Lauren looked at the ring on her finger. The ceremony didn't take long but the whole time she was anxious. Thankfully, she managed to say her vows without omitting a word. Unlike her, Alec was relaxed as if he was just fulfilling a mundane need.
Marriage was sacred, it was what her mother always told her. The thought of it made her more anxious during the ceremony. Even when Lady Mildred wasn't around, Lauren felt like she would judge her for it. And in truth, guilt crept on her. She was guilty of straying far from her mother's principles.
"By the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride," after the priest said that, everyone cheered and Lauren looked at Alec.
She had to admit, the idea of the lord kissing her didn't sit well on her. It wasn't that she had never been kissed. Even when she had kept her virtue as a woman, she knew how it felt to be held in a man's arms and be kissed. But now in the face of another man whom she had duties to fulfill, the thought of her being close to him in such an intimate way made her feel uneasy.
Or perhaps she just never thought she would be in such a situation with a brooding man like the lord himself.
Alec who stood there cold as ice dipped down his head without hesitation to give Lauren a fleeting kiss on the lips. It was only a brief moment done for the sake of formality but it made her heart skip a beat which was caught by Alec's heightened senses.
"I hope you are not having butterflies in your stomach just because of a peck," he whispered mockingly and put his hand at the back of her waist as they faced their guests.
"I don't like being kissed especially in front of many people. Don't mistake my reluctance as indulgence, my lord," replied Lauren in a monotone all while smiling sweetly to let the people see how happy she was. Her heart was beating calmly now. The ceremony made her anxious but now it was done, she finally relaxed.
She looked down at the shining ring on her finger and her smile faded. She couldn't believe she was now married. Even though it was just a charade, only a few people knew the truth. They made their vows in the presence of a priest and had their marriage registered legally.
All felt so real. Well, except that they shared no feelings for each other like how normal couples should.
The celebration started shortly after the ceremony. Food and drinks were served by servants while musicians played to liven up the place. The ladies at the corner watched the newlyweds dance with envy in their eyes, still wondering why the lord had chosen the rebellious princess instead of the other two princesses or other noble ladies with much better reputations.
For the older people who attended the event only to socialize and not be left behind in the high society's happenings, the lord's intentions became the center of the gossip.
"Don't you think Lord Everston is eyeing the crown prince's position? It is not a secret how Prince Casper's health is badly deteriorating," said an old man.
"The lord is already powerful without the crown though."
"If he aims for that, he should have picked the first princess to marry instead. Princess Lauren is the least favorite. Not to mention, she's just a lowly concubine's daughter," said another.
"And a lowly mage..."
Oblivious to the people gossiping at different corners of the hall, Alec and Lauren continued to grace the dance floor with other couples who went to join them. They had to make everyone believe it was a marriage of love to shut down the doubts of some people.
"You scared me there for a moment, Lord Everston. I thought I was ditched by my groom. Care to explain your delay?" Lauren asked, her tone polite yet her eyes were sharp.
"It's work," came his quick reply which made her brows furrow.
"And your work is more important than your bride, yes?"
"It was something urgent," he said coldly.
"Your wedding should have been your priority. You made me look like a fool earlier," she kept a smile on her face as she knew people were watching them but her tone was firm.
"You should just be thankful that I married you as promised, Princess Lauren. Don't be so greedy."
His words caused her cheeks to flare in annoyance.
"We both committed ourselves to this charade. The least thing you can do is do your part."
"Didn't I now," one of his brows raised while his eyes stared down at her intently with a look marked with disdain.
"Properly, my lord."
"At least I didn't leave you hanging. Am I right, dear wife?" The arrogant tone of the man sent Lauren to the edge but she tried to keep her cool. It would be childish of her to ruin everything just because she couldn't stand the narcissistic lord that he was.
"Lord Ever-"
He cut her off right away, "Since we are now married, why don't you try calling me by my given name. It sounds too distant."
Now that he had mentioned it, she realized he was right. They should be addressing each other by their first names. It would be odd if they wouldn't.
"Yes, of course," agreed Lauren.