MONIQUE
My long dress was heavy but so beautiful.
I smiled as I walked past the town’s edge toward the music being played in the forest. I had to pretend I was under the spell of a heavy love potion, so I couldn’t let my underlying anger or worry show.
Instead, I focused on being happy, allowing myself to enjoy what was essentially, my actual wedding day.
I conjured up some white and pink roses and held them in a small bouquet in front of me. I rounded a final tree along the cobblestone path,. Ahead, rows of people stood before a stage that had been set up on one side of the clearing, beneath a large tree with spreading boughs that sprouted delicate white flowers among the greenery.
My breath caught in my throat when Michael and his father turned to face me from the stage. My groom-to-be was wearing a black suit with a white shirt and a black tie. Classic. Striking. Far too handsome for such a tumultuous day.
My heart pounded as I kept walking forward. The crowd turned to stare at me and smile. These were people I’d known my whole life. People I would be leaving behind, most likely forever, if my plan came to fruition.
My answering smile trembled a little, and then I plastered it firmly back on my face. I could do this. Iwoulddo this, for Michael, and for Xander and Kyle. They were my family now, the ones who mattered, and I had to be strong enough to save them.
I just had to get through this part, and then we could run.
I reached the bottom of the stairs of the stage. Michael rushed forward to hold out his hand. The look on his face sent a pulse of desire through me. Appreciation and hunger filled his gaze, and I knew in that moment he loved me.
I took his hand, feeling the zing as our fingers connected, and ascended the steps, one at a time. When I reached the top, only three steps up, I looked at the high warlock
My first impulse was one of utter hatred. His smirking, arrogant face needed to be pounded into the ground.
But Michael’s squeeze on my fingers brought me back to reality, a reminder of our goal. A reminder I had to act lovestruck.
I forced my lips into a huge smile and conveyed what I hoped was a dopey expression. “Thank you so much for arranging our wedding so quickly, high warlock. I’m so happy.”
I transferred my stare to Michael, pretending that I was still under the love potion he’d given me.
The high warlock inclined his head in that oddly regal way he had. “You’re so welcome, my dear. You look truly beautiful today.”
I stepped back and twirled a little so my dress would sparkle in the gentle sunlight. “Do you like my dress? I made it myself.”
“I do. Now, let us marry you.”
“Oh yes,” I said, feeling sick to my stomach at the role I was playing. This gushy, stupid woman act was just not me.
I had to admit, the ceremony itself was sweet, for which I was grateful. It was also quick.
We said a few token words to each other, and then Michael slipped a large diamond ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.
I stared down at it, then glanced up at him. “It’s beautiful, Michael. Just the type of design I would have chosen for myself.”
His gaze was warm as he stared at me.
“It was my grandmother’s,” he said. “She would have loved you, Monique.”
Time froze and for just that single moment, there was no one else there, only Michael and me. I felt the love pouring out of him, and I hoped he could feel mine in return. Xander and Kyle were my fated mates and they held my heart, but now Michael had an equal place too.
Then I was back in the real moment. The high warlock turned me toward the crowd of people in front of the stage.
“I present to you, Michael and his wife Monique—the future high warlock and high witch of our realm.”
The crowd exploded with cheers and applause, and my stomach lurched. I was going to be sick. As if he could sense my wobble, Michael tugged me into his side, turned me around to face him, and kissed me.
I froze as his warm lips covered mine. What was he doing, in front of all these people? Then I realized this was all part of the performance. Of course. I wove my arms around his neck and pressed my body to his, as if I couldn’t get enough of my new husband.
He moaned, deep in his throat, holding tight to my waist and kissing me back. I couldn’t tell if he was acting or if his desire was real; for me it was a mixture of both. I loved kissing Michael, but in this circumstance it was awkward, especially with the high warlock standing right there beside us.