From Protector To Lady

From Protector To Lady Chapter 20

I snorted to myself in disbelief. Being a married woman is the last thing I wanted. If I had any good luck at all, I would have been relieved of my duties from the kingdom and sent back home to my family.

I removed the thoughts from my mind. There is nothing I can do about it now, I would be better off trying to make the most of the situation. Perhaps Stanton would just leave me to my own once we arrive at Tarantsmo. A fierce anger bit my chest as I thought of other women coming from the village to keep him company. He would not be so pretentious to have other women warm his bed when he was a married man would he? What should it matter though, I certainly would not be doing it. Besides, being a wife is only a title. The husband is the one with the power, the control. The wife is there to stand beside him, like a precious jewel, an accessory.

I blinked my eyes hard as I took a deep breath. No matter what happens, I will never, ever let that man break me down. I will not become an obedient pet to him.

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I had managed to enter the ballroom by myself, not wanting to find Stanton beforehand. The music coursed through my entire body, it's fast beat raising my spirits, if only slightly. I made sure to walk through the throngs of people, trying not to stay in place for one moment too long; trying to avoid seeing anybody that I did not wish to see.

I cringed as I heard a deep voice from behind me, "Rebecca! Wait a moment, please!"

I turned, putting a fake smile on my face as I faced the man speaking to me.

"Rebecca, the king wishes to see us, it's time," Stanton said. I nodded as I took in his attire. He was wearing all black, his dress tunic embroidered with the royal seal in a dazzling silver thread. He looked stunning, though I was not the only one to notice. Looking around I saw many pairs of lust filled eyes gazing at him from the crowd. I was surprised as a fierce possession shot through my chest and almost a feeling of victory as I imagined their eyes, falling to the floor in disappointment when the announcement of marriage is made.

"Alright," I spoke quietly, looping my hand through his arm as he offered it to me.

I clenched my jaw as I saw many people looking at us as we made our way to the throne that was placed at the end of the room, sitting up on a stage.

Once the King's eyes met ours, he made a gesture and the music stopped, an almost eery silence immediately filling the room.

"Ah, yes, it is time," the king spoke quietly.

"Greetings, people of Ethelid! I do hope you are enjoying yourselves this fine evening," the King spoke loudly, his voice carrying through the entire ballroom.

He was answered with hoots, hollers and bouts of clapping.

Nodding, he smiled before continuing. "There is a very important announcement to be made at this time. I know you all are aware of the issue of the raiders," he spoke.

"You need not worry about that any more. For this man, standing in front of me," he gestured at Stanton, "has rid our entire kingdom of the problem. The leader of the raiders has been removed and the rest of them surrendered," he spoke excitedly.

Gasps rang through the ballroom followed by loud clapping throughout the entire room, everybody pointing excitedly at Stanton. He took a bow, his face beaming with pride.

"Yes, yes. Sir Stanton Holwell, certainly an honorable man. Tonight, I give this man the title of Duke Holwell, proprietor and protector of the duchy of Tarantsmo; his reward for finally winning the battle that has been raging for years," the King spoke, walking towards Stanton and putting one hand on his shoulder, his other locking Stanton's hand in a tight handshake.

"I congratulate you. It has been an honor having you as my Arms Master. You will be missed in the castle," the king nodded.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes. He spoke as if Stanton will not still be his most important fighter. It was true; Stanton will not be in the palace anymore. But I knew for a fact that the King will never relieve him of his duty as Arms Master. He will still train men. He will still fight in raging wars. He will still lead the army in any battles that may arise.

I jumped when the King looked to me. He smiled and took one of my free hands in both of his large ones.

"And this, lovely young woman, many of you may not recognize her," he spoke, his voice charming. "Her name is Lady Rebecca Morin, companion to my sweet, daughter Amelia. I am proud to be the first to announce that her and our hero, Duke Holwell are betrothed to be married."

I could feel my face burning but I held my head high. I put a smile on my face as if the news was something that made my heart swell with joy. I looked to Stanton, giving him a look of what I hoped was affection. I was surprised to see that his face held a soft expression as well.

The king, as a symbol of his approval, took my hand and gave it to Stanton, the Duke's warm hands now encasing mine. I was happy for this, as my hands were shaking violently. I felt him squeeze my hands gently, reassuring me as I heard an onslaught of clapping, hooting and whistling break out from the people.

I could not stop the small hysterical bubble of laughter that left my lips, this was all so ridiculous. Perhaps people would take my laughter as embarrassed laughter as I sought comfort in my husband to be. But in reality, I laughed because if I didn't, I would either break into a fit of anger or I would break down and cry. I wrapped my arms around Stanton, steadying myself, for my arms itched and my muscles twitched as they involuntarily readied themselves for some sort of confrontation. It was a reflex. I hoped the king was enjoying his show.

I took a deep breath, using Stanton's strong scent to try and root myself to this place, this moment. I tried to calm myself, telling myself that this would soon be over. All of the eyes in the room will not be on us for much longer.

To my relief, the king spoke again, "And now, we celebrate!" and a moment later the music began booming through the room again.

I held a brave face, smiled, hugged, and shook people's hands as we were congratulated for what seemed an unnatural length of time. Every now and then I would look to Stanton, getting a reassuring look from him.

After what we assumed to be the last pair of people to congratulate us, I turned to Stanton, hoping I would be allowed to leave now. I did not know how much more I could handle before I lashed out somehow.

"I know what you are thinking, but first, we must share one dance," he said before glancing to the king. I followed his gaze and found the king sitting in his throne, staring at us, his face deadpan.

I nodded and put my right hand on his shoulder, solid muscle beneath my fingertips. One of his hands was soon resting on the side of my waist before he took my other free hand in his own as he pulled my body close, only a small sliver of space between us. I was thankful it was a slow beat for the time, I did not have it in me to dance to one of those swift, up tempo beats. 

"You are doing flawlessly," he spoke into my ear. I knew many eyes were upon us, and for those looking, it would seem as if though we were whispering sweet nothings in each others ears.

"Thank you. I feel as if though I am in another world," I whispered.

I put my head on his chest, trying to stop the conversation before I became emotional. I closed my eyes, knowing it would look as if though I was savoring the moment, when in reality I wished nothing but to disappear.

To the people of Ethelid, we looked like a pair of young lovers, caught completely in the moment, clinging to the other in love. When to us, we were two near strangers, forced into a situation neither of us wanted to be in, neither of us sure how we were going to make this work.