The Demon King's Bride

Giving Everything Away

Phoenyx

Wedding Hall - Present

Making her way up the aisle, Phoenyx swallowed rapidly. A small flutter, like butterfly wings began in her stomach as she peered up at the platform where her future husband stood. From the moment the music had begun, her eyes had sought him out, tracing the strength of the mindlink helping to mute all the other sounds in her head. While the touch gave her relief, it was also concerning. His ability to help shield her own mind, was an indication that he was powerfully gifted. So much so, that trying to sedately ease him into certain facets of their marriage or about her in particular would be nearly impossible.

Lying to this man, would get her nowhere, even if it was a lie of omission. Her plan to gently introduce herself to her husband, and reveal the truth over time, was rapidly becoming a distant memory. His ability, just in shielding her mind, proved him capable of seeing through any ruse, or rapidly picking up on signs and signals that she was not what he was lead to believe.

Still, they had to get through the ceremony first. Making her way up the aisle, Phoneyx suddenly found herself the center of attention. The faces of all those gathered in the hall had turned to watch her progress up towards the makeshift altar settled at the front of the room. Gazes locked onto her form, watching each step she took towards the front of the room. There was curiosity from some, jealousy from others, but also she could sense anger. Not irritation, but nearly full blown rage. Slowly, she pulled her eyes from the picture of the Demon King standing before her and instead focused on the crowd, trying to pinpoint the source of such overwhelming anger.

Nearing the front of the room, the sense of madness and rage was overwhelming. Phoenyx stumbled slightly, her hand gripping Duranthal's arm as she let her gaze lock with Adrian. The fact her brother was reacting so violently to her being married off was a surprise. His rage made the air around him dark with sinister promise. Because of the shield that Xanathal provided, the only thing that she could do was pick out small bits of her brother's thoughts. There was a sense of ownership. Anger at losing something he possessed, and an unspoken promise of vengeance.

Realizing he was being watched, Adrian gave a cold smile, moving forward to the surprise of his father and everyone in the hall including Phoenyx herself. Moving to grip her free arm in his hand, he leaned in. Duranthal stilled, turning his head towards her as if in question, yet knowing their progress forward had been stalled by her brother's action.

To the rest of the room, it appeared as a gentle farewell between siblings. Phoenyx knew that he had orchestrated it that way. Leaning forward to press his lips to her cheek through the veil. The words he spoke, were anything but the picture of serenity and gentleness that he projected to the masses gathered here in the hall.

"I will be back for you, little sister. You...are mine. Father had no right to send you away. I know what you are." The whispered words caused Phoenyx to go pale beneath the veil. Her hand on Duranthal's arm tightening. There was nothing she could do, at least not at this moment, but those words were enough to put her on edge.

Adrian was one of her cruelest tormentors. Second only to their father, Victor. For years he had degraded and abused her to the point that she had taken great care in avoiding him in recent months. His punishments and actions had become far too strange and personal with each subsequent event. While Victor was evil, her brother was a whole new form of terror. He had no soul. No line. No compunction on severing the thread of life for any and everyone, including unborn children. Something that Phoenyx had witnessed herself.

The revelation that his ire was now focused on her and this situation, had her stumbling. The idea that she should deny the marriage and walk away flitted through her mind. Yet, if she chose to do that, then these people would be unprepared for the attack coming to their kingdom. There would be no easy choice.

Do not stop now, Little Moon.

Xanathal's voice echoed through her mind. That sudden reminder of his presence had her turning her head to peer up at him standing near the altar.

You have come this far. Just a little farther and then you can tell me everything that is percolating in that brain of yours. He continued, causing Phoenyx to shake off the grip that Adrian had on her arm as she gave a small nod of her head. That action, a simple gesture, allowing the exchange to appear to be amenable by all accounts even if it had her mind spinning.

You think you know me so well already, Your Majesty? Struggling to get a grip on herself and her emotion, Phoenyx sent back. The words almost playful, definitely teasing as she moved to follow Duranthal as he lead her to the altar.

No, but I will. The words were not a tease, but a solid announcement. A statement of fact, at least from his perspective. The truth of his words resonated in her mind, causing her to relax, if only a small bit as she moved to join him at the front of the crowd. Slowly, she was led up a set of four stairs that created a raised platform at the front of the room. Expecting some kind of religious affiliate or noble to oversee the ceremony, Phoenyx was pleasantly surprised to be standing before a man in druid's robes with a wide smile on his face.

The man's presence was serene, with a small flare of energy that buzzed around him. His aura, was warm, welcoming, accepting as he moved forward with a braided length of vine, and addressed the crowd, "Greetings, all! Today we have come together to form the bonding ritual of two unique and inspiring individuals. The differences among the kingdoms have always been a worry that we carry. Today, we take a step towards easing the rifts and differences between us, as we join Xaranthal Blackshadow, King of Dracenor with the Lady Phoenyx Ariella Trevain of the House of Carwen from the Lycan Kingdom."

With little help, the man's voice carried through the hall. His words echoing off the stone walls and filtering back with a deep, rich baritone. That panic, that had slowly been pushed down, suddenly flooded Phoenyx full force. This was too much, the stakes too large. How was she ever going to convince this man that she meant him no harm while she spilled the details of her father's treachery. Her hands became clammy, her body shaking as her small fingers curled into Duranthal's arm for support.

"As you are all aware, this marriage will be one of the old ways, a contractual binding until death, or the discovery of one's true mate. There is nothing other than these two things that will be found acceptable. In all other things, beginning today, there will be only each of you for the other. This bond will be a testament to their new found alliance, and their new found life, together." The druid continued, while Phoenyx struggled to draw in air.

Calm down, Little Moon. It will not be so bad being married to me. Xanathal's voice echoed through her mind. A soft brush against the edges of her consciousness.

I am sure that is true. I am worried that the same cannot be said for you. There are things you do not know. Things no one knows. I should not have drawn you into this. Her reply was jumbled, the words lacking the right enunciation as her mind struggled under the weight of her panic.

So you were the one who told the council to choose you as my bride?

No, I have not met any of the council, until I met Lord Duranthal earlier.

Then none of this is your fault. Whatever comes of it, we can blame on them, no? Xanathal sounded almost amused, his eyes watching her with a mixture of amusement and interest. Whatever you believe you have drawn me into, others set the wheels in motion. Why does this bother you now?

I did not fight the marriage. I thought to use this as an opportunity to gain something I have longed for.

Sounds to me, like you had an idea already forming, Little Moon. Tell me, what was the opportunity that brought you here. That had you complacent to take part in an arranged marriage. Xanathal's voice once more brushed across her mind, each word, each sentence bringing a sense of calm to her. Suddenly her lungs expanded, her heart slowed, the world around her becoming bearable.

"Who gives this woman today, offering her as a mate and partner to Xanathal Blackshadow?" The druid asked, even as Phoenyx finally sent back her answer.

Freedom.