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As I walked towards the cathedral my legs trembled at the thought that I was to be wed in less then an hour. Fear trickled down my back in a line of hot sweat. I tried to calm myself by humming one of the hymns I had grown up singing. It was no use, my marriage would proceed, and I would be trapped under Madeemous forever. I would march toward the altar like a lamb unto the slaughter, and then he would do with me what he wanted.
I thought back on all the prayers I had muttered in the past, going before God to release me of this promise my father made to Madeemous. My father traded my betrothal to Madeemous for a promise of wealth and standing in society. Father had always coveted wealth; and I was paying for it. Oh, God in heaven, I prayed, save me from this villain!
Visions of Madeemous’ house crept into my mind unbidden. The house looked exquisite, a lovely stone castle with a beautiful courtyard, like the one I had dreamed of as a little girl. He had pretty maids that brought him tea in the afternoons and served his few guests. The place was picturesque down to the flowers in the garden, but it haunted my dreams in ways I couldn’t fight. It was the perfect lie.
Madeemous was indeed in High Society; people followed him around like dogs after a child with sweets. He had everything anyone would jump after; wealth, looks, power and prestige. Most girls would love to be in my position, and I would gladly give it to them. I would sooner be a street rat then become a member of High Society married to Madeemous. There was always something demonic in his eyes when he looked down at me—something dark in his voice. I could not bare the thought of letting that man touch me. It brought quick tears to my eyes and burned at my cheeks.
“My dear, oh, don’t cry. I know this is the day you have dreamed about all your life, but crying won’t make it come any faster – it will just ruin your lovely painted face.” Mrs. Poltier said, startling me back to the present. Yes, this was the day I had dreamed about for months; I woke up sweating and raging with fear every night… there would be no “happily ever after” here.
A knock at the door told us the time had come. Oh God, please if you have any mercy, strike me dead now. Don’t make me marry that man, I prayed fervently for the thousandth time. I walked down the halls of the cathedral in my long white gown and a veil that covered my face. As I reached the doors two young boys pulled them open to the grand hall. There at the front of the hall was Madeemous standing with his evil gaze fixed on me. The music was playing and fear of Madeemous pulled me towards him, knowing if I ran my fate would only be worse.
I focused not on the man to whom I was about to be bound, but to the roof of the great hall.
“If anyone objects to the union of these two people, speak now or forever hold your peace.” The priest was saying. I hadn’t heard the rest, maybe I had even mumbled something on cue without knowing.
“I object!” Came from the back of the room. The voice sounded familiar and my heart stopped as I turned to see if it was right. There stood my best friend, Marc, I hadn’t seen him in six years, but I knew his face anywhere. “Rose may not marry this man, she must fulfill the betrothal made to me when we were but one and two years old. I have the papers, written by her mother, to prove it. To marry any other man would hinder the fulfillment of this vow,” he said with a grin. “Any man who stands between me and my beloved should prepare to meet our merciful Lord in heaven,” he declared as he came forward and pulled me away from the altar.
“Are you mad, boy?” Madeemous asked as we started down the isle, but was silenced when Marc turned around and gave him a look the Devil himself would bow too. Marc then grabbed my hand and we ran out of the building into the light of a beautiful day!
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