The room exploded into applause as we separated and a woman I had never met walked up to me, her skin bronze like my husbands but her hair was black like mine which made me feel a tinge of excitement that mother and I weren't the only ones but her eyes drew me in for they were hazel an eye color I had only read about in my romance novels that I collected since I was a young teen. “Hello my queen, I'm Marchioness Belle Thorn, but please call me Belle I'm your lady-in-waiting.” She said in excitement. “Yes, and this is your new guard Sir Aaron Ward.” Edwin said showing me to a man with brown hair and hazel eyes and I was beginning to suspect that all the people in my new home would be of bronze skin.

I smiled at them though I was beginning to feel over stimulated and wanted to flee but I forced myself to say as I had been taught. “I am honored to make your acquaintance.” Belle curtsied and Aaron bowed, “The honor is ours.” They said in unison before Edwin gestured for me to follow him to the head table which I obliged. Belle and Aaron stood behind me as I sat in my spot and saw with horror that Delilah was giving me the look that she always did when I was messing up with her arms folded and her brows slightly down.

I slid down a little feeling small and insignificant, “Your highness is something wrong?” Belle asked making father, mother and Edwin look to me. “No.” I whispered as I pulled myself up reminding myself that when I got punished, I was not supposed to show any sign or it would be worse. Father shot a glare at Delilah and cleared his throat, “Thank you all for coming for my sweet Eleanor's and Grand Duke Edwin's marriage, with this the war is over and may peace reign. Please partake in this feast.”

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

With that the room exploded into chatter as I slowly began to eat breathing between each bite. “Is the food not to your liking?” Edwin asked with a bit of steak in his mouth. I giggled, “I love the food I just get nervous with a lot of people.” His small smile faded, “And can you handle a large group all the time?” I nodded knowing what he meant, a queen who couldn't handle stress was no help to a kingdom. “I can handle large groups it's just that a lot has happened today.” He nodded but I could tell that he didn't believe me.

Diner was a bit uncomfortable afterward with Edwin only making small talk after and watching my every reaction until the midnight hour was upon us and mother stood with tears in her eyes and spoke. “Now may my little butterfly, sorry I mean Grand Duchess and Grand Duke Bellmere take to their wedding bed and complete the treaty.” She swallowed hard and father looked like he would start swinging but Edwin took my hand in his and we left for the wedding chamber guards marching behind us and as we entered the door was shut and locked.

I turned to see Edwin just as nervous as I was, we both looked like we might be sick but taking a deep breath I laid my hands on his chest, and he wrapped me in his arms slowly bringing me to the bed and for the first time I had been with a man.