30 seconds

 The ship was swaying making it difficult for Abrielle to climb up. She started to regret not accepting Cedric's hands. Almost everyone had boarded the ship, and she stood at shore desolated with the cold breeze biting the skin on her face that was not covered. 

 Despite wearing heavy clothes she was still shivering. Abrielle was suffering in the cold while her husband stood on deck enjoying how stubborn she was acting. She never failed to amaze him. 

 "Are you sure you don't need help?" Cedric asked her with his gold eyes, having an amused look inside that pissed Abrielle off. She hated him the more each second she got to know him. How could someone be so unbearable? 

 "I am fine, your highness." She scoffed, avoiding holding his gaze. "Alright then quickly climb up. Everyone is getting tired of the proud princess who can't admit when she needs help." Cedric casually chimed. 

 It was obvious he was enjoying her suffering. "I don't need your hand; either way, you can leave without me because this was not designed for a lady like me to climb," Abrielle replied, why was he acting like she didn't need help when he was the one who declared no one should help her? 

 "Please, can you excuse me, your Highness?" A boat crew member who was carrying some heavy supplies asked her to move aside because she was blocking the way. 

 "Pardon me," Abrielle said, then moved away; Cedric arched his brow because he was expecting her to lash at the crew member, considering how full of herself Abrielle was known to be. 

 The ship swayed as a strong wave hit the hull, causing water to splash on Abrielle. Her outfit was ruined by the stinking seaside water. 

 Cedric clicked his tongue at her, Abrielle was very pitiful, but no one glanced at her, scared to offend Cedric in any way. 

 "You have 30 seconds to climb up or you will be shot dead." Cedric threatened, which Abrielle thought was a joke, until an arrow flew past her, striking the stone ground. 

 Her eyes went to the crow's nest on the main mast of the ship, and there was, indeed, someone standing there aiming an arrow at her. "You can't possibly kill me, plus you refused everyone to help me," Abrielle said through her gritted teeth. 

 "I can simply claim you attempted to run away again and even get your family to pay compensation for having a disgraceful daughter like you. In addition, you rejected my help, meaning you can handle yourself." Cedric gave her a long speech that made Abrielle's veins twitch. 

 "But.." she wanted to argue further but was interrupted by Cedric. "10 seconds are already gone." Another arrow came flying by and this one was closer than the first one. 

 "The next arrow will hit but not kill you but the last one will be targeted at your heart," Cedric explained that he was just like in the novel, putting Abrielle's life in danger at every slight change of his mood. 

 She could not die so early but her stubbornness refused to accept his help. "20 seconds, " Cedric said, and the next arrow came flying by. This one cut her on her arm as it was flying by. 

 ' Just let him have it this time.' her thoughts urged her to give up. "30 seconds," Cedric said and Abrielle panicked. 

 "Fine, you win." She screamed, but the arrow was already shooting a target at her heart. She swallowed hard, helplessly, pleading for her life with her eyes. Cedric stretched out his hand and stopped the arrow with his bare hands. 

 His reflex was extraordinary. "I thought you would never admit it." He scoffed at her. Abrielle did her best not to retort at him. 

 After standing a while and being hit by another splash of water. " What are you waiting for? Come help me." She urged Cedric, wiping off the disgusting water from her face. 

 "A smart person should know she is meant to ask politely," Cedric said as a matter of fact. Abrielle took a deep breath to calm her nerves and not lash at him. It was not worth it, his ego would never let him. 

 "I am sorry, Your Highness, for acting impudently earlier. Can you please help me get on board?" She politely asked. Cedric smiled because he had achieved his goal and then jumped from the deck to land by her side. 

 "It wasn't so hard. was it?" He sneered before he carried her in his arms in a swift motion which Abrielle could not react to on time. 

 "What do you think you are doing?" Abrielle barked at him as Cedric carried her in his arms on board. "Carrying the bride to our wedding chamber as a proper groom should." He stated which left her speechless. 

 He must be suffering from a mental issue because his behaviour was predictable. One minute, he is helping his bride flee their wedding, and the next, he is choking her for attempting to escape, which he helped her to. The next he is acting petty because she rejected his help. 

 His actions always left her withered and confused. Cedric climbed on deck, but the boat was swinging slightly. He didn't put her down but headed for the accommodations. 

 The ship was very large, like a luxurious cruise, so the accommodations were like a hotel on the sea. Cedric carried her to their predetermined bedroom, which was on the highest floor. 

 The room was large, with a king-size bed and decorations intended for their first night. Abrielle is first nervous because she is not ready; she is still a virgin and honestly is scared to have her first time with someone considered a monster. 

 The roof of the room was made of glass, making it easy to gaze at the sky. It seemed very romantic, but it looked like a horrific sight to her. 

 Cedric placed her on the bed and walked towards the door which left her stunned. "Are you leaving?" She foolishly asked, making Cedric glance over his shoulders and look at her. 

 "Someone seems impatient." He snickered, causing Abrielle to blush hard. That was not what she intended. "I was wondering if you changed your mind." She still said despite her embarrassment. 

 Cedric turned to look at her with his sharp gold eyes, his face was still covered with a mask. "I didn't change my mind but you smell like dirty water. The maid will come over to get you cleaned first." He explained. 

 Abrielle leaned to sniff her shoulders and she indeed stinks. "Don't miss me much dear princess." Cedric's voice said in a low tone before walking out. 

 Abrielle sniffed her clothes again and was unable to stand the stench. How was Cedric able to hold her when she was smelling like shit.