Page 65 of Savage Games

The kaleidoscope spun and spun.

This time it was a starburst of video cameras, extravagant hats, military uniforms, and the constant clatter of camera shutters almost drowning out the music.

I didn’t care about any of it. I focused on the feel of Richard’s hand on mine. Of the brush of his thigh against my wedding dress. I drew on his confidence and strength and his love.

Just before we reached the high altar, we both turned to offer our respects to Queen Elizabeth. Using Richard’s forearm to keep me steady, I lowered into a somewhat shaky but still respectable curtsy as he bowed.

We then walked arm in arm up to stand before the Bishop of Canterbury.

The ceremony seemed to go by in a flash and be impossibly slow and drawn-out all at the same time. I was painfully aware of every set of eyes on my back as we stood there listening to the welcome and opening prayer.

My gaze wandered over the splendid cathedral draped in thousands of pink roses and orange blossoms. The surrounding air smelled spicy and sweet from the flowers and the lingering scent of frankincense and myrrh.

My breath seized when the bishop came to the declaration.

“First, I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now.”

I could hear the mysterious woman’s screams from the time she’d accosted me on the street when I first started dating Richard echoing in my head.

Bitch. You think you can take him from me?

I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!

You don’t deserve him!

He’s mine!

As the silence stretched, I trembled. There was a low cough from somewhere behind us, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. Once again defying protocol for my sake, Richard released my hand and placed a comforting arm around my back, pulling me in close to his strength. It was all I could do to not wrap myself around his middle and place my head on his chest just to hear the steady beat of his heart, which always calmed and reassured me.

Finally, the bishop continued. “The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts…”

I pressed my lips together to stifle a small nervous giggle. The thought of God knowing all the dirty, kinky secrets of our hearts was frightful to contemplate.

The bishop turned to Richard. “Richard Payne the third, Duke of Winterbourne, will you take Elizabeth Adelaide Larkin to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”

My cheeks flamed as I remembered Richard’s darkly whispered words on this very spot the day before.

I, Richard Payne the third, Duke of Winterbourne and various other exalted titles of the realm, do hereby claim Elizabeth Adelaide Larkin as my own. She will love, honor, and obey me as her rightful lord and master, forsaking all others and remaining faithful in her duty to me in mind, body, and soul, for as long as she lives, or face the consequences of my wrath.

“I will,” came Richard’s response, his voice strong and determined, loud enough for everyone in attendance to hear.

The bishop turned to me. “Elizabeth Adelaide Larkin, will you take Richard Payne the third to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”

Turning my head, I looked up at Richard. The man who both terrified and fascinated me. I was about to become his, before God and the law. His. He was fond of claiming me as his own, but now it would become official. Irrevocably so. I didn’t have to be told there would never be an out for me. Richard would never even contemplate allowing me a divorce should I ever decide being with him was too much. My words today would seal my fate with his. Forever. No turning back.

His hand gave my side a slight squeeze.

“I will,” I squeaked out softly.

“I’m sorry. Please say that again,” said the bishop as he tilted his head to the side to hear me better.

A ripple of unease waved over the guests as everyone strained to hear my response.

Clearing my throat, I said only slightly more loudly, “I will.”

You could almost feel the collective relief among the guests at my response.

By my side, the corner of Richard’s mouth quirked up in what looked almost like a satisfied smirk.

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