Cursed by Darkness (Once Upon A Curse)

4. Bodin

FOUR

Bodin

For a time, the three celestial siblings coexisted in a fragile peace. Theran and Eryx, however, were discontented to share this world. They each wanted full power over the lands and people. Their light and dark magic constantly at battle was what created night and day as we know it.

T he look on Juniper’s face when they entered the ballroom for the celebration after the vows and coronation made Bodin glad he’d let Nadine do what she wanted with the planning. He had wanted to have a small, quiet ceremony, something closer to what they would have expected in Forosse not just to comfort the princess, but because he hadn’t wanted to face all of these other people. It only served as a reminder of everyone who was missing tonight. His parents. His brother, Elias.

Elias should be here. Not him.

His brother had died before Bodin’s first wedding, but it never got easier. Not really. He missed his younger brother so much that his chest physically hurt.

So, he’d let Nadine plan this entire evening because he couldn’t bear to think about it any longer than necessary. When she suggested having the wedding on Unity Day—the holiest, most-celebrated holiday in Forosse—Bodin couldn’t say no. Then, she insisted on an elaborate celebration to impress their allies. He’d thought sending them coins, jewelry, and other riches was enough. Now, he was grateful for his friend’s stubborn determination simply because of his new wife’s reaction.

The fact that most of her family was also absent saddened him, making him even more glad he could make this day special for her in his own way.

Juniper snapped her mouth shut but continued looking around. The ballroom was almost the exact opposite of the courtyard, with its walls made only of towering columns that let in natural air. Looking out past the columns provided an enchanting view of the stars twinkling over the lake that nearly reached the gardens just outside the ballroom. Their shoes clicked on the marble floor as they headed toward their raised table where it sat on one side of the large room. Juniper tipped her head back, taking in the ornate ceiling nearly three stories above them.

“This place ,” she said, her voice full of awe as she stared at the painted clouds and hanging chandeliers.

He stopped her before she could stumble on the stairs up to their platform. “Watch your step.”

“Sorry.” She looked down at her feet as they continued up to the table full of food awaiting them. “It’s just…”

When she trailed off, he said, “Yeah, it is.”

Compared to Forosse, he knew it was a lot.

“I remember seeing this ballroom, but it was in the daytime. And my memory paled in comparison,” she said as he helped her into the high-backed chair next to his.

Bodin’s brow furrowed as he sat beside her. “Wait, what do you mean? You’ve been here?”

Juniper reached for her wine goblet. “I came as a child a couple of times.” Before he could ask how they’d never met, she smiled at him, making his pulse race. She really was stunning, and in their brief time speaking, he’d seen a spark of fire within her that intrigued him. “My parents decided at an early age to keep me hidden from the world. Hence the stories you’ve likely heard about me. They allowed me to travel with them here twice when I was young, but I stayed with one of the maids, pretending to be her daughter.”

“Why did—” His question was cut off by Laurent clapping him on the shoulder.

“I think it’s time for a toast, Your Majesty,” he said.

Bodin nodded, barely refraining from showing his annoyance at being interrupted. Despite not wanting to let Juniper in, he wanted to learn more about her. It was as if he couldn’t stop himself. He especially wanted to know why she was kept locked in that tower for so long when none of her brothers had been treated the same.

Sighing, he pushed to his feet and waited for the room to quiet down. Once it did, he picked up his goblet. “Thank you for joining us on this wonderful day. The alliance between Mesairla and Forosse on its own is a reason to celebrate.” He put his free hand on Juniper’s shoulder. “But the fact that I was given the opportunity to marry their beautiful, kind, smart princess and make her my queen has brought me so much joy and hope for the future. I’m grateful to have someone to spend the rest of my life with.

“We do not typically observe Unity Day here, but our Forossan guests do. For our wedding to take place on this holy day is an honor, and I hope it will grant us peace together.” He lifted his wine. “To a long and prosperous union.”

“Long live the king,” the crowd cheered. “Long live the queen.”

Knowing what they wanted next, he leaned over, tipped Juniper’s face up, and kissed her briefly. She hid her shock well, but he still caught it, along with the sweet blush now staining her cheeks. Straightening, he said, “Please enjoy the food and music!”

On cue, the musicians began playing a slow melody. People returned to their mingling, most heading to the tables around the edges of the room. Many went to dance in the center.

Prince Raphael and Prince Hugo joined them at the high table, and Bodin shook both of their hands. Juniper stood and hugged the eldest. It didn’t escape his notice that she started toward Hugo but stopped herself. The youngest prince looked so much like his sister that they could have been twins, though he knew Hugo was a few years older than her. His pale blond hair was cropped close to his head, and he had the same bright green eyes. But there was something in his gaze that differed tremendously. Juniper appeared light and happy, even if she didn’t truly want all of this, but her brother seemed angry, bitter.

“I hope you two enjoy your evening,” Bodin said, brushing past the strange tension between the siblings. “And I hope you know you’re welcome to stay as long as you’d like. I know how difficult it is to be separated from loved ones, so I want to make sure your family knows my doors are always open to them. Please visit Juniper as often as you wish.”

“Thank you,” Raphael said with a smile for his sister. “I will try to come as often as I can get away. And perhaps tomorrow we can discuss a plan for our men to join yours in the valley. I know it might seem too soon, but we were hoping to begin our journey home right away.”

Bodin glanced at Juniper, whose eyes had shifted to those dancing. “Yes, tomorrow. Right now, however, I want to dance with my new wife.”

Seemingly surprised, she looked from her brothers to him. He held out a hand, but she glanced toward Raphael again, as if asking for permission. When Raphael nodded, she took Bodin’s hand, letting him lead her down the stairs to the dancefloor, where he twirled her into his arms. Her grin brightened the room. A part of him wanted to continue making her smile, even while the rest of him ached in grief. Her awe and sweet disposition reminded him of Elias. She was close in age to how old his brother would have been if he’d still been alive. And he couldn’t help but think about how his brother would have been a much better match for this lively, sweet woman.

Clearing his throat, he focused on the present. “Juniper?”

“Yes, Yo—Bodin?”

The corner of his mouth curled up. “I’m your husband.”

Her brow furrowed, creating an adorable crinkle in her forehead. “I’m aware. I was at the ceremony, believe it or not.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle. This woman had a boldness to her that he hadn’t expected. In his experience, and based on what he’d heard from others, Forossan women were usually so reserved and demure. “My point is that you no longer need your brothers’ or father’s permission for anything.”

The fact that she did back home made his blood boil. The customs and beliefs of that kingdom would never make sense to him.

“You do not need mine either,” he added as he leaned in closer. “If you wish to dance, dance.”

Her steps faltered, and he tightened his hold on her, keeping her steady and stopping their movements. He tried to ignore the way she fit perfectly against him. The top of her blond head didn’t even reach his chin, but it felt as if she belonged in his arms.

He shut down that line of thinking immediately.

Tears lined her eyes. “I… I don’t understand. You bought me…”

Bodin clenched his jaw and took a couple of deep breaths to calm himself before he did something stupid, like march over to her brothers and show them why people feared him.

Taking her hand again, he led her off the dance floor and out to the garden just beyond. It was quieter here, more private, but he still kept his voice low as he faced her. “Let me make this perfectly clear: I did not buy you. I do not own you, Juniper. No one does. I paid your father for his army, for help with this never-ending war in the north.”

“Then, why am I here?” she asked as two guards took up spots a few paces away.

Did she truly not know? Did she not remember? He wished he had an answer that wouldn’t hurt her, but he didn’t. Still, he found himself only giving her part of the truth. “Your father offered you to me because he knows I’m in need of an heir.”

There was no need to upset her more tonight. Bodin would explain later, when they had privacy and a moment to breathe. She visibly swallowed and turned toward the calm lake.

“I know this wasn’t your choice,” he whispered, “but I think I can offer you what no one else ever has.”

“What?” Pain filled her voice, and he hated it. He didn’t know this woman, but he had the power to give her a good life, and he planned on doing what he could to make her happy.

Someone ought to.

“Freedom.”

Her head whipped toward him. She seemed to hesitate before slowly asking, “What do you mean?”

“Like I said, I don’t own you. You’re free to make your own decisions, go where you want, do whatever you wish. I just have a couple of requests.”

“And what are those?”

“Do not take another lover until after we’ve conceived at least one child. I don’t want there to be any questions about their bloodline.”

Her eyes widened, but she nodded, even as her cheeks flushed pink under the moonlight.

“And if you leave the palace, please take your guards,” he said. “At least a couple of them. It’s peaceful here in the capital, for the most part, but you should take them just in case.”

“I’m allowed to leave the palace?” The hope in her voice almost broke him, while also making him angry, not at his new wife, but at the people who made something so simple seem like such a big thing to her.

Bodin barely stifled a frustrated sigh. “Whenever you’d like. Though, if you plan to go far, or for more than a day, I’d like to know so that I don’t send out troops searching for you.”

Her soft red lips curled into a smile. “Deal.”

“Good. Then, shall we return? I’m afraid our courtiers will not let us stay out here alone for long. We need to mingle, let you meet them?—”

“And dance?”

He slowly entwined their fingers. “And dance.”

Together, they headed back into the celebration. He knew his people watched them, wanting to see how he reacted to everything, but his attention was solely on Juniper as they joined the dancing once more. His queen.

His third chance.

Bodin paced back and forth across the plush rug in front of the fireplace. He was just about to go make sure everything was all right when a soft knock sounded on the door connecting his room to the adjoining smaller bedroom for the queen. The tradition of having two separate rooms went back generations, but his parents and grandparents before them hadn’t used the queen’s chambers. They hadn’t needed to. But Bodin had it prepared for Juniper so that she had her own space if she wanted it.

The door opened, and Juniper peeked her head in. “Should I…”

“Yes, please, come in,” he said.

She walked in, her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides. The silk nightgown she’d changed into made his mouth water. It left little to the imagination. The bottom of her hem brushed her mid-thigh, the tight bodice and low neckline exposing the tops of her breasts. Her hair had been let down entirely, the long blond waves falling over one shoulder. She’d washed the makeup from her face, but she didn’t need it. She was breathtaking.

His pulse quickened, sending all of his blood south. At least one thing was certain; he wouldn’t need to pretend she was anyone else.

Guilt coursed through him at the thought. Juniper wasn’t his. This wasn’t supposed to be her life.

But there was no turning back now. They were in this—together, he hoped. Keeping his duty in mind, he waited for her to approach and said, “You look incredible.”

“Thank you.” Pink tinged her cheeks just as they had during the reception, and he realized how much he enjoyed seeing her blush.

He lifted a palm to one side of her face, brushing his thumb across her smooth skin. Her breath hitched. As he stepped closer, she bit at her lower lip. That was when he noticed she still wouldn’t meet his gaze.

“Look at me, Juniper,” he whispered.

When she did, his heart sank. Her green eyes were glossy, rimmed with tears. But it wasn’t just nerves he saw.

She was terrified.

Not only terrified, but in this moment, he remembered that she was just a girl. A sheltered one, at that. She might have been twenty-one, but she was clearly inexperienced.

It wasn’t as if this was the first time a person had cowered from him in fear, and it wouldn’t be the last. Whether it was because of the stories or the scars, he wasn’t sure. Most likely a combination.

No matter the reason, she had never seen the ugly truths of the world. She’d spent most of her life in a godsforsaken tower.

And he wasn’t going to be the one to force everything onto her at once.

Bodin released her and walked away, decision made. Grabbing the dressing robe from the wardrobe, he turned back to find her beside the bed. She was practically shaking as she asked, “Do you w-want me to l-lie down?”

“No.” Bodin crossed to her, but when she flinched, he froze. Still a few feet away, he held open the robe. “Can I put this around you?”

She stared at him in confusion but nodded. As he helped her into it, she said, “I d-don’t understand what’s h-happening.”

“Nothing is happening.” He gently pulled her long locks out of the fabric. “Not tonight.”

“Wh-what do you mean? We h-have to. Th-they said I had to… to be ready for you a-at all times.”

His earlier lust turned to anger. “Who told you that?”

Juniper visibly swallowed. “A b-book. It said it was a wife’s duty. And y-you said it yourself; I’m here to give—to give you heirs. And I know I’m to s-serve your needs as well. I didn’t mean to… to make you not want me. I know I w-wasn’t supposed to show you my fear, but I’ve n-never… I…”

Her rambling was sort of cute, but regardless, it broke his heart. It also made it more evident just how inexperienced she was. He put a finger under her chin. “We don’t have to do anything you’re not ready for.”

“But don’t we… don’t we have to c-consummate the marriage?”

Technically, yes. But he didn’t say that. “I can tell the council it was done. They don’t have to know what we really did or didn’t do in the privacy of this room.”

“Don’t they… check?” She pulled away from him, a little of that ire he’d seen before returning to her tone.

He almost laughed until he realized she was serious. “No. What the fuck? Do they still do that in Forosse?”

Not waiting for an answer, he went to grab the bourbon Laurent had brought him earlier. He needed it now.

“Don’t talk about my home like that,” she said, following him, her tone going from nervous to indignant at the inferred insult. She ripped the glass from his hand and gulped down the fiery liquor. “I don’t know how they d-do things here.” Her nervous stutter had almost completely vanished as anger replaced it. “I was kept a secret, locked away for most of my life. All I know is what I’ve been told, what I’ve overheard, or what I’ve read. So, I’m sorry for my ignorance, but you don’t have to be patronizing.”

He watched her rant in amazement. She was small but feisty. His attention drifted to her lips before he could stop it.

“Really?” she asked in an incredulous tone.

Bodin groaned, realizing he was caught, and shoved a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry. All right? I wasn’t trying to upset you; you just surprised me. I didn’t realize that practice still existed.” He poured more bourbon and took a long drink before giving the rest to her. “No one will check for proof.”

“But they’ll still know.”

“No, they won’t. They won’t examine you. They only need verbal confirmation.”

She stared at him like he was mad. Setting the glass down, she walked back over to the tall four-poster bed and sat on the edge. “Fine, but do you think the maids won’t gossip about the lack of blood on the sheets after my supposed first time?”

Her bluntness was oddly refreshing. She was right though.

“Not everyone bleeds, but…” He scratched at his jaw while moving toward her, trying to come up with a way to assure her it would be fine. It practically smacked him in the face. “Nadine. She’ll be helping you dress and such in the morning, so I’ll make sure she’s the only one who comes in. I’ll have her clean the room and take the sheets as if they’re soiled. She won’t say anything.”

“You trust her that much?” Juniper asked.

“I’d trust her with my life,” he said without hesitation. She was like a sister to him. “Everything will be fine. I do need heirs, but not immediately. We can take things slow, get to know each other.”

She looked like she wasn’t sure whether to believe him. Honestly, he didn’t blame her. They were strangers to one another. And it sounded like she’d been treated more like a prisoner than a protected princess.

He leaned against the bed next to her, wanting to offer some sort of comfort. “We do not view marriage the same way as your kingdom, Juniper. You are not here to serve me. You will stand at my side as my queen.”

Her mouth parted, and she looked like she was about to cry again. “Truly?”

“I swear. We won’t do anything you don’t want to do.” He stepped in front of her. “I’ll even sleep in the attached room if it makes you more comfortable and give you this bigger bed. I know you didn’t choose this, and I refuse to force you to?—”

She hopped off the bed and wrapped her arms around his middle. He let out a breath, hesitantly returning the embrace.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Bodin smiled against the top of her head. He’d meant every word.

He had told his closest friends he didn’t want to get married again, but now, having met this woman… there was something about her. Something that made him want to protect her and give her the chance to be happy.

Something that made him want to let her in.

Even when his heart screamed to keep her out.