CHAPTER FOUR: TO BEND HIS UNWILLING BRIDE

Percival woke to knocks on his door.

Who could it be? It couldn't be Ravenna, she usually threw rocks at his window. He grabbed his dagger and walked slowly to the door. He reached for the door knob, twisting it slowly with his dagger pointed out, ready to attack whoever it was.

He opened the door to a tearful Ravenna.

Her eyes were puffy, red.

"Raven?"

"Aren't you dining with King Zariel?" Percival asked.

Ravenna didn't say a word, She burst inside, crying.

"Aren't you supposed to be dining?" Percival repeated.

Ravenna cried uncontrollably.

Percival sheathed his dagger, concern furrowing his brows.

"Raven, what happened?"

Ravenna faced him, tears streaming.

Dear gods! How he hated seeing her this way.

Ravenna finally spoke, "I can't marry him, Percy. Help me run away."

Percival pulled her close, rubbing her shoulder. He wanted to do more than run her shoulders. He wanted to pull her closer into a hug and just hold her.

"You can't run now. Everything will be fine."

Ravenna stared blankly.

Percival continued, "I'll never leave your side. After a year, I'll help you leave Cestria."

Ravenna hiccuped.

"Do you swear?"

Percival unsheathed his dagger again and pierced his finger. He winced slightly from the sting. He raised the injured finger up.

"I swear by the gods, my blood, the moon, and Valtoria."

He smeared blood on his forehead and lips.

Ravenna smiled through tears. He was the only person she could trust now.

"Thank you, Percy."

She hugged him.

Percival savored her warmth.

"Riding or raiding the kitchen?" he asked.

Ravenna laughed, "Riding. I must fit into my dress tomorrow."

Percival grinned mischievously, "You need riding clothes."

Ravenna's eyes sparkled, "I have you. Your clothes will fit."

Percival pretended to think.

"Alright." He agreed.

He handed her clothes, helped with the corset.

Ravenna breathed properly as the corset loosened. " Grapes! I almost suffocated!"

Percival gave a throaty laugh,"Change."

Minutes passed.

"Let's go!" Ravenna exclaimed.

Percival smiled, admiring her in his clothes.

Together they sneaked out.

_______________

Ravenna stood in front of Zariel. Her blue dress, tightly fixed again. She felt herself choking with each second. The high priest was performing the marriage rites in front of all Valtoria. She stared blankly at Zariel, then her gaze shifted to the crowd smiling at her, then her sister and her mother who mouthed "smile" to her. Her father didn't have an expression, just like her.

"And thee shall honour each other with thy bodies, soul and mind. Thee shall be loyal and humble. Do thou swear by the gods?" The priest spoke.

Zariel answered, " Yes, I do swear."

The priest turned to Ravenna, waiting for her response. She was silent. She could hear her mother's voice in her head; " do not ruin this."

Was she going to swear to this man? A man she didn't love or know? Swear? By the gods?

She looked at Zariel again with the same blank stare. She wondered if his foot still hurt, if she could just stomp on him again, if she could just....

The priest's voice snapped her from her thoughts. " Do you swear, Princess Ravenna?"

She hesitated again. Zariel was getting impatient now. Ravenna glanced at her parents. Her mother had a stern look on her face and her father, just blank.

Her eyes caught Percival's. He gave her a reassuring nod.

"Yes, I do swear." She finally said.

"By the seven gods, I bind thee man to wife, all of Valtoria being witnesses and the great light of the sun. I pronounce thee man and wife. You may now seal with a kiss."

Ravenna sucked in breath at the mention of a kiss. She had never thought her first kiss would be with someone she barely knew. Zariel sure did look happy to kiss her. Couldn't he see that she hated this? Hated him?

Zariel leaned in to kiss her. Their faces inches apart, Zariel could smell lavender on her skin. She wasn't just beautiful, she smelled heavenly too.

Ravenna moved back a little, making the kiss land clumsily on her jaw.

The crowd cheered and threw flowers at them. Zariel moved closer to her, his hand on her waist.

"This is the time you smile, dear wife." He said through gritted teeth.

Ravenna swallowed hard and gave a stiff smile. Queen Elyria beamed with smiles.

Ravenna felt her eyes beginning to water.

"Greatest people of Valtoria, in a bid to celebrate my daughter's marriage, I declare a ball by dusk." King Wolfric announced.

The crowd cheered again.

The cheering faded to Ravenna and all she could see was her nightmare as the queen of Cestria, Zariel's queen.

____________

The grand ballroom's celebration faded as the evening drew to a close. Ravenna sat rigidly, surrounded by her parents, sister, and unwanted husband. Zariel's announcement hung in the air: "We leave for Cestria tomorrow morning."

Ravenna's eyes widened in protest. "So soon, my Lord? I long to stay with my dear mother and father awhile longer."

Queen Elyria's stern glance silenced her. Zariel continued, "Your Coronation and welcome ball await. We cannot delay."

Ravenna's frustration simmered, her eyes rolling in defiance. King Wolfric's voice held a tinge of sadness. "Keep her safe, Zariel. Do not let harm come to her."

Zariel nodded.

Ravenna sensed her father's reluctance, wondering if her mother orchestrated this union.

With a sudden move, Ravenna rose. "I must retire. I need to prepare for the trip."

A small bow, and she tried to escaped the table.

Queen Elyria got up, pulling her into a hug, whispered words wrapped around her like a warning: "A mother knows best, child. You'll see the good in this. I have asked Isla to pack up herbs, spices, jewelries amd scents for you. You'll see the good in this."

Xanthea's hug offered fleeting comfort.

Zariel offered his arm, his eyes gleaming. Ravenna hesitated, then accepted, as her mother's eyes warned her.

As soon as they were alone, She slipped her hands out of his. Zariel only chuckled at this display of hers.

Disgust perfectly drawn on her face, Ravenna stood firm. "This is enough, my Lord. You should leave. We have a long day tomorrow."

Zariel's chuckle sent shivers down her spine. "Stop your stubbornness, Ravenna. We are married. I am your husband, Ravenna, you should treat me as such."

Ravenna's defiance flared. "I was married against my will. I owe you nothing."

Zariel moved closer to her his smile twisted, sinister yet beautiful. Ravenna moved backwards till her back was against her chamber door, her heart racing inside her chest.

His finger traced her face, neck. Ravenna's breath quickened, panic rising. Her chest rose and fell as she breathed, his blue eyes locking intensely on hers.

Ravenna wanted to look away from their burning blue flames but her stubbornness wouldn't let her. She would never cower in his presence.

Zariel's voice was slippery and smooth.

"Oh you owe me everything, especially your body and your obedience. You swore by the gods and in presence of all Valtoria."

Yes, his voice still maintained it's calmness, but she could hear the warning in it.

Zariel's face was inches away from hers, his breath hot on her face. Ravenna felt heat creeping up her body again. She had never felt this disgusted and trapped in her entire life.

He was close. Too close!

"If I were you, I'd prepare my body for consummation. Whether you like it or not, you will be sharing my bed for the rest of your life." Zariel's lips hovered just above hers.

Ravenna's breathing became heavier with panic.

With swift force, her knee met his groin. Zariel groaned, stumbling back.

"Over my dead body!" Ravenna spat, fleeing into her chamber.

The door locked, Ravenna sank to the floor, heart pounding.

Never, she vowed.

She got up and changed into riding clothes. She knew he was still in front of her door, she could hear his groans.

She searched under her bed for rope. One she had stolen from Percival. Firmly tying it, she went out the window.

Zariel doubled over, clutching his throbbing groin.

"Damn that Princess!" he cursed.

The empty hallway offered no witness to Ravenna's defiance. He was grateful for that.

Zariel limped to his chamber, frustration boiling.

Why was she so different?

Every lady, every princess, would leap at the chance.

To be his bride, his queen.

But Ravenna?

Her stubbornness knew no bounds. It riled him and at the same time intrigued him.

The council's words echoed; "Cestria's queens must be born royalty. You can't marry just any maiden."

A court maiden would've been simpler.

Less troublesome.

But no, he'd chosen Ravenna. And now?

Crushed toe, painful groin.

"Agh!" Zariel groaned.

Collapsing onto his bed.

Pain and anger wrestled.

Ravenna's fiery spirit both intrigued and infuriated.

He'd never met a woman like her.

Zariel's gaze narrowed.

She would learn. To obey. To submit. To be his queen.

The resolve hardened his jaw.

But for now?

He'd nurse his wounds.

And plot his next move to bend his unwilling bride.