Must I Be Your Bride?: Chapter Two

My heavy eyelids slowly fluttered open. I blinked a few times adjusting to the little light there was. I sat up and stretched. I was about to stand up and walk to my bathroom when I realized something. This wasn't my room.

I froze.

I hesitantly looked around the large dim room, making out a couple of doors, a dresser, and a large mirror hanging on the wall. I clutched the blanket and looked down to realize it was dark blue.

How did I get here?

The night before slowly came to me, and all I could do was just sit there for a moment, not sure what I was supposed to do.

I suddenly sat up and ran to one of the doors. I opened it and realized it was only a bathroom. I tried the other door that was in the corner but it was locked. I struggled with the handle, knocking on the door hoping someone would hear me, but all I got in return was complete silence.

I held in my tears and took a seat on the bed once again, utterly shocked. I noticed the dim light was coming from a lamp on a nightstand right beside the bed. I could see curtains on the wall right in front of me and quickly stood up and reached for them.

When I opened them I was blinded by light. When I could finally see my eyes opened wide in shock. All I could see was the ocean that was miles long. The sun was over it, making the water's glimmer hurt my eyes.

I heard a door knob jiggling and quickly turned around. The locked door was unlocked and opened. Three ladies walked in, each wearing beautiful gowns. As they walked toward me I could hear their heels, hidden under their gowns, tapping on the wooden floor.

I took a step back toward the window.

"Oh no don't fear us", one of the young ladies said. "We're only here to get you ready."

"Ready for what?" I heard my voice crack a bit.

"We're only ordered to get you ready miss, nothing more."

It was then when I noticed one of them was holding a dark velvet dress. When she held it up I realized it was a gown sort of like theirs except this one had two rows of black roses trailing down in the middle, and the neckline was also decorated with black linen.

The lady who had spoken held black heels and the other lady held a black box.

"I want to go home", I stuttered.

"This is your home now", the lady spoke again. My heart dropped when she said that. "Now come, put on this dress.

I backed away when she tried handing me the dress. "No. Not until someone explains to me what's going on."

The lady who appeared to be nice suddenly turned dark. She looked at me with warning eyes as she spoke. "You can either put this on yourself or we can make you."

Her voice got deep and so threatening that I slowly grabbed the dress without thinking. She finally came back to normal when she no longer held it and turned around along with the two other ladies.

They were going to make me dress with them here? Well, I knew better but to argue.

I quickly slipped into the dress, but had trouble zipping it up.

"Allow me", the threatening lady said. I hesitantly turned around and she zipped it up with no problem. I was surprised the dress fit perfectly.

She took the box from the lady who held it and ordered me to wash my face then sit down on the bed. I did.

When she opened the black box I realized that there was makeup in it. She worked on me for a while, putting on mascara, some eye shadow, some lipstick, some blush, and then she went to the hair.

She tugged and pulled with the hair brush, making my eyes tear in the sudden pain. In the end she finally grabbed all my straight hazel-colored hair and pinned it up. When I thought we were finally finished she took out a curling iron. At least the next half an hour wasn't so painful.

"Finally, you're done." The lady took a few steps back to look at her masterpiece and looked at me satisfied. I kept my gaze on the floor. She handed me the shoes and I knew that was my cue to put them on so I hesitantly did.

"We must leave now. You look beautiful. We'll see you soon. And good luck." They all curtsied and rushed out, not giving me time to ask questions. I reached for the door as soon as they locked it, and slammed against it frustrated.

I ran over to the window and tried opening it, but it was also locked. They actually believed I was going to jump out the window? Well maybe it was something I considered. Defeated I sat back down on the bed, rubbing my neck.

Where was I? Why was I here? Why me?

I sat there motionless for who knows how long, wishing I had at least some music to make me feel at home. My parents must be worried. I shouldn't have sneaked out. I want to ask them to forgive me for doing something they would never expect me to do. If I didn't sneak out I wouldn't have met that stranger, I wouldn't be in this situation. He... he was the reason I was here right?

The door knob shuffled again, and I stood up preparing to defend myself.

The door opened and I was shocked when I saw who walked in.

He closed the door behind him and stood there for a moment, staring me with his blue eyes. They were a whole lot brighter and bluer then they were that night. I knew if I glanced back at the ocean it would remind me of the color of his eyes.

"You", I choked. "You brought me here. Take me back!"

"I can't", he said in a soothing way. "It's like this Serene", he started walking toward me. I wondered how he knew my name. "You can either go a long with this freely or be forced to go a long with this. It's your choice."

"It's not much of a choice", I said, backing away as he got closer.

"It's all you're getting." He finally stopped a foot away and offered his hand. It was then I noticed he was wearing a black suit. His light hair was brushed to the side in a messy way that was formal yet not too formal.

I stared at his hand hesitantly at first but when I met his gaze I suddenly felt something pull my hand onto his. As soon as we touched I suddenly felt vulnerable.

He linked his arm with mine and led me out the door that was no longer locked. As soon as we walked out we were met by a long and wide hall. There were doors every several feet. We walked on blue carpet that didn't have one stain on it.

"What am I doing here?" I was surprised I even spoke.

"You will find out soon."

I don't know how long we walked but finally the hallway ended and made a sharp right turn. When we turned it wasn't long before we entered a big room. It was full of large windows and doors. The man led me to one of the largest doors and opened it.

As soon as you entered it was dark except for an entry way that was ahead. We walked toward it, and for some reason my heart was pounding fiercely. We entered the entry way and were greeted by long stairs that led into the floor of the huge ballroom. There were many people all dressed formally. Some were dancing with the classical music; others were enjoying drink and pastries that were placed on top of a long table.

"Please welcome Prince William Evan Redsford and his fiance Serene Anne Cutler", I heard a man say.

Everyone looked our way as the music stopped and I felt the need to freeze right then, but somehow I couldn't. William led me down the stairs and I had no choice but to follow. I wanted to yell and ask these people to help me. I was kidnapped, and I'm being held against my will. To... marry? The man said Fiance. Why did he say that? I'm not marrying anybody. Am I? No of course not. I can't be. They can't make me.

We descended the stairs quietly. Everyone seemed a bit confused when they looked at me, or shocked, stunned, not expecting me at all. Well I could explain that. All they had to do was ask. How did I get here you ask? Oh I was kidnapped and now I can't leave without being threatened.

We finally reached the floor and slowly murmurs started. Everyone stepped aside as we walked toward the end of the large room.

Wait... prince? PRINCE William? I have to be dreaming. This is a dream. This makes no sense...

"This isn't real", I said breathlessly.

"I'm afraid so", William said. He glanced at me before we stopped in front of a man and a woman. The elderly woman looked at me with a smile, but the man was obviously strict and a bit stubborn.

"You never mention how beautiful your fiance was", the man said, giving a complementary smile.

I felt myself blush.

"Thank you uncle", William said.

Somehow I was relieved that these weren't William's parents.

"So when is the big day", the lady asked still smiling.

"In several weeks. Right before they crown the king. It's the perfect time."

"You both must be excited."

No I'm not. What I couldn't understand was why I couldn't find myself to disagree or argue. All I could do was just stand there and listen to my future being told. My unwanted future.

I was surprised William didn't answer but instead gave them a sly smile.

Music started playing in the background once again and it wasn't long before people started to dance.

"Please, dance", his uncle insisted.

William bowed his head and I felt the urge to curtsy so I did. He led me away from his parents and I felt a bit relieved and freely to move and speak again.

"I'm not marrying you", I said.

He suddenly twirled me so I was facing him. He placed his hands on my waist and pushed me closer to him. I shifted uncomfortable, but somehow couldn't push him away. We slowly started to sway side to side with the music.

He placed his forehead against mine and gave no answer. I completely had no control over my body.

"You're not going to answer?" I had gotten a bit quieter, feeling more vulnerable by the minute.

"No."

"Please", I forced myself to say, closing my eyes frustrated. "I don't know what I'm in right now but all I want to do is get out of it. I'm only young. You can't make me marry you and you can't keep me here forever." My hands on his shoulders turned into fists.

He pulled me closer to him. "I'm afraid I need you."

I opened my eyes and met his blue ones. "Why? Why do you need me? I don't even know you. You're a stranger to me."

He smirked slyly and suddenly pushed me away to give me a quick twirl before ending up in the same position again.

"What does that mean?"

"It means that you're asking too many questions and have no chance of them being answered."

"That wasn't entirely question." I muttered.

He never took his eyes off me, making me uncomfortable and aware that my every move was being watched. It wasn't like I had control over my actions lately, though.

"Don't you understand that you've kidnapped someone?" I don't know how a kidnapper could be so calm.

His smirk remained. "I'm pretty much aware of it."

"Well it's illegal."

"Who says I care about your laws?"

He twirled me once again, but this time when he held me, he held me tighter than before.

They were his laws too. I think...

I had to look away to avoid being too close. "Why do you want to marry me", I asked hesitantly.

He was silent for a moment and then I felt him shrug. "I need you."

Before I could ask any questions we were interrupted by a man speaking.

"Will, are you going to introduce me to your beautiful fiance?"

I turned sideways to realize a young man probably a couple years younger than William stood there with a grin. It wasn't hard to see the comparison between William and his family. This man also had the bluest eyes like William.

William stopped dancing and it was then when I felt like I owned my body once again.

"Of course. Serene, this is my brother John."

"It's finally nice to meet you. You have no idea how crazy Will has been searching for the right -"

"I already explained everything", William interrupted.

John looked at him for a moment and then nodded in understanding.

No, he didn't explain anything, but for some reason I couldn't ask John to proceed.

"We're celebrating his birthday today", William explained.

Oh how interesting. Did he forget I didn't care?

"Will, let her at least speak. She knows better than to make a show."

I looked at him confused.

"I suppose you're right. Your sudden appearance made me panic."

Suddenly it felt like a shield in my throat was removed and I finally felt free to speak. I touched my neck shocked.

"Forgive him; it's something you have to get used to though. He does it to me at least once every other day."

"What was...?" I trailed off.

John looked at William with a foolish smile. "Well, I won't stop you from dancing. It was nice to meet you Serene." He walked away, greeting many people on the way.

"How are you doing that?" I demanded to know. "You're controlling me or something." I felt tears form in my eyes. I wasn't sure if it was because of the fear I had or the confusion.

"It's something that is necessary at the moment." He pulled me in again for a dance and of course I had to say no or action to this.

We danced to several songs, the most uncomfortable time I've had all my life. I was relieved when we finally stopped.

"I'm going to introduce you to people now, since their all getting a bit mad that I haven't yet. Don't make a fool of yourself because it will get you nowhere."

I sighed when I felt the shield against my emotions, actions, and voice get carried away. I shot a glare at him.

I counted all the people he introduced me to. 1...2...3...4...5...10...20...30...40... I stopped at 45. Each and every one of these people was suspicious, curious, shocked, or angry. If only I knew why.

"How did you guys meet?" The woman William just introduced as his cousin Angelica asked.

What do I have to lose?

Before William could answer I interrupted. "It's quite funny. He sort of just came out of nowhere" I found myself hesitating but kept playing along. "Well, for some reason he kissed me and then ran away. That was pretty stupid but I guess I understand. A first kiss is quite difficult to make reality." Hesitation again. "Well to my relief he came into my room that night when I was almost asleep and kidnapped me. The next thing I know I'm being forced into marriage with not even an inch of freedom. Every girl's dream isn't it?" I forced out a shaky laugh at the end.

I had raised my voice a bit when I reached half of what I was saying, loud enough for me to get the attention of the people surrounding us. They, along with Mrs. Angelica, looked over to William a bit disapproved.

"My my", his cousin said, "Someone still needs to be taught some manners. I'm sure she'll get there." She didn't make any effort to hide the disgust in her voice.

I was shocked.

"I did warn her aunt." William was a bit amused by this.

He excused himself and we walked away, the gazes following us. "I was actually hoping you'd make a fool of yourself sooner. Gives us an excuse to leave."

I glared at him, still a bit flustered by what happened.

We walked up the stairs and soon were back in the hallway.

"I hope we're heading back to my house", I muttered.

He smirked. "Actually we're heading to our room."

I blinked. "You're dreaming."

"I thought we might as well get use to each other."

For some reason I didn't like the sound of that.

"I'm not marrying you." I heard myself speak more of hope then actual reality.

We reached the end of the hall to the room I was trapped in earlier. He opened the door and motioned me for me to go in first.

Once he walked in he closed the door and leaned against it. "I supposed I have some time to answer a few questions."

"Why are you making me marry you?" That was a question I was prepared to ask as soon as we entered the bedroom, even without his permission.

He smirked.

"I need to marry you to become king."

I looked at him shocked. "Why not find someone to fall in love with online or go to the beach and flirt with beach babes? I'm sure there are a million girls out there willing to marry a handsome prince."

He was obviously amused. He walked over to me and leaned against the wall closest to me. "You were the one. I didn't choose you, destiny did."

That was a very cheesy line.

"How? We only met once."

He let out a breath and folded his arms. "I would've killed you that night, but when I kissed you, I didn't feel the urge to kill you anymore. The only person that can stop one of us from craving what we want the most is our soulmates."

I let out a frustrated sigh. "From craving what?"

He met my gaze, the amusement in his eyes gone. "Blood."

I stiffened and quickly looked away. "So... you guys are... carnivores?"

He laughed a pleasant laugh actually. One that every girl wouldn't mind listening to as music on their iPod.

"I suppose that's something you could call it." He was silent for a moment then shook his head. "No, vampires and carnivores a quite different actually."

I scoffed at him. "You think I'm a crazed vampire fan and by pretending you're a vampire I'm going to fall deeply in love with you. Well, you're wrong."

He grinned. "Believe what you want. The last time I checked though, humans weren't allowed to control people."

He got me there.

"How do you do that", I hesitantly asked.

"Only vampires from the royal family get abilities. Mine is to control people by... well I shouldn't tell you that just yet." He smirked.

I was silent.

"It's very rare for women to get abilities like us. Most of them are forced to be married like you are. That explains why you got no important attention when you told them you were kidnapped. We males normally fall in love with humans and end up bringing them here. Usually the ladies don't mind marrying their kidnapper, though there have been a few."

"I-" I choked for a second, "I think I know someone else that will mind."

"All it takes is some time. You'll get use to me."

"What happens to those who refuse?"

He thought for a moment. "No one really speaks about it."

I felt a shiver roll down my spine. "So you're not giving me a choice?"

He walked toward me, and it was when I realized that I was frozen that I started to panic. He placed his hands on each side of my face and smiled slightly. I could hear myself breathe in suspense and was not happy about it.

He placed a slow kiss on my cheek then headed for the door, letting my body move freely. "Goodnight my love."

"You're leaving?" I regretted asking the question when he turned around with a smirk.

"I'll see you soon." He walked out and closed the door. I heard as he put the lock, making me remember why I was here, and where I should be.

I should be home.
_____________________________________________________
Thanks so much for reading! And Emilia thank you for thinking that :) We all have a good writer inside us we just sometimes are too scared to let it out. I'm still learning too haha but thank you! Hope you guys enjoyed this. :)