As Erik led her through the vows, his grip on her hand firm and steady, Sophia felt a sense of detachment wash over her. She repeated the words mechanically, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes fixed on a point beyond Erik's shoulder. The chapel was filled with the nobles of Azura, their faces a blur of curiosity and expectation.
Liam was nowhere to be seen, and Sophia felt a pang of disappointment. Had he not received the invitation, or had he simply chosen to stay away? She couldn't blame him if he had. She was about to marry another man, after all.
Erik's voice was low and smooth as he slid a ring onto her finger, the weight of it a tangible reminder of her fate. Sophia's heart sank, and for a moment, she wondered if she'd ever be free to follow her heart.
The priest's voice droned on, but Sophia's attention was focused on the pressure of Erik's hand around hers. It was a gentle reminder that she was no longer her own, that she belonged to him now.
The priest's voice droned on, the words a blur as Sophia's mind wandered. She felt Erik's warm hand on hers, a gentle reminder that she was trapped in this farce. She stole a glance at her father, his face a mask of approval, and felt a surge of resentment. This was his doing, his plan to secure an alliance with the neighboring kingdom.
Erik's voice was low and smooth as he recited his vows, his eyes never leaving hers. Sophia's voice was barely audible as she repeated hers, her heart heavy with reluctance. She felt like she was suffocating, like she was losing herself in this sea of expectations and duty.
As the priest pronounced them husband and wife, Erik's lips brushed against hers, a soft, gentle kiss that sent a shiver down her spine. But it was nothing compared to the fire that burned within her when Liam's lips touched hers. Sophia's eyes fluttered closed, her mind rebelling against the feel of Erik's lips on hers.
The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the sound jarring Sophia back to reality. Erik's hand on her back, he led her down the aisle, the guests throwing rose petals in their path. Sophia smiled, her face frozen in a mask of happiness, but her eyes searched the crowd, searching for a glimpse of the man she truly loved.
Erik's gaze followed hers, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spotted Liam standing at the edge of the crowd, his face a mask of pain and longing. A knowing glint sparked in Erik's eyes, but he said nothing, his expression remaining neutral.
As they reached the end of the aisle, Erik turned to her, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, wife," he whispered, his voice sending a shiver down her spine. "It seems we're in this together now."
Sophia's smile faltered, her eyes flashing with defiance. "For now," she whispered back, her voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.
Erik's chuckle was low and husky, his eyes glinning with amusement. "Oh, I think we'll get along just fine, Sophia," he said, his voice low and seductive. "After all, we're married now."
Sophia's heart sank, her mind racing with all the implications of that statement. Married. She was married to a man she barely knew, a man who seemed to know her secrets. She felt a sense of panic rising up, but she pushed it down, refusing to give in to her emotions.
As they reached the castle gates, Erik turned to her, his eyes serious. "Shall we make our way to the reception, my dear?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Sophia nodded, her voice caught in her throat. She felt like she was walking to her doom, like she was surrendering to a fate she didn't want. But she would play along, for now. She would play the part of the dutiful wife, but deep down, she would never give up on Liam