I don’t even want Uther to touch her, but I wanted him to give his daughter away to me today because he doesn’t deserve her. This march is symbolic of his defeat. And he knows it.
I was supposed to relish this but when I look at my beautiful bride, all I see is her. All I want is her.
She looks every bit the angel in that dress, with her hair down and flowing in the wind, just for me.
She’s mine.
Not Uther Sidorov’s daughter.
Not the woman I stole from my brother, but the woman I made mine.
She left a mark on my cold heart, and I don’t feel so dead anymore.
I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing.
Death might be a friend I shouldn’t be eager to part ways with, but when they reach me and Uther hands Anastasia to me, I see life.
Me alive in her and with her.
And a future she makes me want to try for.
Because I’m in love with her.
Chapter32
Anastasia
“Inow pronounce you man and wife,” Leif announces with a proud smile. And just like that I become Anastasia Volkova. “You may now kiss the bride.”
Desmier leans in and kisses me.
The kiss, as soon as it touches my lips, feels different in all the right ways. It holds the passion we’ve shared mixed with lust and a promise for later.
It’s a real kiss. Something I know my father wasn’t expecting.
Can he tell it’s real?
I know Lorelai can.
I’m all sorts of nervous, but this kiss takes me out of reality.
I wondered how I would feel today getting married to Desmier. Not Viktor.
What I feel is that thrill. Like I’m flying close to the sun again, but I don’t want to turn back. I haven’t even thought about being bound to the Knights. Even though Desmier is in his tunic, I feel like I’m truly married to him, and this is the first time my heart hasn’t been conflicted.
We pull apart and our few guests clap. Dad doesn’t. He keeps his hands at his sides and his face stern.
Ehlga is the first to hug me. Lorelai next.
“There are refreshments in the dining room,” Leif announces, pointing to the reception room with the stone arched doorway. “Please help yourselves.”
Desmier glances at my father when he approaches and leans down to my ear. “I will allow you some time with your father, then we’re leaving.”
“Thank you.”
Lorelai gives me a quick glance before Desmier ushers her and Ehlga away. Zane follows them, but I notice that Jayce stays behind.
I expected Gytha to be here with them, and I’m glad she’s not. With the wedding being so small I’m sure I would have gone up in flames from her infernal stare.