Chapter 5: Let's make the Marriage Work
ELIANA'S POV
I've never felt so annoyed in my entire life. I looked at the man in front of me. My eyes, spitting fire.
Yes, I didn't care about him — but he's still my husband. And worse, he insulted a woman like that. That... I fucking hate.
"Try It. I dare you—" I threatened with a sneer.
The man glared at me and smashed his glass on the ground then pushed his way through the crowd, embarrassment and anger written over his face.
I felt soft arms wrapped around my waist and I stilled, the anger inside me calmed as I turned to meet my husband's gaze. "Calm down—" he muttered. His blue eyes, boring into mine.
Gawd did I hate how I felt around him.
Since this party started it's either my stomach flips or my heart flutters and I didn't like it. I came here for a purpose and I would do that and leave his life for good.
I quickly peel myself from his grip and take my seat beside him. I could feel his gaze on me and I'm sure what would be roaming inside his head.
She's in love with me, that's why she defended me…
No I am not.
He takes his seat as well and I see my father run to him. "I am so sorry your highness, I'll get him thrown out of this palace right this instant!" He said with pleading eyes. I wasn't expecting him to lash out, tell me father to have him killed and tell the guards to bring his head on a platter but he said. "It's fine. He was probably drunk and spouting nonsense."
What!
Why was he so kind about it? I could tell he was burning to punch that asshole in the face?
"Are you sure you don't want me to punish him?" He asked again and he smiled. "No father, I forgive him. You can go on with your night." He said and my father nodded then walked away.
Silence enveloped us, even more uncomfortable than before.
I couldn't help but notice how his demeanor changed. He was happy and uncomfortable before but now he was just cold and distant. His eyes were a bit bright before but now it was just empty. I knew the words had affected him but he hid it forcing a smile in front of father.
"Are you tired? Do you want us to go home?" I said, my voice coming off more gentle than I expected. I don't know why my voice came off that gentle…maybe because I wanted to wipe that expressionless look on his face. He smiled shortly. "Yeah." He muttered and I stood up, so did he. He grabbed my hand and walked to my father.
We reached him and he tapped his shoulders making him turn to us. "Father. My bride and I are quite exhausted so we would like to take our leave." He said and my father nodded.
"Oh, okay. Her bags are already in the carriage." He said and I rolled my eyes internally.
We were about to go when his voice stopped us. "and also, please inform your father that I'll be coming to visit him in a few days. I have to talk to him."
He nodded and he pulled me out of the hall. Although his grip on me was gentle I could see he was trying to hide the anger burning inside him.
Once we were outside, I pulled away from him, making him stop. "Why are you faking that you're happy?" I asked and he shook his head. "What…what do you mean?" He said, that fake smile forming on his face again.
"You're angry right? Break some stuff, have that guy killed if you want! Stop hiding your anger."
"I'm fine." He denied and I kept shut, not wanting to pester him anymore.
"Let's go. I'm sure you're tired." He said and I nodded.
***
The drive to the palace was silent, he stared out the window not once sparing me a glance and I did the same, if he was going to play cold, I'll do the same.
We arrived at the palace and I stepped down from the carriage with the help of the guards. I smiled at them shortly and walked forward only to bump into Xavier's chest.
His scent invaded my nostrils. The calming scent of cinnamon with a small hint of bergamot. I felt my heart thud in my chest as I involuntarily lost balance.
His hands wrapped around my waist, stopping me from falling to the ground. His hold— so strong but yet gentle at the same time, his eyes cold but filled with worry at the same time. What was wrong with me? Aren't I supposed to be cold to him?
I stand upright and pluck his hands from my waist. "Show me to my room…or are we going to share a room?" I asked, secretly hoping that we wouldn't.
He stared at me, his gaze tinged with disappointment but he hid it. "No, I'll escort you to your room." He said simply and started walking.
I followed behind him, raising my skirt up so I could walk properly as my eyes darted across the vast palace.
The place quiet, the silence so serene. So peaceful. The night blowing gently against the trees and shrubs which surrounded the palace. The walls were made of strong bricks of cobblestone which looked weathered from age and was intertwined with vines which made me wonder how old the palace was.
Two towers stood tall beside the central building, the roof threatened to touch the sky with flags of colours red and white mounted on top of the roof.
At the centre of the building, a huge marble fountain stood majestically, pouring it water gently. It's sound, soothing to my ears. The roses on the small shrubs bloomed, their scents invading my nostrils. The sweet scent of Jasmine lingered in the air, soft and gentle. quite contrast to the scared feeling which burned inside me.
I was now married to the prince of a kingdom and now I have to find the cure to the curse which plagued my people.
How would I do that?
The source was only known by Sebastian and now I don't even know where he is…time is running out and demons are falling daily. I don't have time to waste on Prince's and silly Romances.
I had a mission—to save my people and love wasn't part of it.
We reached inside the palace as we paraded through the vast hallways, the ceiling bolted high above us, with huge lighting features hanging from them.
The walls were tall and domineering, which seemed to swallow us the deeper we went.
We reached a certain door and he pushed it open and walked inside. I stood there, wondering if this room was for me.
"Come in." He gestured for me to enter the room. I gulped, a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size of the room, it was far bigger than the one I woke up in yesterday.
"This is your room. My room is the next one so if you need anything, don't hesitate to tell me—" Na, I won't be doing that. Not when I'm trying to avoid him, going to him would he like walking to the lion's den.
I shook my head and settled on the bed, he turned and his back faced me, he was about to walk out when he stopped.
"I'm sorry." He muttered, his shoulders slumped. He turned to face me and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. Why was he apologising? He was the one who was hurt so I kept my distance. "It's fine." I shrugged but he could tell I wasn't pleased so he walked closer taking my hand in his.
My hands felt so small. So petite. "I know you're still upset with me and I'll make it up to you." He said, his eyes fixed on mine and it sent a wave of current down my spine. I clasped my lips shut. Words to heavy to utter. "I know we don't know each other but I want to make this marriage thing work." Damn, it would be impossible to avoid him now. Why did he have to say that.
I managed to smile. "It's fine really, I've forgiven you. I'm sure you're just exhausted and need to rest so go. I too need some rest." That wasn't a lie. Yes, I wanted him out of my room but I was tired and wanted to sleep. "Okay then." He replied and kissed my hand. "Goodnight." He muttered and I smiled pulling my hand from his to stop the stupid butterflies in my stomach. "Goodnight—" I replied, looking away.
He walked out and shut the door behind him. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. This was going to be hard…
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I'm sure you're loving the couples vibes as much as I am, well this is just the beginning guys more is coming.