A ROYAL OBSESSION

The moment the priest cleared his throat, Leon's focus sharpened.

He turned slightly to catch sight of his bride—the one he had chosen. His gaze landed on her small frame, those brown eyes visible through her veil. Their eyes locked, and he was reminded of the initial moment he had encountered her in that portrait. To him, she appeared quite ordinary—nothing special, brown eyes, brown hair, just like countless others. But there was an undeniable allure in her gaze, an innocence he found both intriguing and despised. That innocence was precisely why he had chosen her; she was someone he could easily bend, and he intended to do so solely for his amusement. To him, women existed merely for that purpose.

As her father stepped away, signaling her moment to walk toward the altar, she was left standing there, her eyes fixed on him. It was clear to him that she was frightened, resembling a scared bunny.

His expression was carefully crafted to remain unreadable, ensuring that she couldn't discern his thoughts. As she began to take measured steps toward the altar, he observed her fingers gripping the bouquet tightly; any tighter and she might crush the flowers.

She didn't seem eager to be here—her lack of enthusiasm was evident. Among all the portraits he had reviewed, every other woman had beamed with excitement, willing to marry him for his status and wealth. But this woman stood out; there was no spark in her eyes, no sign of desire. She seemed wholly unprepared for this moment, which only piqued his curiosity further.

As she approached the altar, Leon averted his gaze, focusing on the priest before extending his gloved hands for hers to take. After a brief moment of hesitation, she offered her hands—the softness of her white-gloved hands contrasting sharply with his dark attire. In that moment, they embodied a blend of darkness and light.

Her hands felt small and delicate; just as he had anticipated, she was weak. He noticed her attempt to steady her breathing—she was anxious, perhaps even on the verge of fainting. He had encountered this fear before, and she was no exception, her wide eyes reflecting the same apprehension he was all too familiar with.

With their hands clasped, the priest cleared his throat, ready to proceed with the ceremony. The guests had settled into their seats, and it was now time for the priest to unite them in holy matrimony.

He projected his voice, saying, "Dearly beloved, we gather today in the sight of God to join our King and His bride in holy matrimony. This sacred covenant reflects a joyful celebration of their love and commitment. Marriage is a divine gift, embodying God's love. As it is written, 'Love is patient, love is kind.' May their union be blessed with wisdom, compassion, and respect."

He paused momentarily. "Now, standing before God and these witnesses, I invite you to declare your vows to one another. These promises are sacred and reflect your commitment to honor, cherish, and love each other for all your days."

Turning to face one another, their hands still connected, Leon remained composed. His heart beat steadily—he was unfazed by this wedding as if he had participated in countless ceremonies before. This was her first time, and yet her emotions were in turmoil; the thought of being tied to him indefinitely was daunting.

Leon opened his mouth to speak, his voice smooth, deep, and undeniably masculine, causing a flutter in her stomach that was new and unsettling. "As your king," he began, his tone authoritative, "I pledge to protect our realm and our future and to respect and cherish you as my bride and queen." His vow was succinct yet deliberate.

When it came time for her to respond, her words faltered. No one had informed her about the vow, and she hadn't prepared for this moment. She swallowed hard, grappling for something to articulate as her nerves threatened to overwhelm her. Her hands trembled, and her body shook slightly—a revelation only he noticed.

"My lady?" The priest urged, pressing her to find her voice.

The priest called for her attention, and she met his gaze briefly before turning back to the man before her—the groom. "I may not have chosen this path," she began, her voice steady. Leon raised an eyebrow, curious about what she would say next as her lips trembled beneath the veil, but he could see her clearly. "Nevertheless, I promise to walk this path with you, to support you, and to be a strong and loyal partner."

Impressed, Leon couldn't help but smirk. He had anticipated stammering and hesitation, but she held her composure impeccably.

"With the vows complete, please exchange your rings," the priest commanded, and an official approached, head bowed, presenting a box at their side.

Leon reached for one of the rings, lifting her hand confidently as he slid it onto her finger while maintaining eye contact with her.

Then, she grasped one of the rings, sliding it onto his finger with determination. The exchange was a success. The official stepped back, ready for the final rite.

"By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife, the king and queen of Vylonia," the priest declared firmly. "You may now kiss the bride to seal this final moment."

Maya held her breath. This was the moment they would kiss in front of everyone. Her heart raced. She swallowed hard as he stepped closer, closing the distance between them. To him, this might have been just another ceremony, but for her, it was monumental. Marrying him was daunting enough, and now she had to do this?

He lifted the veil off her face with a gentle yet confident motion. Without the barrier, she faced him, her heart racing even faster. This man was the most striking person she had ever seen, more captivating than anyone in the entire kingdom. She had thought of him as a man of average height and stature, but he shattered those expectations.

As he leaned in, she held her breath, eyes widening, and her lips parting involuntarily. Just when she thought he would claim her lips, he shifted slightly, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "The only kiss you'll feel is the one I'll leave burning on your skin later..."