicate kiss upon her lips.

His lips, damp and tender, pressed softly against Sophia's. The peak of his nose trailed along her cheek, and as Sophia looked into his seemingly transparent eyes, a conflict of emotions churned within her.

An impulse to step back tugged at her, but Ragnar's large hand held the small of her back, grounding her in the moment.

Their stares locked in an unspoken exchange, Sophia found herself unwittingly holding her breath.

Eventually, Ragnar parted his face from hers, quickly readjusting his face covering.