LOGINDAMIANInstant silence cuts across the chatter of the wedding guests. Immediately, every single person in attendance rises to their feet, their faces an expression of surprise and shock. As all eyes are locked on the one person taking all the attention currently. My father, Murdock Crypthill, supported on one hand by a stunned guard and on the other, his single crested acne that he hasn't held in months before his coma. His eyes are cold, locked straight at me. And me…I literally am shocked, beyond measure, that he is out here. Yet unable to process if this is true or some mischievous prank. “Father…” I let out those words slowly and carefully. My mind argues that this is not possible. That Father would not be up at this time. That I am only seeing things because somehow I expect that I would have my father attend my wedding.Because what now? Having him here, with all the things that have happened of late. Would he even be proud of me being crowned as his successor? Would he al
OPHELIAMy heart slows down as we proceed into the hall, walking down the path created for us.A low ceremonial hum–ancient and almost haunting--followed. It sounds like it was woven from voices and instruments of the old age. The guests all turn to us and I try not to squirm under the pressure of a hundred pairs of eyes on me. Intsead, I focus on Damian who keeps his eyes ahead and walks with unmatched confidence.I mirror his steps, breathing out slowly to release some tensions. Some guests smile at me and I hear others gushing over how pretty I am.I don't see any negative reactions so far and this puts me at ease. “You're doing great, Ophelia.” Damian whispers and I break out a smile.Soon, we get to the stage and the officiator begins the ceremony.“Today, we're gathered here to celebrate a union of one of its kind. A harmony between two souls to blend into one. And we are the witnesses of this love story.”I try my best not to glance at the crowd, fully aware that each of my m
OPHELIAMy hands are shaking. As I stand before the double doors of the banquet hall with Damian, I realise I'm nervous–more than I should be.When I made the decision to go ahead with the wedding, I had thought thoroughly about it.I weighed the pros and cons and realised that the consequences of postponing the wedding was much greater than not.I know how hard Damian had worked for this day and how much resistance he had faced so far. I've only been with him for about a week now but the things I've experienced are beyond me.And that's what he has probably had to go through for the past years of his life. I had to remind myself that this wasn't just our wedding but also the coronation. And to Damian…that's everything. I had to put my feelings aside in order for him to achieve that which he has longed for. I didn't want to be a hindrance in his path.But now, standing before the wedding hall and listening to the guests waiting and anticipating our arrival, I wonder if I had inadve
OPHELIAA wave of nausea hits me. My senses jolt back to reality.My fingers twitch and I move my body slightly due to discomfort. My ears pick up shuffling and I tense, afraid for a reason I don’t quite know yet. What happened? Where am I?“Ophelia.” a voice calls out to me and somehow, all my nerves washes away. A hand, gentle as it can be, strokes my head. “Ophelia, can you hear me?”“Your Majesty, are you awake?” Forcing my eyes open, I squint, trying to adjust to blinding lights. My head aches and I can’t seem to understand why and my limbs have fallen weak, unable to move as I would want to.“O-Ophelia.” Damian’s face comes into view, his eyebrows furrowed and concerned. “Are you alright?” He cups my face with his hand and I nod, letting out a deep breath.“I-I am fine.” I utter then look around to notice we’re not alone in the room. Katrina is by my left, holding my hand shakily while Reagan, Sir Wicker, and even Henrick are behind Damian.Are we done with the wedding? What i
DAMIANMy bride lays with her eyes closed– as if she is at peace with everything that has happened. But I know better. I know more than anyone else that this should not have happened. We were supposed to walk into nuptial bliss under the eyes of the guests. This was not part of it. I stand at the foot of the bed, in her room, my fingers tightened into fists. My heart races with uncertainty as I watch Henrick l hover about her, doing what physicians do best. He checks her pulse and whatnot but my mind is far distracted from what happens here. . I just want this done with.I want whoever was behind this to be brought to book. There is so much that is happening– so much that I am lost. And I hate being lost. “She…” Henrick says, looking at me as he rises from bending over Ophelia. “..will be fine in a few. She is a fighter and I'm certain she will wake up in a couple of minutes.”“Minutes?” I frown at him. “We don’t… shit.” I gasp out, punching into the open air. “I understand but
DAMIAN My body moves before my brain can catch up. Before my mind can make sense of this whole thing at all. I didn’t call for Ophelia— I never sent a card. This is all wrong. It’s exactly as I feared. My heartbeat races as I jet through the corridor, eyes narrowed, fangs beat. Guests, guards and palace staff rush aside to allow my passage.And I know they wonder why— why the groom must be this crazed on his wedding night.“Out of the way!” I yell loud, making Sir Wicker and Reagan break apart. “Damian” Reagan calls. “What’s happening?” But I am far gone to stop. My pulse is racing, mind in turmoil for fear that if I slow down— even a split second, I would lose her. I break through the inner garden doorways, gasping as I forcefully break my race. The inner garden is quiet— too quiet. And dark.There should be lighting, music drifting from the west wing and staff chatter as they go about their duties in trimming, pruning and garden care. But it’s quiet— awfully quiet. I look







