Obsessed

PLANNING

Our plan was to have a small intimate ceremony, but thanks to my mother, my guest list went from ten to over three hundred nosey people begging to be invited.

I've switched locations for the wedding three times because of unwanted people asking to attend Zena and I's nuptials.

"Julien, I want everyone, including the underworld, to celebrate your union. I know your father is very excited."

"Mother, there is no reason for that many beings to attend. We don't even know three hundred people."

"Your father does..."

"Well, he's a king. It's to be expected. I do not need all those eyes on my Fleur."

My mother smirked. "Worried you won't be the only one admiring her beauty?"

"Yes."

Her smirk went away, and I made a few phone calls. Julius walked into the living room, and I prepared myself for more persuading.

"Your son isn't happy about the guest list."

"Why?"

"He said it's too many."

"He's a prince. It's never too many. Everyone is excited about my son getting married and producing more heirs."

I hung up, annoyed that they talked about me like I wasn't in the same room.

"My wife is not a part of cattle. She is not producing anything."

My mother looked hurt. "She's not giving you a child?"

"Yes, she may give me a child. Not produce an heir."

"Why are you so ashamed of me? You are royalty and need to accept that."

I rolled my eyes at my father's fake distress.

"Julius, you have five other sons and numerous grandchildren. Why do you bother me with this royalty crap?"

"You're his favorite, Julien... you know that."

"Why?"

Her eyes widened. "Huh?"

"Why am I his favorite?"

My father sat next to me. "Because you never conform to my family's rules, and you always march to the beat of your own drum."

"Really?"

"Yes, and you don't fear anything... especially love."

I smiled. "So you understand that my wife is not a pawn, product, cattle, or object to be used or produce bodies for your family's name."

"Yes, understood."

"When and how many babies I put in her is my business...."

Both of my parents gave me a nod.

"Okay... now both of you stop being annoying. Keep that energy for when the baby is born."

"Zena's with child?!" I could see the excitement in my mother's eyes.

"No... just wanted to see your reaction."

"You are horrible!"

My mother huffed, and I laughed.

***

I tried on my wedding gown, admiring the detail and snug fit. My mother came into my thoughts, and my heart began to break.

I miss you, Mommy. I wish you were here.

While wiping my tears, I saw Ms. Andrea standing in the dressing room loft doorway.

"Hi.."

"Hi, Ms. Andrea. Is everything okay?"

She walked closer, staring at me in the mirror.

"You look absolutely stunning."

"Oh, thank you. You don't think it's too much?"

I turned to the side showing the long train.

"No..never. A beautiful gown for a beautiful bride."

I turned to face her. "Thank you. So, is everything okay?"

"Everything is fine. I just came to give you support."

"Thank you.. I appreciate it."

"Zena... I know I'm not your mother, but I want you to know I'm here if you ever..."

I didn't let her finish her words and hugged her. She held me back and squeezed as I sobbed in her arms.

"I know she is so proud of you, Zena."

I pulled back, and she wiped my tears with her handkerchief.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Andrea."

"It's okay...that's what I'm here for. I'm so happy that you're marrying Julien, but I have my own selfish reason why."

"Really? What's that?"

"I always wanted a daughter in any way I could have one. Whether biological or not. I always thought Justine would be like one, but she was too busy being devious."

I grabbed her hands into mine.

"Well, Mom...what other dress should I try on next?"

Ms. Andrea's eyes water as she squeezed my hands. I knew at that moment we were in each other's lives for a reason.

***

It was the day of our wedding and I was so excited. Julius offered the venue in his mansion, and surprisingly, Julien accepted.

I was surprised to find out about his other siblings and the fact that his father was a king of an entire province. I brushed it off like it was nothing as I internally geeked at my future husband being a prince.

There were supposed to be only 20 or so guests attending our wedding. It would have been less, but he allowed his father to invite a few people.

I began to walk down the hall in my gown with my train trailing behind me. The decor of the mansion was embellished with Italian pieces. Paintings, statues, light fixtures, and red with gold trim carpeting. It made me feel like royalty.

I took a deep breath as I stood in front of the black double doors. They slowly opened as a smile formed on my face.

"What the hell?" I said out loud.

I looked down the aisle... my future husband had a man lifted in the air by his throat.