Page 133 of Shâhzâdeh

“I’m not always ridiculous, Vanya.” She paused then bust out laughing. “Well, that’s not true but I had to pull it back until I was told we were good.”

I glanced around suspiciously because I was talking to a chaos demon. Jada could’ve said we were fine and then pulled the fire alarm just because. “And are we?”

“Aren’t you happy?”

I took in the room's beauty and couldn’t help the grin that washed over my face. “It’s more than anything I could’ve ever imagined.”

“Then my job is done.” She had no issue with leaning over to hug me before she and Smoke walked away. Them going to skip off to have sex made me think about what should be happening later tonight. Instead of focusing on myself I looked at Asha.

“You might truly want to get used to the idea of being married.”

Nev was nodding as Asha scratched the back of her head nervously before a frown crossed her face. “I don’t like this. I feel as though my life is being dictated for me.”

Nevaeh hugged her friend tightly and I felt like I was intruding slightly. “Yeah, but you have to learn to make the most of it. That’s what you do.”

“That’s easy for you to say. Midas worships the ground you walk on. Vanya’s husband just gave her a crown and you can tell he wants to devour her. Have you seen the man that I have to be married to?”

“You mean the tall, fine ass half African half Samoan man? With the voice that sounds like he’s speaking from his dick? Yeah, I think we’ve all seen him. I mean, I only have eyes for Xerxes, but girl I still have eyes.”

“That was—”

I nodded because the thought of my impending wedding night had me talking recklessly. “Stunningly accurate? Like I said. You need to think about the blessing that could come from this situation. I had to do the same thing and now I feel like a princess.”

Nev’s eyes flickered to the masterpiece she’d created on top of my head. “You technically are.”

I blushed because I’d already forgotten. “Well, besides that. I’m not Nev, but I can tell you that I value you and if you need something, I’m here. But Jada and Smoke have me wanting to cut up. If y’all don’t mind, I’m going to find my husband.”

VANYA

I HAD TO be dreaming. I wasn’t sure how else to describe the feeling of acceptance and perfection that I felt whenever I woke up everyday since I’d agreed to this, but it had to be a dream.

Whoever tried to wake me would lose their damn life.

The ballroom was immaculate. I hated to think of the expense that went into all of this, but whenever I tried to look at something that was cost effective, Mr. And Mrs. Cannon wouldn’t hear of it. From the linen on the tables to the chairs and the food, no expense was spared. I felt like the entire family had come together to help me plan this day because everyone provided help in their areas of expertise whenever I felt lost. The books I’d read on etiquette, all given to me by my new husband, had been helpful. At the same time, he told me to do what made me happy. As the first event that I would hold as his wife, I wanted it to be perfect.

And damn, it was close.

I loved how when I was unsure of something, Xerxes didn’t lecture me like a child. He gave me his thoughts and then sent me information that would help me learn for myself. It was empowering to be encouraged to learn. I’d done it on my own but I was still shy about my lack of formal education. I could be vulnerable with Xerxes and know I was safe. Maman and bâbâ really raised an amazing man.

“You have zhe sweetest smile on your face. As zhough you are privy to a secret zhat I’m not and I don’t know how I feel about zhat.” I looked at Xerxes as the light from the stunning crystal chandeliers cast him in a beautiful light.

“I’m just thinking that I am the luckiest woman in the world to be the one in your arms tonight.”

“Truly?”

“Does my constant smiling not show that this is by far the happiest day of my life?”

“I held zhe sentiment but did not want to overwhelm you. Between your beautiful face and zhis dress…I am the lucky one.” He bit his lip and eyed the dip in my cleavage hungrily.

“It is beautiful.”

“Vanya you could’ve shown up in a paper bag and I would still feel zhe same way.”

“Paper bags are far easier to remove.” On a normal day, Xerxes’ scent was intoxicating and seductive. But today it was something far more enchanting. With each breath I took in his presence, I felt that I was falling deeper down the rabbit hole. A beautiful, more uplifting version of the sunken place and I never wanted to come out of it.

“Vanya—”

“What song is this?” His eyes were filled with a seductive heat that he let smolder before he responded to my question.

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