Til' Death Do Us Part

The church bells rang, “Ah. If only that were me.” Violet sighed as she looked at the newly married bride and groom from the window.

As the daughter of the duke and duchess, she was bound to have a lavish wedding one day—in an arranged marriage of course.

The suitors were endless but Violet could tell that they were only offering their hand in marriage because of monetary reasons or the promise of nobility. Over time, Violet felt like an object rather than a person. Do my parents love me or do they want to sell me off? This was another internal conflict Violet had to face.

“We hired a personal guard in case of any distasteful suitors or assassins.” The Duke had declared.

“Meet Akio, son of the master forger, Tsuki. He will be your protector.” Violet’s mother cheerfully giggled.

Akio bowed. His silky blonde hair just barely reached his eyebrows.

“The pleasure is all mine, Lady Violet.” Akio proceeded to plant his lips delicately on Violet’s hand. A blush started rising up on her cheeks.

“M’lady? Your face is red! Are you sick?” Violet shook her head furiously.

“Don’t tell me…you’ve never been greeted like this? Merely formality.” Akio continued.

The next day approached and Akio knocked on her bedroom door.

“Lady Violet. It is time to go outside. I’ll be waiting outside your door.”

Violet went on daily walks for fresh air and teatime with her retainer.

Violet picked a handful of flowers from the palace garden.

“Ouch!” Tears threatened to spill from Violet’s eyes. The rose’s thorn had pricked her finger. The sanguine color of the rose matched that of the blood rising from the open wound.

Akio saw this as a call-to-action. He tore a piece of cloth from his top and secured it around his master’s injury.

“Thank you…” Violet carefully rummaged through the basket of flowers she collected.

“It’s not much, but here’s a marigold. It’s golden. Just like your hair. Let it remind you of me.”

Akio held the marigold up to the sun saying, “If that is what you wish.”

Seven months had passed, “Ah! Lady Violet—“

“No need to be so formal when we’re alone. No need to call me Lady Violet unless others are around okay?”

“Okay, but Violet, you are needed in the foyer.”

The clacking of Violet’s heels resonated within the room. She came to an abrupt stop. Her stomach seemed a bit upset. Nonetheless, she continued onward.

“Violet! Come here! Someone’s here to see you.” Violet’s mother smiled. There was a man walking down the corridor.

“Enchanted to meet you.” The older gentleman replied in the most eloquent manner.

“This is who you’ll be marrying next spring.” Violet looked at him in dismay but quickly changed her expression.

“Likewise.” Violet politely uttered while she curtsied.

Akio looked shocked. But like Violet, was able to hide the emotion.

“Thank you for introducing me,” Violet spoke softly.

The day of the wedding came unexpectedly quickly. There were guards surrounding the perimeter of the palace for this occasion. Akio threaded a lily through Violet’s platinum-colored hair.

“You look beautiful, Lady Violet.” She looked once more at the bouquet and the one marigold she requested to be in it. He was beaming with glee. That was only a facade though. He wanted Violet to tell him not to leave.

“Akio…I’m scared…I don’t want to do this.”

“Haha, cold feet? That’s what all brides say.”

“No…they’re going to find out.” Violet choked out.

“Find out what?”

“…that I’m carrying your child. They will execute you!” Violet cried out.

“There’s only one solution. Runaway with me. If we’re caught, I’ll be murdered. But I’m willing to take that chance.” Akio walked into the basement.

“This place is littered with secret entrances and exits.”

It was time for her to walk down the aisle. But she and her retainer were already ages away from the country.

The groom gave a menacing smile. The marriage officiant parted his lips and asked, “Do you, Alexander Bertram Williams, take Violet Chi to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.” The groom announces.

“And do you, Violet Chi, take Alexander Betram Williams, to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do…” A barely audible whisper was heard from the bride.

“You may now kiss the bride!” There was a gasp. The groom unveiled the bride and it wasn’t Violet.

Akio and Violet went as far as their legs could take them.

Rumor has it, a highly successful blacksmithing company in the neighboring country was established soon after.

The young couple had a pair of twin sons that would then take over the business when they became of age.