Page 95 of Brutal Promise

“Thank you, Anya. The dress?” I glance around the old room with ornate gold fixtures, and an incredible chandelier hangs over our heads. I can’t imagine how much it cost to rent this venue, but I know it’s probably a fairy tale come true for women in England. It’s as if we’re royalty because we’re standing here.

“It’s behind the screen for you to change behind.”

I nod and walk to the other side of the room. Alena is on my heels and follows me behind the screen. I begin to undress, and she hangs my outfit on hangers and onto the roller rack.

In the background, I hear Anya chatting with my aunt.

I step into the gown, and emotions course through me. Family and friends and men who want me dead are here. What a combination. I hope that after today it will all be over, and I won’t have to look over my shoulder everywhere I go.

Alena zips my dress, and I turn around to see my reflection in the oval shape of a full-length mirror that sits on legs resembling the paws of a lion.

“You look amazing,” Alena murmurs. “Dmitry will be out of his mind when he sees you.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” She beams.

“Let’s get your necklace.” She grabs my hand, and we walk to the women in the room.

“It’s an amazing dress.” Aunt Emma claps her hands. “It suits you perfectly.”

I’m sure she’s wondering how we afforded this, but given the location of the wedding, I’m sure she understands I’m marrying a wealthy man.

She slips the necklace around my neck and fastens it.

A photographer approaches and poses us, snaps a picture, then continues to bark.

“Are you happy?” my aunt asks.

“Yes.” The word leaves my lips before I realize I have spoken.

Am I happy? I was until I felt rejected by Dmitry’s family. I have no clue where we’ll be living after the wedding. I wonder if we’ll stay in London. The house is too expensive for a second home, in my opinion. We have staff. God, I never dreamed I’d be getting married in a palace in my wildest dreams. Now if the secrets of my mother’s past are brought to light, I’d be content.

Alena must have left my side because she slips a bouquet of white roses and lilacs into my hand. “Your bouquet.”

“Did you pick these?” My eyes question her as I lift the bouquet to my nose and enjoy the scent of freshly-cut flowers.

The photographer has us pose together,click, click.

“No, Dmitry told Anya to get them. The chapel is beautiful. The banquet hall is stunning. The wedding planner is something else.”

“I know. I’m sure Dmitry paid plenty for this.”

“I’m sure he loves you. You should talk to him,” she says in a low voice.

“You have a point. I don’t know who to trust.”

“It’s time,” Anya announces. “Follow me.” Her heels click on the marble floors. Alena is beside me with a bouquet in her hand, and Aunt Emma has one as well. She’s giving me away.

The photographer snaps away, and I flinch with the light.

We walk from our wing across pavers that open to the circular driveway in front of the palace. I’m sure horses and carriages used it back in the day. I’m in a surreal fairy tale reminiscent of a historical romance.

The overly large wooden doors to the chapel loom ahead of me. I grab the bouquet tighter. Everyone is inside the chapel.

Guards open the doors.

Anya makes her way to her seat next to an empty chair. Nikolay and Dmitry stand before the priest. I have no clue what faith I’m being married into. The chapel is filled with strangers. Trepidation fills my body. Are the terrible men here? What are they going to do? I rub my thumb over my engagement ring, making sure it’s on my finger in case I’m snatched.

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