Chapter 46 — Wrong Marriage

The Palace has been busy preparing for Laura and Cliff's wedding for one week. Their wedding will be celebrated with so much splendor. It can be seen from the wedding decorations and ornaments that look luxurious and amazing.

Since being crowned as Laura's future husband, Cliff has lived in the Palace. He occupies the Palace, which is reserved for guests. During his stay at the Palace, he already had a close relationship with Laura's older brother, Prince Laurent. The man was indeed amiable and always took the opportunity to visit Cliff's residence. They often spend time together riding or hunting together in the forest.

Knowing that Cliff is very good at using weapons and fighting, even though Cliff hasn't officially become his brother-in-law, Laurent doesn't hesitate to ask Cliff to train military forces under his control. Of course, Cliff accepted it. Instead, he was pleased because he was well-received in the Palace environment. The court ladies and soldiers also treated him with great respect, in stark contrast to his life in the past, which everyone shunned.

The king and queen also often invited him to their residence to chat. They treated Cliff like their own son, making Cliff feel more comfortable living in the Palace.

In contrast to Luara, during that week, she rarely left her room to follow the ancient tradition in the kingdom, which required the bride to stay silent in the room to prepare to become a wife.

Every day she performs body care by several ladies-in-waiting, such as bathing in a pool of milk and flowers. She got some massages on the body and many more body care rituals that she did. She had to surrender to all that treatment because that was the tradition in the Palace. Even though she wanted to see Cliff, she missed him so much.

She knew Cliff was already living in the Palace, but she had no opportunity to meet him because it was forbidden to meet grooms before the wedding day.

Today is similar to the previous days. She is currently receiving treatment for her curled nails. Some ladies were busy painting their beautiful nails. Tomorrow is the day the wedding will take place. It means that the wait is over because she will meet Cliff tomorrow. Imagining her meeting with Cliff and imagining that tomorrow they would officially become husband and wife always made Laura smile to herself like a madman.

"You look pleased, princess," said one of the ladies who succeeded in making Laura gasp and dispel all her fantasies about Cliff.

"No, it's normal," she said, not wanting to admit it.

"But naturally, if you are happy, you will marry tomorrow. You two are a perfect match," said another lady.

"Are we a good match?" Laura asked to make sure. Her face flushed red as all the ladies in front of her nodded their heads in unison with a smile on their faces.

After that, a maid combed her long, golden blonde hair on her back. The hair is slightly wavy at the bottom and looks very silky.

"You'd better sleep, princess," suggested a lady-in-waiting, which made Laura frown.

"But it's only 8 pm. I'm not sleepy yet," she said firmly.

"You better sleep so that tomorrow your face looks bright and there are no dark circles around your eyes." Laura sighed resignedly, realizing the truth of one of her ladies' words. Finally, she nodded and lay down on the bed. She tried to close her eyes after all the maids left her room.

Not long ago, Laura closed her eyes and suddenly heard strange voices from the room. Laura opened her eyes and was shocked when she saw Cliff's figure standing in her room.

"C-Cliff, what are you doing here?" she asked nervously. She swiftly covered herself with a blanket, worried that Cliff would do something terrible to her. Meanwhile, Cliff furrowed his eyebrows at Laura's strange behavior.

"Don't you know a tradition forbids us from meeting before the wedding day?" Laura added.

"I have some important things to talk to you about right now," Cliff said seriously, making Laura get up from the bed and stand face-to-face with Cliff.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Laura asked. At this moment, she felt a bad premonition in her heart.

"You know. I came back here not because I wanted it but because this is all to fulfill my promise one year ago to you?" Laura was shocked to hear that. She nodded because, of course, she also remembered their agreement.

"But you didn't come on time, at first I thought you wouldn't come," Laura said.

"I traveled around the world during this time. Many things happened during my journey. I was hesitant to come back here. I thought about forgetting our promise and letting you marry another more suitable man to be your husband. But in the end, I returned because I felt sorry for you." Laura felt like her heart was being cut by a sharp knife hearing Cliff's words just now. The happiness she had been feeling for a week now evaporated somewhere.

"What exactly do you want to tell me?" Laura asked a question while lowering her head, not daring to look directly at Cliff's face.

"I will marry you. After becoming a part of this kingdom, I will do whatever it takes to protect this kingdom. So, you don't have to worry about me hurting your people. Besides, I've stopped drinking human blood," said Cliff, causing Laura to raise her head and stare intently at Cliff.

"I will also perform my role as a husband. I will always be by your side, protecting you and looking after you. Don't expect our household relationship to be like a normal couple."

"What do you mean?" Laura asked, trying to understand what Cliff just said.

"You know what I am, right? I'm a vampire. Therefore we will never have intercourse. I will never touch you." Laura was shocked. She covered her mouth in disbelief at Cliff's words.

"But after we get married, I will be yours completely. You can do whatever you want with me."

"No, Laura. I will never touch you. I'm telling you now so that later when we officially become husband and wife, you won't claim your rights as a wife to me." Laura didn't say anything. She was still trying to calm down.

"If you object to this, I don't mind if you want to cancel this wedding," Cliff said without the slightest doubt, making Laura even more sure that Cliff was forced to marry her.

Laura paused, looking thoughtful. Occasionally she would close her eyes. While Cliff just kept quiet, waiting for Laura's answer.

"Okay, I understand. I will continue this marriage."

"Are you sure? Don't force yourself while this marriage can still be annulled," Cliff confirmed.

"I'm pretty sure," Laura replied firmly.

"Fine, if that's your decision." Cliff ended their conversation. He walked towards Laura's bedroom window, which for some time was open because, as far as Laura remembered, the window was closed before she went to bed.

"See you tomorrow at the altar, Laura," Cliff said before he disappeared, jumping out of the window.

Laura plopped down on her soft bed. She buried her face in the pillow to muffle the sobs so no one else could hear. He was unfortunate to hear Cliff's words which hurt her. Her domestic life will be far from her expectations.

***

Laura was being made up in her room by some of the ladies. She was already wearing a wedding dress that looked luxurious and elegant. She looks even more beautiful in that dress. Her wavy hair was left loose, and a small crown was perched atop her head.

The white dress didn't have much decoration because she had purposely asked for a simple but elegant dress. Only a few laces are on the chest, waist, and sleeves. The bottom of the dress is so long that it sweeps the floor. Luckily she is wearing high heels, so her body looks even longer.

"Princess, did you cry last night? Your eyelids look a little puffy?" asked a lady-in-waiting, making Laura cringe because she was daydreaming about many things.

"No. I'm not crying," she lied. Some of the ladies doing her makeup looked at each other as if they knew Laura was lying.

"Today is a historic day for you. You should be happy, Princess."

"You don't need to worry. I'm pleased. Please finish the makeup soon. I'm afraid I'll be late for the altar," she said, changing the subject. The maids nodded and continued their activities of doing Laura's makeup.

After her makeup, Laura looked at her appearance in the giant mirror. She looks so beautiful, even though the makeup on her face is very light and natural, it can add to her beauty on this most important day.

"Princess, it's time." One of the ladies-in-waiting announced that it was time for her to go to the altar. She strolled out of the room.

"Wow, look at my sister-in-law. You are so beautiful, Laura," said Princess Hiena, Prince Laurent's wife.

"You are exaggerating, sister-in-law."

"No, I am serious. Your future husband will be fascinated by your appearance," said Princess Hiena, who only received a bitter smile from Laura. I don't know. She doubted that her appearance would fascinate Cliff. Because she knew he didn't love her at all.

They went down the wedding aisle with Princess Hiena to be the bridesmaid and Prince Laurent to be the groom's groom.

All pairs of eyes that attended the wedding looked amazed at Laura's appearance, but it seemed that was not the case with Cliff because the man was not looking at her. Instead, his gaze looked blank, as if he was thinking about something. Only then did he look at Laura after Prince Laurent patted him on the back, making him flinch in surprise.

Cliff smiled at Laura but didn't have the slightest expression of awe. Laura could understand that because no matter how beautiful she was in everyone's eyes, she would not be able to match the beauty of Cliff's first love, whom Laura knew was a pure-blood vampire. Even on the night, they watched the folk festival one year ago, Cliff said that his first love was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Maybe because of this, Laura lost her self-confidence and felt sure that no matter how beautiful she looked, Cliff would never impress her.

During the wedding ceremony, Laura always kept her head down. There was no trace of happiness on her face. Maybe if Cliff hadn't seen her last night and hadn't said hurtful words, she would have been so happy. How could I not? Today her dream came true. Finally, she could marry the man she loved even though the man would never really be hers, even though he had officially become her husband.

After the various wedding ceremony rituals were completed and they officially became husband and wife, it was time for Cliff's coronation ceremony as Prince of the Kingdom of Reaghlobe.

The coronation ceremony was held on the Palace balcony so that everyone gathered outside could witness it.

The king put a crown on Cliff's head when the coronation ceremony ended, and now he has the title of prince before his name.

"It's time for our wedding couple to kiss to show your happiness to all the people. Do a great kiss," whispered the king to Cliff and Laura, successfully making Laura blush while Cliff only smiled faintly.

Now the newlyweds are standing on the palace balcony, witnessed by millions of pairs of eyes who have come to witness this beautiful moment.

Cliff and Laura faced each other at such a short distance. Laura raised her head to look directly at Cliff's face, who looked even more handsome today with his white tuxedo. She closed her eyes as Cliff wrapped his arms around her waist, bringing his face closer. Laura placed her hands on Cliff's chest and parted her lips slightly, allowing Cliff to kiss her quickly. Laura's heart beat wildly when she felt the cold from Cliff's face that was getting closer to hers. She gulped her saliva with difficulty when she thought that soon her first kiss would be snatched away by the man, now her husband.

However, Laura was surprised when the kiss did not land on her lips but on her forehead. Yes, Cliff landed his cold lips on Laura's forehead. For a time, it amazed everyone who witnessed it, but in the end, they still clapped their hands and voiced their happiness.

The kiss on Laura's forehead didn't last long. Cliff immediately moved his face away from Laura's face and stroked Laura's cheek for a moment before finally. He looked straight at all the people of the Kingdom of Reaghlobe who were now shouting their prayers, wishing Laura and Cliff to live happily, always together, given health and longevity, and given many offspring.

After that, the festive reception party began. All the guests seemed to enjoy the excitement of the party, everyone looked happy, but that wasn't the case with Laura. She was sitting alone in the aisle chair while her husband was chatting with some of Prince Laurent's friends. Cliff left Laura alone, and it made her want to cry.

"Mother," Laura called to her mother, sitting not far from her.

"What is it, honey?"

"Is it OK if I want to go back to my room? I don't feel well," Laura lied because she wanted to cry alone.

"But the party isn't over yet."

"I beg you, Mother," she begged with a pitiful face.

"All right, Mother will accompany you," said the queen, finally agreeing.

They left the party venue accompanied by several maids who followed behind them.

"Mom, this direction is not the direction to my room?" asked Laura surprised when her mother took her away in a direction that was not towards her room.

"You are married. Of course, you will occupy the new room. Besides, you will sleep with your husband from now on," said the queen, smiling seductively at Laura.

Laura was amazed to see her new room, which had been decorated in such a way. The room was twice as large as the old room. There is a bed that is so large that it is still wide even though it sleeps two people. The bed was decorated with colorful flower petals and gave off a spicy fragrance. The furniture in the room also looks new and very luxurious. The walls are decorated with beautiful flowers, and they are blooming. At the same time, the ceiling is decorated with several decorations in the form of the sun, moon, stars, and other celestial bodies that will light up when the lights are turned off.

"You like it?" Laura spontaneously nodded when her mother asked. Of course, she liked the room.

"Tonight is your first ritual night. You must calm down and obey your husband's wishes. You should be able to serve him the best you can. You understand, don't you, darling?" Laura didn't say anything. She just nodded.

"I know you will be nervous, but try to act normal, OK?" Laura nodded again.

"Now rest, Mother. Go out first." The queen, accompanied by several ladies-in-waiting, was about to leave the room, but suddenly, her steps stopped making Laura, who saw her, frown.

"Oh yes. Darling, because this is the ritual of the first night your husband will take off your wedding dress. You're uncomfortable wanting to throw off that heavy dress, right? But you must patiently wait for your husband to come to this room."

"Yes, mom. I understand," Laura answered, smiling at her mother. She returned to her gloomy face after her mother and several maids disappeared from her sight.

Laura waited long enough for Cliff to come to the room. She sat on the bed, hugging her knees, looking sad for a newlywed like her who should be happy. She looked up when she heard the sound of the door opening. Her heart was beating fast when she saw that Cliff had entered the room.

Cliff looked around the room in amazement without even looking at Laura. Then suddenly, he sat down on a long chair in the room.

"You're awake?" asked Cliff when he finally noticed Laura was sitting on the bed looking sadly at him.

"I'm waiting for you."

"Hm, sorry earlier, your father and brother asked me to drink. I had to find excuses to refuse to drink with them. You know I don't eat or drink your food, right? Just smelling it makes me want to puke." Cliff's story had made Laura smile before returning to her sad face.

"Sleep, Laura. You must be tired," said Cliff as he slumped back in the chair.

"Y-You are going to sleep in that chair?" she asked in surprise. Cliff just responded with a nod of the head. Then without caring about Laura, he began to close his eyes.

Laura wanted to cry uncontrollably but had to hold it in desperately because she didn't want Cliff to hear her cry. She lay down without changing her dress.

"Laura, I think you better change your dress first. It must be uncomfortable sleeping in that dress," suggested Cliff when he saw Laura sleeping in her wedding dress. Meanwhile, Cliff had changed his clothes, although Laura needed to find out where her husband was changing clothes.

"Tonight was supposed to be our first night of ritual. According to the tradition in the Palace, my husband should be the one to undress me," Laura muttered quietly, but Cliff could still hear her.

"Just ignore the tradition. You know, a ritual like that would never happen between us. So, you change your dress and go to sleep." Laura ignored Cliff's words. She chose to lie down again without changing clothes first. Let her sleep tonight wearing her wedding dress. As for Cliff, he stared in surprise at Laura. However, in the end, he lets Laura do whatever she wants. He closed his eyes again, and only silence was felt in the bridal room.