I don't know how but I did fall asleep and woke up only after Tod kissed me a few times.
"Wake up my beautiful prince, time to make you look pretty."
For a moment I couldn't recall what time and place it was but then I remembered. The wedding.
I got up, the bath was ready and Tod went with me. I was sitting quietly and he was just observing me without starting a conversation.
"I prepared something to wear for you." He announced breaking the silence.
I looked at him and said nothing. I wanted nothing. Not from a patricide. Yet I had little choice.
The clothes were in vibrant green with gold finish and sapphires. Two maids were getting me ready, brushing my hair and even putting on light make-up. I didn't protest. I was like a doll. After three hours I was ready.
Tod came to watch the final touch and then asked everybody out. Soon we were alone.
"You look stunning. I almost feel sorry for my brother's wife. You will outshine her."
I looked at him, there it was that weird flicker in his eyes. I used to think it was love, passion now I knew better. It was madness combined with obsession.
"Kian,- Tod continued in a low voice - I know you are mad about that kiss. I was angry with my brother as well. But it has been cleared. Today is his and Allenas's big day, let's not spoil the mood." He came closer and I looked up at him still sitting at the vanity table.
"I bought us something. I had it made a while ago but I wanted to give it to you today. My brother will have a great wedding, we won't, still I feel like it is our celebration too." He knelt and opened a box with two rings inside. One was a bit bigger and plain , the other had a diamond as a center stone with two smaller rubies as side stones. It was pretty. I looked Tod in the eyes.
"From today on and forever, I swear I will be your devoted husband. I will love you and only you for the rest of my life." He grabbed my hand and I let him. My eyes went wet when he put the ring on my finger. He looked at me with a pleading eye. I took the other ring.
"I Kian Murreyson promise you Tod Wermonth that I shall never be with any other man than you." I couldn't bring myself to say anything more but I put the ring on his finger and felt tears rolling down my cheeks. My promise was true to its core. I will never be with any other man. If I manage to leave the twins behind I will lead a quiet normal life.
"Oh Kian, I'm so happy." Tod kneeling grabbed my waist and hugged me.
"We will always be together." He added and I hugged him back.
A month ago I would be excited and thrilled about his confession, but after what I heard last night it was no longer possible. I had to bite my teeth harder in order not to scream what I felt deep in my heart. It all felt so fake.
I took a deep breath, I need to go through this wedding somehow.
Tod helped me up and holding my hand led me out of the room.
We went to the grand hall where all the guests were gathering. I was smiling. I didn't want to spoil the wedding and raise any suspicions.Allena looked really pretty in a white sparkling dress. Jay was wearing dark blue clothes with little ornaments. Tod's outfit matched mine. It was dark green but not flashy like mine.
The ceremony was short. I was barely able to focus on the bride and groom. My mind was a mess. When there was a time for the vow, Tod raised my hand with the ring he gave me and kissed my hand looking me straight in the eye. Everyone was looking at us. They knew my history. Former prince, first father now son. Even lady Ashling, my "mother in law" was throwing me glances every now and then. Despite being used to people looking at me I felt uncomfortable.
Tod and I came to congratulate the newly wed couple along with other guests.
"Allena, congratulations - I bowed and grabbed her hand placing a fleeting kiss on her hand - you look stunning today." I added with a smile. " I wish you a lifetime union filled with love and happiness."
"Thank you lord Kian." She blushed and I found it adorable. She was a waste for an asshole like Jay.
"And I hope to hear some happy news soon." I added only to watch her blush more.
I moved and Tod hugged his sister - in - law. While I was watching them Jay grabbed my hand.
"No compliments for me?" He smiled.
" No, they are for the finer sex, for you my lord just one wish." I leaned closer and whispered into his ear. " Stay away from me and don't hurt that girl. You don't deserve her."
A weird smirk appeared on his face before he replied.
"I told you, Tod and I are something different."
I stepped back and Tod hugged Jay. For a moment they stood there holding each other in tight embrace before they both let go. They were touching their foreheads with closed eyes.
"Just as I promised, right brother?" Jay whispered loud enough for me to hear.
"Yeah, you did."
Tod opened his eyes and a bright smile appeared on each of the twin's faces. The guests were touched by their brotherly display of affection. I wasn't, I knew better what they were. They were cruel monsters capable of killing their own father.
Another batch of guests followed and we stepped aside to make place for them. Lady Ashling approached me and with a gentle smile touched my shoulder.
"Kian, out of the two daughters -in - law I'm not sure which one looks prettier." She smiled and I knew she only wanted me to feel bad. That compliment felt almost like an insult.
"Thank you Lady Ashilng" I smiled trying not to show how I felt about them all.
"Don't worry, I'm not about to take Jay away from his wife." I added.
"As if you could." She smiled lightly.
"Men are curious creatures, they often feel attracted to what challenges them. I'm happy Tod isn't jealous, not even after Jay kissed me yesterday." I briefly noticed her stunned pale face before I bowed and left her side.