A Dawn So Dark (Blood Bound #1)

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Aurora Artorias

I picked at my nails, eyes downcast as my lady in waiting ensured my hair looked nothing if not phenomenal. “Why the long face, Your Highness?”

I did not offer Elaine even a glance as I muttered so the other members of court would not hear me. “I am a preened sow being sold at market. Perhaps you would like to marry the Duke?”

“My husband may not take kindly to that offer, Your Highness.” Elaine chuckled softly, fluffing the skirts of my dress so that it cascaded around my slippers like a fog of silk. Though it felt more like a snare to keep me in place for the king. “It will not be so bad, Your Highness. Being a wife is a great privilege. You should trust the King, he knows what is best.” There would be no privilege in being as valuable as a decoration .

I nodded, falling silent again. I knew her stance would likely involve giving in to my father’s wishes. He had not spoken to me in weeks, as he was too busy ‘ discussing matters of great importance ’ with his Knights. I always knew I was to be wed one day, I just hoped it would have been like the epic romance that my parents had spread the tale of, even if it was a farce. It all came back to the king knows best. If only I was trusted to know best for myself.

“Presenting, Duke Thane of the Northern Isles of Taames!” Great. So not only was I to marry a man I have never met, but he lives in the northern sea region where I would likely always be damp, and live out my days in a frigid marriage . The Duke entered, and my heart dropped into my stomach . He was not ugly, but he surely was not handsome either. His skin was pale, not unusual considering the cool climates of the north. His hair was thinning and dirt colored, his eyes equally as drab, and his demeanor was arrogant for a man of Duke stature. He had armed men flanking him, women carrying their goods. A vision of what my future held . He stood before us, confident and casual. As if he were not about to be handed a Princess. “Welcome to our home, Duke Thane.” My father’s voice echoed throughout the packed throne room. He had grown furious that I had not curtsied to Lord Dervion who had asked me if I kept my door unlocked at night and if I would let him in for a late night visit. I was often locked in the tower for anything that upset my father. It was universally un fair how much in common I had with my father. From his green eyes and flame like hair to his unbridled rage. Though in my case, my rage was mainly aimed towards him.

Thane bowed, his men following in suit. “Your Majesty, thank you for your hospitality.” Even the Duke's voice sounded pretentious. I was growing more nauseated by the moment. I stared down the throne room at a man I knew I could never love, a man who needed me as an ornament, a man who needed me for a title and to bear him children. I wanted more than a man who viewed me as a transactional political chess piece. I wanted a man who did not look like the human equivalent of dirt.

“I present to you, my only daughter, Princess Aurora.” The words only daughter struck me in the gut. He said it as if I were his treasured child, not a problem he had been saddled with. Father gestured to me to rise from my seat at the corner of the dias. I stood and curtsied, acting as the meek animal he expected me to be. My father would be this kingdom ’ s undoing with this marriage. As the only heir to the throne of Camelot, marrying me off to a Duke was an unwise move on his behalf. It would weaken Camelot's trade stronghold with the continent. But as I was often reminded, it was not my place to worry about such matters. My place was to submit, no matter how unwilling. Unless I attempted to stab this man… That would buy me months in the tower before they would attempt to marry me off again. And I could potentially kill him .

The day progressed and I was ushered around to show off my beauty and talents but I was never given a moment to actually introduce myself to the man I was to marry. That was until dinner, where I was swiftly sat next to him at the great feast my mother had thrown to show she was a gracious host. Goddesses above, he reeks of onions and brandy .

“Duke Thane, how was your journey to the capital?” I choked out, feigning politeness. “I have heard it is quite a far trip from Taames.” He sipped his wine, barely glancing my way as he laughed at something one of his men said before he eventually realized I had spoken to him. “Oh, it was quite long. But the taverns along the way eased the tortuous roads.” I beg his pardon…?

“It was more than the taverns, mate.” One of his men bellowed in laughter, the others following in suit. “Especially the wench at Tavern Leona. From the sound of it, you eased her quite a few times. ” This idiotic fuck .

I turned red, not with blush for the improper topic, but with anger. My parents were wedding me to a halfwit who would more than likely be adulterous. My blood boiled as I continued to eat in silence. “Do not tell me you take offense to our conversation, Princess? You do live in the capital, a far more scandalous terrain.” Thane asked from my side, wine staining his lips like a child who consumed too many strawberries. I offered a polite smile as I admitted with gritted teeth, “Pardon my offense, Duke Thane. But as your betrothed, is it not offensive to inform me of the women you have bedded on your journey to me and the women you plan to bed upon our return? ”

“I am to be your husband. It is not your place to question me. I shall do what I please and speak of it to whoever and whenever I want. If I wish to fuck other women, you are to smile. If I wish to fuck you, you are to open your legs. If I wish for you to watch me fuck, you shall sit silently in the corner. Is that understood?” His words were so harsh and crass and yet it did not surprise me one bit. If I do not get out of here I am going to put my dinner knife in his eye .

I swiftly rose from my chair and turned to leave, unwilling to put up with his antics, but something pulled me backwards. Thane’s grease covered palm grasped my wrist so tightly that I was sure there would be bruises in the morning. I refrained from punching him in the middle of the Great Hall. He yanked me closer to him, his meat-scented breath hitting my face in waves as he spat “This behavior will not be accepted when you are my wife. You will be obedient. Anything less will be punished. Do you understand?” His grasp tightened, causing me to wince as I nodded so he would release me from his death grip .

He released me with a shove, sending me toppling over onto the floor of the great hall. Everyone's eyes fell to me as I wiped my bloodied palms on my dress, staining the satin. My palms stung, as did my knees from the harsh impact. I glared up at him, feeling my anger boiling over. One day, no matter how far in the future, I would be the one to take his life. “Fuck you.” I spat. Everyone stared at us. Along with the stares came whispers, and with whispers came maids to usher me off. I lunged towards him but the ladies in waiting that had flitted around me blocked my path.