Chapter The King’s Bride : Prologue

THE HOLLOW SOUND of demonic flutes rang out in Inferno’s palace. Throngs of people filled the seats in the royal court, their eyes fixed on the royal couple standing before the throne. Black and light blue ribbons fell from the ceiling, symbolizing the merging of two kingdoms.

“We are gathered today for the marriage of Princess Xara of Escayton to King Delton of Inferno.” An officiator’s voice broke through the music.

Delton stood at the center of the court in his royal uniform of a black long coat, black trousers, and several silver rings that embellished his fingers. The sky, visible through the domed glass ceiling, was black as always, but the profusion of lights made it look like day.

Princess Xara wore his colors—black and gold. Her lace veil was parted to reveal an oval face, full pink lips, large eyes, smooth brown hair, and a body that was more curves than planes. She shifted her weight from her right foot to the left, struggling to adjust to the oppressive heat of Inferno.

“We welcome all those who have answered the king’s invite,” the officiator went on as he gazed upon the room filled with important people. The King of Terra smiled at him from the first row while President Ogier of Escayton greeted him with a terse nod.

Some would consider this the most important day of his life. He agreed, but not for the obvious reasons.

Delton’s gaze cut to King Elian of Escayton—Xara’s father. He sat in the first row, wearing a deep frown. Today was the day Delton would take everything from him: his country, his daughter, and his peace of mind.

Unbidden, his mind returned to that fateful night; the night his entire world shattered. Every scene, every color, and every memory was vivid. Vivid as the anger that burned through his veins.

Now, years later, he had fulfilled that promise to himself. His revenge had begun.

“The first part of the ceremony is a recital of the terms of marriage,” the officiator said, looking slightly uncomfortable. It wasn’t customary to have marriage terms but this was a political marriage. “Then, we will proceed to the main part of the ceremony.”

As he droned on, Delton’s eyes moved to Princess Xara and he felt a spark of guilt, which he immediately tamped down. Xara had no idea that he planned to exile her once this ceremony was over. She looked incredibly young, which was unsurprising since she was only eighteen in human years, much younger than his thirty. Of course, his real age was hundred, and hers was sixty, something that was a result of them both being immortal beings.

“Upon marriage, the throne of Escayton will pass to King Delton of Inferno and Escayton will officially become a part of Inferno,” the officiator read. King Elian grew more and more uncomfortable with each word but there was nothing he could do. Inferno’s black flag hung next to Escayton’s light blue one, symbolizing the union. Delton had been prepared to go to war, but the marriage was a better way of destroying Elian. This way, he could have everything the regent prized. Having no male heir, King Elian had little choice but to surrender to his demands.“Princess Xara will become the Queen of Inferno.”

Xara’s lips parted and he caught sight of them. Their eyes met across a table with two crystal goblets and a spark of recognition passed through his body.

“King Delton will come into possession of all of Escayton’s resources and henceforth, other kingdoms will have to go through Inferno to seek permission to visit Escayton.”

President Ogier of Elysium immediately frowned at the pronouncement. The angelic kingdom of Elysium and Inferno had always had a strained relationship. In fact, the Millennium War between the two powers had concluded a year ago, resulting in the signing of a flimsy peace treaty. No doubt Ogier was here to perpetuate the farce of a successful diplomatic relationship. Delton, however, hadn’t abandoned his ambitions to take over Elysium.

“We will now have the main marriage ceremony.”

At last, the reading of marriage terms was over. By the end of it, Elian’s face was dark as a storm cloud. He wasn’t the only one. A lot of political leaders were unhappy about Delton’s conquest of Escayton. The atmosphere resembled a funeral more than a wedding.

“Do you consent to wed King Delton, Princess Xara?” the officiator asked.

Her eyes met his again as if seeking permission. He didn’t answer her silent question.

“Yes.”

A chorus of relieved sighs followed her consent.

“Do you consent to wed Princess Xara, Your Majesty?”

“Yes.”

The officiator didn’t ask if anyone present objected to the wedding because Delton was sure everyone did. Good thing blessings weren’t required in Inferno. Nobody would bless this ill-fated union.

“Once the marriage treaty is signed and the blood exchange ceremony completed, Princess Xara and King Delton will be bound in matrimony. Please drink from the goblets in front of you.”

There was a crystal goblet on Delton’s side with Xara’s blood and one on hers with his. They’d have to drink it as part of the ceremony, cementing their eternal union. Marriages in Inferno couldn’t be dissolved by the law, as once they exchanged blood, a person was considered part of another. Xara would always be his wife, for better or for worse.

He gripped the base of the goblet hard, raised it to his lips, and consumed its contents in a single gulp. Xara’s eyes widened, startled by the violence of his actions. When he stepped away, wiping his mouth, an ache gripped his chest. Hot flashes overtook his skin as he breathed in and out, trying to calm his body’s violent reaction to her blood. It must contain her magic.

It looked like his dark magic didn’t mix with Xara’s healing magic. Where his power destroyed, hers regenerated. She stepped forward, worry stamped on her face. His gaze fell to her parted lips.

“Are you…. all right?” Her voice was deep, full of character. Unlike anything he expected to come out of her mouth.

“Drink it,” he said, clutching the edge of the table.

With shaking hands, she raised the glass and swallowed. Her throat bobbed up and down as the blood went down, and he found his eyes riveted to the smooth column of her neck. Through it all, she continued to watch him, worried. If she knew what he planned to do with her, she wouldn’t waste her concern on him.

Placing the empty goblet on the table, she faced the crowd. Ignoring the violent sensations racketing his body, he took a step forward, extending his hand to her. When her cool, soft fingers brushed his, he felt a spark travel up his arm. Pasting on a smile, she turned to face the crowd. But before she could wave, he grabbed her hand and spun her around.

Pulling her body against his, he inserted a finger under her chin and tipped her face up. Then he brought his lips to hers.

He didn’t know why he did it. Maybe it was because he wanted to get a reaction out of King Elian. Or perhaps it was because he wanted to kiss his wife before he sent her away. Xara’s mouth opened under his pliant, kissing him back. When she writhed in his arms, he couldn’t focus on anything but the feel of her lips. She tasted of roses mixed with a tang of iron and innocence. He lost himself in the kiss for a moment, hearing her soft moans. It had been so long since he’d been with a woman. When heat coiled around his belly, he knew it was time to let her go. Abruptly, he broke the kiss.

“The King and Queen of Inferno.” The officiator filled in the silence.

King Elian stood up, ready to murder him. That made him feel a glimmer of satisfaction. The other state heads tried to look as disinterested as possible but all the throat-clearing made it hard to believe.

A chorus of lethargic claps rang out. He looked down at his bride whose dark, unfocused eyes and swollen lips greeted him back.

Xara was his. Forever.