Page 1 of Snows Sinful Seven

Chapter 1

Snow

The music fills the church as everyone rises. We all turn our heads to see her, the bride. She stands at the end of the aisle, head to toe in the most expensive lace money can buy; from her stunning veil all the way to the bottom of her flowy gown.

My heart beats just a little faster as she starts to make her way toward us. A pang of sorrow fills my chest. I can’t see her face beneath the veil, but I know there isn’t an ounce of happiness in her expression.

Today might be the day the King marries his new bride, but it’s far from a happy occasion, despite what the fake smiling faces might show.

My gaze flicks over to my father, who stands at the opposite end of the aisle, next to the priest. His hands clasped together in front of him, face stiff and unamused as he waits for his bride.

A bride who he does not know, does not love. A bride who is no more than a few years older than myself.

This marriage isn’t one of love but one of power and connections.

Anger mixed with pity are the emotions that swirl within me right now. Anger at my father for getting married to another when my mother’s death is still so fresh—hardly a year later, and he’s already finding someone new.

And pity for her, Regina, my new stepmother. The new Queen of Dracaria.

Maybe my pity is misplaced. She is about to be queen after all—maybe this is a dream come true for her. I know it would be for a lot of women in our kingdom.

However, I find that hard to believe. When Regina arrived last week, she came with her mother and father—a duke and duchess from Varynthos. Father had a massive feast prepared and invited all the important people he could think of.

By the end of the meal, Regina’s parents had signed her life away to my father.

After everyone was excused, I stumbled upon Regina and her parents. She seemed distraught, begging them not to leave her. She didn’t want to marry some man she didn’t know.

Her parents dismissed her and told her it was for the best, that anyone would kill to be in her position. When Regina tried to argue, her mother slapped her across the face and said she would ruin her if she screwed this up. Regina being Queen meant more money and power for both parents. Of course, they wouldn’t just let her walk away from that.

Selfish, that's what they are. It’s what most people are, from what I’ve come to learn.

Money and power, it rules worlds like mine.

And me? While I can have anything my heart desires, I would trade it all in if it meant I could leave here. All I dream about is running far away from this place.

Father would never let that happen, though. He has plans for me—plans that are very similar to Regina’s parents.

I’m to be used for his gain. It wasn’t until my mother died that the truth came out. It’s like the mask he wore faded away. My mother’s death revealed just how cruel and uncaring of a man he was. Someone who would rather be rid of me than loveme. Not that he was ever very kind or loving to me in the first place.

Mama was sweet and kind; she loved me with all her heart. I miss her every day. To see someone like my father take over what was her birthright sickens me.

Did she ever think that her arranged marriage to my father would end with him taking her place, with him ruling her kingdom?

Mama getting cancer was the best thing that could have ever happened to my father. He didn’t shed a tear as she took her last breath, not even when we laid her in the ground forever.

My father only cares about three things. Power, money, and himself.

As Regina stops before him, I feel like I’m watching the ending of her life. Any hopes and dreams of finding love, having a family, and living happily ever after are fading away.

I watch her standing there, stiff as a board, repeating the words the priest prompts her to say with no emotion. Each word is hollow like she’s unaware of what she speaks.

Father says his part next, and then they’re announced to the kingdom as husband and wife. The new King and Queen of Dracaria.

As Regina turns to face the crowd, there’s no smile, no joy. Nothing but a blank face and a single tear that escapes the corner of her right eye.

She does nothing to wipe it away as if she wants everyone to see this is not by her choice.

They all know, it’s how things go. It’s rare for someone of hierarchy to spend their life with the one they choose out of love.

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