Cyrus

After school I went straight to Marie's house.

I called my parents to tell them, and they were fine with it.

Doing anything to get on my good side.

We set up the party area and the movies were all in place by the time we heard the door open.

I frowned looking at Marie. Nobody was supposed to be here.

'Robber?' I mouthed to her. But I was wrong. I knew that when I heard a familiar voice.

“Hahahaha, no...no. Jess, bring it over here. Ha, wow, what I would have given to see her face!” Carter.

Fucking A.

“God, I hate her.” Jess. I could only guess who he was talking about. “She doesn't deserve anything my parents have given her. Did you know, her mom was a prostitute? And she even said that she was going to follow in her mom's footsteps.” My eyes darkened.

I could not help myself.

Something came over me. I walked slowly, stealthily almost, upstairs, only to find them drunk sitting on a keg with four other friends. I stopped, and calmed down.

Okay, Bella, it's just drunken prattle.

“Oh.” Carter started. “Hey, Bella. Kiara. Sis.'

“How dare you say those things about her! And what the hell are you doing here anyway? You said you were going to go partying tonight!” Marie said to her brother.

“He said, he felt a little sick,” Jess started. “So he'd best stay home and get smashed.” They both laughed comically.

I rolled my eyes.

“Awe, come on,” Jess started again. “it was just a bit of talk. Plus,” He smirked. “it is true.”

“When did I ever say anything like that? We just found out that your parents aren't mine, and how in the he--”

“Hey, guys,” One of the guys beside Carter started. “Don't fight...please?” He held up two wobbly hands in front of him.

“Yeah,” Another started. “That's all you do! Fight, fight, fight. Bitch, bitch, bitch.”

My eyes narrowed on him.

“Why don't you just...loosen up?” He grinned sloppily at me.

“Yeah!” The other one exclaimed. “How about, we play a round of...” He thought for a moment. “Okay, you choose, ladies.” He held up three fingers. “Spin the bottle.”

I heard Kiara groan at that.

“Truth or Dare, or Seven minutes in heaven.”

I laughed.

“Are you serious?”

“Well, unless you're afraid--” Carter challenged.

“I'm not afraid.”

“Well,” Marie started. “Spin the bottle, and Seven minutes in heaven all involve kissing, and chance, and one of the members of this group happens to be my brother, so, it'll have to be truth or dare.”

“Okay, fine. But we're playing bulls-eye. Whoever goes first gets to pick truth or dare, and then, we just switch from truth or dare from then on. Nobody gets to choose after that first person.”

A few of the members of the group groaned at that.

“Fine,” Kiara grumbled, picking up a cushion from the couch and placing it on the ground. She sat down on it, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Alright, then,” Carter started, clapping his hands once. “Let's get started.” The boys laughed and all sat on the ground. I sat down, leaning my back against the wall.

“Truth or dare?” Jess asked Kiara.

“Why does she get to go first? She's the only one with a choice! We should spin the bottle or somethi--”

“Oh, shut up Sean!” Carter groaned, smacking his friend against the head.

Jess laughed and then looked back at Kiara.

“Anyways,” He continued.

“Truth.” She said, smiling.

“Is it true that your mom died in a fire?” Kiara's face fell at this.

I glared at my brother. No. Wait. Ex-brother.

“Jess, you can't say things like that. It hurts people.”

He sighed.

“Fine. Sorry, Kia.” She nodded mutely, staring at the ground.

“You guys lose a turn. It's my chance.” Sean said, looking at Marie.

She flinched.

“Marie.” He started. “I dare you to...” He thought for a moment, looking around him. “Go run down the street naked.”

She paled.

“No way! That's insane!”

He smiled, a dimple appearing on his cheek.

“Exactly.”

“Come on, Mare!” Carter started. “You can't turn your back on a dare, or you have to walk down a street naked!” He laughed. Of course, that was always the consequence for backing out. “Now, wouldn't you rather run than walk?”

She groaned, knowing that he was right.

She stood up, much to the boys' surprise.

“Yeah!” Sean cheered, clapping his hands as she walked out the door.

She disappeared into the darkness as she pulled her shirt up. I really didn't want to see this. I stood up, and leaned casually against the wall. Everyone walked outside cheering, but Carter.

“Awe, what's wrong, Belle?” He asked, walking up to me. I felt his hands around my waist as he pulled me closer into him. “You know?” I could hear the beer on his breath. He was wasted, I could tell my his lazy movements. “I always liked.” He burped, placing a hand over his mouth. “You.” He finished.

I pushed at his chest, rolling my eyes.

“Get off of me, Carter,” I growled, but he pushed his lips onto mine. My mouth filled with the bitter taste of beer, and something else.

“Why are you kissing my bride?” A familiar, and yet, unfamiliar voice asked. I pushed one more time against Carter's chest. Finally, he went flying off and into the opposite wall.

Wait.

Flying?

I didn't think I was that strong.

In front of me was a broad, manly back. It wore all black, the leather even looked real, not that cheap, fake pleather.

The man, I noticed, had long, black hair. I looked so silky, that it seemed to not even be human hair.

And it definitely wasn't a wig.

He turned around, and it was all I could do not to gasp.

This was him.

The man.

The man I was supposed to be afraid of? Or the man I was supposed to know.

To let in?

The man looked at me, murder in his eyes. His eyes. Those beautiful dark blue eyes of his, so dark they were almost black. The lips that were carved by angels, and the dark, black, shoulder-length locks that made my toes curl.

He was the most beautiful man in existence, and oddly, he was even more amazing in person, than he was in my dreams.

Suddenly, his words made their way into my mind.

“Bride?” I asked, finally having found the words.

His beautiful mouth curved into a smile.

Oh, and he had dimples!

“Yes.” He replied, his angelic voice rolling over me like butter. “Bride. We are to be wed tonight.”

I didn't react.

Actually, I don't think I fully registered his words.

Later, I would discover it was all too true.

“But, if your mother hadn't sent you away, you'd already know this, and would have been better prepared,” He ran a hand through his silky locks. “And you would be ready in your dress. But, unfortunately, your foolish Matra thought I was someone to be freared, when it was her own husband!”

I was slightly stunned.

Was I dreaming?

No. I would never have a dream of kissing Carter.

Well, if that led to him getting shit kicked, then, yes.

Perhaps.

“I think you have the wrong girl.” I said, innocently. I tried to back up a little, but I realized I was against the wall. He moved closer, crowding me.

I noticed, over his shoulder, that Carter was on the ground, unconscious.

He wouldn't help me.

“I don't even know who you are! And if i've never met you, how could we be getting married?”

“We were betrothed even before you were born.” Dream man said. “I owned you before you were even out of your mother's womb.”

“Excuse me!” I asked, appalled that he said that. “Who do you think you are?”

“My name is Cyrus, King and Warlord of Valeria. I know who I am, but do you, Alexa, know who you are?”

“See? There, now I know you have the wrong person, because my name isn't Alexa. My name is Bella Ryan.” I argued.

He placed his hands on my shoulders, his thumbs gently massaging my jaw.

His glare bore into me.

“Don't be so foolish as to think that I am mistaken, beauty.” He hissed, getting closer to me. “Your name is Alexa Marseilles, and your parents are Russell and Ryen Marseilles. Have you not wondered why you've been experiencing strange changes ever since your sixteenth birthday? Why your bones are changing? Why your instincts and reflexes are amazing? Why you can lift a piano?”

I frowned.

So, this was my answer.

Well, it all fit.

“You aren't human, my dear. You are the Queen of Mercia, and you are to be wed to me, tonight.”

I almost cracked up.

That was the silliest thing I ever heard.

“You're insane.” I muttered, pushing against him.

Then, before my eyes, a window opened up beside me out of thin air. It was as if someone had brought a big screen and turned it on beside me.

It was a room, I realized. The walls were dark, grey stone, as was the floor. There was a large, what looked like a bath, and steam rising from it. There were three women in the room. Two of them were dressed plainly, almost like servants. Their hair was braided down their backs, and they both had the same features; pale, and petite.

The third woman was busty, and big. She was more motherly looking, and looked older than the two other women. Her hair was curly and tied into a tight bun behind her head.

Suddenly, Cyrus, King and Warlord of Valeria, picked up up, and somehow, placed me in this room.

I was too shocked to say anything.

He looked at the women.

“Clean her up. I want her ready and prepared within the hour.” Then he was gone, and I could no longer see Marie's house, or Carter's unconscious form.

I sat staring at yet another stone wall.

“Oh, dear. Don't fret. We'll get ye all cleaned up and then, the Warlord will be so happy.” It was the oldest of the women.

“Am I dreaming?” I asked.

“Oh, goodness no! 'Tis no dream. You are about to marry the most powerful man in the world, perhaps the universe! Aren't you excited dear?”

Marry?

I sat there for a moment, processing all she said.

Then I burst into tears.

“Oh, there, there lass.” She soothed, one wrinkled hand on my shoulder. “You've not to be scared! I'm sure he'll go easy on ye.”

I glared at her.

“Scared? You think i'm scared! I have no idea where I am! I don't know what's going on, with all these crazy, weird window things! What, is he Chriss Angel or something? I don't know who you people are and what I'm even doing here in the first place!” I said, hysterically.

The woman peered sympathetically at me.

“You need not be scared. I will answer all your questions.

First of all, you are in the kingdom of Valeria, right next to your home, Mercia. You're about to get married to a man named Cyrus. Not this Chriss Angel.

My name is Deirdre, I will be your chambermaid and these two ladies,” She said, pointing to the other two women. “are Estelle, and Evian. They are my helpers.” The woman named Deirdre explained.

I blinked.

Once.

Twice.

“Chambermaid?” I asked.

***

Once Deirdre and her two helpers shoved me into the steaming hot bathtub, and covered me in shampoo, I was ready to die.

It was embarrassing already, not to mention strangers hands were all over me.

I mentioned that to Deirdre and she reminded me that I would have to get used to hands on me, and best not be shy, seeing as I was to sleep with Cyrus tonight anyway.

That silenced me.

All the while they were explaining to me how the procession would happen. They said it like i'd never heard of sex before. The eel and the cave was how they told it.

Finally, I had enough.

“Okay! I know what sex is, and I know how it works!” The maids just blinked, and Deirdre's eyes widened fearfully.

“Ye are not broken, are ye?” She asked, terrified. “Ye are still a virgin?”

“Yes! Of course I am.” She blinked, calming herself. “What if I wasn't?” I asked, curious.

“Oh, the Warlord would slay the man who took ye. I don't know what he would do with ye after, but I don't know if it would be good.”

They feared this man greatly, I could tell.

“But, they have sex all the time, sometimes when the girls are only ten years old. It's like a sport for my school.” I explained.

“Oh, aye, lass. Same as in Dedria. But of course, they must be married just like in America, right?” She asked.

I laughed.

“No! They just do it because it's fun!” I laughed at her face.

Estelle gasped, mortified.

“But, what do their husbands say?” One of the maids asked, and then quieted when Deirdre glared at her.

“Well, you don't have to be a virgin to get married.” I replied.

Who were these people?

Mormans?

“You mean to tell me that women go to bed with other men before they've even been married?” Estelle asked.

Deirdre glared at her again.

“What happens when they get married and they are already taken? What do their husbands say when they go to the marriage bed?” Deirdre asked.

“Have you ever seen 'Sex and the City'?” I asked, smiling.

They shook their heads.

“They have sex with different men every week! And who calls it 'marriage bed'?”

“Well, what do you call it?” She asked.

“A honeymoon.”

Then, Deirdre gasped, but not from what I said.

“Oh, dear. It's been almost half an hour! We need to get your hair done, and your gown on before the master comes in!” She cried, yanking me out of the tub. They placed me in the middle of the room and rubbed towels all over my body, sometimes it even hurt.

As they continued, I couldn't help but break the silence.

“So,” I started, wincing when the towel rubbed roughly against my sensitive skin. “how did Cyrus, I mean master, do that thing with the window, and the disappearing?” I asked.

Deirdre stopped patting and looked up at me.

“What thing?” She asked.

“The thing where I was in one room and then, I was in another?” I asked.

“Oh,” She started, standing up straight. “Well, don't you know that already, my lady?” She asked.

“Obviously not.” I said, scowling.

“Well, the king will tell you on his own time.” She replied.

Then Estelle and Evian brought out a beautiful box that could only carry my dress.

“Why do I have to get married.” I asked, the situation finally settling in. “I don't even know this man.” Deirdre slowly opened the box, but I couldn't see inside it.

“Well, because you are betrothed. And believe me, my dear, you will know him very soon, if you get my meaning.”

Finally, she pulled out my wedding dress.

Two things surprised me.

Number one, it wasn't white. It was black, just like his hair.

And number two, I loved it.

It was like he picked it out of my mind. It was perfect.

“Do you like it?” Deirdre asked, hopefully.

“I love it.” I said. It was a simple dress, long and strapless. Of course, it was the color of onyx, and there was a long slit down the side. Deirdre pulled a long red cape out of the box and held it up. It wasn't exactly red, but a mahogany color. And the last thing she pulled out wasn't a piece of clothing at all.

It was a small dagger attached to a strap. I knew it went around my thigh, where the slit in my dress was. I just didn't know why I'd need it.

“The warlord wants you to have this. He said that every Queen of Valeria had it, and now it's for you.” Deirdre said, handing me the dagger.

I stared at the beautiful silver knife and couldn't help being awed.

“Well, stop staring! We've got to get you into your dress.” Deirdre said, putting the dagger down on the table. She took the strap and tightened it around my thigh, then she put the dagger back in. The dress zipped up at the back, for easy access, I supposed.

She unzipped it easily, and wrapped it around my petite frame. It fit like a glove.

Perfect.

Then, she tied the long cape around my neck.

She led me to one of the chairs and the three women started picking at my hair. I had so many questions that I wanted to ask them, but Deirdre wouldn't stop talking long enough for me to even get one word out.

It seemed it was essential that I knew the proceedings, but I couldn't listen at the moment.

Finally, I was shaken out of my trance.

“...my lady! You must listen to this! The king does not want a Queen that does not listen to him! If you don't get this right—oh, he will not only be angry with you, but with me! I'll be sent away!” She cried hysterically. “You must say nothing the whole ceremony. It is not like a wedding in America. Your silence is your submission. The only words you will ever say are Ractra Madrenia. That means, 'I am yours' in Valerian. This is showing to the people, that you are willing to learn their language, and thus, be their queen. The people need to feel accepted by you, or they won't serve you.

They will say, Beranio Heso? And then you say your line. Remember. Ractra Madrenia.”

I repeated the line in my head, over and over.

She looked at me sternly.

“Do you understand?” I just nodded, still repeating the mantra.

I am yours.

I am yours.

I am yours.

Finally, they got my hair into a beautiful half-pony, type thing. I wasn't quite sure what you'd call it. I never saw anything like it. They did it just in time.

At that moment, my betrothed walked in, dressed in a long black robe that billowed out to make him actually look like a king.

His hair was down, framing his face as usual.

He looked me up and down, which made my toes curl, and then, looked back up at my face.

Some part of me yearned for his approval, but when it didn't show on his face, mine fell.

He nodded at Deirdre and led me out, his hand on the small of my back.