After-party

Adeline didn't even bother to look back because she knew that no one had the audacity to stop such a wedding.

When no one stepped forward, all eyes returned to the pair and the priest proceeded. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. May the Lord bless this union. You may now ki—" the priest's words were cut off by a hard glare from the prince and he bit his tongue. He had been specifically warned by one of the Prince's men not to say that line but he almost forgot.

Adeline's eyes darted between the two and she didn't know whether to feel relieved or bothered. But deep down, she knew she wasn't ready to share her first kiss with a stranger, even if he was now her husband. It was just the look in his eyes when he glared at the priest.

Pushing the thoughts aside, she lowered her head then raised her gaze again, her eyes filled with determination to focus on what mattered — not to be bothered by anything her husband did.

The newly wedded couple then signed their marriage papers, with a baron representing King Michael and Sylvan representing his father as witnesses. The crowd cheered happily as the two walked outside, followed by their families, then the guests.

The after-party was arranged at the duke's mansion, which was a request presented to King Roderick by the duke himself.

When they were finally outside the hall, Adeline felt like she could finally breathe and she drew back the veil which was starting to irritate her as well.

At first she was confused on which carriage to take, but it was a custom to go with her husband because she now 'belonged' to him, so she ended up riding the royal carriage back home.

Unlike the duke's carriage, the Darkfrost royal carriage had one seat and was more polished and comfortable. Adeline sat closest to the window, wanting to put some space between herself and the prince. She had completely forgotten about the suffocating corset until she sat down and she cursed aunt Claire in her mind again and again.

The journey seemed to take longer than both of them would have wanted and they each kept to themselves. Prince Sylvan leaned back on the carriage seat with his eyes closed and Adeline kept her gaze outside the window. Without realising it, she would find herself stealing glances at the prince and each time she couldn't help but appreciate the man's looks once more.

Up close, his skin looked paler but flawless, and she wondered how a man could have such smooth skin. His long and slender fingers resting on his forehead added to his charm and for a few seconds, Adeline couldn't take her eyes off him.

She had seen her fair share of handsome men, but this one surpassed all of them.

When they arrived, Sylvan alighted first but didn't offer his hand to Adeline like a gentleman would. Adeline sneered inwardly then alighted with the help of the coachman.

After them followed her entire family and the Prince's men, then the guests from all-over the duchy and the Havenbridge kingdom flooded the compound.

At the entrance, the servants were lined up with their heads bowed and Howard joined them as they welcomed everyone into the house.

Collective gasps spread across the room as everyone's eyes roamed the entire house in vicinity.

Despite it being midday, it was dark inside the mansion and the only source of light was ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, decorated with small crystal balls that dangled against each other. The dance floor was empty, with the chandeliers casting shadows on the floor. Round and rectangular tables were placed at the corners with arrays of spectacular dishes and drinks. The walls and the staircase were decorated with all kinds of fragrant flowers and overall, everything was just incredible.

Praises for the duke and his family was all that could be heard, and for the first time since the day started, Adeline smiled genuinely. She hadn't taken part in any of the wedding preparations, but Howard and her father surpassed her expectations.

When Duke Sage and the rest of the family came to greet the prince, Adeline didn't know if she was imagining it, but Sylvan looked more approachable and the coldness in his eyes subsided.

"Your highness," the duke bowed, followed by Adler and aunt Claire and Malvina curtseyed.

"Duke Sage. Thank you for having me," Sylvan responded politely and Adeline didn't know why she found it ironical that he was being respectful.

"Hello your highness, I'm Malvina Sage, Adeline's younger sister," Malvina greeted with a sweet smile and for a moment, the Prince just stared at her speechlessly. From his expression, it was clear that he didn't know how to interact with a child and Adeline suppressed a chuckle.

To break the akward atmosphere, the duke asked about King Roderick and the Darkfrost kingdom, and soon the guests hovered around them to congratulate them.

Adeline forced smiles but unlike when he was interacting with her family, the Prince had a chilling aura around him and even if they wanted to, none of the nobles wanting to acquaint themselves with royalty could linger around longer than necessary.

After the congratulatory greetings, food was served and Adeline was happy to excuse herself to the confines of her room.

Standing at the door, she exhaled deeply as she looked around. She couldn't believe that she would be leaving this room where she had spent all her life, and the house where all her childhood memories and moments with her mother lived. The thought of relocating to somewhere new never seemed more daunting before.

"My lady," Rosa's voice broke through her thoughts and she turned around.

"You didn't come to the wedding," complained Adeline and Rosa bowed her head apologetically.

"I'm very sorry about that. There were still things to do here and I couldn't come. How was it?" Her expression changed to one of excitement and Adeline shrugged.

"Well, it was a wedding. What more could there be to tell?"

"Don't be so sullen. You should look forward to being a married woman," said Rosa as she walked in and started taking out Adeline's dresses from the wardrobe and folding them inside a huge chest.

Adeline joined her and they started packing her things. "You're saying it like it's so easy. I'll be living with total strangers. But at least you'll be there."

Rosaline smiled and was about to say something when a knock interrupted them. Their heads turned in unison and a servant was standing at the door. "Excuse me my lady, the Duke sent me to get you," the servant informed and Adeline followed her downstairs.

The atmosphere was more lively now and merry chatter greeted her as soon as she walked in. She searched for her father in the crowd, and when the latter spotted her, a wide smile spread across his face and Adeline couldn't believe it was her father smiling like that. The last time he looked so happy was when her mother was still alive.

"Adeline, my dear," he called cheerfully as he pulled her in for a hug, catching her off guard and a gasp escaped Adeline's lips. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. Was he drunk? She wondered, but the question was soon answered when he drew back and she could smell the alcohol in his breath.

"Ah, you look so beautiful. Come, it's time for the special dance." He dragged her to where Prince Sylvan was standing alone and without warning, placed her hand in his. Adeline's eyes locked with Sylvan's and she tried to take her hand back but he was quicker and held it in place.