Oh! The Wedding Night!

Marjorie's eyes widened in shock, her voice barely audible.

"Your throne? Father, what do you mean? We're not Royals" She whispered, confusion and worry etched on her face.

Lord Augustus hesitated, his intense gaze fixed on Marjorie. He cleared his throat, his voice low and measured.

"We were Royals, Marjorie. The rightful rulers of Azov Kingdom." He said, studying his daughter's face to see her reaction.

Of course Marjorie's reaction was what he expected, her curiosity soared. 

"How is that possible? We've never lived in a palace or ruled a kingdom!" Her face contorted in confusion, her eyes pleading for answers.

Lord Augustus's expression turned somber.

"King Ryker usurped our throne, Marjorie. He took everything from us, leaving us in hiding to protect our lives." He paused, collecting his thoughts.

"I've kept this secret for far too long, but now it's time you knew the truth." He said.

Marjorie's eyes sparkled with a mix of disbelief and eagerness, her ears longing to hear more. She couldn't fathom what her father was revealing, but she was determined to learn the whole story.

Lord Augustus's eyes clouded, his voice heavy with grief. Marjorie could already tell that King Ryker didn't only do what her father had said, but did much more than that.

"Your mother also, Marjorie... she was a casualty of King Ryker's betrayal. She was kîlled during the uprising, fighting to protect our family and our throne." He continued.

Marjorie's eyes widened in horror, her mind reeling with the revelation. "Mother?" She whispered, her voice trembling. "But you told me she died in a hunting accident!" Marjorie was totally confused.

Lord Augustus's face contorted in pain as he stared at his daughter.

 "I know, my dear. I lied to protect you. But now it's time you knew the truth. Your mother's déath was a result of King Ryker's treachery, and I have sworn to avenge her memory."

Marjorie's eyes brimmed with tears, her heart heavy with grief. But alongside her sorrow, a spark of determination ignited. She realized it was time to set aside her stubbornness and agree to her father's plan, now that she understood the truth. But a nagging doubt lingered - was she making a grave mistake?

"What's going to happen, Father? Won't this put me in danger?" Marjorie asked, her voice trembling with concern.

Lord Augustus drew her into a gentle embrace.

"The king's health is failing, and Prince Lucian is already crowned Prince of Azov. Once you marry and the king passes, Lucian will become king, and you'll be queen." His whisper was laced with a hint of urgency.

Marjorie's eyes widened in alarm, her mind racing with the implications. "How sure are you that I will be the queen? You know kings are entitled to many wives, he probably would marry another woman and make her his queen" Marjorie had a big doubt about this.

"You worry too much, Marjorie. I don't think he'd ever do that...."

"But what about my safety? You know the king and his son are not to be trusted!" She quickly cut in, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lord Augustus's expression turned reassuring, his hand on her shoulder tightening. 

"Fear not, my dear. I've taken every precaution to ensure your safety. I would never put you in harm's way. You'll be protected, I promise. Trust me, Marjorie." His father assured her.

[ AZOV KINGDOM * AT THE GARDEN ]

The Queen Dowager's voice echoed through the garden.

"You demanded my presence, Lucian." She approached him with a calm demeanor, her footsteps quiet on the stone path.

Lucian sat on a bench, surrounded by the soothing scents and sounds of his sanctuary, his garden. He had sought refuge here after a grueling training session, seeking solace in the peaceful atmosphere. The garden was his private haven, a place he never shared with anyone. It was his own personal space, filled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers and the earthy scent of the palace's ancient stones. Sweet scents that were uniquely his.

He took a deep breath, hesitating for a moment before speaking.

"You arranged a marriage for me without my consent. May I know why?" His voice was firm and serious, despite his earlier enthusiasm for marriage.

The Queen Dowager's expression remained calm, but a hint of defensiveness crept into her voice.

"I apologize if it seems that way, Lucian. We've discussed this before, although you might not recall our conversation." She said.

Lucian rose from his seat, his movements fluid and graceful, his eyes locked on his aunt. He towered over her, his tall frame casting a long shadow in the fading light of day.

"I think I would remember something as significant as this, Aunt," He said, his voice laced with a hint of skepticism. 

"I've never heard of such a kingdom" Lucian said, his gaze narrowing as his mind raced with questions, after learning of the kingdom Marjorie was from.

He was well-versed in the geography of the land, familiar with both nearby and distant kingdoms. This one, however, was a mystery.

The Queen Dowager's expression turned conciliatory. 

"It's a small, secluded kingdom, Lucian. Not many people know of its existence." She offered a gentle smile, as if to placate him.

Lucian's skepticism only deepened. 

"And you expect me to believe that? A kingdom so obscure, yet worthy of an alliance with our own?" His eyes bored into hers, searching for any hint of deception.

The Queen Dowager's smile never wavered.

"There are many things in this world that remain unknown to us, Lucian. And yes, I believe this alliance would be beneficial for both our kingdoms." She replied, confidently.

Lucian's gaze lingered on hers, his mind working through the implications. A small, secluded kingdom... it seemed unlikely, yet his aunt's words hinted at secrets and motivations he couldn't quite grasp.

The Queen Dowager's voice took on a persuasive tone. 

"Marjorie is a kind and gentle soul, Lucian. I truly believe she's the perfect match for you. But if you're still hesitant due to the kingdom's...size....then we can find someone else...."

Lucian's abrupt interruption caught her off guard. 

"I've made up my mind. When is the wedding?" His words were firm, his expression resolute.

The Queen Dowager's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of excitement and confusion.

"Lucian, I...I don't understand. You were just questioning the arrangement, and now you're agreeing to it?" She studied his face, searching for any sign of hesitation or doubt.

Lucian's gaze remained steady, his jaw set.

"I've made my decision, Aunt. I'll marry Marjorie" He said again.

The Queen Dowager's eyes sparkled with excitement, but her mind raced with questions. What had changed Lucian's mind so suddenly? Was he truly willing to put aside his reservations about the small kingdom? She couldn't help but wonder what lay behind his unexpected acquiescence.

•••••••

Prince Lucian strode down the corridor, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. As he approached his chamber, his brother Stefan emerged from the shadows, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Stefan, the second Prince of the kingdom, had always harbored a deep-seated resentment towards Lucian. Born on the same day, but a few hours apart, their sibling rivalry had grown toxic over the years. The fact that Lucian was the crowned Prince, while Stefan was relegated to second place, only fueled the fire of their animosity.

"Well, well, well," Stefan sneered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I heard the great Prince Lucian is finally taking the plunge into matrimony. How quaint. How...responsible of him." He mocked, a sly smirk on his face.

Lucian's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anticipation of another verbal sparring match with his brother. "What do you want, Stefan?" He growled, his patience wearing thin.

Stefan's grin widened, his eyes glinting with mischief.

"Oh, I just wanted to offer my heartfelt congratulations to my dear brother...the crowned Prince." His tone was heavy with disdain, and Lucian could sense the unspoken jabs beneath the surface.

However, Lucian chuckled, a hint of mockery in his voice. 

"Save your false congratulations, Stefan," Lucian said, his voice firm and even. "Your insincere words are as empty as your ambitions. I know you've always resented me for being the crowned Prince, but I won't let your jealousy dictate my actions. I'm marrying for for my own good, and not to satisfy your petty grievances."

"If you dedicated half as much effort to gathering useful information as you do to gathering gossip, this kingdom would be unstoppable. But well, your priorities lie in spreading rumors and fueling your own selfish interests." Lucian's replied, mockingly.

Stefan's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger at Lucian's jab.

"How dare you!" He hissed, his voice low and venomous. "I'm simply trying to congratulate you on your upcoming nuptials, and you respond with insults?" He growled, scowling at his brother.

Lucian raised an eyebrow, his expression unyielding.

"Congratulations? You call that a genuine congratulations? Your words reek of sarcasm and jealousy, Stefan. We both know you've always resented me for being the crowned Prince." Lucian clicked his tongue, shaking his head. 

Stefan's face twisted in a scowl, his lips curling into a snarl. 

"You think you're so much better than me, don't you, Lucian? But I'll have you know, I'm the one who truly cares about this kingdom, not you with your foólish notions of honor and duty." Stefan replied, his breath heavy, screaming of anger.

The tension between them was palpable, their words hanging in the air like a challenge, waiting to be answered.

Lucian's eyes narrowed, his voice taking on a cold, calculated tone.

"Care about the kingdom? You? Ha! Your only concern is your own selfish interests, Stefan. You've always been more interested in spreading rumors and causing chaos than actually helping our people." Yet, again, Lucian replied, making him more angry than he already was. 

Stefan's face reddened, his fists clenched at his sides. 

"How dare you! I've done more for this kingdom than you'll ever know, Lucian. And I'll prove it, mark my words." Stefan replied with a scowl, his fits clenching.

Lucian snorted, his expression dismissive. "Oh, I'm shaking in my boots, Stefan. Your threats are as empty as your promises. You're nothing but a coward, hiding behind your petty schemes and gossip." Lucian replied and Stefan's eyes blazed with fury, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. 

"You'll regret those words, Lucian. I swear it on my honor" He said within him before storming out his brother's side.

Those two Princes had never gotten along right from childhood. It was clear that their sibling rivalry had reached a boiling point, and the consequences of their hatred would be dire.

[ FEW DAYS LATER ]

It was their wedding day already, and the afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the palace gardens. Marjorie's heart raced as she prepared to walk down the aisle. She had made up her mind, and everything was in place. The wedding had to go on, no matter what her doubts were.

The sun shone brightly on the day of the wedding, casting a warm glow over the lush gardens of the palace. Marjorie, dazzling in a stunning white gown, walked down the aisle on her father's arm, her face a picture of serenity. But her eyes flickered with a hint of apprehension as she glanced at Lucian.

Lucian, dashing in his black and gold uniform, smiled warmly as she approached. But his eyes gleamed with a mischievous light, and his smile seemed to hint at secrets only he knew.

The ceremony was a beautiful blend of heartfelt vows and carefully crafted lies. Marjorie's voice trembled as she promised to love and cherish Lucian till déath, but her eyes betrayed a glimmer of doubt. Lucian's responses were laced with conviction, but his smirky smile suggested he knew the truth, or not....

As they exchanged rings, Lucian's fingers brushed against Marjorie's, sending a shiver down her spine. It felt strange!

Laughter and chattering filled the air as the guests erupted in cheers and applause, oblivious to the undercurrents.

The reception was a whirlwind of laughter, music, and forced merriment. Lucian's smile seemed genuine at times, but his eyes sparkled with mischief, hinting at a hidden agenda. Marjorie's laughter was tinged with nervousness, her eyes darting towards her father, who watched with a calculating gaze.

Marjorie couldn't help but wonder why Lucian was beaming at her like a lunatic. Was he secretly a mad Prince who is a scientist, and no one talked about it? She hadn't heard any rumors about him being a madman, but maybe that was just what he wanted her to think. Maybe the whispers were "he's charming, handsome, and calculating" instead of "he's a madman, but in a charming way".

Silly Marjorie!

As they danced their first dance, Lucian's hand on Marjorie's waist seemed to hold a subtle possessiveness, his smile whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Marjorie's smile faltered for a moment, but she recovered quickly, her eyes flashing a warning.

Moments later, they exchanged vows, and Marjorie's mind wandered to the possibilities. Maybe Lucian was a secret agent, and this was all a cover for his next mission. Or perhaps he was a vampire, and this was his way of securing a steady blood supply. She giggled to herself at her silliness, trying to push aside the unease that had been building up inside her.

As she looked at him again, Lucian's smile grew wider, as if he knew a secret she didn't. Marjorie's heart skipped a beat as she wondered what he was hiding behind those piercing eyes. Was he plotting world domination, or just planning the honeymoon? 

Oh, no! The honeymoon! What's going to happen after this ceremony?

Anyway, the ceremony ended, and they sealed their union with a kiss, a kiss that almost didn't happen because it happened in a flash.

Marjorie's heart was racing, her mind still reeling with ridiculous scenarios. She couldn't help but wonder what the future held for her and her new husband - the potential mad scientist/vampire/secret agent?

Haha!

[ PRINCE LUCIAN'S CHAMBER * LATER ON ]

Marjorie stood in the corridor, gazing out at the stars twinkling to life in the evening sky. Her parrot, Goldie, perched on her shoulder, nuzzling her ear. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, a comfort she desperately needed after the overwhelming events of the day.

"Why must I share a room with him?" She whispered to Goldie, her mind still reeling from the unexpected arrangement. She had assumed she'd have her own quarters, separate from Prince Lucian's. But it seemed fate had other plans.

"Lillibet, my lady, your bath is ready," A soft voice interrupted her thoughts. Marjorie turned to face the maid, who smiled kindly. " I am Lillibet, your personal maid, my lady" Lilllibet introduced herself as, bowing.

"I will always be here to serve you, my lady. Your bath is ready, shall I show you the way?" She asked with a beautiful smile lingered on her face.

Marjorie just smiled too and nodded, her heart racing at the thought of facing her new husband. Where was Prince Lucian, anyway? She hadn't seen him since the ceremony.

With a deep breath, she followed Lilibet into the chamber, Goldie squawking softly as they entered. The room was lavish, with velvet drapes and a massive four-poster bed. Marjorie's eyes widened as she took in the sight.

"Your bath, my lady," Lilibet said, gesturing to a door on the far side of the room. "I'll help you get settled." She said.

Marjorie nodded, her mind racing with questions. Where was Prince Lucian? And what lay ahead for her in this strange, new world?

As Marjorie bathed and changed into an elegant nightgown, her mind wandered back to the ceremony. She couldn't believe she was now married to a man she barely knew. The door creaked open, and Lilibet entered with a warm smile.

"You're done, my lady" She said, and Marjorie smiled.

Lilibet picked up some items she needed and bustled around her and she began applying sweet-scented lotion to her skin, combing out her hair, and pinning it up in an elegant coiffure. Marjorie watched in the mirror, feeling like a pampered princess.

"Lilibet, why are you making me look so...beautiful? It's almost night and I'm not going anywhere" Marjorie asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Lilibet's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"I am preparing you for the Prince, my lady. You are married now, after all. You should know what happens after a wedding." Lillibet replied her.

Marjorie's expression turned from confusion to shock, her eyes widening in alarm. 

"You mean...? Oh dear heavens, Lilibet! I had no idea I was signing up for...that! The wedding night, why didn't father mention that?!" She gestured vaguely, her face flushing bright pink.

Lilibet's giggles grew louder, her eyes shining with amusement. She couldn't believe how well she was getting along with Marjorie, despite their differences in station. It was refreshing to see a princess who didn't mind laughing with a mere maid, who didn't put on airs or expect special treatment. Marjorie's humility was a breath of fresh air, and Lilibet found herself liking her more and more by the

"Don't worry, my lady. I'm sure the Prince will be...gentle and if not, well...there's always the option of hiding under the bed with a dagger!"

Marjorie's eyes nearly popped out of her head.

"Lilibet!!" Marjorie exclaimed, humorously.

Marjorie's mind raced with unease, her heart heavy with doubts. She had never considered the intimate aspects of marriage, too caught up in the thrill of the plan. Oh, dear Lord, what had she gotten herself into? The thought of surrendering herself to the Prince, the son of the man who... " Her inner turmoil was interrupted by Lilibet's sudden departure.

"I shall take my leave now, my lady" Lilibet said, bowing hastily before scurrying off.

Marjorie's gaze followed Lilibet, wondering why she had left so abruptly. And then, her eyes locked onto a figure that made her heart skip a beat. Prince Lucian stood before her, his mischievous smile from the wedding ceremony still plastered on his face.

The air seemed to thicken, the silence between them palpable. Marjorie's pulse raced with anticipation, her mind screaming warnings. She was trapped, with no escape from the fate she had unwittingly chosen....