4: The Wedding part 2

Everyone dropped their gazes but she could still hear their whispering.

How could she be so clumsy? A bride falling on her wedding day.

For a strange reason, she didn't feel the least embarrassed. She gathered the skirts of her dress and stood up.

It was Hera who came running to help her with the train of her dress.There was a faint note of hysteria in her eyes.

"Are you okay? We can go clean your dress and inspect you for possible wounds. I am sure the groom will understand."

"No Hera, am fine. I've already kept him waiting long enough. Let's get this done with." She smiled and just then she felt a stab of pain in her waist.

Her discomfort didn't go unnoticed, at least not by Hera.

" I know you're in pain."

"Nothing I can't handle."

And with that she resumed her graceful walk to the Reception Table for six reserved for the bride,groom and their parents.

Kyler seemed somewhat pleased by the way she had handled the situation with tact as she could see a hint of admiration in his dark eyes.

"Greetings My Lords." Gianna greeted Earl Ferdinand and his son Kyler before taking her seat next to her father's. The seat on her left was unoccupied; left for her mother. For an odd reason she missed her dearly and craved her presence although she didn't recall ever seeing her. Maybe if she were present she wouldn't have allowed her to get married involuntarily.

Tears welled up in her eyes. Stay strong. She urged herself. The empty seat beside Kyler meant his mother was dead or had been issued a divorce by his father .

She came back to the real world when Kyler rose and presented a briefcase whose contents weren't immediately revealed to her father. Hilton smiled approvingly as he received the bride price; while the in-crowd applauded. Gianna felt like she was being sold; her fate was now sealed and she was never expected to go back to her old home or it would be considered a disgrace to her husband and her family. Away with the mundane traditions!

Soon it was time to open the ball as the musicians paraded themselves and started playing various musical instruments. Gianna placed her hand in her father's and he helped her up as they danced their way to Kyler's side of the table where Hilton Kent handed Kyler his bride.

The celebration came to a pause as Earl Ferdinand stepped forward,he handed his family's heirloom to Kyler and announced Kyler as the new Earl of Xentael. The in-crowd applauded as Kyler received the heirloom, and the new tittle that came with it.

During handing over of power in the regions of Ailton, a member of the Ailtonian Royal Family was usually present to oversee the event. Gianna watched as Princess Fiona endorsed Kyler's ascension to power. She was dressed in all black and wore an expressionless face.Oh, and now she was approaching the reception table!

Gianna stood up immediately.

"Your Highness!"

"Lots of love today and after Miss Gianna." Tsk, she wasn't in love.

"Thank you for attending the wedding Your Highness. It's an honor."

"You're welcome, but I was merely fulfilling an obligation as a royal in attendance in Kyler's ascension to power." And lowering her voice,

"Be very mindful of your husband."

Gianna was confused, she wanted to ask her why but the cold princess was already walking away.That only added to her fear. Was he a heartless monster?

"What're you thinking about?"

It was him. Gianna nearly jolted out of her skin.

"Nothing My Lord. Just personal thoughts."

"As you're well aware, there won't be any secrets between us." He didn't smile.

Gianna felt as if he was forcing her to tell her what she had been thinking about. But she wasn't giving in to his intimidation.

Kyler observed her features keenly and the stubborn look on her beautiful face. He chuckled.

"What's amusing?" Gianna raised a brow.

"Nothing, My Lady. Just personal thoughts." He chuckled again. The sarcasm didn't escape Gianna.

A frown settled on her face.

"Are you okay Gianna?" It was her father. He had come to inform them that it was the cocktail hour.

Gianna downed her glass of wine fast, then another and a couple of glasses more. Thinking of what awaited her at night in her new home made her stomach churn. She was very nervous following Princess Fiona's warning.

"Are u shy?" It was Kyler's husky voice.

"No My Lord."

"You may just call me by name since you're soon to be my countess."

Countess? No, she didn't want a noble title. She wished to be just a free spirit; being his countess meant being by his side throughout; assisting him in all his tasks and offering insight where appropriate. But in light of the circumstances, she gave the most appropriate answer.

"As you wish... Kyler" She caught a hint of a smile at her mention of his name.

The two families exchanged their gifts. After which it was time for Gianna to leave for her new home. The guests lined on both sides of the pavement as the couple walked out. The guests threw rose petals at the couple as they marched out of the park.

Gianna saw her grandma Isabella and Hera standing away from other guests. Their eyes were wet with tears.

Her grandma wore an apologetic look on her face. She was sorry.

Sorry for failing to successfully convince Hilton not to marry off Gianna. Gianna feigned a smile to reassure her grandma that she would be fine; but she knew a feigned smile couldn't fool her.

A hard lump formed in her throat and tears welled up in her eyes. She walked straight into the carriage; opening the door for herself to avoid crying in public.

Kyler's manor wasn't far away from the Solitude Square park; but her anxiety made her think the opposite. Kyler decided to break the ominous silence.

"Can't wait for us to get home Gianna." He said smirking as he took her hand in his and squeezed it gently. Was he trying to scare her,about the wedding consummation?

Gianna froze in her seat.