Heart of Darkness

Roxana was shifting between being tired and energetic the last few days before her wedding. Angelica and Zelia who knew about her pregnancy made sure to take over the most and she trusted them to let go of things. There was also Alexander who checked on her every minute to make sure she was alright and making sure she was eating and resting.

She was well taken care of but she grew more greedy with days, to share the happy news with her sister and Fanny and Uncle Ben. It was so difficult to keep it a secret from them but she consoled herself with the thought that the wedding was just around the corner.

As she rested in bed at night, she felt a pair of hot lips on her cheek. She turned on her back and Alexander leaned in kissing her softly. He had been loving but holding back his hunger while she was suddenly more aroused the last few days.

Her first guess was because she had taken his blood so normally feeling his desire through the bond made her desire him. But she knew this one was different from the previous bond desire so she thought she craved him because he insisted on controlling himself. Like a child, wanting more of what was taken away, but it wasn't that either.

This time it had less to do with him and more with her. She was just craving to be touched while he was being more careful and overly protective as if the smallest thing would cause her and the child harm. He didn't drink from her or make love to her. She could understand that he was scared of losing control, but she could see that he was much calmer in his eyes.

The shadow of the wings remained, but the horns were gone and his eating habits were better. Too good actually for not drinking from her. He had good abstinence when he truly tried.

Her fingers went into his hair, pulling him closer to kiss her more. For a moment she was happy, thinking he gave in and kissed her hard but then he pulled away.

"Alex.." she wanted to protest when he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly to sleep.

"You need to rest for tomorrow," he said.

"Should you not drink for tomorrow, just in case."

"Do I look like I am losing control? I am fine," he assured her. "Besides, I would do nothing to ruin our wedding." He places a kiss on her hair.

Roxana decided to ignore the pulsating need in her, but after the wedding, she would demand him to be a husband. He couldn't avoid her during the whole pregnancy and from Angelica's description, she wouldn't be craving after pregnancy when he came to think he could finally have her. No! She couldn't have that catastrophe.

"Do you wish for a boy or a girl?" She asked.

"It doesn't matter."

"I had a dream.." she began. She had a lot of dreams lately. "That it was a girl. She had raven hair like you." She turned around to see his face.

He smiled, tucking a curl gently behind her ear. "A girl will be perfect."

She snuggled against him, sleeping in his arms as an unmarried couple for the last time. Then the day of the wedding came. It was hectic at Roxana's home, calls here and there to bring the dress and the shoes and the jewelry. Everyone ran around each other stressing her, even when she knew they were just too excited and wanted to make sure everything was perfect.

Roxana had to be the one to tell them to calm down. She wanted it to be a calm intimate moment. "If the hair is done, let's put on the dress." She said motioning for everyone to take a deep breath.

She was surrounded by Angelica, Diana, Zelia, and the two stylists. She slid into her chosen wedding dress that she picked up with Diana. They had picked it thoughtfully and she picked something simple and elegant and did not appear extravagant. She came from a poor background and even if she was marrying a king, she wanted to cherish where she came from and who that made her. She wanted to be a peasant until the last moment.

Her hair was also put into a simple neat bun with a few locks decorating it. She wore minimal jewelry wanting to have a clean look. The white veil was attached to her bun and flowed down her back.

Her dress didn't have much decoration. It was off-shoulders with flowing beneath the elbow. The upper part was well-fitted and below the waist, it flowed nicely. She paired it with simple pearl earrings and a necklace and at last, she slid into her shoes.

She looked at herself in the mirror satisfied with how things turned out and then her stomach bubbled with nervousness. She took a deep breath and turned to everyone else.

Her sister teared up. "Stop! Don't make me cry now," Roxana said.

"You look beautiful," she croaked.

Zelia nodded in agreement.

"Alright. No crying. Let's not ruin the bride's makeup." Angelica cheered them up.

It was easier said than done because when she left the room and uncle Ben and Fanny saw her the two men cried and she hated when men cried. She couldn't help herself.

Oh, if they only knew she was pregnant too. They would cry even more, but soon. Soon she would be able to tell them. Even Alexander's grandma who was often composed had teared up in joy when she found out and then she provided her with all the information and experience she had with pregnancy. It had truly been the best month of her life.

Fanny and Uncle Ben decided that uncle Ben would have the honor to walk her down the aisle. The carriage was waiting outside and Ronny was already on duty, smiling sheepishly when he saw her. She also found Gary and Peter and looked at them surprised with questions in her eyes.

"We will be your guards from now on, Your Majesty." They smiled.

What? "Why?"

"You need more guards. His Majesty appointed us."

Oh. But were they comfortable? She knew they were used to being Alexander's guards.

"We are happy to look after HIs Majesty's treasure," Gary smiled, to cheer her up.

Her lips curved up in a wide smile. "I am happy to have you around."

Peter opened the carriage door for her. Roxana looked around one last time. Fanny escorted Diana into another carriage and Angelica left with her husband.

Zelia and Uncle Ben rode the carriage with her, and it felt like the longest journey before she reached what would be her new home.

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