We spent the day in our quarters ignoring each other. The time inched slowly as we did everything in our power to not talk. I did my hair and makeup then spent time organizing the room. Darlig read a book and slept most of the time. I look at the clock and see it is almost ten o'clock. A shiver runs up my body as I try to smother my nervousness. Darlig and I look at each other and he winks sending a chill down my spine. I walk to the bathroom and quickly change into a cute nighty, it is emerald green with a laced bodice and only reaches mid thigh. I take a few shaky breaths be for ealing into the bedroom. Darligs eyes widen when he sees me and he grins from ear to ear. He still thinks I'm a prize to be won. He is still in his clothing laying on the bed. I slowly make my way over to him, he stands up and removes his clothing. I try not to gag as I lay down.
I fell asleep on the far left of the bed, I made sure I was not touching Darlig in any way. My legs and insides hurt and my pride has been blown to pieces.
I wake up feeling soar and beaten. I glance at Darlig and see the satisfied smirk on his face. His eyes are on me and he is wide awake.
"Morning Princess." His voice is low and predatory.
"Morning." I barely get the word out. A knock sounds on the door and Darlig groans. He stands up completely nude and pulls on a robe. He opens the door wide enough for whoever is on the other side to see in. I look down and realize I too am nude. I pull the covers up to my neck and hide.
"I hate to bother you but King Tinsla would like you and his daughter to move in tonight." The voice sounds familiar so I peek and see Malick frowning at me. I look away quickly.
"That is marvelous. I mean we were suppose to have a couple weeks alone but I suppose we can move along now that we have fully consummated the marriage." I cringe and look at Malick. He holds a steady face but his eyes look furious. No, that can't be I must be imagining things.
"I will let him know." His tone is clipped and he looks quite angry. He walks off and Darlig shuts the door.
"Well Princess it looks like it is time to go." He can't seem to keep the contempt out of his voice. I nod and pull on a robe before standing up.
"I'm going to bathe."He smiles so I add, "By myself." His smile fades to a scowl but he nods anyway. I take a nice long bath and stretch my soar muscles. I wash my hair before getting out and dressing in another elegant gown.
We get to my castle and my father pulls me into a hug.
"I missed you my dearest Princess Lila." He smiles down at me and I plaster a smile on my face.
"I missed you too King."He chuckles and leads us into the castle.
"I will show you to your new quarters. If that is what you would like."He looks down at me and then at Darlig.
"Would it be alright if we stayed in separate rooms. I need my space ad I think that it would be best." My father cocks a curious eye at me then looks at Darlig.
"That would be okay. If Darlig wants the same." Darlig nods but looks sullen.
"Very well the let me show Prince Darlig to his new quarters." They walk off into a different corridor and I head to my bedroom. Malick is standing at my door facing the stairs. He looks at me with glowing eyes.
"Malick." He nods and moves off the door.
"So you consummated your marriage." He looks sad not angry.
"I had no choice. He wouldn't leave me alone and of I didn't he would have forced me." Malick nods and opens my bedroom door. I walk into the room and he follows. He closes the door and leans against it for a moment before pushing off and sitting at the vanity.
"Princess I need to tell you something and I don't want you to freak out."I nod and wait.
"I am in love with you. I have always been in love with you. I know you can't change anything now but I wanted you to know." Sweet Mother of Malick did I hear him correctly? I shake my head and sit down.
"I love you too Malick. I don't want to be married to Darlig. I never have its always been you." He smiles and reaches out to me. I stand and run into his arms, he kisses me deeply before standing and leaving.