Forced marriage

ㅤ It was time for the wedding—a grand celebration for the entire country. The square, the streets, and even the rooftops were filled with people eager to witness the royal union. Most of all, everyone was waiting for that magical moment… which just couldn't happen. After completing their vows, Luke and Natalia looked at each other silently, smiling tightly. Natalia was the first to break down. "Kiss me already, or this will never end." "I can't, Tear's watching." Luke couldn't see her, but he knew for sure that both Tear and Guy were standing somewhere in the crowd. He was even more hesitant about the fact that this would be his first kiss. And not with the one he wanted to give it to… "She'll turn away," Natalia muttered through clenched teeth, still smiling. She, too, wasn't particularly keen on kissing someone else in front of Guy. Luke carefully wrapped his arm around Natalia's waist, leaned in slightly, almost kissing her, but stopped halfway, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Just pretend I'm Tear," the bride hissed irritably. "No way!" Luke protested. "I'm not going to kiss you like this!" Natalia imagined it and blushed. 'Yes, perhaps that would be too much.' "A wimp…" she resigned herself, reaching out to pull the groom's head closer so that, to the cheers of the crowd, their lips finally touched. Tear truly did turn away, unable to watch. Guy took her hand, supporting her. He watched it to the end, walking the entire journey with his beloved: only in this distant way could he support her at that moment. At least to be with her like this from beginning to end.

* * *

The agonizing ceremony ended. The newlyweds were left alone in the bedroom. Natalia sat tiredly on the bed, removing her veil. Luke tried to settle on the other side, his back to his wife. As far away as the bed would allow, but… "Where…!?" Natalia exclaimed sternly. It wasn’t that she wanted to fulfill they marital duty, but delaying would mean moving away from her dream. Better quickly… Right away, so she could forget. Luke was forced to sit next to her. Progress stopped there… It was hard to even breathe, let alone touch each other, or even glance at each other. They both felt the same thing: as if needles were stabbing their tense bodies. "Luke, please," Natalia pleaded helplessly, "I can't do everything myself." "I know," Luke took her hand, looking at the floor, "I'm sorry." He needed to pull himself together, to show some courage. Luke hugged Natalia, brushing his lips over her neck, but he didn't finish the gesture, hanging his head limply, inhaling his wife's scent. "This is so wrong," he whispered. Natalia wearily and understandingly hugged his head, stroking his hair, and pressed her cheek against his. They had been through so much together. It seemed there was nothing insurmountable left. But now, before them, a wall had risen, more formidable than any enemy they could face with sword and arrows. "It would be easier if our first time were with those we love." Luke gradually calmed down in Natalia's arms. The light strokes felt like a gentle lullaby. "It's too dangerous," Natalia refuted calmly. She'd considered so many options, dreaming of escaping, of easing her fate. "If anyone finds out, the people will revolt, they'll brand us with shame and mistrust, and we must remain an example for everyone," she continued, as if giving a lecture. Then, sadly, she added, "At least as long as we're husband and wife…" The conversation stalled, the mood remained stagnant. Luke and Natalia sat silently in each other's arms. They were happy as they were. They weren't lovers, they were friends! Natalia thought about the future, trying to find a way to resolve everything, but without support, she wasn't even ready to undress herself. Luke thought back to the day. With all his worries, he hadn't even considered Natalia's appearance. The unusual hairstyle with pearl embellishments suited her very well, the veil created an effect of modesty and mystery, and the dress perfectly accentuated her figure. This image allowed Luke to look at Natalia differently, to take the first step. Luke's embrace tightened. He lifted his head to whisper in her ear: "You are very beautiful." Natalia shuddered in surprise and blushed. Her heart began to beat faster, and her breath on her neck became teasing. Giving silent permission, she lifted Luke's hand to the ties of her corset, guiding. Helping. Luke's insides were seething, the hairs on his body stood on end, his breath caught in his throat as he pushed Natalia onto the bed and locked eyes with her. She nodded, smiling painfully, pulling Luke closer. "I'm sorry…" Luke knew he was about to hurt his friend, both physically and psychologically. His appearance, his very existence, their complex connection—everything was against them. But he also knew that if he backed down, he would hurt her even more. There was no turning back… ㅤ