The Forbidden Shadows of Love

Today should be a happy day. A celebration, I thought, staring into the mirror. Instead, I saw only what I'd always seen—a plus-size witch being sacrificed to a loveless marriage for political gain. My fiancé Calous might be handsome and powerful, but he's also a first-class asshole who won't even pretend to be faithful. The kind of man who collects mistresses like trophies.

He doesn't hide his disgust for me—I'm just a signature on a magical contract to him. I begged my father to call it off. Told him Calous was a cheater, that I loved someone else, asked if my happiness meant anything at all. His answer was painfully simple: as his only heir, my duty to the Coven comes first. We need their alliance—though they need ours just as badly.

"Evelyn, are you ready?"

I turned to see Jules with her perfect blonde hair and blue eyes that turned heads wherever she went. My only real friend in the Coven. While others mocked my size, Jules stood by me, her beauty running soul-deep. Her worried expression said everything.

I sighed, “No, not even close. I rather be down in the basement chained and beaten with him, than marrying a power-hungry witch, hell bent on never being faithful to me.” I began to feel the tears well up in my eyes. I didn’t want this, but if I don’t, a lot of people will suffer because of it.

"Evie, what if there was another way?" Jules suggested, her voice gentle. I looked up, hope flickering dangerously. "Do something for yourself for once. Stop worrying about people who've only ever been cruel to you."

"Jules, it's true most of them have been awful, but not everyone. And you—you've always been there for me. I can't do that to you," I said, surrendering to fate. "Come on, let's go while I still have the nerve. Maybe it won't be complete hell..."

One month prior

The afternoon sun streamed through my windows, birds twittering outside. I was bursting with excitement—soon I would see my fiancé, Calous. I’d only met him once before, back when I didn’t yet know we were to marry. Handsome, charismatic, and powerful, he was the son of a neighboring Coven’s leader. My father led our Coven, and this union would merge the two, strengthening us all.

The first time I saw him, I was thirteen and he fifteen. Two boys had shoved me to the ground, making fun of me with a cruel song about my weight, Calous intervened. He sent them packing, then offered me his hand with a smile. “You should learn to get smarter and stand up for yourself,” he’d recommended. That moment lit a fire in me—I devoured every book I could find, honing both my mind and my magic. I couldn’t wait to show him how far I’d come.

Over the years, I rose to the top of my class, academically and magically. The others still whispered behind my back, “blob,” “whale,” “teacher’s pet”—but their jabs rolled off me. Though I carried extra weight, I learned to love my emerald eyes ringed with gold, my long wavy red hair, and my clear, smooth skin. My best friend Jules always reminded me I was talented and beautiful. “Just wait,” she’d say. “They’ll regret underestimating you when you take over after my father.” I’d laugh and reply, “Only send out what you want to get back—karma fixes the rest.” As I mastered healing and herbs, Coven members began seeking me out for help, fulfilling my duty as the leader’s daughter. Now, at twenty, I stood ready to strengthen our coven even more by marrying Calous.

A knock sounded at my door pulling me from my thoughts, before I could answer. My father, Vincent—tall and lean, with golden eyes, dark hair, and a neatly trimmed goatee—stepped inside. “Why aren’t you ready yet?” he demanded. “They’ll be here soon. Put on the dress I bought you. I’ll send Luna for your hair and makeup. You must look your best for your husband.”

““Of course, Father, I’ll be ready soon—I promise,” I called after him as he strode away. I retrieved the pale green corset dress he’d bought, eyeing it with trepidation; the fitted bodice looked alarmingly small. No sooner had I draped it over the screen then Jules burst in, grinning.

“Evie, I’ve come to help. I overheard your father speaking with Luna, but don’t worry I won’t let her do your make-up, she’ll screw it up on purpose,” she huffed. She eyed up the dress in my hand. “That’s a pretty color, that will defiantly bring out your eyes. Put that on first, then I’ll do your hair and make-up.”

I went to change behind the screen, “Jules, I may need your help.” The corset barely made its way around my waist.

“Evie, why does your father do this? Okay, suck in, and I’ll get it tied for you. Hopefully you won’t have to stay in it too long,” Jules shook her head annoyed, coming over and pulling on the strings as I sucked as much as possible. “They do make bigger sizes than this. Sometimes your father is as bad as the rest…”

“It’s fine, Jules, I’ll make it work.” She finally got it tied, and I felt like I could barely breath… It push up my breast a bit. They were already large as it was, this enhanced it even more. “Umm, Jules… mind helping me get the dress over my head.” Jules pulled the dress down and proceeded to tie the back. I could feel it straining on my chest.

“You look beautiful in that Evie, but you also look like your boobs are going to burst through,” she smiled, and stood back. “We’ll put your hair up in a half bun, then add in smoky purple eyes, and a bold red on your lips. Your complexion is so perfect, you don’t even need any foundation or rouge. I’m so envious.”

“You’re envious? Look at you, all the guys like you here,” I smiled softly.

“Please, Evie. If they can’t see how beautiful you are, they’re not worth my time. Size means nothing, you just have more to love, and you carry it well.” Jules worked with my hair, then added makeup. By the time she was done, she did a magnificent job, I barely recognized myself.

“You’re amazing Jules,” I breathed… barely.

“I had the perfect canvas. Okay, ready to meet your future husband?” beamed Jules, “and if you need an out, just give the word.”

“Thanks,” I smiled as we left the room, headed to the conference area where we would be introduced. Later, at the grand room a small ball will be given, allowing both the Covens a chance to get to know one another, through food, drinks, and music.

When we arrived at the door, my father was already there waiting, “Evelyn, it’s about time you got here. You’re keeping them waiting.”

Jules was about to speak, but I squeezed her hand to silence her, “Sorry father.”

“Jules you may go, help Stella with the last-minute preparations,” dismissed my father. Jules listened and left me at the door. Vincent looked me up and down, “Hmm, that will have to do. You should have tightened the corset a little more.”

“I can barely breath as it is now father,” I confessed. He grunted, then opened the door. As we walked in, my eyes instantly went to Calous, he was as perfect as the last time I saw him, deep set hazel eyes, wavy light brown hair, and a great smile. I was so lucky to be marrying him. His father Shaun, was sitting next to him, same eyes, but blonde hair, clean shaven, and was watching me closely.

“Shaun, Calous, let me introduce my daughter Evelyn,” Vincent gestured towards me, I bowed my head.

Calous rose and walked over to me, taking my hand, smiling at me, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Evelyn, your beauty is beyond compare.” He kissed my hand, as I felt a blush rise to my cheeks. He was perfect, my weight didn’t seem to bother him. He led me over to a chair, pulling it out for me.

“My dear,” Shaun bowed his head at me. “You two will make a fine couple, and both Covens will flourish under your leaderships. Your father has mentioned you do well with healing magic?”

“Yes, I wanted to be able to help my people. Is it true that some of your Coven is suffering from Heva?”

“Sadly, my dear, yes. But your father has mentioned you would be able to help?”

“Yes, I’ve been studying that disease along with similar ones. I almost have it perfected. But for now, it’s just a treatment, I know I’m close to the full…”

“Evelyn, don’t bore them with your antics,” interrupted my father, looking at me disapprovingly.

“Nonsense, Vincent, it is commendable that a witch of her talent is finding solutions to some of the deadliest disease among us,” praised Shaun, I beamed at his praise. “Come Vincent, let’s give these young people time to get acquainted before the dance. You and I will worry about the formalities of the wedding agreement.”

As soon as the door closed behind them, I turned to Calous, “Evelyn, I see you have grown stronger since last me met.”

“Yes, I read everything I could get my hands on, and practiced late into the night, and early morning. You inspired me to do so.” The words were out of my mouth before I knew what I was saying. I could feel the heat rise to my face. “I’m… I shouldn’t…sorry.”

Calous touched my face with a kind smile, “Please, don’t. I am happy that you are honest with me. We should head to the ball.”

“You do not wish to talk more?” I asked, I had so many questions for him.

“We will have plenty of time when we are married,” replied Calous rising from his seat, offering a hand to me.

I nodded, accepting his hand, “Oh…okay.”

“Plus, I wish to show my Coven how beautiful you are.” Calous led us out of the room. Did he really think I was beautiful? I never had a boy say that to me, much less a man.

I felt on a high as I entered the ballroom, being on Calous’s arm, even as I entered, everyone seemed to be whispering, but not in the bad way. There were many of his Coven in present, many beautiful women, but he seemed to only have eyes for me.

“My future bride,” Calous raised our hands together, then he swept me into a dance, as there was polite applause from everyone. So, this was what it felt like to have someone love you.

After we finished dancing, Calous led me off to the side, “If you’ll excuse me, Evelyn. I wish to speak with someone from my Coven, I will be back momentarily.” He kissed my hand once more before bowing and walking away.

“Oh, my gods and goddesses, Evie!” Jules sided up next to me. “He is so smitten with you. That’ll show all them,” she gestured behind us.

I laughed, “Jules, be kind. They’re not as mean as they once were.”

“Pfft, only because you’re good at what you do, and they need you. And once you marry, you’re taking over the Coven.”

“Jules, I need your help,” Stella called over to us. “Evie, you look lovely, by the way.”

“Thanks, Stella.” She’d never made fun of me, but she’d never defended me either. When Jules walked away, I decided I needed fresh air—my corset was killing me. I slipped onto the balcony and nearly collided with a stunning woman: long dark hair, pale blue eyes, full of contempt.

“So you’re marrying Calous?” she drawled, circling me. “I pity him. If our Coven didn’t need your antidote, he’d never be forced into this.”

I frowned. “I’ll share the antidote gladly—”

She laughed. “The main herb only grows in your lands, and your father won’t give it to us until you marry Calous. Once you two rule the Covens, Calous plans to cast you aside.”

“I…don’t understand.” Why was this woman being so mean, and why would my father stop us from helping others? She can’t be serious about Calous, he really seemed to like me.

"Of course you wouldn’t understand, you're barely holding it together as it is," she scoffed, brushing the side of my dress. I felt a surge of energy, suddenly, my corset's strings broke, and the side of my dress ripped open. The fabric slipped around my bosoms, revealing more cleavage than proper.

Hugging my chest, I dashed down the balcony stairs, desperate to avoid humiliation. I planned to reach my room via the back way. Her laughter echoed behind me as I hurried down, and though I longed to retaliate with a curse I knew well, I reminded myself, 'only send out what you wish to get back.'

As I rounded the corner of the building, voices by the entrance made me stop. "Are you sure you have to marry her?" a woman's voice asked. Peeking around, I saw a petite woman with porcelain skin and blonde hair, resembling a doll, speaking to Calous.

“Sadly yes, father isn’t letting me out of the deal. He says we need this, Coven. She knows how to heal our people. She’s magically strong, and this will build our Covens. I had hoped the last time I saw her that she would have listened to my advice and lost weight. If anything, she has gotten fatter. I can’t believe I have to marry a disgusting pig…”

I couldn’t bear to listen to it anymore, my stomach twisted, and I felt humiliated over everything that has happened tonight. I took off to the woods seeking solace.